Diving Deep with DSLR
A Guide to Choosing the Right Underwater Housing
Text by GREGORY NORRIS | Photos by DANEL WENTZEL
SO, YOU’VE DECIDED TO TAKE THE PLUNGE—both figuratively and financially—into the world of underwater camera housings. The array of choices can be overwhelming, with countless makes and models on the market. To help you navigate this sea of options, here are some tips to guide you in selecting the right housing for your needs. While I may not be an expert, I’ve made and witnessed enough mistakes to offer valuable insights that might help you avoid common pitfalls.
It’s All in the Shot
The first step in your decision-making process is determining your photography style. Are you drawn to wide-angle shots of expansive seascapes or do you prefer the intricate details of macro photography? Your choice between the two will significantly influence the housing, ports, and lenses available to you. Consider the environments you’ll be diving in, the marine life you want to capture, and the overall visibility at your dive sites—each of these factors will shape your gear requirements.
Camera Choice
If you haven’t already purchased your camera, start by researching housing options. The availability of housings can give you a sense of which cameras are most compatible and widely supported. Similarly, your lens choice—whether wide-angle or macro—will determine whether you need a flat port or a dome port, both of which affect the overall image quality underwater.
Text by GREGORY NORRIS | Photos by DANEL WENTZEL
SO, YOU’VE DECIDED TO TAKE THE PLUNGE—both figuratively and financially—into the world of underwater camera housings. The array of choices can be overwhelming, with countless makes and models on the market. To help you navigate this sea of options, here are some tips to guide you in selecting the right housing for your needs. While I may not be an expert, I’ve made and witnessed enough mistakes to offer valuable insights that might help you avoid common pitfalls.
It’s All in the Shot
The first step in your decision-making process is determining your photography style. Are you drawn to wide-angle shots of expansive seascapes or do you prefer the intricate details of macro photography? Your choice between the two will significantly influence the housing, ports, and lenses available to you. Consider the environments you’ll be diving in, the marine life you want to capture, and the overall visibility at your dive sites—each of these factors will shape your gear requirements.
Camera Choice
If you haven’t already purchased your camera, start by researching housing options. The availability of housings can give you a sense of which cameras are most compatible and widely supported. Similarly, your lens choice—whether wide-angle or macro—will determine whether you need a flat port or a dome port, both of which affect the overall image quality underwater.
Housings
Now that you’ve chosen your camera and lens, the next—and arguably most important—decision is selecting the right housing. Narrow your choices based on what's compatible with your camera and lens setup, but also consider potential future upgrades. Think about additional accessories like strobes and other lighting gear, as well as port adapters for lens upgrades. While affordability is crucial, it shouldn't be the only factor; you can’t buy what you can’t afford, but make sure to balance quality with your budget.
Material Choice
The choice between aluminium and polycarbonate housings is significant. Aluminium housings, though more expensive due to the engineering involved, often provide superior durability and performance. While polycarbonate housings can serve you well, especially for beginners or casual divers, aluminium is typically the better long-term investment.
Now that you’ve chosen your camera and lens, the next—and arguably most important—decision is selecting the right housing. Narrow your choices based on what's compatible with your camera and lens setup, but also consider potential future upgrades. Think about additional accessories like strobes and other lighting gear, as well as port adapters for lens upgrades. While affordability is crucial, it shouldn't be the only factor; you can’t buy what you can’t afford, but make sure to balance quality with your budget.
Material Choice
The choice between aluminium and polycarbonate housings is significant. Aluminium housings, though more expensive due to the engineering involved, often provide superior durability and performance. While polycarbonate housings can serve you well, especially for beginners or casual divers, aluminium is typically the better long-term investment.
Staying High and Dry
One critical feature not to overlook is a vacuum port. This device ensures the integrity of your housing before you even enter the water, reducing the chance of leaks. Originally designed to prevent lens fogging by removing air from the housing, vacuum ports now also offer peace of mind by testing the seal’s security.
Special Considerations
Ergonomics is another key factor. The housing should allow you to easily reach and operate all essential camera controls while maintaining a natural grip. Buoyancy is equally important; ideally, your setup should be neutrally buoyant, though achieving this can be challenging, particularly with larger dome ports.
One critical feature not to overlook is a vacuum port. This device ensures the integrity of your housing before you even enter the water, reducing the chance of leaks. Originally designed to prevent lens fogging by removing air from the housing, vacuum ports now also offer peace of mind by testing the seal’s security.
Special Considerations
Ergonomics is another key factor. The housing should allow you to easily reach and operate all essential camera controls while maintaining a natural grip. Buoyancy is equally important; ideally, your setup should be neutrally buoyant, though achieving this can be challenging, particularly with larger dome ports.
Conclusion
Choosing the right underwater housing for your DSLR is a complex process that balances cost, functionality, and your specific photography needs. By carefully considering your options and prioritising what matters most—whether it's durability, ergonomics, or compatibility—you can find a housing that not only protects your camera but also elevates your underwater photography experience. Ultimately, the best housing is the one that fits your unique requirements, enables seamless camera operation, and brings out the best in your underwater adventures.
FOLLOW 3Square Digital Design
Youtube: @gregorynorris
WEB: www.3sq.digital
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Choosing the right underwater housing for your DSLR is a complex process that balances cost, functionality, and your specific photography needs. By carefully considering your options and prioritising what matters most—whether it's durability, ergonomics, or compatibility—you can find a housing that not only protects your camera but also elevates your underwater photography experience. Ultimately, the best housing is the one that fits your unique requirements, enables seamless camera operation, and brings out the best in your underwater adventures.
FOLLOW 3Square Digital Design
Youtube: @gregorynorris
WEB: www.3sq.digital
Facebook: @3SquareDigital
Instagram: @3square.digital
Posted in Alert Diver Southern Africa, Underwater Photography
Posted in Gear review, Seafrog, Undwater housings
Posted in Gear review, Seafrog, Undwater housings
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