Underwater Housing for DSLRs?

[Ralph]

I am a diver before I took up my first DSLR. I know underwater casings ain't cheap, but I really want to take photography to the next level. What is the best "bang for buck" plastic/polycarbonate underwater housing for a DSLR? I've checked B&H and they only have two in stock: Ikelite and Nimar. Any other alternatives?





My first choice would be that of Ikelite, though I have a problem with regards to lens ports. It would not fit a 24-70 f2.8L, 17-55 f2.8 IS and 16-35 f2.8L (which may be necessity for a long reach). The only lens I could fit in that is 10-22 (not much of reach though).





Second, I have two bodies, 350D and 50D. I was thinking of buying the case for the 350D instead for the newer 50D for that I'm afraid that incase something wrong happens, the 350D won't be much of a hassle compared to my all around camera, the 50D. Or should I go for the 50D mount? The extra fps and AF speed would definitely help fish focusing on low light.





Any inputs are highly appreciated.

[Sean Setters]

You also might want to look at Ewa-Marine stuff...

[Ralph]

That was my first bet. Since they're pouches, they are prone to compression. You can't use the full capabilities of the cam and would be forced to shoot in Tv, Av, full auto, but no manual.





Thanks!

[Brendan7]

I've checked B&H and they only have two in stock: Ikelite and Nimar. Any other alternatives?

Aquatica seems like another good choice––they're about the same price


http://aquatica.ca/subpages/catalog/housings/housings.html

Second, I have two bodies, 350D and 50D. I was thinking of buying the case for the 350D instead for the newer 50D for that I'm afraid that incase something wrong happens, the 350D won't be much of a hassle compared to my all around camera, the 50D. Or should I go for the 50D mount? The extra fps and AF speed would definitely help fish focusing on low light.

Well, I wouldn't sweat it. If you feel like you want your 50d's features, than use the 50d. I doubt (but am not sure) that a $2k housing would allow any accidents, but you can't be safe enough. Your choice.


Remember, for about the same price you could buy one or two L lenses, or the new Canon 7d......


hope this helps


brendan

[Ralph]

Remember, for about the same price you could buy one or two L lenses, or the new Canon 7d......

I know. But you can't get fish shots with a new 7D [] And with a Canon major announcement coming out very soon, it's either a 70-200 f2.8 L IS II, this case and some lenses/flash from Canon. []

[Brendan7]

I know. But you can't get fish shots with a new 7D [img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img]

Well, if it's fish shots you want, then a housing is def. worth it! I just suggested the 7D because many shoot video underwater.


Good luck!


brendan

[Ralph]

Well, you have a good point there. Video + photo in one package. Argh... guess casings may wait till I can get my hands on a 7D mk II in the near future. lenses for now. []

[Brendan7]

Here's another idea:


Get the Rebel T1i/500d ($900 less than 7D) and sell your 350d. The T1i has HD video just like the 7D, at half the cost. Plus, it'll be a significant upgrade from the 350d.


Or, you can sell both bodies and get the 7D. But if you need two bodies for whatever reason the T1i looks good. Food for thought [H]


brendan

[Ralph]

My sister has the T1i. Maybe she could lend it to me for some underwater shots [] No flooding damage for me atleast. LOL. Anyways, the T2i is already announced. That's more than what the T1 can do.





Plus I don't think the sell rate of my 350D would be that significant. Last time I saw a new 350D with 18-55 kit lens for 500 USD. So that means I could sell it for 400 at max.

[jimr]

I have been scuba diver for about over 20 years and seen many underwater video/photo options. I have DLSR and have given some serious thoughts to an underwater housing for it. They can be expensive and even more so if they fail. The cases can also be a bit bulking if you are just carrying it around just in case you want to take a photo. I went the cheaper route and bough a good point and shot with a underwater housing for it - all for under $500. It is cheap enough that I can afford if it fails, it packs nicely with the other gear and is compact enough that I can always have it. The big plus is it it also takes video. If I have the coin and accepted the risk levels and more importantly really wanted the image quality of a DSLR then I would go for a serious underwater housing.


Depending on where you are diving you need lots of light... shallow coral diving is nice. Around where I live after you get down 30 feet or so the water is just to dirty to get any really useful pictures - good DSLR or not. I actually found the videos to better show the experience when down deeper. My underwater case is good to something like 100 feet which is more than adequate as most photographs are taken within that first 30 feet and on the surface.