Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400

Manufacturer:	Canon
List price:	~~$239.99~~
Our price:	$169.99 that is 29% off!

Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400

Average rating: Stars

Great underwater photos...even from a novice

I have been diving for about five years, and have yearned to have an underwater camera. I couldn't resist buying this housing for the digital camera that I already owned. It was so much less expensive than many other alternatives. On a recent trip, I took more than 100 photos at depths from 5 to 85 feet. I am very impressed with how easy it is to use. Every button and every function of the camera are available, and are easily seen and manipulated even underwater. It was also exceptionally easy to assemble and disassemble. However, I caution buyers to read the instructions very carefully and follow every step to prevent water from leaking into your camera. It is so important to use only a little of the grease on the o-ring included with the kit, ensure that not a speck of dirt, dust or hair is stuck to it, and test it in the sink (without and them with the camera) before submerging it fully. Make sure you are dry and not dripping over the camera case when you open it! I also highly recommend buying silicant dissicants (often called Moisture Munchers) to insert inside the case. There was planty of room for two of them. These will prevent even the smallest amount of moisture or condensation from forming inside the camera which temperature and pressure changes may cause while diving. Finally, I recommend learning as much as you can about manipulating settings for underwater photos to enhance the colors that are lost at depths. I found many helpful online guides for this purpose.

Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400 - Canon

WP-DC800 Buyers Beware (These Things Aren't Leak Proof)

First things first, the camera leaked on the first use. On my first dive to 45 ft the camera developed a couple drops of water in the rear side of the camera and at that point I decided that it wasn't safe to use underwater anymore and removed it from the water. I must say that I am not impressed that Canon doesn't stand behind their product. What this says is that they know that their product does have manufacture defects, yet they will continue to sell them for outrageous prices since it's not always happening on every camera.

I like my camera, but am weary about using the case again. I am going to clean the o-ring and slightly lubricate it and give it another chance. I have insurance on it now in the event it completely floods in the future.

Advice: Buy insurance that covers flooding damage or buy a real underwater camera if you can afford it.

Canon - Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400

Don't take it too deep

I recently used this housing in Bonaire and got some decent shots, though nothing that would come close to photos taken by a real underwater camera. The best shots can usually be had at shallower depths where the colors are more brilliant and less filtered. Also, on my last dive where my max depth was 55 feet and the temp was 79 degrees, the lense on the case fogged up when I returned to shallower depths (around 20 ft.). There was no damage to the camera, but I lost some great shots during the last 10 minutes of the dive.

Lastly, be aware that although users are advised to not open and close the case more than necessary, you will need to do so to change out and recharge the battery and/or memory card. I suggest using a 512MB or even a 1GB card, since they won't fill up as quickly and you won't drain the battery by reviewing and deleting the pics you don't.

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