Canon IXUS HS115 + WP-DC310L Waterproof Case

Posted on    by

The WP-DC310L waterproof case for my Canon IXUS HS115 arrived from Korea a few days ago, and after a quick water immersion test at home to see if the waterproof seals were all working, it got brought out shortly thereafter for its first ‘field test’ – and the camera and case passed with flying colors. Photos were in the previous post too.

The case came in a small unpadded box, and a large fold-out instruction sheet in several languages. No assembly was required.
blog-2012-photography-OLYP0285-waterproof-case
The case was an exact fit for the HS115. As this is a dedicated case for the camera, it came with a large suit of buttons that allow for a finer control of the camera while underwater. Yep, including the ‘Movie’ mode – and sound was recorded even!
blog-2012-photography-OLYP0287-waterproof-case
The camera fitted in with the case and shut tight. The whole contraption didn’t feel heavy, though I attached the strap to the case eyelet nonetheless. The case is locked using a double sort of mechanism. You have to slide a small lever using your fingernail to unlock, and simultaneously use another hand or finger to actually slide the lock open. Long story short – it’s extremely unlikely for you to accidentally open the case while underwater.=)

One disadvantage of using waterproof cases though is the condensation that gradually develops inside the casing. Basically, the camera – like any other electronic gadget – generates heat. The water outside the casing is cold. After the IXUS had been used for about 20 minutes, heat built up to a point where it warmed the air pockets inside the case, causing a bit of condensation to form at the case’s front lens. This basically resulted in pictures that initially had a bit of a blob, and eventually washed-out colors along the entire frame, e.g. like this one:

blog-2012-hannah-IMG_0171-swimming-flickr
Hannah doesn’t look too happy to be out of the pool.

The picture above should had been as well-exposed as the others during our swim session. Lesson learnt now though: have to try to keep the camera either on STANDBY or auto power off when not in use to try to keep condensation from forming.