Best Underwater Camera Housings
As per reports in the USA, more than 2.8 million people participants in scuba diving in 2020.
Several adventure sports lovers love taking photos of the fantastic creatures, coral reefs, colorful fishes, shipwrecks, and other things they see underwater.
Still, to do that, there is a need for a camera that should function adequately underwater without the risk of damage. An underwater camera housing can allow you to have the best underwater photography experience.
The underwater shooting needs lead to the requirement of underwater housings. The housing shields the camera from water, allowing divers to operate it and take stunning photos.
A variety of choices are available for underwater camera housing, depending on the divers, whether they are amateur photographers or professionals. This article has chosen some of the best and most amazing housing to suit different needs.
If you plan your vacation, including a scuba-diving adventure, it will be incomplete without underwater photography. For that, you need underwater housings for your cameras.
Let’s have a look at the comparison table below.
| Product Name | Depth | Item Weight | Filter Thread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea frogs for Sony Underwater Camera Housing | 60 m (195 feet) | 2.77 pounds | No information |
| Sony RX100 Underwater Housing | 40 m (130 feet) | 1.43 Pounds | 67mm |
| Ikelite Canon G7X Underwater Camera Housing | 60 m (200 feet) | 4 Pounds | 67mm |
| Ikelite Canon G7X II Underwater Camera Housing | 60 m (200 feet) | 1.6 Pounds | 67MM |
| DiCAPac WP-S10 Underwater Camera Housing | 0.5 m (16 feet) | 1.1 pounds | No information |
| Sea & Sea MDX-D500 Underwater Camera Housing | 328 feet | 3 Pounds | 67mm |
So let us begin with these underwater camera housings.
Top 6 Underwater Camera Housings
Let’s discuss the top 6 underwater camera housings below.
1. Sea frogs for Sony Underwater Camera Housing
The Sea Frogs’ waterproof case is specially designed for Sony for shooting underwater down to 195 feet to discover underwater worlds.
The unique design case allows divers to access every primary key of the Sony and can be pressed to control freely.
The Sea Frogs Housing has a leak detection system and dual optical fiber ports for the utmost quality underwater.
The Housing is compatible with 3 Sony camera models and paired with six different lenses. The Housing is made from a combination of polycarbonate, steel, and glass.
It comes with positive buoyancy, and one needs to use the strap included in the package to keep it on them. A shoulder strap and a red filter are included as well.
The Housing is verified to work at depths of up to 195ft and, with a 24-month warranty, this Underwater Camera Housing stands out.
Features
- It features two fiber-optic ports
- It has a leak-detection system
- It can hold six different lenses
- The dimensions: are 5.9 x 5.5 x 7.1 inches, and it Weighs 2.3 pounds
- The Housing is compatible with Sony a6500, Sony a6300, Sony a6000 cameras
2. Sony RX100 Underwater Housing
Sony created the RX100 casing. It has a rotary lens ring dial and massive shutter and zoom knobs that are easy to operate even when wearing gloves. You can utilize the camera’s flash when underwater, which is a significant advantage.
The flash diffuser is detachable, allowing you to have more control over the quality and shape of the light you may produce.
It’s a well-made gadget with simple controls that will last a long time. The Housing contains a retractable diffuser and a large shutter button lever that allows flash.
Features
- The dimensions are 6.13 x 5.13 x 5 inches
- It weighs only 1.43 pounds
- It is compatible with Sony RX100-series cameras
- The usable depth is 130 feet
3. Ikelite Canon G7X Underwater Camera Housing
This is the second Ikelite underwater camera housing we’ve reviewed, and it’s made for the wonderful Canon G7X. Because the Housing is made of see-through polycarbonate, you can see the camera and the O-ring seal while using it.
The depth rating is 200 feet, and Ikelite sells particular ports to fit alternative lenses. A lightweight accessory can be attached to the aluminum threaded mount on top of this enclosure.
Finally, it’s handcrafted and quality-tested in the United States, which is always encouraging for product assurance. The Housing features Interchangeable lens ports, which are completely see-through
Features
- It has dimensions of 6.5 x 9.75 x 6.5 inches
- The weight is 4 pounds
- The Housing is compatible with cameras Canon G7 X
- The Housing is usable depth: 200 feet
4. Ikelite Canon G7X II Underwater Camera Housing
This is a compact and multifunctional Housing explicitly designed for the Canon G7X II. It’s great for kayaking and sailing, as well as underwater activities.
The Canon G7X II may be utilized in sticky situations when placed in this underwater camera housing due to the etched symbols that identify the camera’s operations.
The Housing is very sturdy, and it has a tripod attachment on the bottom. However, because there is no strobe connection or flash function, this Housing is designed primarily for video recording, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Apart from being lightweight, this Housing has camera functions displayed, is versatile, and attaches on a tripod.
Features
- The Housing has dimensions: 6.9 x 5.5 x 6.4 inches and weighs 1.6 pounds
- It is compatible with the Canon G7X II camera.
- The Housing supports Usability up to a depth: of 200 feet.
5. DiCAPac WP-S10 Underwater Camera Housing
The DiCAPac WP-S10 camera housing is slightly different from the rest of the housings on our list. The Housing is designed to be mainly used on the surface and is ideal for family outings or weekends at the pool, with a soft polycarbonate cover and a strong polycarbonate lens.
The front glass element has been coated with a UV coating to ensure optimal light transmission, and practically all camera controls are accessible without having to roll down the top.
You can employ zooms with this camera housing since you may extend the lens port. The soft casing is completely floatable.
The expanding lens connection is compatible with any DSLR camera, and practically all of the camera’s controls are still accessible.
Features
- The approximate dimensions are 6.5 x 9 x 11 inches and they weigh 15.9 ounces
- It is compatible with all DSLR or large mirrorless camera
6. Sea & Sea MDX-D500 Underwater Camera Housing
Sea&Sea makes the MDX housing using only corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy – both for the body and the ergonomic grip handles.
The buttons and levers have ergonomic designs, including the shutter lever, AF mode lever, and movie-record lever, making them accessible and comfortable to use. You can operate the camera, even while holding the handles.
What separates the MDX housing from most others are controls that glow in the dark. Also, there are two pin strobe connectors, two accessory ports, and two fiber-optic cable sockets available for you. It’s possibly the best waterproof Housing if you are a Nikon D500 owner. The camera housing controls glow in low light and features a leak sensor.
Features
- The dimensions of the housing are 15 x 10 x 6 inches, and the weight is 6 pounds.
- The housing is compatible with the Nikon D500 camera
- It is usable to a depth of 328 feet
How To Select The Best Underwater Camera Housing?
Reading these points will allow you to understand how to choose the best underwater camera housing.
Budget
You must first decide your budget while buying a new camera and Housing. You should know how much of the total budget is for Housing. Generally, the larger the camera, the more expensive the Housing will be.
For smaller and compact cameras, you should expect to pay as much for the Housing as for the camera. For medium-sized cameras, such as micro 4/3rds, you can expect to pay more for the Housing than the camera. For larger cameras, such as DSLRs, you can pay at least double, or even more, than the camera price.
Depth Rating
The housing depth rating should equal the maximum depth to which you plan to take your camera, and Slightly exceeding this depth may not result in the housing leaking or cracking. However, the springs behind the buttons will likely not cope with the added pressure, and the buttons will be stuck in the pressed position and the camera to jam up.
Controls-access
Some housings restrict access to all the camera controls. The omission of control may be cost-cutting by the manufacturer, and in some cases, it can be because of the difficulty of accessing the control position.
It doesn’t matter why control access is difficult, but the inability to do what one wants.
Also, check if the Housing has been out for a while and check the views of other users, especially underwater photography websites such as Wetpixel, where you can do this.
Ergonomics
If you are going to be diving where you have to wear thick gloves, this is very important. Large, prominent, and well-spaced buttons will be easier to operate than smaller or cramped ones.
The shutter button is the most important because pressing the button halfway will lock the focus to evaluate the scene. Pressing the button all the way activates the shutter. So it would help if you master the half-press/full-press technique of the Housing. Longer levers make this easier than one that moves straight up and down.
This beginners guide has more great tips.
Housing Material
Housings are usually polycarbonate (a very tough plastic) or aluminum. Polycarbonate housings are generally cheaper than aluminum housings.
They are also lighter and buoyant when underwater, but they are rated to a shallower depth than an aluminum housing, typically 100 – 130 ft (30 – 40 meters). Aluminum housings are often 300ft or more (100m).
Polycarbonate housings tend the port to fog unless adequately prepared. The glass in the Housing rapidly gets colder in water and becomes condensed from inside. You might be familiar if you used to wear spectacles. Aluminum housings are much more rigid, making them better at absorbing the knocks on a boat.
Expandability
Whatever camera you choose to deploy, you might like to add additional extensions. Wet lenses or strobes are common add-ons.
You can switch many of these add-ons between setups. If you’re just getting started, the type of house you choose will determine the types of add-ons you can get. If you’re updating your system, the add-ons you already have may have an impact on where you live.
There are three primary categories of add-ons:
Strobes
You’ll need your light source if you want to bring out the full color of the undersea world. Strobes are a type of underwater flash device. Because they can be significantly brighter than steady light sources, these are preferable.
One of two methods is used by the camera to activate them. The most popular method is to use an optical link (optical fiber) to detect and trigger the on-camera flash.
There are drawbacks to this system. It relies on the camera’s flash unit, which uses up the battery faster and causes the Housing to heat up. It also means you’ll have to wait for the flash to recharge before shooting again.
As a result, electronic links are used in many higher-end systems.
Wet lenses
Wet lenses can be attached while underwater to the outside of the Housing. The most common type uses a 67mm thread and can be either wide-angle or macro.
Wide-angle lenses will have a multiplier of less than one, e.g., x 0.56. Macro lenses will have a multiplier more significant than one, e.g., x10.
Less standard now is housings that use a bayonet-type fitting. There are also flip-up lens holders, making them even more accessible.
Trays and arms
If you’re going to use a strobe, you’ll probably need a tray and an arm to connect the strobe to the camera. The tray is designed to fit beneath the camera. The tray’s arm is flexible, allowing the strobe to be placed in the best possible position for the shot.
Some housings have built-in handles that can be attached to the arms without using a tray. Some manufacturers need you to use their trays because they use non-standard attachments.
Compatibility with your diving camera is the most critical feature to look for in an underwater camera housing. This ensures that you have both the security and functionality that you require. When put to the test, the Housings should hold up. Of course, proceed with caution.
Underwater Buoyancy
The housing in your camera should be neutrally buoyant for ease of operation and functionality. It won’t float up and down from you when you use the camera. Housings will float in most cases, especially those made of polycarbonate, which has more air space inside.
The camera’s weight will bring neutrality into balance. Because aluminum housings can have a tiny negative buoyancy, you may need to purchase buoyant arms to compensate.
Port Type And Mounting
A lens port is a portion of the camera that allows you to shoot through it. It’s critical because it has a significant impact on your outcomes.
Some housings have the port permanently attached, while more advanced devices include interchangeable ports. However, mounting procedures differ, and a dependable and easy-to-use port is the ideal option.
For DSLR cameras, you’ll almost always need to purchase a port that matches the lens. Dome ports are ideal for wide-angle lenses, preferred by most underwater photographers. If you wish to shoot macro shots and have that lens type on your camera, though, you’ll need a different port.
Polycarbonate or glass is used to make ports. The former is less expensive, and while it produces excellent results, it is more prone to failure.
Editor’s Choice
Our pick is the Sea & Sea MDX-D500 Underwater Camera Housing which can safeguard your camera underwater effectively. It uses a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy for its body and ergonomics.
Furthermore, it comes with exceptional features such as a better ergonomic design, a movie-record lever, AF mode lever, and shutter lever that are user-friendly. It has glow-in-the-dark controls and a leak sensor which makes it perfect. Although this is our best pick, all the other housings on the list are reliable and excellent.
Conclusion
Underwater camera housings are excellent pieces of gear that may elevate your scuba diving experience to new heights. Finally, don’t skimp on the Housing because you’ll end up harming your expensive camera.
You are not likely to spend a lot of money, but you should acquire a good product and test it before using it underwater. Use our list as a guide to ensure you receive something you’ll enjoy.
All underwater photographers desire a compact underwater camera housing that is also economical. Happy underwater photoshoot.
See Also
Professional Underwater Cameras
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