If there’s one factor we are able to certainly all agree on, it’s that underwater pictures isn’t the most affordable pastime. However affordability is relative and there are actually cheaper methods and more-expensive methods of doing issues. Earlier than anything, you’ll need to make your digicam waterproof, and when you’ve by no means researched the costs of underwater housings, you’ll shortly notice that there’s a wide selection of choices to suit each price range.
In its newest video, Ikelite makes the case that you just don’t want to interrupt the financial institution to place your digicam in an underwater housing. For example the purpose, the U.S. underwater tools maker pits its polycarbonate housing for the Canon EOS R5 in opposition to the Nauticam aluminum equivalent. Within the video, John Brigham, Ikelite’s Vice President and Head of Product Growth, talks by the variations between the housings, every arrange with the R5 camera, the RF 14–35mm f/4 wide-angle zoom lens, a big acrylic dome port—Ikelite’s 8-inch option or Nauticam’s standard 8.5-inch dome—with zoom gear, plus equipment. In accordance with Ikelite, their system (not together with digicam and lens) prices $2,665, whereas Nauticam’s will set you again $6,828—a value distinction of just about $4,200.
John additionally compares a wide range of different features of the 2 techniques: supplies (Ikelite’s clear again vs the opaque aluminum “black field”), measurement (Ikelite’s is barely smaller), weight (Ikelite’s is 2.2lbs lighter), ergonomics (Ikelite’s controls don’t require relearning), and servicing (Ikelite’s “direct drive” controls are less complicated and might be serviced within the subject whereas an annual service is cheaper). And when you’re questioning what you are able to do with $4,200, John has some recommendations: Purchase a pair of flagship Ikelite DS230 strobes, and use your $1,000 change for an additional lens or in direction of your subsequent dive journey.
There’s little question that there are stark variations between Ikelite’s and Nauticam’s techniques—between plastic and aluminum choices—and Ikelite’s video reveals that the majority of us ought to take the time to do a cautious comparability earlier than going purchasing. Try the DPG Underwater Picture/Video Gear Information for a complete, up-to-date roundup of the most effective gear for underwater shooters.