Replacement for Panasonic hx-wa3

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gpnz

80 posts

Master Geek

#280833 13-Jan-2021 20:20

Hi all,

I've had a Panasonic hx-wa3 pistol grip water proof (to 5m) video camera for, geez, I dunno how long - a long time! I love this camera. It's been my go-to on-land everyday camcorder and my ocean going snorkeling camera and I was always really happy with the form factor and quality of the recordings. Sadly today on what was a very calm snorkeling day, it appears that the waterproof seal was breached and my camcorder is now beached az.

Anyway, figured it was probably time for a new one but to my surprise it seems this type of camera is now just as much of a relic as me! There look to be plenty of action cam type deals, but nothing along the lines of what I have now (an all around camera I can use out and about, or in the water).

Just wondering if anyone knew of anything available similar to the hx-wa3, or if not, suggestions for a modern replacement / action-cam. Am I right in thinking I will need something dedicated for in the water/actiony and something else just for everyday out and about sight seeing?

Cheers,

Stu

Hammered
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#2635042 13-Jan-2021 21:07

My father had a non-waterproof model of the same design which packed up last year. For him, we replaced it with a standard Panasonic camcorder (HC-V385GN-K). For your use though, perhaps a GoPro Hero Black, with one of their floating grips?

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gpnz

80 posts

Master Geek

#2635654 14-Jan-2021 18:05

Thanks Stu, I'll check it out.

shk292

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#2635697 14-Jan-2021 21:15

I have a HA-WX2 that I bought on impulse in a Dick Smith sale and never used much. Let me know if you're stuck and would like that in return for a couple of bottles of wine.

gpnz

80 posts

Master Geek

#2636595 16-Jan-2021 19:24

shk292:

I have a HA-WX2 that I bought on impulse in a Dick Smith sale and never used much. Let me know if you're stuck and would like that in return for a couple of bottles of wine.

Thanks shk292, very generous offer!

Unfortunately (for me) I'd ordered a FujiFilm XP130 from PBTech before I saw your message.

I looked at the GoPro, but its quite expensive and probably not quite what I'm after. I then discovered that there is still quite a range of compact cameras that are water proof and take video. There is a quite a price range in this class, and the Fuji is definitely at the cheaper end, but I've read a few reviews and seen some sample video on YouTube and I think it will do the job for me (battery life is probably my main concern, but will see how it goes). The XP130 is a slightly older model, but shipped from PBTech was $175 vs around $350 for the XP140 which I would have had to source from overseas, and for the price I wasn't convinced the new/updated features would make much difference to what I wanted to use it for.

My plan is to buy a new on land camcorder to go with this - nothing too top end, just something that takes nice FullHD video. Will look into that next, but with the great weather we've been having, was keen to get my waterproof camera sorted! :)

Cheers,