Heavy-Duty Underwater Housing. Ikelite’s heavy-duty housings are contoured to the camera, completely corrosion-free and super durable. The transparent backing allows for a clear view of the main o-ring seal, port o-ring seal, and camera controls. We choose to rent Ikelite-branded housings because they give you access to almost every camera control underwater. This housing is only compatible with the Panasonic GH5 and GH5S.

Ikelite Base with Dual Quick-Release Handles. This rental includes Ikelite’s Base with Dual Quick-Release Handles, which aids underwater maneuverability, is easy to attach and remove from the housing, and doesn’t interfere with the housing’s operation.

Dry-Lock Port System. This housing’s new Dry-Lock Port System employs a range of interchangeable ports of different lengths that you can use individually or in combination to suit a variety of lenses. This rental includes 20mm, 42mm, and 50mm ports that can be used on their own or in combination to fit the following lenses:

Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 X OIS (dome port only)
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 X Power OIS II (20mm port)
Olympus 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ (dome port only)
Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Power OIS (42mm port)
Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II OIS (dome port only)

These are just a few examples. You can see a more comprehensive list of compatible lenses here.

Vacuum Pump with Gauge. This rental includes Ikelite’s Hand Pump with Gauge, which lets you check for leaks and create a vacuum seal inside the camera housing to confirm that it’s watertight.

Underwater Housing Assembly Tips. Always assemble the housing first without a camera in it on dry land. Then slowly submerge the empty housing into a bathtub or a bucket, rotate the housing all around, and look for escaping air bubbles. This could be a sign that the housing is not assembled properly and water could be getting into the housing. Only after a few assemblies and dunks with no leaks do we recommend putting the camera in the housing. Again, slowly submerge the housing into a bathtub or a bucket, rotate the housing all around, and look for escaping air bubbles. As a courtesy to our gear-cleaning team, try to give the housing a quick freshwater rinse and dry off before sending it back if possible!

Underwater Shooting Tips. Practice using the camera and housing on dry land to get comfortable with adjusting settings before you get underwater. Get as close as possible to your subjects. Too much water between the lens and your subject reduces contrast and sharpness. Keep your shutter speed high—you’re often moving more than you realize when you’re not standing on the hard ground.