The Aquatica A5D Underwater Housing for Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR is a durable waterproof case that enables you to capture beautiful underwater images and video with your 5D Mark III digital SLR camera. Engineered with the same philosophy that made its predecessor, the housing for the 5D Mark II, great, the housing improves upon that popular, effective design. It has an impressive depth rating of 295.3' (90 m), which can be upgraded to an even greater 426.5' (130 m).
Constructed from machined aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, it's treated with an anodized coating to ward off the effects of corrosion by seawater. Buoyancy is slightly negative. While this housing is truly pro-quality, professionals are not the only ones who can benefit from it. Anyone with a 5D Mark III and the desire to take underwater stills and/or video will find this housing intuitive and helpful.
The camera tray design from the 5D Mark II housing has been improved, allowing the tray to smoothly, precisely position the camera in the housing. It can be disengaged with ease via a push on a tab. Molded grips offer an ergonomic hold for simple, comfortable handling; both feature mounting holes ready to accept the most current strobes and their supporting arms (strobes/arms sold separately). Another mounting point for a focus/video light or other accessories is located on top, while three more are provided underneath for brackets, tripods or other support systems.
The mechanical and button controls afford access to virtually all camera functions; the knurled knobs and oversized controls make for easy operation. In fact, all video controls have been redesigned for easier reach and smoother operation than on the 5D Mark II housing, while still maintaining the easy access to still photo controls. The record button has been relocated closer to your thumb, and is now larger and clearly identified with a bright red coating. The Live View toggle remains within easy reach and the SET button has also been increased in size. The Canon 5D Mark III's multi controller pad is accessible.
The now-smaller zoom actuating pinion gear and lens release lever pull out, enabling you to remove the camera from the back while keeping a lens and zoom gear attached. The lens gear is also larger now, further smoothing out the zooming process. Access to the AF-ON and Star buttons is now offered via a rotating collar that prevents ambient pressure from pushing it back towards the housing. The menu buttons have been angled to afford better access with your left hand. All push buttons are constructed of high-quality Type 304 stainless steel, the same used in the aerospace industry, for longevity and rust resistance you can count on.
Mounting holes have been added to allow you to attach accessories like external monitors, triggering devices and audio recording devices. The bulkhead strobe connectors have also evolved, now featuring six active pins to accept optional third-party TTL converters for TTL flash exposure (converters not included). The housing comes equipped with two Nikonos bulkhead connectors. You can quickly and easily service them yourself without the need of any special tool.
The included Galileo-type coated eyepiece gives you a bright, full view of the viewfinder. To enlarge and enhance images for improved viewing, you can purchase the optional Aqua View Finder, available in straight and 45-degree versions (sold separately).
The optional BK-7 9.25" Mega Dome (not included) is a coated glass dome port that attaches to Aquatica's extension ring with manual focus capability. It's compatible with both the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Type II and the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM zoom lenses. Manual focusing with prime lenses can be achieved via the control knobs on the upper left side of the housing. The A5D is compatible with a number of other optional ports, as well, of the dome and macro variety.
The housing is equipped with the #20023 moisture alarm, which alerts you to leakage within the housing--enabling you to take action before your camera sustains any damage.
Like every Aquatica housing, the A5D is built in Canada and tested in one of the world's most rugged diving environments to ensure quality.
| Depth Rating | 295.3' (90 m), upgradeable to 426.5' (130 m) |
| Construction |
Housing: Machined, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum Push buttons: Type 304 stainless steel |
| Control Type |
Mechanical and button Knurled knobs, oversized controls |
| Controls |
Access to virtually all camera functions: Shutter Release lever Main Dial access knob M-Fn (Multi Function) button Accessory Bulkhead connection hole Main Strobe connector (TTL Compatible) Secondary Strobe connector (manual only) Hot Shoe connection Focus/zoom pinion gear release disc Focus/Zoom control knob Focus/Zoom Pinion gear Lens Release lever Lens Lever Actuator Grips (Left and Right) Port/Extension Release Button Camera Quick Release Tray 1/4"-20 camera mounting screw Moisture Alarm LED Accessory Bulkhead connection hole AF-ON and Star Lever AF-ON and Star Lever rotating collar Start/Stop button AF Point Selection button Live View Shooting / Movie Shooting Switch Power Switch Mode Dial selector knob Mode Dial port window Mode Dial lock release lever Info button Menu button Creative Photo button Rate button Index/Magnify button Playback button Erase button LCD Window port Removable Eye Piece Quick Control Button Multi Controller Button Array Setting Button 2x Latches Quick Control dial access knob Attachment screw holes for optional ISO Extended Lever 1/4"-20 top accessory mounting hole 2x 1/4"-20 grip accessory mounting holes Accessory Bulkhead connection hole ISO/Flash exposure compensation button AF-Drive button Metering/White Balance button 4x Rubber Anti-Skid pads 2x Sacrificial Anodes 3x 1/4"-20 Tripod/Accessory mounting holes Bayonet Flange Optional ISO Extended Lever (not included) |
| Port | Compatible with various optional ports (not included): #18407 9.25" Mega Dome, #18405 8" Dome Port, #18409 6" Dome Port, #18410 4" Mini Dome 100, #18429 AF Macro Port Low Profile, #18428 AF Macro Port, #18426 AF/MF Macro Port |
| Buoyancy | Slightly negative |
| Mounting |
Molded grips: Mounting holes for strobes, supporting arms (sold separately) Top of housing: Mounting point for a focus/video light, other accessories Bottom: 3 mounting points for brackets, tripods or other support systems |
| TTL Compatible | Yes, via optional third-party TTL converters (not included) |
| External Strobe Connector | Yes, 2x Nikonos bulkhead connectors with six active pins |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) |
13.8 x 7.7 x 5.7" (35 x 19.5 x 14.5 cm) (with grip attached) 9.1 x 7.7 x 5.7" (23 x 19.5 x 14.5 cm) (without grip) |