Custom Housing

[Kimusubi]

I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 digital camera, and I noticed that it has a underwater feature on it and I wanted to go out and make a housing for it. I've never actually built a housing for a camera, so I was hoping some of you guys might have an idea as how to go about it. For one, I was thinking about using Plexiglas to build the housing, but I wasn't sure whether the camera had the ability to snap photos through the Plexiglas, or would I have to seal the lens and have the lens stick out of the housing? And lastly, if you guys have any suggestions as far as what would be the best material for creating the housing, please feel free to share. I'm a college student and don't have a whole lot of money, hence why I have to attempt to create my own housing. I thank you all in advance for any tips or advices that you may share!

- Ali

 

[SteveC]

PlexyGlass and super glue will work fine, but don’t try to use the cameras flash, as it will glare very bad. Making the controls will probably be the most challenging for you.

 

[Kimusubi]

What should I use as oppose to the flash? Or how will the pictures come out if I don't use the flash under water?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

You may want to consider buying this underwater housing designed for it. It'll cost ya $200+.

Alternatively, you might want to get a separate Canon point-and-shoot setup (camera + UW housing). The Canon "A" series has some manual features, uses AA batteries, and is quite affordable (camera + housing = $300 - $400).

 

[SteveC]

In bright light conditions such as ocean diving, natural light will work good. Otherwise an off camera flash will be needed. For now I would recommend just using no flash and keep it simple. You wouldn’t believe the kind of money that people spend on camera accessories.
Here is another thought. Check out this web page. There is a commercial housing available for this camera for about $220.
DCRP Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

If you want to make a housing for the fun of it, that’s great, otherwise, this might be an option.

 

[Kimusubi]

Yeah, after my upcomming trip and school, I'll have no money to spend like that. So it may be easier to custom make the housing and the supplies should only cost me max of 100 bucks.

 

[diversteve]

Ali,

A few comments:

The biggest issue you'll likely face is camera controls. You'll have to devise a watertight method of activating the camera controls in the housing. To do so you need pushbuttons or some sort of control rods with glands to keep the water out. Ikelite sells theirs but the cost will kill your budget. Still take a look, they show a design view that might be helpful. Camera Control Parts

They also sell their boxes but they're probably more than your budget allows. http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/housing_parts.html

ScubaSteve2000 was considering doing something similar last spring: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/217606-diy-uw-camera-housing.html

There's also a long thread about diy video housings here. Some of it may be useful.

A couple of materials links. Conventional wisdom is that polycarbonate (Lexan) is preferred to plexiglas. My guess would be for scratch resistance.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/75237-project-material-source-links.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/62402-plexiglass-thickness-camera-housing.html.

You can get Lexan from Cadillac Plastics, they're on University just east of 24th St. Ask them about remainders.

I've seen posts about buying cheap used Ikelite housings on eBay and stripping them for controls.

 

[Kimusubi]

I'll have to check those out. How did ScubaSteve2000 fair last time? Was his successful? What I really want is to save my money for a HD camera that will be able to take awesome shots underwater. My camera is nice, but I have a feeling is going to be terrible underwater. We'll see, I'll have to research this before I start.