Panasonic underwater housing or Aquapac?

[Geckotek]

I have a TZ5 and I'm debating getting the Panasonic underwater housing for it. I recently noticed the Aquapac is about 25% of the cost. I'm guessing the controls might be a bit more difficult, but not sure how much or how important that will be.

So, am I insane for considering the Aquapac or are they actually a decent value?

 

[Geckotek]

Hmmm...perhaps a dumb question...or perhaps in the wrong forum?

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Your camera has a sweet little Leica lens on it. It also has a 10x optical zoom which is nice, but probably not very useful under water.

Not a dumb question at all. Few scuba divers purchase the Aquapac product because of the limited under water range (max depth 15 fsw) and the fact that it resembles a thick Ziploc baggie. Personally, I have little use for an underwater housing that can't be taken to a depth of at least 125 fsw. I also suspect that operating the buttons through the Aquapac plastic would be a clumsy endeavor.

The Aquapac makes a lot more sense for beachgoers looking for a little salt water splash protection or snorkelers who want to take shallow under water pics/movies. For scuba divers, it's of limited utility. Think of how many dives you might do with a max depth of 15 fsw.

 

[skynscuba]

I've had the Aquapac keymaster leak a bit. I just had keys and cash in it, so no big deal.

These ziplocks do not protect the camera from the water pressure, the way a hard case does. This could result in buttons being activated at depth, or damage to the zoom mechanism (in my opinion).

 

[Geckotek]

Wow, not sure how I missed that the depth limit was only 15 fsw. That definately won't do.

Thanks guys, this is the kind of feedback I was looking for. Aquapac is out...Panasonic housing it is.