» Canon WP-DC18 Underwater housing for Canon A650IS Digital Cameras

Canon WP-DC18 Underwater housing for Canon A650IS Digital Cameras Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Will suit an enthusiastic amateur. Does the job!
Comment: I searched for many hours on the internet, reading forums and investigating dive sites where people were kind enough to share information about their camera setups. I eventually settled on this casing because it was the only one available for the canon A650 IS at the time of purchase.

The case works well and the flash diffuser serves it's purpose. I took the case to 27M depth. The first time I tested the case without the camera to ensure that there were no manufacturer defects and I advise everyone else to do the same. You can put a piece of tissue inside the case to test for leaks. One of the advanced divers on my first dive with the case shared a horror story about his first case (different model/make) and how a manufacturer's defect resulted in a loss of his brand new camera. Remember to take special care of the o-ring and always grease it with silicone before a dive. Make sure no dust gets on it.

One o the things to note is that this housing does not have functionality to attach a macro lens or an external flash that connects directly to the camera. I have seen a lady on a dive with a strobe that has it's own sensor. Perhaps this casing would not suit one interested in professional underwater photography.

Here are some pics I took with this camera on my first underwater photo shoot! Taken on the South Coast of KZN, the Aliwal Shoal.

http://www.godwriting.org/godwriting/guest-entry-under-the-sea.htm

Santhan Naidoo
Khanyi Media

www.khanyi.com

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Good form and function
Comment: The enclosure is everything you would expect from a great company like Canon. The housing has an excellent seal system, very positive latching and great ease of use with gloved hands. The only issue I have had if you can call it that is that, its a smooth surface and occasionally I would have a hard time holding onto it while taking a picture with one hand. Add the weight kit to achieve neutral buoyancy and your all set down to 130 feet. I take this and my camera everywhere I go as its great for diving but also good for any environment that would typically be bad for your camera for example sand, camping or boating.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Extremely Pleased
Comment: Both on initial unpack and a test in our pool, I am extremely impressed with both the underwater case and the resulting photos with the Canon a650IS.

The case is solid construction and allows full access to all the cameras controls. The glass window for the lens is very clear and looks high quality. The website photos show the case with the flash diffuser in place. The case itself is actually all clear and attractive in appearance.

I also bought the weight set. With the camera and two weights, the case was floating about 6 inches down in the pool.

I was able to easily use all the controls. Only the shutter is a little stiffer than the camera, but I quickly found the point for focus and previews.

My test photos with the a650is were terrific. I'll try to upload some low resolution shots. I shot some seashells in about 4 feet of water. I used macro, regular and zoom. It was a sunny day in very clear pool water, so I couldn't tell much difference with or without flash.

The a650 has a scene mode and color balance setting just for underwater. The results were very good color - the shells looked like they are sitting on the table. Long shots to the deep end were excellent as well.

Overall, I am thrilled with both the case and with the camera. I can't wait for our next snorkling trip!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Full function under water
Comment: I purchased this case along with the camera prior to a Caribbean trip where we made 8 dives up to 80 feet. Had no problems with the housing (or camera - separate review of A650IS). The housing gives you access to all functions of the camera, including power on/off so you can load the camera in the comfort and dry air of your room.

Instructions say to not leave the case sealed when not in use so the gasket doesn't lose its seal. As it may be months between uses, I am keeping the gasket ring in a small zip-lock bag, inside the housing which I lock shut. I plan to clean and re-apply the silicon grease before each dive trip.

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