Ikelite: How To Assemble a Complete Underwater Camera System

Ikelite Canon EOS R5 Underwater Housing 50DL

A full-featured and highly customizable underwater housing for the Canon EOS R5 full frame mirrorless camera. Perfect for any wet or shallow water environment including pools, underwater portrait studios, snorkeling, surf, ice, and more.
 

Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera

The 2020 Canon EOS R5 is one of the most hotly anticipated new camera from Canon in the past ten years. Featuring a brand new 45 megapixel CMOS sensor in a durable weather-sealed body with OLED electronic viewfinder. Videographers can shoot 8K RAW video at 30p and 24p or oversampled 4K footage at up to 120p.

Autofocus is extremely fast and accurate even in low light settings with its Dual Pixel AF II system, 1053 autofocus points, and a Deep Learning feature that allows it to track both people and animals. An image stabilization system inherited from the EOS R can reduce camera shake up to 8 stops depending on which lens is attached.

Canon continues to expand its line of RF mount lenses designed for mirrorless camera bodies. Additionally, Canon shooters can also use their favorite EF mount lenses thanks to the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter.
 

Lens Ports

This housing features Ikelite's robust Dry Lock (DL) port system. "Dry Lock" refers to the placement of the o-ring on the outside of the port mount. This improves visibility and reduces the chances of water dropping onto your precious camera sensor. DL ports are the lightest on the market, yet robust and capable of standing up to rough surf. Attachment is quick and secure. A system of extensions can accommodate a huge variety of lenses with ease.

Most popular zoom lenses and select lens focus rings can be engaged using simple gearing that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. A large, soft-touch knob on the side of the housing makes fine-tuned adjustments a breeze. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using. Zoom gears sold separately.
 

Vacuum System

The included vacuum valve allows you to pressurize the housing to check for leaks prior to putting your expensive equipment in the water. Use of the vacuum valve requires a compatible Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011, sold separately.

There is no greater assurance than being able to see your camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing. Ikelite's signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel. Once the housing is closed you can see the o-ring form a solid, waterproof seal.
 

Optional Strobe Connection

External strobes may be triggered by the camera by adding the B1A Bulkhead # 46002 and Canon C1 Hotshoe (Manual) # 46071. Reliable locking connectors between the hotshoe and bulkhead make it easy to install the hotshoe or carry backup parts when traveling to remote locations. This combination provides manual exposure only using the strobe(s) power settings.

Enjoy the fastest and most accurate strobe exposure on the market by adding the DL5 DS Link Canon TTL Converter B1A Bulkhead and CT1 TTL Hotshoe Kit # 46076 and a compatible Ikelite DS strobe. The DS Link can be programmed to the camera's specific TTL protocol and supports both first curtain and rear curtain sync up to the camera's maximum flash sync speed. Exposure compensation can be used added or subtracted in the camera. A push-button and indicator light on the side of the converter makes it simple to switch back and forth between TTL and manual exposure underwater.
 

Ergonomics

Good ergonomics are critical when you need to concentrate on composition, focus, and proper exposure. Large, curved control levers put the most important controls right where you need them: shutter and autofocus (via the AF-L button). This combination allows you to shoot with or without back button focus, an advanced technique that is useful for tack sharp focus of super macro and fast-moving subjects. Each lever can be extended using the optional Trigger Extension # 4077.95 for perfect spacing when using a right-hand handle.

The rotating controls are all operated intuitively via premium soft-touch knobs. An oversized, lobed knob puts the zoom/focus knob at your fingertips while your left-hand stays on the handle. Stainless steel, direct-drive rotating controls are virtually fail-safe and user-serviceable, and adjustable in a pinch.

All rear camera buttons are accessible by smooth action, hard-anodized aluminum push buttons for reliable performance and easy maintenance. These controls are clearly labeled by laser engraving on the back of the housing that never fades or falls off.
 

Set-Up

The camera mount is front-loading for easy installation and removal. A small mounting plate attaches to the bottom of the camera and secures in the front of the housing. The camera mounting plate does not need to be removed from the camera for surface use or when changing the battery or memory cards. The mounting plate features a 1/4-20 threaded mount on the bottom so that it can be attached to a tripod on the surface.
 

Wi-Fi

Use the camera's built-in wi-fi feature to download photos to another device without removing the camera from the housing. The WiFi feature is only usable above water within close proximity to the connected device.
 

Viewfinders

The included viewport reduces reflections when framing using the camera's electronic viewfinder (EVF). The viewfinder removes quickly and easily for the attachment of an optional Straight Magnified Viewfinder (Type 2) # 6890.1 or 45° Magnified Viewfinder (Type 3) # 6891.3. The angle of a 45º viewfinder is more ergonomic when shooting underwater plus it provides a larger and brighter view than the standard Super-Eye.
 

M16 Accessory Port

The spare M16 threaded accessory port provides an attachment point for third-party accessories including HDMI bulkheads.
 

Optional M24 Accessory Port

This model may be customized to add a large bore M24 thread accessory port for the attachment of HDMI monitors which utilize an M24 or M28 thread (M24-to-M28 adapter required, not sold by Ikelite). It is possible to custom order the housing with the port or return the housing for after-sale modification. The port is located on the left side of the housing to reduce interference with controls.
 

Handling & Travel

The housing, tray, and handles have been optimized to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability. The Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 (sold separately) can be added or removed depending on your needs. The precision-machined aluminum base features 1/4-20 tripod mounting sockets and additional mounting locations for future accessories. The base and handle can be quickly removed when breaking down your system for travel.

A 1/4-20 threaded mounting point is located front and center on the housing above the lens port mount. This mount can be used to attach lightweight accessories like a focus light or GoPro camera.

If you're shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added to carry to and from the dive site. Top handles are available in a Cable Grip # 4080.09 or Aluminum Top Handle # 4080.08. The rigid aluminum version provides additional mounting points for lighting and accessories.

Adding a dedicated focus light to your top mount or strobe arm is highly recommended for more accurate autofocus in low-light settings.
 

Construction

Ikelite's ABS-PC blend front is durable, provides improved contrast and visibility, keeps your camera running cooler in the sun, and is significantly lighter weight than aluminum alternatives.

Every housing is made in the USA, individually inspected for fit, and water pressure tested to 50 feet (15m).
 

Compatibility

This housing is only compatible with Canon EOS R5 cameras as shipped by the manufacturer. Unless otherwise noted, this housing does not accommodate the use of add-on grips, battery grips, eyepieces, LCD covers, or other accessories.

The Canon EOS R6 camera cannot be used in or adapted to this housing due to differences in lens and control placement.

Differences in lens and control placement prevent other camera models from being used in or adapted to this housing. Ikelite is not aware of any other models which may be used in or adapted to this particular housing.
 

Specifications

• 50' (15m) depth rating
• Compatible with DL system lens ports
• Controls are provided for all important camera controls;
• Controls are not provided for Depth of field preview button, Multi-function lock button, Multi-controller (can be pushed in for use as a user-programmable button)
• 1/4-20 thread base mounts with 3.5" spacing
• Slightly positive buoyancy in freshwater
• Actual buoyancy varies depending on the choice of lens and port
• 4.5 lb (2041 g) without tray and handle
• 5.2 lb (2358 g) with tray and handle
• 8.75 x 6.875 x 6.5" (220 x 175 x 165 mm)
• Vacuum valve included (pump sold separately)
• Optional bulkhead, hotshoe, and TTL converter accessories
• ABS-PC construction is fundamentally corrosion-resistant
• Made in the USA; Individually inspected for fit and water pressure tested to depth
• 2 year limited warranty

 

In the Box

• Housing
• Rear O-ring # 0132.59 (installed)
• Front O-ring # 0132.45 (installed)
• Zoom Gear Retainer # 75900 (installed)
• Port Hole Cover # 0200.92 (installed)
• Base with Left-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.67 (installed)
• Tool for Zoom Gear Retainer # 0945.06
• 0.050" Hex Key # 0945.11
• Silicone Lubricant 1cc Tube

 

Optional Accessories

• Spare Rear O-Ring # 0132.59 Carry a backup in case the original seal becomes damaged.
• Spare Front O-Ring # 0132.45 Carry a backup in case the original seal becomes damaged.
• Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011 Pressurize the housing to check for leaks prior to entering the water.
• Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 Makes a double tray for easier handling and a second attachment point for strobes or lights.
• Trigger Extension # 4077.95 Recommended if using the Right-Hand Quick Release Handle. Brings shutter or AF-ON lever out to handle for more comfortable use (requires 2 to extend both controls).
• DL5 DS Link Canon TTL Converter B1A Bulkhead and CT1 TTL Hotshoe Kit # 46076 Fast, accurate, automatic TTL strobe exposure when used together with compatible Ikelite DS strobes.
• 45º Magnified Viewfinder (Type 3) # 6891.3 Brighter, larger, and more ergonomic positioning when shooting underwater. Rotates for landscape or portrait shots.
• Cable Top Handle Grip # 4080.09 The most convenient way to carry the system when shooting with two strobe arms.