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Ever since I went snorkeling in Hawaii I've kicked myself for not having an underwater camera. When I researched how much one was (or even just the housing for one) I was shocked, appalled, and sad that I would never have one. That has all changed though now that I have decided to make my own.
I looked at a few other homemade underwater cameras but didn't see any that really fit all my needs. I needed a material that I could see through and that would allow me to work all the buttons. I also wanted something to protect the lens as it zoomed out but needed to be able to have a clean viewing area.
What I made was a double layer protective case with a special "zoom tube" attachment. The double layer of bags offer double waterproofing but also an early warning system. If you see water starting to collect on the inside of the outer bag then you know it's time to get out of there but the camera is still locked inside a second bag so it won't be damaged.
It's not the prettiest thing to look at but taking underwater pictures sure is fun so it more than makes up for it's ugliness.
I looked at a few other homemade underwater cameras but didn't see any that really fit all my needs. I needed a material that I could see through and that would allow me to work all the buttons. I also wanted something to protect the lens as it zoomed out but needed to be able to have a clean viewing area.
What I made was a double layer protective case with a special "zoom tube" attachment. The double layer of bags offer double waterproofing but also an early warning system. If you see water starting to collect on the inside of the outer bag then you know it's time to get out of there but the camera is still locked inside a second bag so it won't be damaged.
It's not the prettiest thing to look at but taking underwater pictures sure is fun so it more than makes up for it's ugliness.
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Signing UpStep 1Materials
The stuff you need:
-2 zip-top bags big enough to fit your camera, see note below
-a portion of tube (empty tape rolls are perfect for this), see note below
-plastic to cover the tube, see note below
-tape, duct tape is strong and holds up under water well
-scissors
-camera with power source (batteries or charged) and memory card, if necessary
Zip-Top Bags
You can test the bags for any leaks by sealing them about half full with air and submerging into a sink of water. If you see any bubbles coming out, get a different bag.
Tube
I used an empty tape roll for the tube portion which worked really well. The tube will be the protection for the zoom lens and also provide a crystal clear view of your underwater oasis. Make sure that the tube you choose will fit nicely around your camera's lens, especially of your camera has a slide open door like mine that is close to the lens. Also make sure that you take a few pictures while holding the tube up to your camera to make sure it doesn't show up in photos (if it does you'll have to cut it down a bit). I used a cardboard tube and it was fine but if you can find a plastic one I suggest using that just because it offers even more waterproofability (new word).
Plastic
I used a cut open sandwich bag for the plastic that covers the zoom tube. I suggest you test various plastics by stretching them over the zoom tube and taking a picture through it. I found that name-brand plastic bags were too cloudy but that a store-brand bag was super clear. I tried plastic wrap but didn't trust the thin layer to protect my camera and two layers messed it up so I settled on the plastic bag. I've also hear of people using a condom to waterproof their camera and it working well so you could even try testing that.
-2 zip-top bags big enough to fit your camera, see note below
-a portion of tube (empty tape rolls are perfect for this), see note below
-plastic to cover the tube, see note below
-tape, duct tape is strong and holds up under water well
-scissors
-camera with power source (batteries or charged) and memory card, if necessary
Zip-Top Bags
You can test the bags for any leaks by sealing them about half full with air and submerging into a sink of water. If you see any bubbles coming out, get a different bag.
Tube
I used an empty tape roll for the tube portion which worked really well. The tube will be the protection for the zoom lens and also provide a crystal clear view of your underwater oasis. Make sure that the tube you choose will fit nicely around your camera's lens, especially of your camera has a slide open door like mine that is close to the lens. Also make sure that you take a few pictures while holding the tube up to your camera to make sure it doesn't show up in photos (if it does you'll have to cut it down a bit). I used a cardboard tube and it was fine but if you can find a plastic one I suggest using that just because it offers even more waterproofability (new word).
Plastic
I used a cut open sandwich bag for the plastic that covers the zoom tube. I suggest you test various plastics by stretching them over the zoom tube and taking a picture through it. I found that name-brand plastic bags were too cloudy but that a store-brand bag was super clear. I tried plastic wrap but didn't trust the thin layer to protect my camera and two layers messed it up so I settled on the plastic bag. I've also hear of people using a condom to waterproof their camera and it working well so you could even try testing that.
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But you did a great job. Can you post some underwatter pictures?