Using unbranded underwater housings with cameras

[Progen]

I'm sure there are some out there who're using unbranded underwater camera housings and I've recently come across this one for the EOS 550D. The Ikelite is the cheapest big name one for my model but I was thinking that I could use that money for a good sidemount rig and have enough change for a good course or two.

Over in Malaysia, I see a lot of G11s and G12s in unbranded housings. Some of them are supposedly manufactured or marketed under the MeiKon brand name. I just saw one last weekend where the owner needed to carry a few thin bamboo sticks (imagine thick long toothpicks) underwater because some of the buttons stuck. Didn't ask how long she'd been using it for though.

This MeiKon branded one for the EOS 550D is almost 4 times cheaper than the Ikelite and I was wondering whether it'd at least do the job for a year or so after which case I'll either upgrade the entire system or put some decent money on the Gibson carbon fiber underwater housing by BS Kinetics.

Other than sticky buttons has anyone encountered any unexpected floods with the no namers?

 

[Renegadenow]

I think the housing comes separately and don't think the housing comes along with any camera.

 

[supergaijin]

Although no housing is 100% free of risk.... I'd personally stick with a known company for something as expensive as a digital camera.... unless you've got the money to replace the camera..... but then you're stucky with a dodgy housing. You'd drive yourself crazy.

 

[lucca brassi]

If I bought sometime a good housing than it would be universal with USB controled commands ( not these dumm sticks ) and CANON support that commands.....

look under Review: Easydive Leo II housing :: Wetpixel.com