Entry Kit vs. Pro Kit: Which Outex Underwater Housing Is Right for You?
Apr 21, 2023
The key difference between the Outex Entry Kit and Pro Kit is the rear glass opening. The Pro Kit includes rear optical glass that gives you full, optically accurate access to your viewfinder and LCD screen — enabling manual shooting modes, precise focus, and compatibility with all advanced accessories. The Entry Kit omits this, limiting you to framing through the cover itself.
When in doubt, choose the Pro Kit. Many Entry Kit users upgrade to the Pro Kit over time by purchasing the Pro Cover and Rear Glass separately from Parts.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Entry Kit | Pro Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Rear optical glass | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Viewfinder visibility | Through cover only (limited) | Full optical glass (precise) |
| LCD screen access | Limited | Full access |
| Manual shooting modes | Limited — mostly auto | Full control of all settings |
| Button & dial access | ✓ Yes (through cover) | ✓ Yes (through cover + behind glass) |
| Advanced accessories (tripod, tethering, lighting, grip) | ✗ Not compatible | ✓ Compatible |
| Front glass / dome compatibility | ✓ All sizes | ✓ All sizes |
| Upgradeable to Pro | ✓ Yes — add Pro Cover + Rear Glass from PARTS | Ready for all accessories |
| Best for | Beginners shooting on auto | Enthusiasts and professionals |
Entry Kit
The Entry Kit cover has a single front opening for the front glass port and no rear glass opening. Viewfinder visibility occurs only through the cover material itself — which is not optically precise. This means:
- You are mostly limited to auto-focus and auto-exposure modes
- Viewfinder visibility is reduced, particularly in bright sunlit conditions
- Installation and removal of the cover may be more difficult on some camera models, as there is only one point of entry
- Advanced accessory kits (tripod, tethering, lighting, pistol grip) are not compatible
The Entry Kit is a good starting point for beginners who primarily shoot on auto and want an affordable way to waterproof their camera. It is not recommended for enthusiasts or anyone who shoots in manual mode or relies on precise viewfinder framing.
Viewfinder visibility through the Entry Kit cover — functional but not optically precise.
Entry Kit Installation Video
Pro Kit
The Pro Kit includes both front and rear optical glass openings, delivering professional-grade results in any shooting condition and mode. The rear glass gives you:
- Full, optically accurate viewfinder visibility — precise framing in any light condition
- Complete LCD screen access — live view, menu navigation, and playback
- Full manual control — aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus mode, and all other settings
- Access to buttons and controls behind the glass — the patented mechanism allows you to move the glass aside when needed
- Compatibility with all advanced accessory kits — tripod, tethering, lighting, pistol grip, and more
The Pro Kit is available with tripod-mounted or viewfinder-mounted rear glass, depending on your camera model or preference.
Entry Kit (left), Pro Regular Kit (centre), and Pro Large Kit (right) — size comparison.
Compatibility
All Outex front glass ports and dome ports are compatible with both the Entry Kit and Pro Kit covers. The key compatibility difference is with advanced accessories:
- Entry Kit: compatible with all front glass ports and domes only
- Pro Kit: compatible with all front glass ports, domes, and all advanced accessory kits (tripod, tethering, lighting, pistol grip)
Pro Kit covers are also available in T1, T2, and T3 variants with additional openings for accessories. For full details on cover sizes and variants, see the Outex Cover Size Guide.
Upgrading from Entry Kit to Pro Kit
The Entry Kit is fully upgradeable. Many Entry Kit users move to the Pro Kit over time by purchasing the Pro Cover and Rear Glass separately from the Parts page. Your existing front glass ports and dome ports remain fully compatible with the upgraded cover.
Ready to Choose?
Browse both kits and configure your system in the Camera Kits section. If you have questions about which kit is right for your specific camera, contact the Outex support team.