Aqua Tech CC-14 Sports Housing for Canon EOS 1D Mark IV

Comments about Aqua Tech CC-14 Sports Housing f/ Canon EOS 1D Mark IV:

Very Nice

Comments about Aqua Tech CC-14 Sports Housing f/ Canon EOS 1D Mark IV:

Great new world for photography but really needed more directions and tips in the manuals or on line.

Fairly easy to use, though not being able to change some of the video settings is a hassle.

Besides that, it's a great way to spend your time and glad I made the purchase, even bought additional ports after a week!

Comments about Aqua Tech CC-14 Sports Housing f/ Canon EOS 1D Mark IV:

After the limitations of shooting water sports from the shore, i bought this casing for my 1d Mkiv to get closer to the action.

Arrived nicely boxed (along with my Flat Ports for 16-35mm and 70-200mm) however, no real instructions but after fiddling about for a bit, managed to work things out.

First impressions are its nicely built but must be delicately handled in order to avoid scratching the casing or bending any of the control knobs on the back of the casing. (My casing actually arrived with some small scratching on the base). Also, be careful as the control knobs can be bent if you have the camera in the casing without the lens port on and put any pressure on it with the camera's lens sitting on the floor (as is a natural position to sit it) I bent one of the control knobs whilst fiddling around trying to work it out but luckily did not break and straightened carefully.

Using the Camera:

I suggest testing in the bath first without, then with the camera and familiarize yourself with the functionality BEFORE you head out as you instinctively reach for functions that are no longer available and you need to shoot in a different way.

Using the camera in the water requires you to slow down and change your shooting style. However, once you get used to it, its easy but the camera can be a bit heavy after a while and also can make buoyancy a challenge when shooting surface and lifting the camera off the water and it helps to stabilize yourself by swimming with flippers if in deep water. The casing is buoyant and comes with an optional wrist strap.

I have only used a few times so far to shoot kitesurfers and offers amazing new angles and perspectives of your subjects.

Functionality:

Generally functionality is great (Would have got 5*'s) but it does have a couple of annoying limitations (Unless i am mistaken) hence only 4 *'s!

1. You MUST set some camera functions BEFORE you close the casing (Servo, One Shot, continuos etc)

2. If shooting AV or TV, to change the settings, you have to first go to manual, select required aperture/shutter in M, then revert back to AV or TV.

3. You can change the manual focus points using the jog dial ONLY along the chosen horizontal axis and not with the Multi Controller. (You MUST select the vertical level before you close the casing). To do this, you need to ensure that the Quick Control Dial is set in C.FNIV which takes a bit of time. (NOTE- to change AV/TV settings, you MUST reset the C.FNIV setting, change the AV/TV setting thru M, then go back into C.FNIV to be able to use the Control Dial to change manual focus point)

4. The knob for the Multi Controller appears to have no functionality

Tips on Use:

1. Get 2 optional casing covers to keep from getting scratched whilst transporting - 1 for the main casing and 1 for the back of the casing as it suggests not storing them locked together.
2. Press the buttons gently (which can be adjusted for reach by turning the plastic screw thread when the casing is off).
3. Enter water slowly and dip in several times to make sure the casing is sealed.
4. Rinse with fresh water and pat dry with towel after use. Also, use a Giottos to blow any water out from the function knobs and other casing parts as this will help prevent any possible rust (you will be surprised how much comes out!)
5. BE CAREFUL when shooting surfers etc alone (better to take a buddy) as you often find yourself head down in the water (I wear mask and snorkel) constantly changing your camera settings as it takes time and therefore, NOT aware of fast moving surfers above or around you!