Cheap waterproof casing

[Sydney_Portraits]

I have a job that requires some underwater video. It will be very shallow (3 feet max) clear water, over coral reefs, so no need for lights. I’ll be using my Canon 5diii and probably 24-70L lens.
As this is a bit of a one-off, I’m reluctant to
fork out for a professional casing. I’ve noticed this DiCAPac casing ([url]http://bhpho.to/1pD3oxf[/URL]) for less than $100. Has anyone used this? Would you recommend?
Thanks!

 

[chris]

Check out the reviews - several are not very complimentary.

As a general rule: cheap + waterproof housing = wet camera sooner or later.

At one period in my working life I was involved in underwater photography down to depths of 600 ft using 35 mm and 120 conventional cameras in rigid underwater housings. I don't recall any disastrous flooding but the housings did cost several thousands of dollars (it doesn't matter whose dollars - they were very expensive).

You may be better looking for a properly marinised camera, especially if it is only for shallow water.

 

[Civchic]

I don't think I'd put a 5DIII in anything labelled "cheap waterproof housing" and attempt anything besides maybe a stiff rain. Good luck!

 

[petrochemist]

There are relatively cheap waterproof compacts around that should be OK for snorkeling depths. (My underwater compact only cost me £35, but it was end of line)
I wouldn't expect any cheap housing to be worth the risk with a moderate value DSLR let alone a high quality model.

The cheap housings I've seen are more for splash protection than anything else. They do claim usable upto 5m, which to me suggests it WILL always leak below 5m. (Rather like claims for upto 100% effective, 0.01% fits in that range)
Waterproof testing is done for static pressures so thats 5m with everything static. Any movement will drastically increase pressures on the seals so swimming with the bag only 1 foot under the water might exceed its limits.
I'd be very suprised if it offers compensation should your camera get damaged.

Did you read the customer reviews? A couple of reports of dead cameras and at least one of low quality images...

 

[tirediron]

I don't think I'd put a 5DIII in anything labelled "cheap waterproof housing" and attempt anything besides maybe a stiff rain. Good luck!

^^THIS!^^ This idea ranks right up there with mounting a 600mm f4 on a cheap tripod. Yes, it might work out okay, but if it doesn't, you're going to be slightly annoyed. You say it's a job, go out and rent/buy a proper housing and bill the client.

 

[jaomul]

No chance I'd put a dslr in anything that didn't guarantee your gear. Borrower or rent a go pro or similar waterproof camera

 

[Rob5589]

I bought a DiCapac for an inexpensive p&s for an upcoming HI trip. Works fine so far but, no way I would use one for an expensive dslr. It is a "fancier" dry bag which always seem to end up wet inside from my experience. You are better off buying an inexpensive underwater p&s