SUBAL OR SEACAM FOR CANON 5D ????

Hey guys/gals

I am having a difficult time choosing between a subal or seacam housing for my canon 5d.

I appreciate any help you can give me

Cheers

Ryan Miller

BC, Canada

Anybody out there have any advice???

Any dealers in the area who have those? I really think that something so expensive as those two options would be best if you could put your hands on them and try em out.

With any UW system it comes down to individual feelings at times. Features and fit of one might fit my fingers better than yours...etc

I don't own or use either unit so have no specifics on either one

12 months ago I went for Seacam over Subal for my switch to digital. My film kit had been a Subal CE50 subal for EOS50.

The 2 main things that sent me Seacam way at the time were the Superdome and the 45 degree finder. Maybe that is different now, I haven't really kept up with what is available.

I think the only other thing to really consider is control layout / ergonomics - which housing suits the way you shoot and are the controls you use most often easy to get to.

Seacam no doubt about it.

If money is no object, go with Seacam. I've never regretted going that route. OTOH, both Seacam and Subal have outstanding reputations. It's like choosing between a BMW and Lexus; they're both high-end products, so it's a matter of personal preference more than features.

I can say that the Seacam superdome and specialty viewfinders (I use the 180 rather than the 45) are real selling points (and sway some people to Seacam as a result), but you'll need to decide if you really "need" them...and if Subal has anything comparable.

A weekend dive trip to the Florida Keys via Fort Lauderdale would allow you to handle both products and compare their features (Subal in my store, Seacam in Mr. Frink's).

I've handled both of these housings, not sure if anyone else who has replied to this thread has... I'm also biased, as we don't sell seacam. I like Seacam's placement of the front command wheel better. As noted, Subal has no 45deg vf at this point. I like Subal's quick release tray, shutter release placement, latches, and lighter weight better. Unless by some freak of genetics we have the exact same hands, this feedback is likely worth little to you...

Thanks for the advice

The only thing that is drawing me closer to subal is the prices

Seacam housing is $4200 plus an extra 4000 for the super port and viewfinder

Subal is $4420 with the gs viewfinder (like the 180) and the superport is $1135

About a $2700 difference. IS Seacam really that much better

Regards

Ryan Miller

Seacam no doubt about it.

While you are comparing prices / brands you should have a look at the Aquatica option.

5D housing $2249.00

Aquaview viewfinder $1149.00

91/4" Megadome $1295.00

You can get the total package for near the price of a housing only from one of the other suppliers

Easy for you to get great support as Aquatica are made in Montreal.

My 2 Cents

It will come down to ergonomics and control placement for you. Get them both in your hands - the Ryan/Stephen Frink option is great, we have no such luxury in Australia.

We had the same situation between Subal and Nexus.

Went to a dealer who had both and the Subal won out!

Darren,

Peter Mooney has heaps of Aquatica and Subal stock in his shop for that hands on try out.

Regards

Gary

I've handled both of these housings, not sure if anyone else who has replied to this thread has...

I have. I have also tried Ikelite, Aquatica and Sea & Sea 5D housings (the advantage of doing workshops!). And in my opinion the two Austrians are the best two. The Sea and Sea and Ikelite are limited by their viewfinders IMO - which do not easily show the whole frame. I have tried the hugyphot on land - and think that is one of the best of the rest.

I think the placement of the important shutter speed and aperture controls are better on the Seacam. More easily reached. The Seacam viewfinder system is better (although I personally don't get on with them - i think if I owned a Seacam, I'd get used to it).

I think the Subal is easier to live with. Opening the housing, getting the camera in and out etc. I also prefer the Subal shutter release.

The SeaCam looks sexier - and has a higher quality finish (although both are very corrosion resistant).

I'd say that the The SeaCam is ahead, but as a system it is considerably more pricey.

Alex

p.s. Of course all the housings will have the same camera inside - and if you press the shutter at the same time, pointed at the same subject, they will all take the same great photo.

Peter Mooney has heaps of Aquatica and Subal stock in his shop for that hands on try out.

 

Regards

Gary

Thanks Gary. Good for all to know..it will be a while before I get another housing i think....

Last fall I got to fondle SeaCam, Subal, Aquatica, Sea&Sea, Nexus and Inon housing. I did this while a DEMA. It was actually pretty funny because I could not compare any of them side by side so I was running from one booth to another looking at one thing then another. I would certainly try to get the housing(s) in your hands first it made alot of difference for me.

I thought the SeaCam was top notch. Their 45 degree viewfinder blew me away. After that I would say that Subal and Aqautica are on equal footing followed by Sea&Sea and Nexus. My impressions are based both on functionality, ergonomics, and finished quality. I would like to get my hand on a Hugy but they are hard to come by in the states.

Of course this was all top side and I have no previsous experience with a dSLR underwater as I am still trying put together a new system.

Hi,

Just to add my bit, I would advise you to play with as many as you can before you buy

you may find that one type of housing fits your hands better than another. Its a lot of

money to spend & you must get it right. BTW the SeaCam S45 viewfinder is exellent

just one thing if you look through the veiwfinders you will want one BUT $$$$$$$$$$$$

Good hunting,

Andy

Ryan, just to concur with a few people, both the seacam and subal housings for the 5D are wonderful rigs. I have been using the subal model since it first came out and like it very much. You can read a my review of it in the premiere issue of the Underwater Journal.

I would also agree with the Aquatica option. I have both Aquatica and Subal housings and, now, with Aquatica's excellent new Aqua View Finder, both are on the same footing -- with the Canadians beating out Austria as far as depth rating is concerned. I've taken down Aquatica housings well over two hundred feet and all controls functioned perfectly . . .

Sure, they occasionally look like something from the old Soviet bloc, but I had the old F3 for fifteen years without so much as a hint of problem . . .

While you are comparing prices / brands you should have a look at the Aquatica option.

 

5D housing $2249.00

Aquaview viewfinder $1149.00

91/4" Megadome $1295.00

 

You can get the total package for near the price of a housing only from one of the other suppliers

 

Easy for you to get great support as Aquatica are made in Montreal.

 

My 2 Cents