Looking for a housing that will protect GH3 underwater (no more than 10-15 feet) and as it's snowing, raining, etc. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. The Nauticams are a bit pricey, out of my budget. Anyone try the Ewa Marine ones or have any other suggestions? Thanks!
GH3 Can anyone recommend an underwater housing for GH3 please?
- Thread starter VLance52
- Start date
blazer003
Well-known member
I bought this DiCAPac WPH10 Waterproof Case for High-End Cameras for my GH2. It just barely fits, and the 14-140 lens will not fit into the lens tube. I mostly use the 14-42, which works quite well.
I highly doubt the GH3 will fit in this one, as the GH2 was a real tight squeeze. Dicapack has bigger sizes like this one probably more suited for the GH3.
The WPH10 bag gave me pretty good access to the controls (a little clunky because you're still operating it through the clear PVC bag, but I could see everything I was doing, and with a little bit of finicking, was able to work everything I needed to.)
I tested the bag underwater with no camera in it and it was water tight, but never actually did underwater shooting with it. I've used it more as a rain cover and for getting the camera near the water while on a boat (taking plenty of splash without any worry) and just in case I did drop it in the water.
The build quality of the bag is good, and the polycarbonite lens is very clear. For what it is, and for $45, I'd recommend it.
I highly doubt the GH3 will fit in this one, as the GH2 was a real tight squeeze. Dicapack has bigger sizes like this one probably more suited for the GH3.
The WPH10 bag gave me pretty good access to the controls (a little clunky because you're still operating it through the clear PVC bag, but I could see everything I was doing, and with a little bit of finicking, was able to work everything I needed to.)
I tested the bag underwater with no camera in it and it was water tight, but never actually did underwater shooting with it. I've used it more as a rain cover and for getting the camera near the water while on a boat (taking plenty of splash without any worry) and just in case I did drop it in the water.
The build quality of the bag is good, and the polycarbonite lens is very clear. For what it is, and for $45, I'd recommend it.
keylight
Veteran
There's no way to compare a GoPro with a GH3 in terms of image quality, and maybe he needs high quality footage. Nothing wrong with Blazer's suggestion. It's made specifically for underwater applications and it's more than just a ziplock bag.
Maybe you would "never" put your GH3 in it. Me? If I had a client who needed the footage and willing to pay me, I certainly would.
You sir are very incorrect..... Go Pro 3 shoots Amazing footage and I am more than 100% sure for specific shots such as perspective views and underwater creative things you would not notice a difference.
You better go look up the specs and see footage if you think the Go Pro 3 is not capable of AMAZING imagery. I'm more than sure they had a million+ budget, but just see what can be achieved........
Last edited:
keylight
Veteran
I didn't say the GoPro shoots bad footage. Never said it didn't shoot amazing footage for what it does. BUT..... I'm incorrect that the GH3 shoots BETTER footage than the GoPro 3? Um....
No.
How about shallow depth of field, for example?
Now the GH3 hasn't been taken underwater yet. But here's a little footage shot by Emm @ Cheesycam at his local aquarium. Not underwater, but the footage is better than what the GoPro can do.
Last edited:
Blazer003 - I've ordered the same WPH10 should arrive within 2 weeks. Now I look for a step ring to glue it outside or inside the glass cover to be able to use some filters. Would you please do me a favour and tell me the inner diameter of the ring on the inside and outside? I couldn't find these data anywhere.
Did you even pay attention to the video I just posted...... who in the world is going to use Shallow Dof underwater?
I shoot and edit video constantly, if you do not see the amazing advantage of the Go Pro 3 then you're really not paying attention..... Go Pro 3 can shoot 30fps at over 2k res, GH3 cannot do that. Go watch that video of the Go Pro 3 that blows out of the water any production so far done on a GH3.
You post a video of some fish underwater with a GH3 and I posted a million dollar advertisement done on a Go Pro 3.... lol
I'm Done
keylight
Veteran
You obviously can't read (or won't read) what I wrote. I've already said:
But you know what? The OP did NOT ask "What camera should I get for shooting underwater?" He asked about underwater housings for his GH3.
Saying, "honestly I would never put my GH3 or any camera that cost over $1000+ inside of a ziplock bag" is irrelevant.
Telling him to go get a Go Pro is irrelevant.
Debating with you is irrelevant.
Go play with your GoPro.
Wow, this thread caught fire - lol! I would love to use the GH3 for the underwater shots, but the cost of the housing is more expensive than a GoPro 3. I might just try the Digipac that Blazer mentioned & dunk it underwater w/o a camera in it first or see if a rental house carries a better 1 that i can rent & have camera insured. I would love to get the shallow depth of field shots on the CU's & just read this article http://www.steves-digicams.com/know...it-affects-your-underwater-photography.html#b that lenses that create that effect are best for underwater shooting (I use SLR Magic 12mm 1.6 & SLR Magic 35mm 1.4). This is for a music vid, not me capturing wildlife underwater. The shoot would be in a controlled environment. And yes, I much prefer the look of the GH3 w/ SLR Magic lenses over the GoPro look. I truly appreciate everyone's feedback though!! Thanks!
Step outside of the box, think left field..... An artist Never limits his mind to any one camera. I can tell you first hand , every single person who shoots video to own a Go pro. it is an amazing camera that allows for many things simply not possibly. If I were tell you this was shot on Red or GH3, etc. you would believe it, but it was shot on a Go Pro 3 from a very memeber who post here (Noam Kroll). Beautiful amazing footage....
keylight
Veteran
Thanks for that link. Very interesting, especially this part:
Emphasis added in the hopes that people who Just Fail to Read other's posts will actually read the bit in bold.
How do you like the SLR Magic lenses? I've read mixed reviews, but this post on 43rumors has me very interested in the new one coming out:
I really like the SLR Magic lenses - nice soft focus, nice character, nice build quality, easy to pull focus. Not a fan of the razor sharp look myself so I prefer these lenses.
J.F.R. - If you read my entire 1st post, I would like to use the housing while it's snowing & raining as well w/ GH3. I concur the GoPro may be an option, but I would be using this thing WAY more than once.
J.F.R. - If you read my entire 1st post, I would like to use the housing while it's snowing & raining as well w/ GH3. I concur the GoPro may be an option, but I would be using this thing WAY more than once.
Go Pro 3 is designed to shoot underwater, many professional projects are being shot this way. You keep hanging onto shallow dof underwater, but that actually holds no weight. I provided amazing footage shot by Go Pro 3 which you have failed to even recognize. You are so Stuck on being "Right" your eyes are keeping you blind...... Just like certain clients who "Insist" on something but really doesn't know why.... Go watch that Promo video and never doubt the footage again or even the second video I posted. Open your eyes and let go of your pride, embrace technology..... Go Pro just like previous versions can also be adapted with many other lenses provided different focal lengths + amount of light that can enter. Even Macro options. Do some research
@Vlance
I did read your first post, if you want to shoot constantly in those conditions you need the proper gear. GH3 is weather sealed so that's good, but now you need weather sealed lenses. Secondly if you are going to put your camera through those conditions and not have a weather sealed lens then you will need to buy a professional housing. A ziplock back is not that, as I can assure you there is a reason it is not very expensive compared to more expensive items.
In a pinch it will protect your camera over having nothing, but long term use and something to be done professionally I would look into other options.
Buy cheap and you will constantly keep buying, especially since you state you will constantly be using it. Do what you want,, you're only going to know off of your own experience.
J.F.R. - Probably not going to go the route of Digipac bag, I agree w/ you on that. I was just hoping I'd find something cheaper than $1,000 - more like the $500 range. If what I need to get is the Nauticam, then that's what I will purchase. I didn't mean to start an internet beef here, was simply looking for a cheaper solution than the $1,000+ range. Thanks all!
keylight
Veteran
:furious3:
You know JFR, you're just being insulting now. I spent a good half-hour talking to people at the company last year at NAB. I'm very aware of how capable a camera it is. I keep saying I agree that it can shoot some amazing footage.
But you keep acting like a child, thumping me on the head because I won't bend to your will.
You're being more than a little overly zealous, but I get it. For you it works. Great. Fantastic. Embrace it. Love it.
But do leave room for others to express their opinions.
keylight
Veteran
VLance,
Have you seen this? If you're into DIY stuff, this might be an option. I'd test it underwater before putting a camera in of course, but an interesting project.
Kevin Sawicki
Member
Maybe I can shed some light on the situation... I own a GoPro Hero 3 as well as a Panasonic GH3.
I can agree with J.F.R. that the gopro hero3 can produce some amazing footage, but just as KeyLight explained, it's irrelevant. VLance wasn't asking for which camera he should use to shoot underwater, he's looking for a sub-$500 housing solution, so stop being a turd.
The gopro is neat, but it can't be used for all situations. For example, I'm traveling to Korea to shoot a documentary about women free-divers and will be utilizing my gopro and gh3 in (hopefully) a nauticam housing. I'll use the gopro for POV shots. I plan on using a 7-14mm wide & voigtland 25mm f.95 on my GH3, at the surface and sea-floor. I don't always want to be shooting at the GoPro's 170° field of view.
That being said, have you looking into Epic Cam Housings?
Maybe you can have a friend control your GH3 via wifi capabilities from the land? Or use a wide angle lens/stop down so that everything is in focus?
http://www.epiccam.com/video-housings.html
The soft bag could be a good idea. Just be carefully and seal it up carefully.
Happy Filming!
I can agree with J.F.R. that the gopro hero3 can produce some amazing footage, but just as KeyLight explained, it's irrelevant. VLance wasn't asking for which camera he should use to shoot underwater, he's looking for a sub-$500 housing solution, so stop being a turd.
The gopro is neat, but it can't be used for all situations. For example, I'm traveling to Korea to shoot a documentary about women free-divers and will be utilizing my gopro and gh3 in (hopefully) a nauticam housing. I'll use the gopro for POV shots. I plan on using a 7-14mm wide & voigtland 25mm f.95 on my GH3, at the surface and sea-floor. I don't always want to be shooting at the GoPro's 170° field of view.
That being said, have you looking into Epic Cam Housings?
Maybe you can have a friend control your GH3 via wifi capabilities from the land? Or use a wide angle lens/stop down so that everything is in focus?
http://www.epiccam.com/video-housings.html
The soft bag could be a good idea. Just be carefully and seal it up carefully.
Happy Filming!