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Sony RX100 III – Underwater Housings Comparison
We are all familiar with the RX100 & RX100 II compact cameras, which have been extremely popular for underwater photography these past 2 years. Since the RX100 III has been released a few months ago, it was clear that this compact and powerful camera was created to lead the market once again.
As underwater photographers, great image quality and excellent video capabilities in a small package is pretty much all we need. The RX100 III provides exactly that, producing sharp, clean results and exquisite performance.
Leading manufacturers have rushed in to create housings for this fantastic camera as fast as possible. Let go over the options:
Nauticam NA-RX100III
Main Specs:
- Housing Type: Compact
- Depth Rating: 330ft/100m
- Material: Aluminum
- Model Name: NA-RX100III
- Thread Mount: 67mm
Nauticam are well known for their rugged, high-end housings and the NA-RX100III is indeed a masterpiece. This rugged, machined aluminum housing provides easy access to all the camera’s features, user friendly ergonomics and clearly labeled controls designed for easy use underwater, even with gloves.
The NA-RX100III features a standard 67mm thread on the port positioned precisely for maximum wide-angle lens performance. Also unique in this market segment is the ability to manually focus the RX100III when desired through the front command dial.
Fantasea FRX100 III
Main Specs:
- Housing Type: Compact
- Depth Rating: 200ft/60m
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Model Name: FRX100 III
- Thread Mount: 55mm
After the huge success of the FG16 housing for the Canon G16, Fantasea have made another sure bet and provided a fantastic, affordable solution for the RX100 III. The FRX100 III is made of black Polycarbonate with a clear back cover, features a 55mm thread mount for lenses and filters and a cold shoe for light options.
The FRX100 III Housing has been successfully depth tested to 80 meters (240 ft.) and dive rated to a maximum depth of 60 meters (200 ft.), well beyond the 40 meter (130 ft.) dive limit of most compact housings.
Ikelite 6116.12 RX100 III Housing
Main Specs:
- Housing Type: Compact
- Depth Rating: 200ft/60m
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Thread Mount: 67mm
Ikelite is well known for creating practical, affordable housings for a huge variety of cameras. The Ikelite RX100 III maintains Ikelite’s famous features such as transparent housing for clear view of the controls and O-Rings, full controls and a 67mm thread for lenses and filters.
This housing also features 2 fiber optic connectors which are not always available with Ikelite housings and a double latch system for locking the camera inside.
Sea & Sea SS-06171 RX100 III Housing
Main Specs:
- Housing Type: Compact
- Depth Rating: 200ft/60m
- Material: Aluminum
- Model Name: RX100 III
- Thread Mount: 67mm
Sea & Sea’s housing is an accessory heaven. Featuring 2 optional ball mount fittings and a third cold shoe fitting, you can basically use this housing without any trays and still mount a strobe, video light and focus light all at once. This is a rugged aluminum housing, with fantastic ergonomics and intuitive controls. A 67mm thread for mounting lenses and 2 fiber optic cable connectors.
One of the cool features is the generous housing rear window which allows the camera’s LCD to tilt 15° for improved viewing.
An optional Leak Sensor can be built into the housing. Its LED lamp is located in the LCD monitor window and alerts you to any water ingress.
The housing is equipped with two sacrificial zinc diodes (one of the front case and the second on the rear) to avoid electrolysis damage.
For any further questions regarding the housings, feel free to contact our experts via the contact form or here on the online chat!
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