Canon underwater cases for digi cams?

[artw]

h2omammal once bubbled...
mounted on an Ikelite tray. Instead of a strobe, I use the UW Kinetics HID Light Canon. I get zero backscatter and absolutely true color. Have used this setup down to it's rated depth of 100ft with great success.

h2omammal how do you go about operating the shutter on the A40 with the Ikelite tray? One would think you'd have to take one hand off the tray handle to press the shutter button.
Is the purpose of the ikelite tray only to hold the strobe? or does it stabilize the camera.
I have an A40, and would like to get it's housing, and eventually a tray and a strobe.

 

[H2Joe]

I've got an S400 and the corresponding underwater case. I've had it as deep as 105' (it's rated to 130), and dropped it on cement twice. So far, I haven't had a problem. -- Joe

 

[h2omammal]

..is on the left side of the tray. The handle supports the arm and is held by the left hand. Right hand is used to operate camera.

You can go http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/opt10dlx.html and find a photo of the tray and an arm setup (tray part number is 9523.01)

I have the WPDC200 housing instead of the Ikelite housing, and I use a 6" quick release extension that fits into the handle (instead of the long arms). This allows me to quickly remove the light canon from the tray/handle setup for unusual lighting requirements.

I'll send a photo of my setup tonight if you'd like.

 

[artw]

Yes I noticed that 9523.02 is the tray with double handles.
I'd appreciate seeing pics of your setup. I assume the UK light cannon is on all the time, and not flashed like a ikelite strobe.
I'd like to see pics too, if you have any that were taken in similar conditions in which I dive - 20-30' viz sometimes silty water (st. lawrence river).

 

[h2omammal]

Yes I noticed that 9523.02 is the tray with double handles.
I'd appreciate seeing pics of your setup. I assume the UK light cannon is on all the time, and not flashed like a ikelite strobe.
I'd like to see pics too, if you have any that were taken in similar conditions in which I dive - 20-30' viz sometimes silty water (st. lawrence river).

Artw -- here are a few photos taken with my A40 setup using the light canon. (btw, here around San Diego, we call 20' viz awesome).

These are obviously not award winning photos, but I posted them as the type of pics one can expect using this setup in these environments.

The light canon can be left on full time (it serves as a dive light as well by using the tray handle.

these are night pics from La Jolla Canyon, generally at out 80ft, viz roughly 15ft, using 2 filters in the light canon
http://community.webshots.com/album/105248783TsEOVS

these are daylight pics from the HMCS Yukon, around 85ft, viz roughly 25ft, using 1 filter in the light canon
http://community.webshots.com/album/105347132auTgBu

Attached is a photo of the setup I took those with. Hope this helps.

 

[h2omammal]

....I've started using allenhost.com intead of webshots.com (MUCH better)..

these are the night pics from La Jolla Canyon, generally at out 80ft, viz roughly 15ft, using 2 filters in the light canon
http://allenhost.com/gallery/album210

these are the daylight pics from the HMCS Yukon, around 85ft, viz roughly 25ft, using 1 filter in the light canon
http://allenhost.com/gallery/album212

 

[AzonIc]

h20mammal, im inspired by your setup and have an a40 and dc200s myself. I'm thinking about building my own arm using this DYI guide:http://www.diveoz.com.au/diy/read_story.asp?story=4&page=1 and using the same light as you. how did you go about mounting it to your arm?

 

[h2omammal]

h20mammal, im inspired by your setup and have an a40 and dc200s myself. I'm thinking about building my own arm using this DYI guide:http://www.diveoz.com.au/diy/read_story.asp?story=4&page=1 and using the same light as you. how did you go about mounting it to your arm?

The Light Canon attaches to a strobe arm with a 1” ball adapter and clamp. The adapter is made by Gates and is part number AD-UK. Perhaps this link will be helpful. http://www.marinecamera.com/ultralight.html

 

[FAW]

Now I'm starting to get really excited. I'd almost given up on getting a digital camera or a camera at all for that matter. First attempt found me buying a Canon G3 which was way bigger and more complicated than I really wanted. Had to order it over the net so didn't get to handle or see it. Then I found out the Ikelite case is a minimum of $600 at LP. Way over my head in terms of money and complexity, at this juncture.

So, sent the G3 back and have been researching again. I about 98% decided on the A80 and with a Canon Case listed at $240 retail and folks using a light cannon instead of an expensive strobe add on, I may just be able to realize a dream. Very cool.

Thanks very much for the feedback on the Canon Cases. Very reassuring. BTW, my LDS says the problem with polycarb cases is they fog up all the time. He says the best case is the Light & Motion which may be true, but the best cars are Rolls, Porche, Bentley, Mercedes, etc. Doesn't mean I'll ever be able to afford one.

So, any problems with fogging and if so, solutions? Thanks again you guys, I'm excited for sure. Now all I have to do is ace the upcoming interview, get the new job and go out and consume. (75% of the U.S. economy is based entirely on consumer spending--ouch. Doesn't that seem weird?)

rw

 

[h2omammal]

....... So, any problems with fogging and if so, solutions?
rw

So far, I've never experienced a fogging problem with the Canon WPDC200 case and A40 camera setup. Most dives are 60-80 minutes in 50-55 df sea water and the camera stays on most of the dive.

All I've done is to be sure a small silicone antimoisture packet (such as those packed with nearly all electronic devices before shipping) is tucked into the case with the camera.

Good luck! Let us know how the job and subsequent camera equipment purchase goes.