Underwater Video Camera / Camcorder Housing for less than $50

Step 12 Add ballast and handles

After field-testing, I found that the whole rig was much too buoyant to handle, and it was hard to hold onto and keep oriented properly. While using it in shallow water at the beach, I needed to lean heavily on it to keep it underwater. I needed ballast and handles.

For ballast, I used metal rods cut to length, but just about anything really heavy but shapeable will do. Beanbags filled with lead shot would be good, or an old set of ankle-weights. I chose to put the ballast inside the housing, tucking it alongside the camera. This kept it dry (no worries about rusting) and it helped keep the camera securely positioned. I wrapped the metal rods in paper towels (to cover the sharp, rough ends) and ziplock bags (to keep dirt off the camera and water, should it get in, off the rods).

I suppose you could wrap the ballast around the outside of the housing if you wanted instead. There is certainly a very limited space inside the housing, and I cant get it to be neutrally buoyant as I have it. I just figured I would keep everything inside if I could.

For the handles, I used two painted steel door handles, held in place by two metal bands. As an added bonus, I lined up the screws on the bands as a sight to help me correctly aim the camera. This isnt the look I was going for, but for now its the most functional alternative Ive come up with. I intend to spraypaint the handles white to match the rest of the housing.