Underwater Photography

Canon cameras are known for their great ergonomics. We extend this underwater, providing larger controls and push buttons which are easy to access even with thick gloves. Whenever possible, controls are located in the same configuration as on the camera to replicate the muscle memory and familiarity you've developed with your camera on the surface. Control symbols laser engraved into the back of the housing will never peel off or fade even with years of use. The camera's large, super-bright LCD screen is viewable edge-to-edge through the back of the housing.

The front-loading camera mounting system makes installation and removal a breeze. The camera mounting plate allows ready access to the battery and memory card, and features a standard 1/4-20 mounting point for attachment to a tripod topside.

Color correction and external lighting

Light is absorbed as it travels through even short distances underwater, making colors appear dull or monochromatic. To preserve the natural colors of your subject, it's important to stay within arm's reach—no more than 3-4 feet (1m) away.

Additional color correction and clarity can be obtained by adding a color filter or external light. The lens port of the housing accept our 3-inch diameter color filters. Color filters attach via a press fit and are available for both tropical blue water and green water settings. A color filter reduces the amount of light that reaches the camera's sensor, so they are most effective in sunny conditions at relatively shallow depths up to approximately 80 feet (24m).

A flash or constant on light is necessary for close-up, night dives, and deep depths. An external light also brings out more colors in sunny conditions. External lights are typically not used in conjunction with color filters, as the combination will result in tones that are too red or too purple.

True TTL exposure

An integrated TTL circuit is fine-tuned to the Canon PowerShot G3 X flash exposure protocol for the most accurate exposure possible. The circuit is powered by the strobe for zero maintenance and no batteries to change. Exposure compensation in TTL mode is supported using the camera's built-in control. At this time, only Ikelite DS strobes are capable of powering the circuitry. SEA&SEA, INON, and Nikonos strobes will still enjoy fast recycle times and improved battery life, but must be used in manual exposure modes only.

This housing provides a direct electrical connection to the camera's external flash hot shoe. Cord attachment is as easy as screwing in a lightbulb, and the threaded fit prevents accidental detachment during use. The bulkhead connection has been moved to the top of the housing to keep cords out of your way and reduce strain on the cord ends. A variety of sync cord terminations are available for Ikelite, SEA&SEA, INON, or Nikonos strobes for ultimate versatility.

The camera's built-in flash is suitable for firing an external strobe, but not for lighting a photo underwater. Two fiber optic ports are built into the front of the housing provide an attachment point for fiber optic cords from most major manufacturers. Use of a fiber optic connector requires the camera's built-in flash to fire, reducing battery life and bypassing the TTL functionality of the housing.

A bright constant-on video light can be used instead of or in addition to a flash. A constant-on light is not as bright as a strobe flash. Constant-on lights do provide added versatility because they can be used for focus assist and for improved colors when shooting video.

Two 1/4-20 threaded mounting points are included on the bottom of the housing for the attachment of a tray and handle system. Handles provide improved ergonomics underwater and are the foundation for your lighting mounts.

There is a simple rule that brighter is better underwater. A high-quality lighting system can produce magazine quality results with almost any compact camera system.

Wide angle and macro

A huge zoom range is fantastic for shooting safaris and soccer games, but can be a detriment once you hit the water. In order to provide the best optical quality possible in the water, the camera's zoom range is not usable within this installation. The housing comes standard with a wide angle port designed to accept the camera at its full wide 24mm focal length. Keep in mind that the flat port required to keep the camera waterproof magnifies the image, narrowing the effective angle of coverage underwater.

To obtain the camera's full native angle of coverage underwater, we recommend the WD-3 Wide Angle Dome which restores the camera's true angle of coverage and clarity underwater. Unlike a wet lens, the WD-3 is super sharp edge-to-edge and 100% free of dark shadows in the corners of the image. And at less than 6 ounces, it is less than 1/3 the weight of even a lightweight wide angle lens, making it easy to handle and supremely packable. The WD-3 can be removed and replaced underwater so that you can shoot wide angle and macro on the same dive.

The port is threaded for the direct attachment of 67mm threaded accessory lenses. Wide angle wet lenses can be attached to the port but will exhibit vignetting (dark shadows around the edges of the image) due to the physical characteristics of the camera. Vignetting can be eliminated by cropping the photo in post-production. The INON UWL-H100 exhibits the least vignetting and best clarity with this model among popular wet lenses currently available on the market.

The optional 135mm Macro Port can be used in place of the housing's original port to shoot extreme close-up photography underwater. The original lens port is removed and the 135mm Macro Port simply threads into the front of the housing for quick and easy installation. The Macro Port is optimized for use with the camera in the 100mm to 135mm focal length range, with or without an external macro lens. We recommend using the 135mm focal length combined with the camera's built-in digital teleconverter function for some incredible macro shots to rival much more expensive DSLR and mirrorless systems.

Durability and corrosion free performance

Our brand new ABS-PC blend provides strength and corrosion free performance year with minimal maintenance. The specially formulated color deflects the sun to keep your camera running cooler, longer. Compared to black or clear housings, the light gray color provides superior contrast for enhanced view of the camera, LCD screen, and o-ring seal.

The unique rear seal design prevents accidental twisting or stretching of the o-ring for simple and confident assembly. We have eliminated the need for an o-ring groove or channel which can trap sand, dirt, or debris. Two double-passivated stainless steel locking lid snaps are simple to use and virtually unbreakable. The clear back allows you to see the o-ring form a solid, watertight seal as it closes.

Ikelite products are designed, built and tested in the USA. We use locally sourced, top-grade materials. Our housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit and function. Every unit is water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m). We stand behind our products with over 50 years of experience and the best reputation for service in the underwater photography industry.

An included flash diffuser improves lighting quality when the camera's built-in flash is used. A built-in flash is effective between 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9m) from the subject in clear conditions. For best results a color correcting filter or external lighting is recommended. External lighting is more powerful than the camera's flash and can be placed in a position to virtually eliminate the backscatter - or "snow" - from your underwater images.

The optional AF35 strobe triggers and provides automatic TTL exposure by watching the camera's built-in flash, without the need of fiber optic cords or sensors. Alternatively, two ports are provided for the connection of up to two Ikelite-, SEA&SEA-, or Olympus-type fiber optic cords.

The housing port is designed to accept color filter, wide angle, and macro options for 3.9-inch diameter ports. Light is absorbed very quickly as it passes through water. A subject will look darker, less colorful and somewhat grainy when viewed through even a few feet of water. The addition of a compatible wide angle accessory expands the camera's field of view underwater, providing the opportunity to get as close as possible to the subject and reduce the amount of water light passes through. The results speak for themselves - photos with the best color, exposure and clarity possible.