
Review Summary
2010-01-09T19:00:00
The tolerances for the camera are so exact that the rubber covering on a couple of pins designed to hold camera in place was enough to prevent camera from fitting. I struggled for quite a while before calling Ikelite for help. They quickly solved the problem--stripping off the rubber coating was all it took to allow for a snug fit. The mechanical knobs for operating camera are pretty ingenious, but all those openings in the housing are a potential worry down the road. It lacks U/W microphone, which is mostly useless anyway except in presence of whales or for shooting on surface in wet conditions. This is my 3rd U/W housing, and although I have yet to dive with this one (I did do U/W test), this one is my favorite design-wise with clear case and very light weight.
TURTLE
Molded of clear polycarbonate to provide seamless construction and corrosion proof performance. This "Clearly Superior" design provides full view of the camcorder, control functions, and back "O" ring seal for assurance the system is safe. Maximum operating depth is 200 feet (60 m).
Housing measures 11" (27cm) wide with the removable handle bar attached; 8" (20cm) high including the removable base; and 8" (20cm) deep including knobs and port. Weight above water is less than 8 lbs. (3.6 kg) for easy packing, and very slightly negative in saltwater for stability and comfortable handling.
The Base removes instantly with a unique toggle clamp for traveling or attaching of the optional Pro Video-Lite 3 battery pack. The handle assembly detaches from the housing by removal of just two nuts for packing.
Controls for the LCD Screen Touch Pad provide full access to setting white balance and white balance shift.
Sony NP-FH40, FH50, FH60 & FH70 batteries are accommodated.
The included removable UR/Pro filter enhances red tones in tropical blue water settings with available sunlight at depths up to 80 feet (24 m). An accessory green water filter #6441.81 is also available for color correction and more natural tones in green water settings.
A magnified Super-Eye Viewfinder is provided for enhanced viewing through a diving mask. The camera's LCD monitor can be viewed fromthe rear of the housing using the External Mirror featured on the side of the housing.
The housing includes Image Reversing Circuitry. The circuitry "flips" the image in the camera's LCD so that its reflection in the mirror appears correct left-to-right.* The External Mirror is hinged to fold against the housing side for travel.
The housing port is threaded allowing the use of optional external 67mm threaded wide-angle conversion lenses including the #6420 Ikelite W-20, Epoque DCL-20, and Inon UWL-100 Type II.
Hi-Definition Wide-Angle Port Option:
The #6480 Ikelite WP-80 Wide Angle Port is designed by world-renowned Fathom Imaging to deliver the ultimate in resolving power.
Internal Wide-Angle Lens Option:
Special ports are available for use with the Raynox HD-5050 Pro high definition wide-angle lens. Optional ports sold separately as dome port #9304 or flat lens port #9304.1. Raynox HD-5050 Pro lens not included. Lens not available for purchase through Ikelite