But once I got underwater and watched many of the divers struggling with their rigs, catching protuberances on errant kelp fronds, I felt a little better about wielding this simple Canon setup. As a point-and-shoot (and shoot and shoot) piece of equipment, the whole rig is simple, capable, durable, and—especially compared to similar underwater gear of just a couple years back—cheap enough that it won't be a tragedy when it gets lost at sea. The street price of the HF20 (an AVCHD camcorder with 32GB of flash memory) is $800; the WP-V1 can be found for around $400.

Example video 1, no color correction. See HD version at Vimeo.

Everything you're seeing in these two videos was shot with natural light. Canon added an "Underwater Mode" to the HF20 which attempts to mitigate some of the strange color and contrast issues you'll have underwater. Light at the red end of the spectrum is absorbed especially quickly by water, so the camera tries to account for that by boosting the color toward red. (But not enough for my taste, which is why there are two videos embedded here: one color-corrected; one as it came out of the camera.)

Example video 2, colors tweaked in post. See HD version at Vimeo.

As small as the Canon rig was, lights would have been nice. Underwater photography and videography is a challenge, because even perfectly clean water refracts light much more aggressively than air. Add to that all the plankton and fish droppings and god-knows-what-else in the murk that obscures light like a living fog.

I could have screwed down the WP-V1 onto a light rig—it has a tripod mount on its bottom—but I didn't. If I had, I might not have felt like I needed to tweak the colors later to get them closer to what I felt I had seen with my own eyes. (Or, on some shots, what I wish I had remembered; I'm a bit color-saturation-mad at the moment.)

Additionally, most of the fine controls on the HF20 aren't accessible through the underwater housing. (Unless you use the included infrared remote, but I don't think it nor its magic beams would last long under the ocean.) That leaves just power, record, and photo/video mode buttons, as well as a large lever that controls the zoom. The zoom lever couldn't quite push the toggle on the camera all the way, making zooms a bit slow. Still, for me the controls were sufficient.

Since you can't charge the camera underwater or swap batteries, the easily spotted yellow power button is handy, too. No need to leave the camera on when there's nothing you plan to film.
Of course you can change any setting before you hop into the water. (I turned off Canon's face-following focus system, which means that any mermen I happened to spot remained indistinct.) And getting the case open is a breeze—just push up on the yellow tab at the end, flip open the large black buckle, and do your best not to mangle the rubber gasket that is all that keeps your $800 videocamera from the caustic sea.

I shot a few scenes at the beach before I went on my dive trip, plunging the WP-V1 in and out of the waves. Worked perfectly—except for when I got back to my hotel and realized there was tons of fine sand gummed up against the gasket. I wouldn't call that a failing of the WP-V1 at all—sand is insidious—but it is something of which users should be aware. Like all underwater gear, it needs a good soak in fresh water, too, to make sure that the salt doesn't slowly corrode it in open air, even after the water has dried.

In all, it's quite a deal, especially when compared to the prices of other 1080p-capable cameras and 130-foot-rated underwater housings. The footage, even without any compensatory lighting, can be gorgeous. And while my fellow divers were breaking down their rigs, swaddling them in foam, and packing it all into massive hard cases, I slipped the WP-V1 with the HF20 inside my carry-on bag and walked down the dock.

Inexpensive compared to third-party housings

Simple to use

Underwater mode works fine even without lights

Underwater mode color not as saturated as I'd prefer

Limited manual controls

The new HV40 (successor to the well-reviewed HV20 and HV30) can now shoot 24 progressive frames per second (like the HV20 and HV30 before it, thanks guys, stupid Canon), a framerate used by top-end DV cams and the film editors who love them for professional moviemaking. It records to DV tape.

In the digital-only realm, the brand new HF S10 and S100 feature the brand new Digic DV III processor as well as a new 8.6MP CMOS sensor; the S100 captures to an SDHC card, and the S10 adds in addition 32GB of hard-wired flash storage.

The HF20 and HF200 feature the older Digic DV II chip, but add a 15x zoom lens (compared to the S10 and S100's 10x zoom) and also drop down to 3.9MP, carrying the same storage options as well. No pricing info yet to be seen for any of the new cams. Rounding out the release are a handful of SD cams, for your perusal below. Behold:

CANON U.S.A. PACKS A PUNCH WITH A POWERFUL NEW CAMCORDER LINE-UP FOR 2009
New Camcorders Offer Advanced Technology for Higher Image Quality and Easy Operation Across a Variety of Recording Formats

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 5, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging technology, announces an exciting new line of five VIXIA high definition and six standard definition camcorders, which are available in a variety of different recording formats, including Flash Memory. The camcorders retain Canon's core imaging technologies, but add a wide selection of new features for enhanced image quality and added flexibility for sharing and storing memories.

Highlighting the list of new features is Canon's newest and most sophisticated image processor, DIGIC DV III. The new HD processor is featured in select VIXIA models and delivers stunning color reproduction, clarity and enhanced noise reduction. The newly upgraded processor's high-speed engine powers a variety of other new camcorder features including: 8.0 Megapixel photo capture, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, and an advanced Auto Exposure system.

Also new to Canon's video line-up is Video Snapshot Mode, which enables users to capture the highlights of a once in a lifetime trip, or a family milestone, with the same ease as taking photos. Consumers can now record a series of four-second video clips, and along with supplied software which includes various background music compositions, blend in background music to create an exciting movie that will hold everyone's attention.

"Canon's latest camcorder lineup features an exciting new array of advanced technologies that deliver superb image quality and easy operation," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "These new camcorders are available in a variety of recording formats, providing consumers a camcorder choice that complements any lifestyle or situation."

VIXIA High Definition Camcorders:
All VIXIA camcorders feature Canon's trinity of core technologies that create the highest level of high definition image quality – a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens; Canon designed and manufactured HD CMOS Image Sensor for Full HD image capture; and Canon-developed DIGIC DV II and DIGIC DV III Image Processors. Additional features found on select VIXIA models include Instant AutoFocus, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and 24Mbps Recording - the highest bit rate in AVCHD.

The same high quality Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology used in Canon digital cameras is now available in Canon VIXIA high definition camcorders. Up to 35 faces can be detected automatically, and nine detection frames can be displayed at one time. The system is so intelligent that it will even recognize faces that are turned down or sideways. Consumers can select a face they would like the camcorder to continuously track. While in playback, consumers can access specific scenes based on chosen faces.

Canon VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100 Flash Memory Camcorders
Canon's top-of-the-line high definition Flash Memory camcorders, the Canon VIXIA HF S10 and VIXIA HF S100, boast an impressive range of new and advanced features. The VIXIA HF S10 offers the option of recording video to a 32GB internal Flash drive or directly to an SDHC memory card, while the VIXIA HF S100 records to an SDHC memory card only. Both models feature the new DIGIC DV III Image Processor, an 8.59 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, an advanced Auto Exposure system and Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes. In addition, both models deliver stunning 8.0 Megapixel digital photographs.

Canon VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 Flash Memory Camcorders
Canon's most compact high definition Flash Memory camcorders, the VIXIA HF20 and VIXIA HF200 are powerhouse options for anyone looking to take their HD camcorder with them wherever they go. The VIXIA HF20 offers the option of recording to a 32GB internal Flash drive or SDHC card slot and the VIXIA HF200 records to an SDHC memory card only. Additional features include a 3.89 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, newly designed Genuine Canon 15x HD Video Lens, advanced Auto Exposure system, and Video Snapshot and Dual Shot Modes.

Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder
The Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder, a replacement to the highly acclaimed VIXIA HV30 camcorder, shares the core components found within the VIXIA line, but also offers a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens and 2.96 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor. What's more, the camcorder allows consumers to record in native 24p Mode, a feature previously found only on Canon's professional camcorders. Native 24p allows consumer to capture and record 24 progressive frames per second to a HDV tape, a big advantage for the serious filmmaker. Another add-on feature, Custom Key Mode, enables consumers to assign commonly used functions to a single button on the camcorder for easy access.

Standard Definition Camcorders:
Standard definition camcorders offer consumers the ability to capture and watch high quality video, even if they do not own a high definition television at home. All Canon standard definition camcorders come fully equipped with Canon's core expertise in optics and image processing.

Canon FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory Camcorders
The Canon FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory camcorders are ultra-sleek and compact - up to 17 percent smaller than previous FS series models. The FS22 and FS21 Dual Flash Memory camcorders incorporate 32GB and 16GB of internal Flash memory, respectively and can record video directly to an SDHC memory card. Additionally, these two models feature Genuine Canon 48x Advanced Zoom, which is great for capturing sideline action from the bleachers. The FS200 Flash Memory camcorder records video directly to an SDHC memory card and comes in three fashionable colors – Misty Silver, Sunrise Red and Evening Blue.

Canon DC420 and DC410 DVD Camcorders
The DC420 and DC410 DVD camcorders are perfect for consumers who want the convenience of recording their memories directly to DVD. The DC420 offers 48x Advanced Zoom, while the DC410 offers 41x Advanced Zoom. Both feature a DIGIC DV II Image Processor and Widescreen Recording, as well as the flexibility of optional add-on features, such as filters and lens accessories, to help achieve a designed look.

Canon ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder
For consumers who wish to record video to MiniDV, the ZR960 MiniDV camcorder is perfect. This easy-to-use option is a beginner's go-to product. While still incorporating Canon's core technologies and optics, this model provides 41x Advanced Zoom, great for capturing far-away shots, as well as a microphone terminal for better audio control. Additionally, the flexibility of add-on features, such as filters and lens accessories, help to achieve a designed look.