Backscatter's Panasonic LX10 - Underwater Camera Review


Panasonic LX10 4K Underwater Test Footage by Backscatter

Ikelite Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix LX10 & LX15 Compact Camera

This powerful compact housing packs in all of Ikelite's latest upgrades to controls and ergonomics. The shutter lever has been updated to a more sensitive and natural feeling curved design. The standard control hugs the side of the housing for comfortable use when hand-holding. It can be easily extended using the optional Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.93 to put it within easy reach when using a right-hand quick release handle.

Ikelite's push buttons have been redesigned to reduce weight and salt build-up for smooth operation with minimal maintenance. The back of the housing features laser engraved control symbols that will never fade or fall off.

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.

Durability and corrosion-free performance

Ikelite's new white ABS-PC blend housing provides strength and corrosion-free performance year with minimal maintenance. The specially formulated color deflects the sun to keep your camera running cooler, longer. Compared to black or clear housings, the light color provides superior contrast for an enhanced view of the camera, LCD screen, and o-ring seal.

The unique rear seal design prevents accidental twisting or stretching of the o-ring for simple and confident assembly. Ikelite has eliminated the need for an o-ring groove or channel which can trap sand, dirt, or debris. Two double-passivated stainless steel locking lid snaps are simple to use and virtually unbreakable. The clear back allows you to see the o-ring form a solid, watertight seal as it closes.

A spare 1/2-20 threaded accessory port is provided on the side of the housing for easy installation of the optional Vacuum Kit # 47012. A vacuum kit allows you to pressurize the housing to check for proper assembly prior to entering the water.

Ikelite products are designed, built, and tested in the USA. Ikelite uses locally sourced, top-grade materials. Ikelite's housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit and function. Every unit is water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m). Ikelite backs its products with over 50 years of experience and the best reputation for diving industry service.

Flash

Due to the camera's flash position in relation to its lens, the built-in flash is not suitable to illuminate photos underwater. For the best color and clarity, Ikelite recommends adding a filter, strobe, or constant-on light. The built-in flash may be used to trigger external strobes via a fiber optic sync cord. Two ports are provided for the connection of up to two fiber optic cords.

Any Ikelite DS strobe may be connected using the Fiber Optic Converter # 4401.1 and Fiber Optic Cord # 4501. The AF35 strobe is not compatible with this housing.

Fiber optic cord compatibility

• Ikelite Fiber Optic Coiled Cord # 4501
• INON Optical D Cable "Non-wireless type" L-Connector
• Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Cable (L-type) # 50107
• Sea & Sea Fiber Optic Cable II # 50128
• Olympus UW Fiber Optic Cable PTCB-E02
• Nauticam Optical Fiber Cable # 26211 Nauticam to INON
• Nauticam Optical Fiber Cable # 26212 Nauticam to Sea & Sea

Wide Angle, Macro + Filters

Ikelite's 3-inch diameter ports feature a 67mm thread on the front for the easy attachment of external wide angle and macro wet lenses. Wide angle lenses make objects appear smaller so that you can fit more into your frame underwater. Macro close-up lenses make small objects appear larger so that tiny creatures will fill your frame.

The WD-3 Wide Angle Dome provides a mid-range angle of view with no vignetting (dark shadows in the image's corners).

The W-30 Wide Angle Lens, INON UWL-95 T2, and other 67mm threaded wide angle lenses, provide a wider maximum angle of view. Because these are separated from the camera's lens by glass, air, and water, some vignetting and edge distortion will be present. These effects can be reduced or eliminated by using a smaller aperture, zooming in slightly, and/or cropping in post-production.

External macro lenses with 67mm threads from INON, Epoque, and other manufacturers, can be attached directly to the front of the housing's port.

3-inch diameter color filters press directly onto these ports. Most wide angle lenses require a 3.6-inch diameter color filter. Refer to the product page for information on color filter compatibility.

What's Included

• Housing
• Port cover # 0200
• Silicone lubricant 1cc tube # 0184.1
• 1 year manufacturer warranty

Specifications

• 200 ft (60m) depth rating
• Controls for all camera functions except Flash open lever; flash must be opened prior to installation of camera in housing
• Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water
• 1/4-20 thread tray mounting with 3 in (76mm) spacing
• Weight 2.6 lb (1180 g)
• Dimensions 5.3 x 5.1 x 6.9 in (135 x 130 x 175 mm)
• 3.0-inch diameter glass lens port

Spare Parts

• 0109 - Main o-ring
• 0200 - Port cover
• 0184.2 - Silicone lubricant resealable 2cc tube