Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II

Canon went back to the drawing board with the new Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II. Looking nothing like its predecessor, this camera shares more features with its sibling the Powershot G7 X Mark III. Sadly it lacks the strobe flash hotshoe from the original G5 X camera, but it is still a great choice for underwater use. The camera features a bright 24-120mm zoom lens, a large 1″-type CMOS sensor with support of RAW image capture at up to 30 fps. It also takes great 4K UHD video or un-cropped 1080 video at up to 120p.

This housing is designed to use the full capabilities of the camera up to depths of 200 feet (60 meters). A perfectly clear back provides a view of the camera and o-ring seal. The back is removable, not hinged, for extra durability and easier camera access. It attaches quickly and easily with two heavy duty stainless steel locking latches. All important camera controls are accessed via fully serviceable controls with premium soft touch control knobs. Ikelite housings are manufactured in the USA and come with an unparalleled access to support, photo advice, and service.

Construction

Our ABS-PC blend housing provides strength and corrosion free performance year with minimal maintenance. The specially formulated color deflects the sun to keep your camera running cooler, longer. Compared to black or clear housings, the light color provides superior contrast for enhanced view of the camera, LCD screen, and o-ring seal.

Ikelite products are designed, built and tested in the USA. We use locally sourced, top-grade materials. Our housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit, function and waterproof integrity. We back our products with over 50 years of experience and service within the dive industry.

Ergonomics

Drop-in camera loading makes this housing a breeze to set up and shoot. Good ergonomics are critical when you need to concentrate on composition, focus, and proper exposure. A large, curved control lever puts the shutter control right where you need it. The shutter lever can be extended using the optional Trigger Extension# 4077.95 for perfect spacing when using a right-hand handle.

The rotating controls are all operated intuitively via premium soft-touch knobs. Stainless steel, direct-drive rotating controls are virtually fail-safe and user serviceable and adjustable in a pinch.

All rear camera buttons are accessible by smooth action, hard anodized aluminum push buttons for reliable performance and easy maintenance. These controls are clearly labeled by laser engraving on the back of the housing that never fades or falls off.

The camera’s large LCD screen can be seen clearly through the back of the housing.

Flash

Due to the position of the camera’s flash in relation to its lens, the built-in flash is not suitable to illuminate photos under water. For the best color and clarity, we recommend adding a filter, strobe, or constant-on light.

Two ports are provided for the connection of up to two Ikelite-, SEA&SEA-, or Olympus-type fiber optic cords. Any Ikelite DS strobe may be connected using the Fiber Optic Converter # 4401.3 and Fiber Optic Cord # 4501. The AF35 strobe is not compatible with this housing.

Read more: Choosing Strobes for a Compact Fiber Optic System

Tray with Handle(s)

The optional Action Tray II with Left Hand Quick Release Handle # 2605.04 and Action Tray II Extension with Right Handle # 2605.05 provide a balanced grip and are the perfect platform for adding lighting accessories.

The Action Tray mounts to the bottom of the housing with two 1/4-20 threaded screws for secure and rotation-free use. Our uniquely curved grips are rubberized for a comfortable grip and provide a quick release mechanism for adding and removing light arms.

Zoom, super macro, and semi-wide angle

The standard 3.9″ diameter optical glass port accommodates the camera’s full 24-120mm zoom range underwater. 

Add the press-fit Macro Adapter # 9306.82 with any 67mm threaded macro wet lens for incredibly super macro photography. Compatible wet lenses include but are not limited to the INON UCL-165, Subsee Magnifier, Saga close up lenses, Nauticam CMC-1, and others.

Read more: Super Macro Underwater Photography Techniques

The optional WD-4 Wide Angle Dome # 6430.4 provides a wider angle of view underwater without the edge distortion, vignetting, or weight typically associated with an external wide angle wet lens. The WD-4 is a 0.75x magnification factor and simply slides on and off of the housing’s lens port. 

Read more: When to Use a Wide Angle Dome WD-3 or WD-4

3.9″ diameter color filters press directly onto the front of the standard lens port. We offer color filters for Tropical Blue Water # 6441.46, Green Water # 6441.86, and a Yellow Barrier Filter # 6441.16 for fluorescence photography.

Optional 6″ dry dome

The DC3 6″ Dome Port# 6403 offers the best of everything: wide angle, macro, and over-under all on one dive. This special dome port replaces the housing’s standard port and provides sharp 24mm wide angle and is perfect for split shots (half-in, half-out of the water). Approximately 3/4 of the camera’s zoom range is usable behind the dome and macro images can be captured with the dome installed.

We recommend adding the Anti-Reflection Set of Foam # 6407 to reduce reflections when using the DC3 Dome Port.

Read more: When to Use a DC Series Dome Port

Sealing and Vacuum Testing 

There is no greater assurance than being able to see your camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing. Our signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel. Once the housing is closed you can see the o-ring form a solid, waterproof seal.

A spare 1/2-20 threaded accessory port is provided on the side of the housing for easily installation of the optional Vacuum Kit # 47012. A hand pump with gauge allows you to draw a vacuum on the housing to simulate water pressure and check for leaks prior to entering the water.

Every unit is water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m) before it leaves our facility in Indianapolis.

Compatibility

This housing is only compatible with the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II camera as shipped by the manufacturer. Other Canon cameras, including other G5 X and G7 X models, are not usable in this housing due to differences in control placement.

In the Box

• Housing
• Rear o-ring # 0109 (installed)
• Vinyl port cover # 0200 (installed)
• .050″ hex key # 0945.11
• 1/16″ hex key # 0945.16
• Silicone lubricant 1cc tube

Specifications

• 200 ft (60 m) depth rating
• Controls for all camera functions except touchscreen and Flash pop-up button (flash must be extended when installing the camera in the housing)
• Two built-in fiber optic ports
• Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water
• 1/4-20 threaded tray mounting with 3″ (76mm) spacing
• Weighs 2.7 lb (1215 g)
• 6.9 x 4.9 x 5.9″ (175 x 124 x 150 mm)
• 3.9″ diameter glass lens port supports full zoom range 24-120mm
• 2 year limited warranty