What You Need to Know About Underwater Housing for Cameras

📸 Why Use an Underwater Camera Housing?

The primary function of an underwater camera housing is to create a watertight seal, safeguarding your valuable camera from the corrosive effects of saltwater and the immense pressure at depth. Without this protection, even a brief submersion could lead to irreparable damage. These housings allow photographers to capture stunning images and videos in environments where cameras would otherwise be unusable.

Beyond protection, housings offer several additional benefits. They often provide access to camera controls, allowing you to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO while submerged. Many housings also accommodate external strobes or lights, enhancing image quality in the often dimly lit underwater environment.

🛠️ Types of Underwater Camera Housings

Underwater camera housings come in various materials and designs, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right housing for your specific needs and budget.

🛡️ Material Matters: Polycarbonate vs. Aluminum

The two most common materials used in underwater camera housings are polycarbonate and aluminum. Each offers a distinct balance of durability, weight, and cost.

• Polycarbonate Housings: These housings are typically lighter and more affordable than their aluminum counterparts. They are a popular choice for recreational divers and photographers who don’t require extreme depth ratings. Polycarbonate is impact-resistant, but it can be more susceptible to scratches and UV damage over time.
• Aluminum Housings: Aluminum housings are known for their robustness and ability to withstand greater depths. They are favored by professional underwater photographers and divers who frequently explore deeper waters. Aluminum is more resistant to scratches and provides better heat dissipation, which can be important when using powerful strobes.

⚙️ Housing Features to Consider

Beyond the material, several features can significantly impact the usability and performance of an underwater camera housing.

• Depth Rating: This specifies the maximum depth at which the housing can safely operate. Ensure the depth rating exceeds the maximum depth you plan to dive to.
• Control Access: The housing should provide easy access to essential camera controls, such as shutter release, aperture, ISO, and zoom. Look for housings with well-placed and responsive controls.
• Port System: The port is the window through which the camera lens “sees.” Interchangeable port systems allow you to use different lenses with the same housing, increasing versatility. Flat ports are generally used for wide-angle lenses, while dome ports are preferred for macro lenses.
• Strobe Connectivity: If you plan to use external strobes, ensure the housing has the necessary ports and connections. Common options include fiber optic ports and electronic sync cords.
• Vacuum System: Some housings feature a vacuum system that allows you to create a vacuum inside the housing before diving. This helps detect leaks early and provides an extra layer of protection.

🔍 Choosing the Right Housing for Your Needs

Selecting the right underwater camera housing involves carefully considering your camera model, diving style, and budget.

✅ Camera Compatibility

The most crucial factor is ensuring the housing is specifically designed for your camera model. Universal housings are rare and generally not recommended, as they often lack precise control access and optimal sealing. Check the manufacturer’s website or consult with a reputable dive shop to confirm compatibility.

💰 Budget Considerations

Underwater camera housings can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget upfront and prioritize features that are most important to you. Consider whether you need advanced features like a vacuum system or strobe connectivity, and factor in the cost of accessories like ports and strobes.

🤿 Diving Style and Depth

Your diving style and the depths you typically dive to will influence the required depth rating and durability of the housing. If you primarily dive in shallow reefs, a polycarbonate housing with a moderate depth rating may suffice. For deeper dives or more challenging environments, an aluminum housing with a higher depth rating is recommended.

💧 Preparing Your Housing Before a Dive

Proper preparation is essential for ensuring the watertight integrity of your underwater camera housing. Neglecting these steps can lead to leaks and potentially damage your camera.

• Inspect O-Rings: O-rings are the rubber seals that create the watertight barrier. Carefully inspect them for any signs of damage, such as cracks, cuts, or debris. Replace O-rings as needed, and always use the correct type and size recommended by the housing manufacturer.
• Lubricate O-Rings: Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the O-rings to keep them supple and ensure a proper seal. Use only silicone grease specifically designed for underwater camera housings.
• Clean Sealing Surfaces: Thoroughly clean the sealing surfaces of the housing and the O-ring grooves. Remove any dirt, sand, or debris that could compromise the seal.
• Proper Closure: Carefully close the housing, ensuring the O-rings are properly seated and the latches are securely fastened. Avoid over-tightening the latches, as this can damage the O-rings.
• Pre-Dive Test: Before entering the water, perform a shallow water test to check for leaks. Submerge the housing in a tub of water or a shallow pool and look for any signs of bubbles or water intrusion.

🧼 Maintaining Your Housing After a Dive

Proper maintenance after each dive is crucial for extending the life of your underwater camera housing and preventing corrosion.

• Rinse Thoroughly: Immediately after each dive, rinse the housing thoroughly with fresh water to remove any salt, sand, or debris. Pay particular attention to the O-ring grooves and latches.
• Dry Carefully: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the housing. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the housing material.
• Remove and Inspect O-Rings: Remove the O-rings and inspect them for any signs of damage. Clean them with a soft cloth and re-lubricate them before storing the housing.
• Store Properly: Store the housing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is best to store the housing with the O-rings removed to prevent them from sticking to the sealing surfaces.

💡 Tips for Better Underwater Photography

Using an underwater camera housing opens up a world of photographic possibilities. Here are a few tips to help you capture stunning images beneath the waves.

• Get Close to Your Subject: Water absorbs light, reducing color and clarity. Getting close to your subject minimizes the amount of water between you and the subject, resulting in sharper, more vibrant images.
• Use External Strobes: Strobes provide artificial light, which helps restore color and reduce backscatter (the appearance of particles in the water). Position your strobes to minimize backscatter and create pleasing lighting effects.
• Shoot in RAW Format: RAW format captures more data than JPEG, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing. You can adjust white balance, exposure, and other settings without sacrificing image quality.
• Practice Buoyancy Control: Good buoyancy control is essential for avoiding damage to the reef and capturing stable images. Practice maintaining neutral buoyancy and avoid kicking up sediment.
• Learn Underwater Composition: Apply basic composition principles, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, to create visually appealing images. Look for interesting subjects, textures, and patterns.