 Rachel Kennerly |
Waterproof Housing Recommendations I am planning on taking a river trip this summer and would like to take my Canon Digital Rebel with me. When we went last year I bought a couple of disposable waterproof cameras because I was feared for the safety of my real camera. The pictures were more awful than I had thought they would be. I'd like some recommendations re: underwater housings to keep my camera safe should I (heaven forbid) upend my canoe again this year like I did last. I am looking at EWA-Marine and Aquapac housings. Has anyone had experience with either of these brands? If so, I would value your input. Many thanks, Rachel
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BetterPhoto Member |
I have both the Ewa Marine underwater bag and the hurricane hood for my X700. They are very good housings, but if you plan to shoot under water, there is a drawback. In the atmosphere, this problem doesn't exist, but under water, you are playing with increased pressure. That pressure bearing down on the bag will cause the glove to feel very tight. You will start feeling this at about six feet down. By about 60 feet, it will become very constricting. This is because the air pressure in the bag becomes less than the water pressure outside. You get used to it, but it can be unpleasant at first. Have fun and keep shooting,
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Rachel Kennerly |
Thanks, Mark. I don't really plan to take any underwater photos. I just want to keep my camera safe in case my canoe tumps over in the water again. Of course, while I'm down there.... :) btw Which Ewa-Marine underwater bag do you have? Rachel
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BetterPhoto Member |
I'll have to dig it out. I got it on special order from Porter's Camera Store (www.porters.com) in Cedar Falls IA. It will suit your purpose very well if they have one to fit your camera. One thing I failed to mention. The glass piece that you screw into the filter mount of your camera does not swivel, so your lenses must be fixed barrel lenses. They can not spin or your bag will twist and bind. Mine fits a Minolta X700 with an MD-1 motor drive and a 28-80mm zoom lens. It also has room inside for a small flash. Have fun and keep shooting,
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BetterPhoto Member |
One more thing. The closure system consists of four thumbscrews that thread through two steel rails. The bag folds between them. This system is self sealing if the thumbscrews should loosen up on you.
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Rachel Kennerly |
Thanks for the info, Mark. I am looking at getting the U-AZ. Rachel
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BetterPhoto Member |
Have fun with it. They may not be the best housings, but they will last for years with proper care.
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Bob Cammarata |
Unless you plan to do some shooting while underwater or while traversing rapids, you can save a lot of money and secure your camera, lenses and other critical gear with Zip-Loc zippered food storage bags. These are cheap and quite waterproof. For added security you can double-bag your gear. Use the quart size bags to secure each piece of equipment individually then put everything into a gallon-sized bag and seal it. I've used this method when fishing, for rafting trips, and for other adventures where water submersion was a possibility. Bob
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Rachel Kennerly |
I'd like to have the camera ready to shoot while we're going downriver. (There aren't any rapids. Last year the river was so low we dragged the canoes about 3 of the 7 mile trip that we took). In the deeper parts of the river we passed some beautiful scenery that the cheap-oh disposible cameras didn't come close to doing justice. Rachel
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