Dual camera frame (SIO version)

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Several groups have taken our dual camera frame as a starting point for modification / improvement / customization. The Sandin lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the groups that has made a slick, rugged design that most importantly is actually documented. I refer you to Brian Zgliczynski for a copy of the design. My intention here is to point out some of the differences between their rig and ours to show some of the tradeoffs to consider. First, three images of their setup:

Both frames hold two DSLR housings (Nikon D7000s, 7100, 7200 or similar). Relative to our frame, the SIO frame is larger and lighter. The big impacts of this are that it is a bit harder to push through the water (more swimming drag), but also provides better protection for the cameras, particularly the lens domes. The SIO rig can be set on the seabed or on the cockpit floor of the boat without fearing (really, with less fear) that it will get scratched or otherwise damaged. In the boat, our strategy is to put the whole rig in a padded box (figure below). Extra box not necessary for the SIO rig. I prefer swimming with the smaller profile for less drag, but on the other hand it is much more delicate to put our setup down on the seabed without scratching it. The main point here is that when desiging your frame you should consider these tradeoffs relative to your diving operations and traveling needs.