2013 Dive Gear Buyers Guide: Underwater Photography

Carrie GarciaThe DC1400 Maxx Duo combines a 14-megapixel camera, fisheye wide-angle lens, flash, video light and tray (and a host of accessories), so you’ll never get caught choosing between shooting cool video or photos again.
Contact: sealife-cameras.com
MSRP: $1,700

Carrie GarciaThis housing gives photographers complete control over all functions — including zoom and flash mode — on the brand-new Olympus TG-2 camera. There’s also an optical connector for adding an optional external underwater flash to brighten subjects even more while reducing backscatter.
Contact: backscatter.com
MSRP: Camera, $400; Housing, $309

Carrie GarciaMade from high-quality polycarbonate construction and depth rated to 130 feet, the PT-054 housing is made for the Olympus XZ-2 camera. Photographers can control all functions, such as zoom and flash mode, plus attach Olympus macro and wide conversion lenses directly to the case.
Contact: backscatter.com
MSRP: Camera, $600; Housing, $327

Carrie GarciaControl dials are easily reached by thumb or forefinger while adjusting aperture and shutter speed, and function buttons can be programmed for a multitude of underwater functions.
Contact: [nauticamusa .com](http://www.nauticamusa .com)
MSRP: Camera, $1,250; Housing, $1,350; Macro Port and Zoom Gear Set for M.Zuiko ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ, $800

Carrie GarciaThis all-in-one set combines the ReefMaster camera with easy setup mode, mini-wide-angle lens, Digital Pro Flash and soft, lightweight travel case — everything you need to get stunning results from your underwater photos.
Contact: sealife-cameras.com
MSRP: $610

Carrie GarciaThe compact, rugged, machined-aluminum housing features easy adjustment of aperture and shutter speed, as well as white balance, ISO, shooting modes and video recording. Plus, photographers can manually focus via a front command dial.
Contact: nauticamusa.com
MSRP: $950

Carrie GarciaFully waterproof to 140 feet, the tough polycarbonate PT-EP10 housing is designed specifically for the Olympus E-PL5 camera, and is compatible with a range of lenses. The flash connectors enable two strobes.
Contact: nauticamusa.com
MSRP: $829 (as shown with M.Zuiko Digital 14-42 mm Lens)

Carrie GarciaDepth rated to 200 feet, the Ikelite housing for the Sony RX100 gives photographers easy access to all functions, resulting in stellar photos and video. The housing is also compatible with the new W-30 wide-angle conversion lens.
Contact: ikelite.com
MSRP: $400

Carrie GarciaOne of Sea & Sea’s newest DSLR housings, the corrosion-resistant MDX-D800 is designed for the Nikon D800, and is precision machined from a solid block of aluminum. It offers the ultimate in performance and ergonomics.
Contact: seaandsea.com
MSRP: Housing only, $3,400

Carrie GarciaDesigned for the Canon Rebel T4i, the RDX-650D housing offers an easily operated shutter lever, which can be pushed from the top or pulled from the front — and offers a smooth halfway press for adjusting the autofocus.
Contact: seaandsea.com
MSRP: $1,500

Carrie GarciaDepth rated to 130 feet, this polycarbonate housing for the iPhone 4 and 4S is designed to be used in conjunction with the Watershot app, which gives access to additional features including rapid fire, GPS overlays, social-media sharing and more.
Contact: watershot.com
MSRP: $100

Carrie GarciaProprietary Pre-Flash Recognition Technology sets up the strobe for you to automatically adjust to camera mode and exposure mode. From the quick-release mount to its large exposure dial, the Manta is simple yet refined.
Contact: ikelite.com
MSRP: Check with authorized dealer

Carrie GarciaUltralight Control Systems has modified its original (and popular!) hot-shoe adapter. The new part now uses a thumb screw to tighten the ball and plate to the hot shoe, creating a secure attachment — and peace of mind for photographers.
Contact: ulcs.com
MSRP: $35

Carrie GarciaWatershot’s Olympus fisheye lens allows for more creativity, while the red filter enhances warm reds and oranges in tropical blue water. Both can be installed and removed underwater.
Contact: watershot.com
MSRP: Lens, $130; red filter, $35

Carrie GarciaThe Port Mount provides one fixed and one adjustable mount for attaching diopters, focus lights or other accessories to your flat port. The two holders have 67 mm diameter threads to screw on Aquatica close-up lenses or Subsea magnifiers.
Contact: [email protected]
MSRP: Port Mount Kit, $225

Carrie GarciaA modular system for Canon SLR shooters, the Manta works with Aquatica, Nauticam, Sea & Sea or Subal housings. The system uses one gear matching your housing, and a series of mating rings to fit your selection of lenses and teleconverters.
Contact: [email protected]
MSRP: $150, focus gear; $100, ring

Carrie GarciaFocus gears for Nikon shooters, the gear works with Aquatica, Nauticam, Sea & Sea and Subal housings. The system uses one gear matching your housing and different focus rings for your lenses and teleconverters. The rings lock into place with a twist.
Contact: [email protected]
MSRP: $150, focus gear; $100, ring

Carrie GarciaDouble mirrors produce the pentaprism effect, allowing you to view the camera’s high-def screen from different positions. There are different styles to fit your specific housing. A simple release mechanism offers easy mounting and removal.
Contact: [email protected]
MSRP: $350

Carrie GarciaThe ultrathin anodized-aluminum mount allows users to flip the color-correcting filter with ease to get super-sharp, color-accurate video. Installation onto the GoPro dive housing is simple, and results in no vignetting topside or underwater.
Contact: backscatter.com
MSRP: $49

Carrie GarciaThe Vega LED video light is a video/still light, a focus light, and a backup dive light in a cool and airplane-friendly package. The warm, diffused light has a 70-degree beam angle and is adjustable up to 2,000 lumens.
Contact: ikelite.com
MSRP: Check with an authorized dealer

Carrie GarciaCompatible with 2012 Sola models, the pistol grip makes it easy to utilize the power of the Sola — right in your hands. The mount clamps onto the Sola (or lights with similar connections) via the standard 1-inch ball or 1/2-inch lock-line connection found on the Sola.
Contact: [email protected]
MSRP: $65

Carrie GarciaUltralight Control Systems has an easy solution for attaching UK’s new Aqualite to a 1-inch ball-arm system. The AD-AQ-UK part attaches to the light via two supplied bolts and washers. The ball then attaches to one of their clamps to put it into an arm system or on a handle.
Contact: ulcs.com
MSRP: $24