Underwater cases for cameras can be expensive and are not available for all video cameras. Although there are ways to make underwater cases from things such as plastic boxes or surplus ammunition cases, these cases may not provide a reliable water-tight seal. If your camera's manufacturer does not offer a waterproof case for your camera, the best way to make an underwater case is to begin with a good, professional watertight camera case. Pelican makes good cases as does PlastiCase. However, there are a number of other high quality water tight cases that will work well.
Instructions
1. Select a Pelican or other water-tight camera case that is deep enough to allow you to install a three or four inch Plexiglas window in the side without compromising the gasket and seal mechanism.
2. Open the case and lay the video camera on the surface of the interior foam padding. Mark the shape of the camera with a grease pencil. Place the camera lens as close as possible to the side of the case.
3. Remove the squares of foam to create an area for the camera. The area should be slightly smaller than the camera to allow the foam to hold it in place securely. Keep the foam for now.
4. Remove the foam from in the area between the lens and the side of the case where you will install the Plexiglas window. This will allow an unobstructed view through the lens.
5. Make a mark on the inside of the case that corresponds approximately to the center of the lens.
6. Remove all foam from the case and drill a small hole through the center lens mark.
7. Place a hole saw on your drill. The larger the hole, the more flexibility you will have for wider angle video shots. Use a minimum of a three inch saw for this hole. Drill slowly to avoid melting or deforming the plastic.
8. File off any sharp areas or ridges on your hole.
9. Cut a square piece of Plexiglas with a saw at least a half inch wider on all sides than the hole in your case.
10. Place the Plexiglas over the hole to ensure size and fit. Carve out any areas that interfere with the sealing or operation of the case.
11. Run a bead of marine sealant on the outside of the case around the hole. Place the sealant about an eighth of an inch from the edge of the hole.
12. Place the Plexiglas on the case and press it down on to the marine sealant. Add weight to hold the Plexiglas in place while the sealant cures.
13. Allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
14. Seal the case and test it in water. Don't add the foam because it is easier to see leaks on the bare plastic.
15. Insert your foam once the case has passed the water tightness test. Put the camera in the case and add foam blocks on the lid side to secure the camera in the case.
16. Test the zoom to find the right focal length for your underwater case. Turn the camera on and press record. Seal the case and you have a good underwater case for your video camera.
Tags: camera case, underwater case, case that, case your, center lens