Housing choices for CP5000

Hey folks. I'm so excited that there is a forum on underwater photography. Good job.

I bought a Coolpix 5000. My decision was based on the macro, and TTL capabilities.

I currently do the NikV thing, and have two SB-105s.

I am now researching housing choices. I know about the Aquatica, Ikelite, and Light&Motion housings.

Can anyone relate their experience with their housings? Good, bad, ugly??

I would really appreciate any info or advice.

I am very happy with the Aquatica housing. It allows for use of all the features except the on/off switch. You can get two bulkhead connections and mount an external WA lens.

You can also get a dome port to utilize the cameras WA lens. Great finish on the housing and nice and compact.

Housing aside they have been a great company to deal with.

A solid housing.

A believe there is a brief review on the opening page and should be one more in the future if I understand right.

I had an Aquatica housing for the Coolpix995 and was quite disappointed. They have fixed all their little design flaws on the A5000. It is definitely a solid design. The housing now allows use of the TTL meter and eliminated the 45% angle and has a small shroud over the LCD screen for easier viewing.

The Ikelite unit, like all Ikelite units, is solidly designed and constructed, albeit from plastic as opposed to aluminum. I haven't found the plastic to be an issue versus aluminum, although aluminum will be stronger in case you use your housing as basketball. The suggested list price of the Aquatica is only $100 more, so it's a tough choice. Also, if you go Ikelite, you will need an Ike to Nikonos synch cord. With Aquatica, it's Nikonos to Nikonos, so you already own the right synch cord. Ikelite connectors are superior to Nikonos connectors in quality if that means anything to you.

The Ikelite is a little bulkier as usual, but we're talking about a digicam anyway, so in the grand scheme of things, it's small. Ikelite comes with the standard double handle system, superior to the cheap handle on the A5000. You would probably buy a optional tray to use your strobes on the Aquatica.

I don't think you would disappointed one bit with either housing. I also believe that this is the best digital "prosumer" model for underwater use because of its macro capability and TTL compatibility.

I'm not familiar with the L&M, except that it is $500 more.

E-mail me for a quote on the A5000 or Ike.

Rob -

Check out what digideep's site has to say about Coolpix 5000 housings. They are by far the best resource when it comes to a complete list of housings, by camera make and model.

Tetra 5000

I haven't handled the tetra 5000, but all the housings you've discussed control all major camera functions. The tetra has one additional funtion that is nearly invaluable - the ROC strobe output control. I use this on my Titan housing and could never go back. Ike is working on something similar, but I don't believe it is available yet. Is it worth the extra $500? You will have to make that choice, but it will add flexibility to your base system that no add on toys can. I think it is a winner!