Underwater housing for going ON water, not in.

[thewavebb]

I have done a search on here and most of the questions regarding underwater housing are for diving and snorkling. My uses are a little different then that.

I am a kite/windsurfer and also a photographer. So this year I want to wade out to waist deep OR on a ladder/stand out in the shallows. I plan on keeping my camera out of the water, but I am a realist. I will probably get knocked off my ladder at least once and I am sure i'll get splashed.

Do you think I could get away with using one of the ewa-marine bag housings. I will be using a 20d and a tokina 12-24 or a 24-105L for most of the time.

Thanks
Ben

[cruzyn56]

I have never used one but in looking at them I would say you would probably be alright. You would at least have more protection than a naked camera or trusting a ziploc baggie. I own the underwater housing for the 20D and can tell you that outside of water it is heavy, and pretty awkward to hold.

[thewavebb]

protection from the oops factor is my main concern. I do want to get a beefy housing kit eventually, but that will have to wait for at least a couple years.

[Billginthekeys]

although i can see your concern, that crappy ewa stuff is just going to get in the way. i used a ewa bag for a G series camera, and it was impossible to use, i cant imagine their DSLR stuff is any better. i shoot out on the water all the, and i just risk it, with weather sealing its not too much of a problem aslong as you dont get submerged.

[pilot1962]

Clear plastic bag with one hole opened for lens and secured with rubber band arround it works fine for me...
You can work controls through the bag, see what you doing and have a splash protection.
If you plan to actually dive a few feet, or get knocked over and SUBMERGE the camera and lens - get this:

http://photo.net/equipment/ewa/

[steve535]

I use my old canon s70 with a underwater case.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=CAWPDC40&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=331663
the s70 and case are light and it dosnt take a bad picture.

[purelithium]

I would grab a waterproof Pelican case for transporting it to and from your position, and then just be extra careful, neckstrap on, with a hand strap as well, when it's out shooting.

[cosworth]

A boat and a pelican case are usually cheaper than a housing.

I shot a lot of waist deep stuff with waves in the caribbean. If you don't have a housing be prepared to lose gear. There is nothing middle ground about it unless you go EWA.

[freaking102]

Do some googling/calling and see if you can rent a camera/water proof housing for your first try at this -- seems somebody would rent out such.