Buying Guides

If You Have A Friend Who Takes Photos Underwater, This Is What You Should Get Them For Christmas…

Check out the 2017 Updated Christmas Gift Guide!

santa g16

Christmas 2014 – Full Gift Guide for Underwater Photographers

It’s the same thing every year…. “How can I find the perfect present for my husband / sister / best friend / grandma??” That question is one of the leading search queries on Google this month! (Seriously! Check out this graph from Google)

Well we don’t know about grandma (assuming she’s not a diver…) but we are here to help you out with your diving friends!

To make it easier for you, we divided it into price ranges, because we know that the amount you spend on someone on Christmas is how much you love them…. 😉


Gifts for $1 – $50

Distant relative / Neighbour / Guy you buy coffee from…


Fantasea - Silicone Grease for Underwater Housing and Strobe O-rings
Fantasea – Silicone Grease for Underwater Housing and Strobe O-rings

Fantasea – Silicone O-Ring Grease | $4.95

Nothing says “I love you” like a small tube of Silicon Grease.

The grease would help you remove that friend from your life as smooooth as possible…

Buy it here


Leak Insure GoPro Absorbent Strips
Leak Insure GoPro Absorbent Strips

Leak Insure GoPro Absorbent Strips | $15.95

Great little product that keeps you GoPro safe from minor leaks by placing one strip inside the GoPro housing. The strips contain special absorbent granules that can hold 400 times their own weight in freshwater! This gift could save your friends hundreds of dollars!

Buy it here


YS-D1 Strobe Cover
Sea & Sea YS-D1 Strobe Cover

Sea & Sea YS-D1 Strobe Cover | $30

COVER. Not entire strobe. Just a neat black ninja-style neoprene cover. If you have a friend with YS-D1 strobes, help him accessorize and get him this. Why do they need it? Well it protects the strobe from scratches and bruises, adds a bit of buoyancy, but most important – it makes you look cooler.

Buy it here


Itorch Blue Water Red Filter for GoPro Hero 3+
Itorch Blue Water Red Filter for GoPro Hero 3+

Sharkhon Red Filter for GoPro Hero 3+/4 | $24.99

In case you’re not a diver, you may not know that colors fade away the deeper you go underwater. Which means all your videos start turning blue. Red filters are great for bringing back some of the “redness” to your videos/photos and making the colors somewhat more natural. Make sure your friend doesn’t have one already, and if they just got a GoPro, this would be the next thing they intend to get.

Buy it here


Big Blue - AL220 (220 Lumens) Underwater Dive Light
Big Blue – AL220 (220 Lumens) Underwater Dive Light

Big Blue – AL220 Underwater Dive Light | $49.99

This is probably the best thing you can get on our low budget list. It could be great for that neighbor that brought you cookies when you just moved in.

The AL220 is an all purpose underwater flashlight by Bigblue, great for night dives, spare light for cave dives, or just an all purpose travel weather-proof flashlight. It comes in 5 cool colors and is tested to 100m / 330ft (that’s a lot!).

Buy it here


Gifts for $50 – $200

Friends / Co-workers / Classmates…


Itorch A5 Underwater Housing for Apple iPhone 5
Itorch A5 Underwater Housing for Apple iPhone 5

Itorch Underwater Housing for Apple iPhone 5 | $119.95

If your friend can’t leave his iPhone for one moment, why not help him take it underwater as well? This cool housing makes it easy and safe to take your iPhone 5 underwater and use it as a camera, capturing photos and videos from your dive trips.

Buy it here


Inon UCL-165 M67 Close-up Lens
Inon UCL-165 M67 Close-up Lens

Inon UCL-165 M67 Close-up Lens | $178.75

This little lens is one of the most popular accessories for underwater available! When shooting little critters underwater, such as Nudibranches, Shrimp or baby fish, most cameras just can’t focus too close on the subject making macro photography hard or impossible. This lens attaches to a standard 67mm thread (exists in many housings) and allows the camera to focus closer even when zoomed in, thus creating magnification and making it easy to shoot great macro photos!

Buy it here


Polar Pro - Switchblade 2.0 -GoPro Hero4 | Hero3+ | Hero3
Polar Pro – Switchblade 2.0 -GoPro Hero4 | Hero3+ | Hero3

Polar Pro – Switchblade 2.0 – GoPro Hero4/3+/3 | $69.99

One of the best accessories for GoPro shooters. Attach both a red filter and a macro lens with simple flip mechanism. This allows greater versatility with your GoPro and provides excellent colors and macro ability in the same dive. The 2 filters are usable together enabling you to get good color on macro shots/videos as well.

Buy it here


Sea Dragon 600 Lumen Light - Mounted on a Sealife Flex-Connect Micro Tray Light Set
Sea Dragon 600 Lumen Light – Mounted on a Sealife Flex-Connect Micro Tray Light Set

Sea Dragon 600 Light on Sealife Micro Tray | $199.00

This great value package is excellent for attaching small cameras or action cameras! Bright and compact, the Sea Dragon Mini 600 Light adds bright colors to your photos and videos, while the Flex-Connect Miro Tray and Grip provide comfort and stability to your camera setup.

Buy it here


Intova - Nova HD Action Camera with Underwater Housing
Intova – Nova HD Action Camera with Underwater Housing

Intova Nova HD Action Camera | $199

This is a great deal! The new Nova is an easy to use, Full HD 1080p, 12MP underwater camera,with a strong build, LCD screen and even a remote included!

Use the 140 degree fisheye lens to capture stunning videos and photos from your trips, at a very affordable cost!

Buy it here


Gifts for $200 – $500

Good Friends / Close Relatives…


Big Blue AL1800XWP (1800 Lumens) Underwater Video Light
Big Blue AL1800XWP (1800 Lumens) Underwater Video Light

Big Blue AL1800XWP Underwater Video Light | $249.99

This brand new light by Bigblue is surprisingly small for the powerful output it can deliver – 1800 Lumens! If you’re not sure if that’s a lot, then trust us. It’s very powerful! We just got to play with it for the first time at DEMA 2014 and we fell in love with it. The light produces a 120 degree beam which is useful for wide angle photography and features an easy push button to switch on and between modes with a battery indicator LED as well. Packed with a standard ball mount included.

Buy it here


Sea & Sea YS-01 Strobe - Mounted on a Uni-Tray Flex Arm Set Light Set
Sea & Sea YS-01 Strobe – Mounted on a Uni-Tray Flex Arm Set Light Set

Sea & Sea YS-01 Mounted on Uni-Tray | $499

This package is awesome! One of the best value bundles you can get. If you don’t know why strobes are so important, check out our post on “Why Are Strobes So Damn Important“. To sum it up in one sentence – A strobe is why most awesome underwater photos are so awesome!

So if your friend doesn’t have a strobe yet, you can trust that the Sea & Sea YS-01 is one of the most popular strobes available, with both manual and TTL operation, excellent power output and good recycle time. It triggers optically so it will work with any camera with a flash. This is great deal!

Buy it here


Big Blue VTL2800P (Flood 2800 / Spot 1000 Lumens) Underwater Video Light
Big Blue VTL2800P (Flood 2800 / Spot 1000 Lumens) Underwater Video Light

Bigblue VTL2800P Underwater Video Light | $451.99

Remember the little guy (AL1800XWP) above? Well this is his big brother. This light is capable of 2800 Lumens in 120 degree flood mode, as well as a 10 degree spot mode which is useful as a regular dive light / techincal light or focus light. Oh yeah and Red light as well! Depth rated to 100m/330ft and at a nice compact size for mounting or hand held, this is a great light for Christmas!

Buy it here


Sealife SL501 Micro HD+ Underwater Camera
Sealife SL501 Micro HD+ Underwater Camera

Micro HD+ Flood-Proof Underwater Camera | $499

If you haven’t heard of the Micro HD yet, then here she is! This small and sexy camera is going to be a best-seller for 2015! Capture the tranquil beauty of the undersea world with the first permanently sealed, flood-proof underwater camera. The Micro HD+ has no doors or openings that could possibly leak. With 32GB of onboard memory, built in WiFi and a high capacity internal battery, there’s no need for memory cards, batteries, O-rings, or maintenance. The Micro HD produces stunning videos at full HD 1080p and great 13MP photos. Available also in a $399 version with 16GB and no WiFi.

The simple piano keys and friendly menu make it so easy to use – this camera would be great for anyone! Even your grandma can use it!

Buy it here


YS-03 - Mounted on a Sea & Sea Universal Lighting System Light Set
YS-03 – Mounted on a Sea & Sea Universal Lighting System Light Set

YS-03 Universal Lighting System | $349

The YS-03 strobe is the newest addition to Sea & Sea’s strobe line-up. What makes it unique is how simple it is to use! Just plug it in, switch it on, and you’re good to go! The YS-03  is designed to mimic the light intensity of the camera’s built-in flash using Slave TTL technology to produce perfect lighting with every shot. It would work with practically any camera that has a built-in flash and would enhance your images by adding light and retrieving the beautiful colors of underwater marine life.

The Universal Lighting System is designed to fit any compact or mirrorless housing and the flex arm makes it easy to position your strobe wherever you like to light up your subject.

Buy it here


Backscatter - FLIP3.1 MacroMate Combo with Side & Top Flip
Backscatter – FLIP3.1 MacroMate Combo with Side & Top Flip

Backscatter – FLIP3.1 MacroMate Combo for GoPro | $229

This is the ultimate GoPro accessory kit! 3 different filters for Shallow, Dive and Deep, with an additional macro lens to allow the GoPro to shoot from a close distance. Compatible with Hero 3/3+/4. This will transform you GoPro into a mean lean video machine! All adapters can be removed and replaced easily underwater with a flip mechanism which allows two filters mounted on the same dive.

Stop torturing your friends with terrible underwater color. This package will take your video to the next level.

Buy it here


Nauticam Super Macro Converter 1
Nauticam Super Macro Converter 1

Nauticam Super Macro Converter – SMC | $480

The Nauticam SMC is known as one of the best macro wet lenses out there. It delivers x2.3 magnification with stunning clarity, sharpness, contrast and detail. The Converter retains the optical properties of the macro lens for the whole system underwater, resulting in a blurred (out of focus) background that has a pleasing smoothness and creamy look, without the normal purple and green fringing.

The lens is compatible with any 67mm standard thread and is highly recommended as an add-on for DSLR’s mounted with 60mm/100mm macro lenses.

Buy it here


Gifts for $500 – $1000

Best Friends / Siblings / Spouse…


FG16 Underwater Housing AND Canon G16 Digital Camera
FG16 Underwater Housing AND Canon G16 Digital Camera

Canon G16 Camera + Fantasea Housing Bundle | $839.95

The Canon G16 has become one of the most popular cameras for underwater ever to hit the market. It’s compact design, along with fully manual features and excellent image quality make it an obvious choice for underwater. Shortly after the camera was released, Fantasea created this amazing housing for it, at an unbeatable price, creating a superb ready-to-dive underwater camera bundle.

Great ergonomics, double O-ring seal, leak detector included, plenty of available accessorize and a cool black finish. Just imagine the praise you will get from the lucky friend who will get this gift from you!

Buy it here


2 x Sea Dragon 2000 UW Photo/Video/Dive Lights - Mounted on a Sealife Flex-Connect Dual Tray Light Set
2 x Sea Dragon 2000 UW Photo/Video/Dive Lights – Mounted on a Sealife Flex-Connect Dual Tray Light Set

Dual Sea Dragon 2000 Kit | $899

Now this is a powerful lighting kit! 2 powerful video lights, 2000 Lumens each, producing 4000 Lumens of pure light, at a 100 degree beam angle each, providing full coverage for any wide angle lens including Fisheye lenses and action cameras. Each light operates with only a single button, quickly adjust between 3 power levels, and is depth rated to 200 feet/60 meters.

Create stunning underwater videos and even light up still photos with the powerful setup!

Buy it here


Ikelite Underwater Housing AND Canon S120 Digital Camera
Ikelite Underwater Housing AND Canon S120 Digital Camera

Canon S120 Camera + Ikelite Housing | $799.95

The Canon S120 is one of Canon’s most capable compacts! It’s known as a high-end compact with outstanding image quality which is a few levels above most compact cameras, thanks to the large 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor and super sharp 24–120 mm lens. Being this small, the camera is perfect for underwater use and has been a great hit ever since it was introduced to the market. The Ikelite housing supports it perfectly allowing access to all relevant controls and keeping the camera safe and dry up to 60m/200ft. Ready-To-Dive bundle!

Buy it here


Itorch Venom35s (with Spot) (3500 Lumens) Underwater Video Light
Itorch Venom35s (with Spot) (3500 Lumens) Underwater Video Light

Itorch Venom35S Video Light | $749

Venom35s the newest video light from i-Torch. Only 360g with OVER 3500 lumens. 1 hour burn time. LED display for battery status and power levels. With White/ Red / Spot all inclusive in one tiny light. The Venom35S can burn for 60m at full power, produces a 120 degree flood beam and 18 degree spot beam, depth rated to 330ft/100mts and sealed with double O-rings. A real work horse!

Buy it here


Dual Fantasea Action 700 - Mounted on a BTS Boomerang Tray + Flex Arms and Aquapod Light Set
Dual Fantasea Action 700 – Mounted on a BTS Boomerang Tray + Flex Arms and Aquapod Light Set

Ultimate GoPro Package | $789.00

Fun package specially made for the holidays! Includes a BTS Boomerang Tray with 2 Fantasea Action Lights (700 Lumen each), FLIP3.1 Combo set with 3 different filters for changing depths and a macro lens for shooting up close AND a Sealife Aquapod pole for mounting the camera and getting to those hard to reach spots, or just for shooting selfies!

The ultimate holiday package for any GoPro user!

Buy it here


Gifts for $1000 – $2000

For Grandma…


Fantasea FG16 Underwater Housing AND Canon G16 Camera w/S&S YS-01 Strobe
Fantasea FG16 Underwater Housing AND Canon G16 Camera w/S&S YS-01 Strobe

Ultimate Canon G16 Package | $1989

This is the Full Monty. The ultimate underwater compact package! Including Canon G16 camera, FG16 Fantasea housing, YS-01 Strobe mounted on flex arm, Wide angle lens, Macro lens and Red filter. All you ever need to produce the finest underwater images from your dives!

Buy it here


Ikelite DSLR Underwater Housing AND Canon EOS 100D / SL1 Digital Camera
Ikelite DSLR Underwater Housing AND Canon EOS 100D / SL1 Digital Camera

Canon EOS 100D / SL1 Camera + Ikelite Housing | $1899

Ikelite have really outdone themselves with this package! The first compact DSLR which allows such a small housing, making DSLR photography travel friendly and affordable! This package includes the Canon 100D Camera, 18-55mm lens, Ikelite housing and dome port, all for under $2000! Talk about great deals…

Buy it here


Fantasea FRX100 III Underwater Housing AND Sony RX100 III Digital Camera
Fantasea FRX100 III Underwater Housing AND Sony RX100 III Digital Camera

Sony RX100 III + Fantasea Housing | $1349.95

Proclaimed as the “Best pocket camera available” by DPReview, the Sony RX100 III is certainly what you call a high-end compact camera. Sony have integrated a 1″ sensor in this pocket sized camera, along with ultra sharp, bright 24-105mm f/1.8-2.8 Carl Zeiss lens and 1080/60p video. The RX100 III has garnered A LOT of attention since it was announced and many consider it the best compact available for underwater photography. Fantasea, riding on the success of their FG16 housing, have created a fantastic housing for it, with dual O-rings, sturdy build, integrated leak sensor and many other cool features.

This bundle is fresh out of the oven and expected to be one of 2015’s top packages for underwater photography.

Buy it here


Gifts for $2000 – $10,000

Who are you kidding? You don’t love anybody that much. Buy this for yourself 🙂


Sea and Sea RDX-650D Underwater Housing AND Canon 700D Digital Camera
Sea and Sea RDX-650D Underwater Housing AND Canon 700D Digital Camera

Canon 700D Camera + Sea & Sea Housing Bundle | $2,583.95

This great value bundle includes a Canon 700D DSLR Camera, 18-55mm lens, Sea & Sea RDX-650D housing, Standard RDX Flat Port and a zoom gear for a very affordable price! The 700D is one of Canon’s most popular DSLR cameras with excellent video and photo quality. The RDX-650D housing is compatible with both the 650D and 700D and is a rugged, polycarbonate, custom built housing depth rated 60m / 200ft and allows full control over all the camera’s features. An extensive port system supports plenty of different lenses. Two fiber optic connectors allow using 2 optically triggered strobes.

Buy it here


Aquatica AE-M1 Underwater Housing AND Olympus OM-D E-M1 Digital Camera
Aquatica AE-M1 Underwater Housing AND Olympus OM-D E-M1 Digital Camera

Aquatica Bundle for Olympus OM-D E-M1 | $4,685.98

We all know that the mirrorless cameras have completely changed the DSLR market. Being so compact while keeping all great features we know from standard DSLR’s, the mirrorless / micro 4/3’s cameras have been naturally adopted by the underwater community. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is one of the best mirrorless cameras to hit the market and the Aquatica housing is one of the top housings available for it.

This bundle ROCKS!

The package includes the camera, ultra wide 9-18mm lens (very popular for UW), Aquatica housing, extension, gear and dome port. Everything you need to start producing professional videos and photos.

Buy it here


Aquatica Underwater DSLR Package for Canon 5D Mark III (Mark 3) with Canon 100 & Canon 16-35 Lens Ports & Lighting
Aquatica Underwater DSLR Package for Canon 5D Mark III (Mark 3) with Canon 100 & Canon 16-35 Lens Ports & Lighting

Aquatica Ultimate DSLR Package for Canon 5D MIII | $7,535.00

THIS is the reason you have been good all year. This is what you want for Christmas…

We hope that Santa loves you enough to get you this 🙂

Buy it here


Need some more gift ideas? Don’t know which items would fit your friend’s existing gear? Contact our experts and consult with them about options and compatibility!


Conclusion

We hope this list will help you out a bit. We recommend sharing this with your friends to make sure they know what to get for you this Christmas!

Happy Holidays and Dive Safe!

Ho Ho Hoh my god look at that Manta Ray!!! 😉

RM

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Ran Mor
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