Best Underwater Compact Camera Systems
Chelsea PomalesThe Micro eliminates flooding risk by excluding any way for water to get in — it’s permanently sealed and waterproof to 200 feet. It has a 140-degree wide-angle lens, Wi-Fi to connect to smartphone or tablet (an app transfers photos/videos and controls the camera), and shoots 1080p HD video or 13 mp stills. A press of the shutter captures 2 mp stills while filming video. Sweet.
MSRP: Micro HD (16 GB memory) $399.95; Micro HD+ (32GB memory and WiFi) $499.95
CONTACT: sealife-cameras.com
Chelsea PomalesUltralight Control Systems Tray and Handle for GoPro
Ultralight has a new range of handles and trays for GoPro and lighting systems, including this TR-GP aluminum tray, paired with the TR-DHB handle and the AC-CS clamp set, shown here attached to Underwater Kinetics’ Aqualite eLED. The tray comes with a GoPro mount and has several pre-drilled mounting points. The padded handle can be installed on either side, and Ultralight offers adapters for a wide range of video and focus lights.
MSRP: $49.95 handle, $26.95 tray, $29.95 clamp set
CONTACT: ulcs.com---
Polar Pro Switchblade 2.0
The new version of the Switchblade still features a macro lens and a separate filter that swings on and off (and can be used separately or together). But the 2.0 now has a 10x macro lens and a beefier design, with stainless rivets and a closure mechanism for the macro. It’s compatible with the GoPro Hero3, Hero3+, and new Hero4 standard or dive housing (shown).
MSRP: $69.99
CONTACT: polarprofilters.com---
Backscatter Macromate Mini for GoPro
If you’re less than a foot from your underwater subject, GoPro’s wide-angle lens won’t focus, so you’ll need an accessory lens. The Macromate Mini focuses to about 3 inches; you can fill the frame with tiny subjects with razor-sharp focus. It threads into the 55mm FLIP 3.1 adapter (compatible with the GoPro Hero3, Hero 3+ and Hero4). It has a rugged aluminum frame and a precision optical glass lens, and its design lets you swing it on or off to swap between macro and wide-angle shots.
MSRP: $89
CONTACT: backscatter.com---
**Ikelite Vega Dual Lighting Kit for GoPro **
Two things you’ll need for good underwater GoPro video: a steady platform from which to shoot and lots of light. Ikelite’s Vega Dual Lighting Kit gives you both. The aluminum tray has double handles and a pistol grip, and a set of flexible arms loaded with a pair of Ikelite Vegas that pump out 2,200 lumens each. The Vegas have three power levels — full, half, quarter — for optimal light for video or macro. The lights are controlled via tail switches with a locking off position that seals the gold-plated recharging ports for travel; they have a burn time of up to three hours per charge.
MSRP: $1,300
CONTACT: ikelite.com---
SeaLife Sea Dragon 1200 Photo/Video/ Dive Light
Depth rated to 200 feet, the light puts out 1,200 lumens, and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 75-minute run time at full power. The kit includes a lightweight tray that is compatible with any camera (including GoPro) and a comfortable handle with push-button release that is compatible with any of Sea Life’s Flex-Connect components.
MSRP: $399.95 for light, grip and tray
CONTACT: sealife-cameras.com
Chelsea PomalesGoogle “world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR,” and you’ll find Canon’s EOS Rebel SL1, for which Ikelite has created one of its signature clear polycarbonate housings (rated to 200 feet). It provides a full view of the camera so you can inspect for a watertight seal before diving in. This kit includes housing, camera, tray with handle, dome port with zoom sleeve, and an 18-55mm lens (with smooth, nearly silent autofocus) for close-up and wide-angle shots. Ikelite’s housing has precision controls that let you make the most of the camera’s 18-megapixel stills and HD video.
MSRP: $1,950
CONTACT: ikelite.com
Chelsea PomalesNo matter how precise your buoyancy control, sometimes you need a little help to stay in place. Smaller in diameter than a pencil eraser, the 15-inch Dive Stick makes sure you leave only bubbles when you’re getting the shot. Available in assorted colors of anodized aluminum or in stainless steel.
MSRP: $15 aluminum, $18 stainless
CONTACT: xit404.com
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Underwater cameras have become incredibly compact and easy to use, making it possible for any diver to capture both images and videos. Here are some new systems and accessories that prove you can pack a lot of power into a little package.
PACKING TIP: Avoid excess baggage fees and protect your investment by packing your most fragile, irreplaceable camera gear in your carry-on. At the very least, carry on a single digital camera body and a few primary lenses. Unless it’s bulky and heavy, you might also consider carrying on your housing.
For more gear reviews from Sport Diver, check out these other great gear roundups:
• Essential Gear: Best Mask and Snorkel Combos
• Best Scuba Diving Regulators
• Best Travel BCs for Scuba Diving
• Best Underwater Cameras and Accessories
• Smart, Sleek and Sexy: 10 New Dive Computers
• Essential Scuba Diving Gear for the Weekend Warrior
