new gates housings and old fathom ports?

Does anyone know whether the planned Gates housings for the new canon and sony cameras will be back-compatible with the SWP-25 or WP-25 ports? if so, this would substantially lower the cost of upgrading and would likely trigger me to take the plunge! Anyone with the inside scoop? Thanks!

Why not ask Gates...

On June 12, I asked Gates whether the SWP25b would be compatible with these new housings. They said that they are still trying to determine whether the old port will work. I am also hoping that they will be compatible. Give them a call and they will e-mail you when they know.

Pat

There are at least 2 versions if I am not mistaken. SWP25a and b. SWP25a was developed for SD cameras and doesn't have the resolution to handle HD properly. It'll of course "work" as in give you a picture so if you're not picky, it's a cheaper way to get wide angle underwater. I tested the lens on HVR-A1 years ago and I was not satisfied with the results. YMMV.

I recommend you confirm with Gates which version you have first and also test yourself if possible.

The SWP25b was developed for the Sony HC series which had up to a 1/2.9" sensor on them. Since the Canon HF-S10 has a 1/2.6" sensor, the optics may be different enough to affect the image..

I spoke to the folks at Gates and they said that they are hoping that these ports will be compatible with the new Sony 520, however, the Canon, has a slightly wider field of view and will likely not be compatible. Housings due out late July / early August.

As for the SWP25a, they said that the optics are the same as the SWP25b. The main change is the overall weight and configuration of the port.