ScubaLab tested and reviewed underwater camera housings for the Nikon D850 DSLR and Sony Alpha a6500 mirrorless cameras to determine the best underwater camera housings. Check out our testing protocols and the results below.

How We Test

We tested one popular ­camera in each ­housing category to maintain consistency, using the Nikon D850 DSLR with ­Nikkor 105mm macro lens and the Sony Alpha a6500 mirrorless with Sony 90mm macro lens.

Our objective analysis compares each housing’s unique features, encompassing the port system, ease of camera installation and removal, routine O-ring maintenance, ­accessory compatibility, and base price required to use the housing in the water with strobes. Feature scores were all weighted evenly.

For ­subjective testing, we dived off the coast of Palos Verdes, ­California, with each housing to ­evaluate ergonomics while shooting ­photos and video and executing essential functions. Scoring takes into account the ease of operation with a range of hand and finger sizes and exposure protection.

For the in-water housing tests, we set up each system in the studio, ­ensuring that every ­O-ring was clean and that all strobe-­triggering electronics, ­cables and cords were ­working correctly. We also used this time to get familiar with the control layout for each housing.

The Sony Alpha a6500 ­housings required an extra step ­during setup because the 90mm macro lens needs to be installed through the port opening once the camera body is already inside the housing (the housing openings are deliberately made small in order to keep housing size compact). The small housing sizes make this extra step for wide-barrel lenses well worth it.

Dive day took place off the coast of Palos Verdes, ­California. Our plan to test macro setups proved lucky because the day was overcast, with slight chop on the ­water. The lush kelp forests provided ample subject matter for our tests, which were conducted through short ­repetitive dives.

The camera and lens, plus strobes and arms, were swapped to the next ­housing during each brief ­interval, with careful attention to avoid errant drips of salt ­water inside the gear. We used the same strobe-and-­arm setup across the ­housings, paired with sync cords or fiber-optic ­cables as needed, to maintain ­consistent strobe buoyancy.

Throughout the dive day, we recorded notes and ­observations into the ­testing-protocol sheet.

Upon return, each system was thoroughly cleaned and kept on hand for reference while writing the ScubaLab reviews.

MIRRORLESS

Nauticam NA-A6500 Housing for Sony Alpha a6500

The NA-A6500 ships with Nauticam’s ergonomic rubberized grips. The shutter lever and AEL lever (programmed as AF-ON and used for ­back-button focus) truly feel like they were designed around the grips. Divers with shorter thumbs might need to reposition their hand to reach the top command dial knob. A magnifying viewfinder helps those who prefer to shoot in that manner, while two bulkhead ports support accessories such as a vacuum valve or HDMI. The housing uses Nauticam’s secure pop-on port lock. If the lens requires a port extension, the second component attaches with a short bayonet twist system. Nauticam has also included a slot within the housing for an optional micro USB battery pack that greatly extends the camera’s battery life.

Fantasea FA6500 Housing for Sony alpha a6500

The FA6500 delivers great value in a lightweight polycarbonate design. Dual O-rings provide extra safety against flooding, while the M16 port allows use of popular accessories such as a ­vacuum valve and HDMI. The FML port system supports use of popular Sony and third-party lenses. The housing ergonomics are suited for use alone or with a tray and handles, with a nice thumb grip and angled top command dial for quick settings changes during fast action. Control operation doesn’t feel as robust as other housings; however, they’re easy to use and reliable down to 200 feet/60 meters, providing access to all essential camera functions.

DSLR

Ikelite 200DLM/A TTL Housing for Sony Alpha a6500

Simplicity and function are the ­standout traits of the 200DLM/A. The housing maintains Ikelite’s iconic clear polycarbonate back, making it easy to clean the O-ring and ensure it is properly ­seated when closing. The front-load camera tray and Dry Lock port system make camera and lens changes easy. Ikelite’s latch system stands up to any dive conditions but requires strength and care when opening. The integrated TTL circuit is ­designed for using a sync cord, which provides fast and accurate exposure control of Ikelite DS strobes plus manual control of third-party strobes. The ­housing also supports use of fiber-optic cables. ­Control of the AEL button, which is often programmed as AF-ON, has been moved to a thumb lever for ergonomic ­back-button focus.

Sea & Sea MDX-A6300 Housing for Sony Alpha a6500

This sleek housing is compatible with the a6000, a6300 and a6500. Clear labels on wide buttons pop against the black aluminum, while angled top command dial and ­video record buttons aid thumb ergonomics. The buttons even glow in the dark — a great feature for night diving. The bayonet-­style port system is very ­secure. And while the C2 button isn’t included, two accessory ports make the housing versatile for different applications. ­O-ring maintenance is easy, although camera-­tray ­insertion and removal have a bit more resistance than other housings. Thumb and finger rests make the housing easy to hold alone, with third-party handles or with Sea&Sea SA8 tray and grips.

Ikelite 200DL Housing for Nikon D850

Value is the bottom line with Ikelite’s D850 housing. This affordable ­housing incorporates Ikelite’s most ­innovative features, which have made it ­lighter and virtually the same size as other D850 housings. The front-loading tray is a great addition. Ikelite’s Dry Lock port system is solid and easy to use; simply press on the port component and twist in three thumb screws to secure it. The large-lobed zoom knob is easy to rotate with a single finger. The flash bulkhead is designed to use a sync cord instead of fiber-optic cables, offering the choice of Ikelite’s quick and accurate TTL (with DS strobes) or manual strobe exposure.

Nauticam NA-D850 Housing for Nikon D850

The NA-D850 housing blends ­fingertip control of essential camera functions with wide spacing for glove use and ­muscle-memory operation. The ­oversize levers feel great on bare fingers, and the sub command dial is controlled with a pad for increased ergonomics. All ­controls are clearly labeled. The housing-­port latch and locking latches are easy to use, allowing quick port changes and camera access, although the camera tray requires a coin or screwdriver to secure. Nauticam has included a dual lever to ­access the D850’s PV and Fn1 ­buttons, providing access to more ­custom settings, speeding up the shift between different image styles and offering ­versatility for every type of shooter.

Sea & Sea MDX-D850 Housing for Nikon D850

This workhorse housing brings ­precision camera control to your fingertips. Frequently used functions such as ­Playback, Info and ISO are accessed with convenient spring-dampened levers. The wide, clearly labeled buttons are easy to press. The bayonet port system is very secure but can be difficult to twist if the O-ring is not maintained daily during a dive trip. Inserting and removing the camera is a breeze. The Optical YS Converter/N1 can be switched on and off outside the housing, which is convenient for frequent switching between strobe and ambient light. Sea&Sea strobes can also be toggled between TTL and manual modes from the housing button, which glows green or blue to indicate the mode.