NewsNew Housing Releases

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 housing for Canon G7X

Ikelite Action Housing for Canon G7X

Here are the the two housings sized up to scale:

Ikelite housing for Sony RX100 III / IV comparison

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!

Ran Mor
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4 comments

  1. Josep September 8, 2016

    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?

  2. Avatar photo
    Ran Mor September 13, 2016

    Interesting idea.
    I believe it could work! Assuming that the pop up flash can deployed as you said.

  3. Kartikae Ganju March 11, 2018

    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.

  4. Avatar photo
    Ran Mor March 12, 2018

    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).

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