Choose camera or phone
Why Optical Glass Domes Outperform Flat Ports Underwater
There are several factors that make domes outperform flat ports underwater, including the physics of how light travels at a different speeds over air versus water, magnification, refraction, and field of view. For underwater or split-level imaging (half over, half underwater) Outex dome ports outperform flat ports because they correct for all those distortions. In addition, Outex optical glass ports are better than acrylic or plastic ports. They are optically superior (clearer, sharper), vastly more scratch resistant, and less susceptible to reflections and glare. While there are complicated optical variables at play such as virtual-images, we’re summarizing the key benefits here.
Read more
Top 10 Most Important Considerations for Underwater Imaging
10 Reasons Photographers and Cinematographers Worldwide Trust Outex
Built to combine the best aspects of all underwater housing systems, Outex combines the best optical performance, complete functional control, universal compatibility for all cameras and lenses, modular support for all accessories such as tripod mounts, lights, strobes, triggers, domes, tethering, etc, and an unparalleled transportability that adds no weight or bulk to your camera gear. The patented Outex system has been trusted by award-winning content creators, production professionals, the armed forces, and outdoor enthusiasts alike since 2010. And its passionate worldwide community shares tips, tricks, user cases, and inspiration on a regular basis to go with its 4.7/5 satisfaction rating. Here’s why Outex outshines the competition across most critical criterion.
Read more
How does Outex work? Overview of underwater housing system.
Discovering the best underwater housing system for cameras for professional underwater use. Plastic bags are cheap and unprofessional. Hard camera housings are bulky, heavy, expensive, and camera specific. The Outex waterproof housing system combines the best of both worlds, offering an universal waterproof flexible case that fits any camera make and model, as well any any type of lens, from wide-angle to telezoom. The case's patented seal works with optical glass ports, including domes for professional optical results that are second to none, in a lightweight, compact, travel friendly, and affordable design that grows with one's needs over time, and is compatible with lighting, flash, triggers, strobes, cables, tethering, tripods, mounts, pistol grips, etc. It's the best camera waterproofing solution for all environmental conditions.
Read more
Cover Size Selection for my Needs.... What Outex Cover Size is Ideal?
What Outex Cover Sizes are Available? Which One is Best for my Gear?
There are currently three Outex underwater housing cover sizes available: 100, 110, 130. Larger covers can be used for smaller cameras, but not the other way around. Small (Entry Kit)
This kit is designed for compact and mirrorless cameras, but works with DSLR. The Entry Kit ships with Cover 100X (Small). "X" denotes no opening for the glass
Medium (Pro Kit Regular)
This is the most common and fits most cameras (other than full-body). The Pro Kit ships in regular or large sizes (110, and/or 130), depending on your camera or specific choice.
Large (Pro Kit Large)
Our largest kit works with full body cameras or cameras using a battery grip.
All Pro covers work with all/any rear and or front glass options.
Read more
Selecting the Front Glass Sizes - Outex Front Lens
The Outex front glass ports match your lens filter thread diameter size. The front lens filter thread size is not your focal length or zoom range. The Outex front glass will thread onto your lens just like an UV filter or polarizer would, and it becomes one with the lens, moving with it and producing the best optical results.
Read more
Why are domes better than flat ports? The Advantages of dome over flat ports in underwater imaging.
Why use Dome ports for Underwater Photography?
Domes make it better - Domes help correct aberrations that occur when light travels thru water as opposed to air. Domes can deliver better results compared to flat ports, and also make it easier or possible some results that flat ports would not capture.
Size matters - Bigger domes are better than smaller domes, for a number of reasons. The tradeoffs are; heavier, bulkier, pricier than smaller domes.
Glass is optically superior - Glass domes are optically superior to plastic or acrylic, and they do not scratch as easily. All of the Outex ports, including its domes, are American-made glass ports.
Universal fit protects your investment - Both Outex glass domes are designed to fit any/all lenses thru adaptors and brackets. This design protects your investment and optimizes your usability and upgradeability over time. Our Waterproof Camera Housing Dome Kit supports both threaded, unthreaded, hooded, curved, and fisheye lenses.
Domes are ideal for split-level and underwater use - While dome ports will not take anything away from your work above water, their impact or difference above the surface is irrelevant. Domes are ideal for split-level and underwater work. For additional information, explore our underwater camera housings and photography FAQ's to learn more about domes and this subject.
Read more
Is Outex compatible with flash, strobes, triggers, repeaters, etc.? Yes!
The Outex system is compatible with most, if not all of the lighting solutions in the market, including hot-shoe flas...
Read more
Becoming an Outex Ambassador
Outex Ambassadors and Collaborations
Thank you for your interest in joining our outdoor photography community. Our brand wouldn’t be what it is today without the support from our worldwide community of photographers. We don’t buy influence or placement by giving away product in exchange for posts or reviews. We instead foster engaging, relevant, educational, entertaining content thru genuine relationships with folks that want to be contributors and make the community better in some way. In other words, every single one of our ambassadors and collaborations started with Outex customers. There’s no application process, or specific rules. Once you purchase and use the Outex gear, you can start participating and creating content as you see fit and relevant for your own audience. We encourage you to tag/notify us so we can track, react, answer questions, contribute, and assist in promoting your work and your story accordingly.
For consideration, please tag #Outex @realOutex on social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) and contact us at info@outex.com with our video, review, or other contribution examples along with your reason for the interest in the collaboration. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Read more
Does Outex Float?
The Outex underwater housing system that makes camera gear waterproof also allows it to float—even with your heavy camera and lens inside. This works by utilizing the trapped air inside the Outex camera housing as a float, which allows you to control buoyancy by how much air you allow inside the cover. Simply squeeze out the air before you seal it to reduce flotation.
Read more
Rear Glass Options, Insights, and How They Work
Selecting the Rear Glass; Viewfinder or Tripod-Mounted
There are two types of rear glass options the viewfinder mount or Tripod-mount:
Viewfinder Mount Option
The viewfinder-mounted option is available for most standard camera brands, makes, and models such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax. It combines an adaptor that slides or threads onto your camera's viewfinder eyecup and then holds the rear glass (LCD window). Our patented design allows it to pivot/swing back and forth so it can be moved out of the way of your access of buttons, knobs, and functions. And you can use both the viewfinder and LCD screens accordingly.
Tripod/Mirrorless Mount Option
The tripod-mounted option is called the mirrorless viewfinder and is universal to all camera makes brands and models as long as they have a tripod mount at the base or bottom of the camera. It uses a provided adjustable bracket and screw that also allows for a positioning that fits your camera and the position of your LCD screen and viewfinder. This allows you to use both LCD screen and viewfinder. The only exceptions are very large camera bodies (such as the Canon 1D series, Nikon 5D), where the tripod mount is rather far away from the viewfinder. For these types of cameras, we suggest the viewfinder mount option.
The below video and images showcase both examples for various cameras.There's no right or wrong solution as it is your personal preference as to which option is best. The kit defaults to the viewfinder mount option for cameras listed as having that option available but chose the tripod/mirrorless mount option for all other cases. If you have a specific preference, you have to specify it accordingly in the shopping cart comments section. There's another option that many customers opt for which we call the floating option.
Floating Option
It is possible, and some people prefer to simply float the rear glass window (either mirrorless or LCD provided in the first two options) by simply leaving it unattached to the camera. In this scenario, the rear glass is simply held in place by the cover itself, and possibly the strap holder. This option gives you even more freedom of movement for the rear glass if/when needed. All 3 options work well and use depends on personal preference.
Read more
Underwater Camera Housing System Comparison: Outex vs. Competitors
When choosing the best underwater camera case, it's essential to be well informed and to compare available options holistically. You want to compare usability for various needs, imaging performance, protection characteristics, cost of ownership (including transportation), and modularity to accommodate current and future needs. This detailed comparison includes competitive charts, comparison highlights, and rationale for industry differences beyond the obvious. It illustrates the differences between Outex and leading competitors, including AquaTech, Ikelite, SeaFrogs, EwaMarine, and others. Whether you're a professional photographer or an adventure enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
If you're looking for a professional, reliable, versatile, travel friendly, and affordable underwater camera system that grows with your needs, Outex is the clear winner. With its universal fit, superior image quality, and ease of transport and use, it's the preferred choice of professionals and enthusiasts alike. If you have a very specific need that will drive 85%+ of your use, such as surfing, or scuba diving, and don't envision changing cameras or lenses very often, you may be better off with a corresponding, dedicated system.
Read more
Underwater Camera Case Comparison Chart
Outex is the best underwater camera housing system compared to other waterproof cases because of its imaging performance, universal compatibility, modular design, light weight, travel friendliness, and affordability. Especially when you consider its optical glass ports, full operational control over lens and camera functions and settings, support of tripod mounts, triggers, lights, remotes, tethering, and more. This competitive comparison illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of each category of products, bags and hard cases comparatively, so potential customers can make informed decisions.
Read more
Everything You Need to Know About the Outex Housing System
The Outex Questions page covers a lot of ground when it comes to underwater camera gear, the waterproof system, and tips for outdoor photography. If you're new to it, and want a quick overview, you've come to the right place. The excerpts of this video are from an interview with TV Host, diver, and Model Kinga Phillips, and Outex co-founder JR deSouza.
Read more
Can I Use the Outex System for Multiple Cameras and Lenses?
Can I Use the Outex System for Multiple Cameras and Lenses?
Yes. The Outex underwater camera housing system is modular and the covers, lenses, viewfinders, and accessories work with all brands, makes, and models of cameras and lenses. This including accessories such as tripods, tripod mounts, triggers, lighting solutions, cabled solutions, tethering, pistol grips, etc. Here are some additional considerations:
Read more
Difference Between Blue & Clear Covers
Difference between the clear 2nd generation and blue 1st generation Outex underwater housing covers. These covers are fully backwards compatible for the rest of the Outex underwater housing system and works with all glass components and accessories.
Read more
How do I Operate my Controls Using the Outex Underwater Housing System?
Operating your Control Using the Outex Underwater Housing System
Outex housings are optimized for tactile feedback and for complete control of any and all functionality above or below the water. Think of this in the same way that a surgeon can conduct brain or heart surgery using gloves. Our 2nd generation transparent covers make it even easier to see and operate all functions of any gear inside the housings; from cameras and lenses, to accessories and add-ons such as lighting and triggers.Outex's proprietary compound is engineered to maximize control, tactile feedback, grip, handling, elasticity, and durability. We're constantly working with our customers to improve usability. The 2nd generation transparent covers last longer, are easier to install and remove, and have a longer lifespan than the 1st generation blue covers. They allow you to stretch, twist, turn, zoom, operate in all modes, and push any buttons, levers, or knobs you may need to access, including mirrorless, SLR, film, or medium format cameras. Visit our YouTube Channel for addition videos.
Read more
Using Polarizers and/or ND Filters
There are several options for using polarizers or filters.
1. Keep the cover "open" in front with your filter instea...
Read more
Warranty, Insurance, Returns, and Coverage
Outex underwater housing warranty, coverage, and return policy.
Read more
Dome vs Flat Glass Ports from Outex Underwater Housing System
Underwater split level photography tutorial explains the advantages and differences between flat and dome glass ports. All Outex products use American-made glass - not acrylic/plastic. Glass is optically superior to acrylic and delivers a more professional result. Making the most of your underwater and half-and-half split level still and video capture with digital cameras and Outex waterproof systems.
Read more
Does Outex Support Tripods, Flash, or Tethering Underwater?
What Are the Available Outex Underwater Photography Camera System Configurations?
The Outex underwater camera system supports virtually any lighting configuration you may need thru the use of add-on accessories. These include flash and strobe triggers, mounted lights, remote wired or wireless lighting, and/or tethering configurations. The Outex mirrorless underwater housing system can modularly support all of these applications through its patented, modular, configurable design. By adding covers with different openings and different Outex accessories, you can build virtually any underwater application that may require tripods, lights, cables for power, data, audio, and video, such as synch cables, HDMI, USB, etc.
Read more
Does Outex Work with My Gear?
Outex is Compatible with all Cameras and Lenses
Outex waterproof camera housing system is compatible with virtually all mirrorless, DSRL, and even most film and medium format cameras and lenses. It's a one-size-fits most system, and we offers variants of cover sizes and glass to accommodate ALL.
The covers come in SMALL, REGULAR, and LARGE.
The front Ggass supports all standard filter thread sizes in the market.
The rear glass options can be used for all cameras.
Read more
Outex Domes Specifications
Outex underwater housing glass dome ports work modularly with the rest of the Outex waterproof systems - both Entry or Pro Kit covers. The domes optimize photo and cinematography results underwater, and especially split-level videos or stills.
Read more
A Travel-Friendly Professional Underwater Housing System
Outex's Most Travel-Friendly Professional Underwater Housing System Available
Outex adds virtually no weight or bulk to your camera gear, making it the most travel friendly professional housing system in the market. It fits in the bag or case you already own, and makes it a no-brainer to have with you all the time just in case you need it.
Read more
Desiccant (Silica Gel) Packs - Instructions
Desiccant (silica gel) packs can be used for moisture absorption. They are useful for wicking moisture away from the air/environment they are in, and can be used inside the Outex waterproof housings to reduce the amount of air moisture inside the housing. That in turn helps reduce fogging. Fogging is often the result of the heated moisture in the case's air, and often cause by the camera gear.
Read more
