After reading favorable comments about Aquapac waterproof cases, I got their SLR camera case with hard lens for my Canon XSi/450D. Living in a sub-tropic area, it’s not uncommon to find me at the beach, and sometimes in a boat, taking photos. My camera often needs protection from the elements.

100% waterproof and floats

It’s comforting to know that if my DSLR drops overboard, or if I get hit with a sudden splash of water, the camera is 100% waterproofed. Though the case won’t protect a camera from hard knocks and falls, it will stay afloat.

Handling the Aquapac case*

It takes practice to get the hang of accessing camera buttons through the flexible housing. The camera lens can not be attached to the optically clear “lensflex” hard lens. Depending on the physical length of the camera lens, it may have to be held in place.

Main settings, such as white balance and ISO, should be adjusted before placing the camera in the case. When light is low, focus manually.

Quality of photos taken outside

For all but the most demanding photographers, photos taken through the hard lens will be pleasing.

Outside shots are not as sharp as those taken without the case. Depending on lighting, images can appear a bit hazy and soft. However, as the example below shows, images respond well to basic editing: reducing in size, adjusting for brightness and contrast, and sharpening.

Photos taken with the XSi/450D & Aquapac SLR case

Photo 1 - taken with no case

Photo 2 - taken using Aquapac case

Photo 2 after minor editing including sharpening

What I like:

• Costs significantly less than camera-specific hard case underwater housings.
• Protects a camera from the elements such as sand, dust and water spray.
• 100 percent waterproof to 15′/5 meters.
• The case floats with the camera in it.
• Lightweight and well-made.
• The three “aquaclips” that seal the case are quick and easy to use.
• Very good three-year warranty.

What I dislike:

• Instructions for handling a DSLR in the case could be better.
• Sometimes difficult to see the camera LCD.
• Camera sometimes has difficulty autofocusing through the case.

Under the water

The Aquapac DSLR case works well and is relatively easy to manipulate. The lens tube can be pressed on the lens to avoid seeing it in pictures. The lens used in the sample photo on the right (below) was a pretty wide diameter (72 mm) but it went in snugly. Some zooming is possible. As you can see from the accompanying photos, it works well in ocean and lake waters. Images were reduced in size and slightly edited including sharpening.

Photo by Bernard Dery