PhotoRecTV Reviews Outex underwater housing system after 6 months of use

Photography expert Toby Gelatin from PhotoRec TV spent 6 months using the Outex Pro Kit on multiple continents and various environmental conditions, including underwater.  In this review of the Outex Pro Kit he travels to Hawaii, Iceland, and the Arctics and puts the product thru its paces.  

When it comes to real-world gear reviews, few voices in photography are as respected as Toby Gelston of PhotoRec.tv. Known for his clear, honest, and hands-on evaluations, Toby recently offered a full review of the Outex underwater camera housing system — and the findings are compelling for anyone who wants to take their DSLR, mirrorless, or high-resolution gear underwater.

In this 2018 review, Toby is using the Pro Kit regular size cover, and the original MR86 rear glass option.  The new & improved MR86 rear glass has been shipping for a while and not only improves on his areas of concern, but also goes beyond it.  It's a sturdier, shorter tripod-mounted bracket so it's "friendlier" to more cameras and doesn't stick out.  It's also optimized so it's easier to secure.

Toby’s Outex Review: What He Tested & What He Found

In the video titled “Outex Underwater Camera Housing – Perfect for Travel”, Toby takes the Outex system through its paces in a real underwater shoot. YouTube He walks through kit setup, installation, compatibility, usability, and underwater performance.

Key Highlights from the Review

• Ease of Setup & Mounting: Toby demonstrates how the Outex housing is straightforward to assemble with various cameras, emphasizing that it’s not overly bulky or intimidating for first-time users.

• Full Control While Underwater: He shows that buttons, dials, and camera functions remain accessible inside the housing — an important point for photographers who don’t want to compromise usability.

• Optical Integrity: He compares shots taken with and without the housing under water, noting minimal color loss or distortion thanks to the quality of the glass ports.

• Lightweight & Travel-Friendly: Toby praises the relatively lightweight design, noting that the convenience and portability make it ideal for divers, travel photographers, and adventurers.

• Versatility Across Systems: He tests it on commonly used mirrorless or DSLR setups (depending on the variant he was using in the video) and notes that the modular design allows compatibility with multiple camera bodies and lenses.

• Underwater Performance: In actual shooting, Toby captures sharp, well-exposed underwater frames. He also notes how water droplets, lighting, and clarity respond under challenging conditions, using the housing confidently.

Throughout, Toby balances praise with constructive critique, making the review credible and useful.

Why Toby Gelston Likes Outex — What Sets It Apart

From Toby’s review and commentary, several strong reasons emerge for why he favors Outex:

1. Uncompromised Usability
   He stresses that using Outex doesn't force you to “give up” camera control. You still access essential controls, dials, and buttons underwater.

2. Optical Quality Maintenance
   The housing’s glass ports do their job well: Toby observed minimal degradation, meaning your images retain sharpness, color fidelity, and contrast even underwater.

3. Portability & Travel Suitability
   Compared to bulky, heavy underwater housings, Outex’s design is lighter and more modular. Toby highlights that this means less hassle when traveling, diving, or exploring.

4. System Flexibility
   Because Toby tests Outex across different camera setups, he appreciates that you don’t need a separate housing per camera — the modular system supports a range of bodies and lenses. This aligns with many photographers’ needs who use multiple tools.

5. Value in Real Conditions
   Toby doesn’t just test in a studio — he uses the housing in “real-world” underwater shoots. His positive results give confidence to viewers planning to use Outex in lakes, oceans, or adventurous environments.

Empowering Underwater Creativity — For Every Photographer

If you're a DSLR shooter, mirrorless user, or even someone who experiments across multiple camera systems, Toby Gelston’s review of Outex shows that high-caliber underwater protection doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance, control, or portability.

Outex stands out because it:

• Lets you work underwater without losing intuitive camera control.

• Maintains image quality through optically sound design.

• Adapts across cameras and lenses so your gear evolves, not your housing.

• Keeps your kit light and mobile — ideal for travel and field work.

Take Toby’s review as a professional-grade validation: you can bring your camera deeper, shoot safer, and trust the housing to keep up with your creative ambitions.

Who Is Toby Gelston & What Is PhotoRec.tv?

Toby Gelston has built his reputation as an educator, traveler, and gear reviewer. He launched PhotoRec.tv as a platform to demystify photography — from beginner to advanced — by sharing tips, tutorials, and above all, trustworthy gear reviews. 

His journey in photography began with a Canon SLR and slide film; he embraced digital in 2001 and gradually moved into reviewing, teaching, and leading workshops around the world. Toby has traveled to destinations like Antarctica, Mongolia, Iceland, and more to teach and explore photography’s frontiers.

On LinkedIn he describes himself simply: “I take photos and help others take better photos.” His platform has a following among enthusiasts who trust his gear tests, tutorials, and field advice. 

Given his audience and credibility, Toby’s review adds significant weight to any gear’s legitimacy — including Outex.