Ikelite Action Housings vs. Standard Dive Housings
Ikelite has recently released a new generation of Action housings for 5 models of popular compact cameras for underwater photography. Among those released, are 2 new housings for the Canon G7X and the Sony RX100 III / IV.
Since there are now 2 Ikelite options to choose from for those cameras, we thought it’s best to go over the differences and compare the two housings, so that you know what’s the best option for you!
Ikelite housing for Sony RX100 III
Ikelite housing for Sony RX100 IV
Ikelite Action Housing for Sony RX100 III / IV
Ikelite Action Housing for Canon G7X
Here are the the two housings sized up to scale:
Housing Type | Action Housing | Standard Dive Housing |
Depth rating | Both models: Fully scuba and free diving rated to 200ft/60m |
|
Primary uses | Water sports Surfing Scuba and free diving Outdoor activities |
Scuba and free diving |
Controls | Shutter Video start/stop Zoom Power on/off Menu Playback |
Shutter Video start/stop Zoom Power on/off Menu Playback Dial controls |
Recommended exposure modes | Program Aperture priority Shutter priority Auto |
Manual Aperture priority Shutter priority |
Wide angle options | Both models: Optional WD-3 Wide Angle Dome Wide angle wet lenses with 67mm threads |
|
Lighting options | Constant-on Video light Fluorescence |
Constant-on External strobe Video light Fluorescence |
Bottom tray mounting | Central 1/4-20 tripod | Two 1/4-20 mounts with 3 inch (76 mm) spacing |
Camera installation | Drop-in | Front loading tripod mount |
Buoyancy | Slightly positive | Slightly negative |
Construction | ABS-PC blend | Polycarbonate front Acrylic back Stainless steel latches |
Average size | 6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches 152 x 115 x 115 mm |
6.5 x 4.5 x 5.5 inches 165 x 115 x 140 mm |
Average weight | 17 oz (500g) | 40 oz (1100g) |
Average price (US market) |
$299 | $550 |
If you still can’t decide which housing is right for you, ask us anything in the comments below, or contact us via the online chat on the right corner!
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4 comments
The action housing apparently has no window to trigger an external flash. But as the back of the case is transparent, do you think that by attaching the fiber optic cables to the back, if the internal flash is able to deploy and fire, it might work?
Interesting idea.
I believe it could work! Assuming that the pop up flash can deployed as you said.
I don’t think attatching the fibre optic cables at the back would work, though it depends on the camera. The Canon for example, it wouldn’t work because the flash cannot be opened inside the housing, as there’s a little support bit inside that prevents this. Strobe impossible.
You’re right Kartikae, on some of the housings, it would simply be impossible.
As I mentioned in my previous reply to Josep, only if the built-in flash can be deployed, this method may work.
Otherwise, you have to settle for constant LED lights (AKA Video lights).