Olympus Underwater Camera Cases & Housings

Cases and Housing to Take Your Camera on Your Next Swim

Rugged point-and-shoot cameras work well when light and visibility underwater is good. This changes when conditions are not favorable, when you start getting serious about your underwater shots, or when you want to go into deeper water. It is possible to take your digital camera on your next snorkeling adventure or scuba diving trip. Olympus offers underwater housing that will waterproof your camera electronics and parts, and it is compatible with any water, especially saltwater.

What Features Should I Consider?

Typically underwater housing comes with a shape that is compatible with particular cameras and allows you to access the camera functions through it. Whether it is for a DLSR, SLR, or the lighter mirrorless camera, there are some features to consider:

• Depth Rating - This is the maximum depth that the casing will not leak or implode. According to international scuba standards, certified beginners are usually allowed to a maximum depth of about 40 feet and advanced scuba divers a maximum of 130 feet. Olympus camera casings offer a depth rating up to 49 feet and also 100-149 feet.
• Casing Material - Cases can be either plastic or aluminum. Plastic ones are bulky compared to aluminum. They are not as durable but are suitable for occasional use. Regular users and aspiring professionals should consider aluminum casings.
• Operation and Access - Cases should allow access to camera functions, be easy to handle and operate while taking pictures, and have ports for accessories.
• Lens Ports - Some cases come with a permanent port with the option of adding a wet lens to allow for wide-angle or macro shots. Wet lenses can be changed underwater. Less compact cameras with interchangeable lenses might require the purchase of more lens ports depending on shots desired. These lenses can be made of glass or acrylic. The latter is lighter but not as scratch resistant, which might affect visuals.

How Can I Improve My Underwater Photography?

In order to improve photography underwater, the camera should be able to function at its peak. In order to do this, there are certain accessories and accessory housings that can be added. Some of these include:

• Flash and flash diffuser - As water depth increases, light is less able to penetrate. At about 15 feet, red colors are muted, and this progresses until only blue or green hues are visible. In order to bring color to the subject at depths, consider adding artificial light.
• Zoom gear - Allows the user to zoom in for macro shots with ease using the casing and accessories.
• Converter adapters - Allow for particular filters to be fitted to underwater cameras to get additional colors.
• Arms, brackets, and hand straps - Make equipment easy to transport and use underwater.
• Maintenance gear - Regular maintenance keeps it functioning so regular change of O-rings and silicone grease might help.

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