Sea&Sea DX400D Review

Please find below a small review of the Sea&Sea DX400D. For pictures of this review, please check my blog.

I have been experiencing some problems with my TTL connector in my housing. The Dutch distributor kindly offered to change the housing for either a new DX350D or for the DX400D.

I went to check the DX400D and see whether it was worthwhile to swap the DX350 for this new model.

In my opinion, the main new features of this model are:

- built-in TTL converter

- optional magnifying .8 viewfinder

Built-in TTL converter

The built-in TTL converter saves some space outside the housing and the slight additional weight that the external TTL converter puts on the left side of the housing.

There is a button inside the housing to switch between Manual and TTL. This can only be chosen before the dive. The other drawback of the internal converter is that you are not able to choose flash compensation as with the external TTL converter.

This TTL converter uses a flat battery which will be in stand-by when the strobes are off (will still consume energy even while you are not using the camera). I called Sea&Sea Japan and they informed me that under "normal" use conditions, the battery should last approximately 1 year.

The DX400D only has one strobe connector on top of the housing

Optional magnifying .8 viewfinder

The DX-400D uses a different viewfinder which allows you to upgrade to a .8 maginifying viewfinder instead of the .66. I assume that in the future there might be a 45 degree viewfinder for this model (just an assumption).

Buttons on the back of the housing

Until so far, I was more or less convinced on changing from the DX350 to the DX400D. The problem arose when I checked the buttons in the back of the housing.

To my surprise (shock?) a couple of buttons just disappeared in this new "improved" housing. Namely, the menu button and the delete is gone. Also the display button is gone.

This took away all the doubts I had whether to change to the DX400D housing. As an example of a big disadvantage, without the menu button you are not able in the 400D to select a picture to do custom WB. With a small adaptation of the DX350D housing you can use the 400D camera with all its features.

Conclusion

I cannot understand what made Sea&Sea develop a new housing where they take out such important buttons (they were there in the DX350, you just needed to put them to the side!!!)

The TTL inside the camera makes the camera more streamlined (also with less air inside the camera, meaning more negative) but gives you less flexibility in using the TTL.

IMHO, this housing is a no go, at least until the other buttons are added to the housing.

Sounds like a real misscalculation by S&S, I have used both the menu and delete buttons on severeal occations during dives!

The "inhousing" (heinrich?!) TTL converter can be easily installed in the 350 housing...

my 2 cents worth on this housing: I've seen it and have tried this housing a few weeks ago since my friend got one, build and balance are okay the only rant I have about this housing are the missing "menu" and "delete" buttons. For me these are very important since I set my white balance during the dives, and the delete button is important too if you need the space suddenly on your cf card. I have no idea why sea&sea forgot to put these buttons (cost cutting???) If I were you I would wait till they shipped the housing with a new back or just get another 350d housing :glare:

vannar- just a question, if you do install the ttl converter will you be able to switch from ttl to manual? or will you be on ttl the whole time while diving?

my 2 cents worth on this housing: I've seen it and have tried this housing a few weeks ago since my friend got one, build and balance are okay the only rant I have about this housing are the missing "menu" and "delete" buttons. For me these are very important since I set my white balance during the dives, and the delete button is important too if you need the space suddenly on your cf card. I have no idea why sea&sea forgot to put these buttons (cost cutting???) If I were you I would wait till they shipped the housing with a new back or just get another 350d housing :glare:

vannar- just a question, if you do install the ttl converter will you be able to switch from ttl to manual? or will you be on ttl the whole time while diving?

If the TTL converter is inside the housing you can only switch it while on land. In the water you will not be able to switch it.

The use of a 9V battery is also what was used in my old ikelite minolta 7xi housing. They since upgraded their TTL (and manual) system to be powered from the strobe only. With the high capacity accus from nowadays, thats probably not a problem.

What did you mean by the display button (the play button or lightin the display)

Gerard

The use of a 9V battery is also what was used in my old ikelite minolta 7xi housing. They since upgraded their TTL (and manual) system to be powered from the strobe only. With the high capacity accus from nowadays, thats probably not a problem.

 

What did you mean by the display button (the play button or lightin the display)

 

Gerard

Hi Gerard,

The only button in the left side of the camera that you can use in this housing is the play button. The display button is not a big issue since you can set the camera to automatically switch the display on and off via the sensor (still I rather have the button anyway).

Cheers

Nuno

The only button in the left side of the camera that you can use in this housing is the play button. The display button is not a big issue since you can set the camera to automatically switch the display on and off via the sensor (still I rather have the button anyway).

wow I never even thought to look at this pic on the S&S webpage. They really nerfed the 400D housing, didn't they?? So you have to either decide to keep the display on or off for the entire dive before you put the camera in the housing? But... When shooting during a nite dive, you really want the ability to turn off that display as the light is distracting when you have your eye in the viewfinder (something I've noticed from personal experience). Amazing!

OK, I understand not needing the jump button or even possibly the delete button given that 4gb+ CF cards are so cheap nowadays. But more amazing is they zapped the MENU button!!! So let's say you are using one of Alex's Magic Filter... How do you set MWB w/o the Menu button???

 

wow I never even thought to look at this pic on the S&S webpage. They really nerfed the 400D housing, didn't they?? So you have to either decide to keep the display on or off for the entire dive before you put the camera in the housing? But... When shooting during a nite dive, you really want the ability to turn off that display as the light is distracting when you have your eye in the viewfinder (something I've noticed from personal experience). Amazing!

 

OK, I understand not needing the jump button or even possibly the delete button given that 4gb+ CF cards are so cheap nowadays. But more amazing is they zapped the MENU button!!! So let's say you are using one of Alex's Magic Filter... How do you set MWB w/o the Menu button???

Yes. Exactly. And are there any possible excuses not to include those buttons? Why wouldnt they? I do not see any acceptable reason for that.

Cheers

Nuno

and I also notice they removed the "AE/AF lock" lever on the 400D housing...

and I also notice they removed the "AE/AF lock" lever on the 400D housing...

Indeed. I forgot to mention that one. I am wondering what is going to happen. I spoke with my LDS about this and he said he was going to mention this to S&S. I think the only way they would get out of this one would be making a new back for the housing and give it for free to the people who already got this model. Dont know if they will do it though :/

Not sure what goes on in the mind of the designers at S&S, but I suspect the company's beancounters were involved... I have no idea how much cost savings are created by reducing the number of buttons on the rear. But I assume the company decided that the 400D would cater to beginners and felt many of these buttons (AE/AF lock, drive mode, display on/off, MENU, and delete) were unnecessary and so were eliminated to reduce the manufacturing cost of the housing. Ironically, they then threw the TTL controller inside making that mandatory and not an option.

Nunomix

Have just destroyed my 350D - thinking of upgrading to 400d - what changes do I have to make to S&S 350 housing to keep using it - you say just a couple.

Would be useful to know

Thanks

Paul

I'm definitely going to go check out this housing at DEMA next week. I'll take photos and report what I find. Check the front page for DEMA coverage starting Wednesday!

Found it.. and so simple!

Paul, if you already have the S&S 350D housing, yes it's very simple. Just a handful of rear button plungers needed to be modified. A very simple DIY job that can be fully reversible (back to to the 350D). I've got run out now to shoot some photos for some charity Rat Race here soon so can't link that thread, but search for Nuno's or my thread about modding 350D housings to fit the 400D.

Eric - no no, 40D housings are a priority at DEMA (and I guess the D300 for the Nikon crowd)...

PS: Paul, need another 350D? I've got mine for sale...

Nunomix

 

Have just destroyed my 350D - thinking of upgrading to 400d - what changes do I have to make to S&S 350 housing to keep using it - you say just a couple.

 

Would be useful to know

 

Thanks

 

Paul

Paul,

Like Pakman said, it is a pretty easy adaptation you have to do to your housing. I have some pics in my blog what show exactly how to change it. http:/nunomix.blogspot.com

Any questions, please just let me know and I am more than happy to help.

Cheers,

Nuno