Author Topic: Inexpensive Waterproof Case (Read 855 times)

shompol · « **on:** January 30, 2012, 09:40:09 AM »

I want to protect E-P1 from water on canoe trips and ideally even do some snorkeling with it. Olympus does not make a waterproof case for the original E-P1, and even if it did, it would be too expensive since I do not plan to go scubadiving with it. Unfortunately most third party cases on the market are designed for larger SLRs.

Does anyone have a case they can recommend? Ideally it should accommodate an 85 mm long lens, like this one, and allow for lens rotation to change zoom level.

shompol · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2012, 08:46:45 AM »

Looks like I will be replying to myself. Here's what I found so fr:

3. Opteca case: http://opteka.com/ucslr.aspx
Has very poor reviews on Amazon and it looks like the company does not make any other waterproof products.

2. Dicapac WPS5: http://www.dicapacusa.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WPS5
Some problems reported.

1. Aquapac: http://usstore.aquapac.net/explore-product-range/waterproof-camera-cases/slr-camera-case-458.html
Looks like a solid choice, few reviews though.

lisandra · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2012, 08:57:55 AM »

Can number 3 be submerged?? theres a reason these things are so expensive, this one seems really cheap price wise

E-M5 Pete · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2012, 09:50:31 AM »

Quote from: lisandra on February 04, 2012, 08:57:55 AM

Can number 3 be submerged?? theres a reason these things are so expensive, this one seems really cheap price wise

The site says
IPX8--Submersible Rating
Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure - The case is suitable for immersion for at least 30 minutes to a depth of 15 feet/5 metres.*

shompol · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2012, 08:51:35 AM »

Quote

Can number 3 be submerged?? theres a reason these things are so expensive, this one seems really cheap price wise

For shallow water, like snorkeling all you need is a glorified ziplock bag. I could go with a regular ziplock but want something more secure for an expensive camera. Once you reach scuba diving depths the camera is subjected to crushing pressure, and that is the reason why such case costs more than the camera itself.

voyager · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:42:15 AM »

Unfortunately you're going to need something much more expensive for good results. Or wait and get the E-M5!

shompol · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2012, 10:51:26 AM »

So I field-tested the Aquapac SLR Waterproof case. I did not go snorkeling but used it in heavy rain and my canoe flipped over once, putting camera under water for a good half a minute. The case stood the test! Not only that, but it preserved waterproof qualities after being jam-packed into a carry-on suitcase! Not many plastic bags can boast that kind of durability.

There is however a problem: The front membrane, where the lens goes, is made of some sort of soft plastic and it got all scratched up by the lens. Needless to say it is no longer suitable for photography. I will see if it can be re-polished or returned.

Inexpensive Waterproof Case