The Canon WP-DC90 Underwater Housing is engineered specifically for the Canon A-610 and A-620 compact digital cameras. It gives access to all camera controls and is rated to 130', the maximum depth for recreational scuba diving. I have used this housing on one dive trip to Cozumel, shooting 950 stills and about 70 minutes of video during 17 dives. The housing was easy to use and maintain, and fit the A-620 camera perfectly. The image quality of the video was outstanding, and would have been even better if I had had an u/w video light. I did have a u/w strobe for shooting stills, and these photos were also outstanding. The A-620 camera and WP-DC90 housing did a fantastic job for me considering my limited budget.
CONSTRUCTION: The WP-DC90 housing is made of clear molded polycarbonate with an optical glass port in front of the camera's lens. All camera controls are accessible from the housing's buttons and levers, including the main control dial, zoom control, 4-way controller, and record/play switch. The camera's built in-flash loses some effectiveness as it is partially blocked by the lens port, so the addition of an external strobe or video light is recommended. Buy a "slave" strobe, the type senses the camera's built in flash, as this housing and camera do not support TTL flash metering. The camera is loaded into the housing through a large hatch in the back that is sealed by a single rectangular rubber o-ring. This is the only user-seviceable component of the housing, and it (plus the groove in the housing) MUST be carefully cleaned, dried, and re-lubed with silicone grease every time the camera is loaded into it before a dive. Spare o-rings can be purchased from Canon's Parts Department for about $20.
Besides the large rear hatch for loading the camera, the housing has 14 other penetrations for control levers and push buttons, corresponding to the camera's controls. These are all sealed with o-rings that are NOT user serviceable. For this reason, the WP-DC90 housing should be considered to have a limited lifespan for scuba diving. I met a family in Cozumel that had a pair of Canon A-85's in four year old WP-DC30 housings; one of these sprung a leak during through the shutter-button o-ring during a dive; these housings had made about 100 dives total. I don't know if the WP-DC series housings can be returned to Canon for reconditioning (replacement of all non-user-serviceable o-rings), but I suspect that this would not be economically practicable since a new housing costs only $169 retail.
The failure mode for small o-rings like those on the WP-DC series housing involves the gradual build up of salt crystals around the control shafts that erodes the o-rings until they can no longer seal tightly. With this in mind, the WP-DC90 housing and A-620 camera do provide a means of capturing underwater video at 640 x 480 x 30 fps quality, and 7 megapixel stills, in a package that costs only $400 (plus the cost of an SD card if you don't already own one). This is a fraction of the cost of almost any other type of underwater video system, and I highly recommend it if you want a record of your dive vacation at a reasonable price.

I've had three Canon Waterproof cases over the past four years. Each for a different model of a canon camera I've owned. The first year the case held out well, until one day I was in a rush and didn't pay attention to the rubber seal, which was twisted and didn't seal properly. Needless to say I lost that camera. However, that was completely my fault. Having learned my lesson I've never had another incident. I've taken these camera cases everywhere: swimming, kayaking, and diving. I've been over 100 feet down with my canon camera and waterproof case and everything held up perfect! I definitely recommend these cases. They are very durable and can withstand some abuse. Just be careful you don't get the seal twisted. =)

We got this camera to take pictures in the pool of our 2 year old learning to swim. We love it! We have taken movies that go back and forth between underwater and above water with perfect clarity. The underwater photos are remarkable! The container is completely airtight and almost impossible to open accidentally. I am astonished by how easy it is to use all of the camera's functions while it is in the case. Great job on the engineering!

So far this housing has been on 14 dives (Little Cayman...awesome!). The case performed flawlessly and allows you to access virtually ALL the camera's functions underwater. The flash diffuser works very well...however, I've only used the camera in 130'+ vis. A couple of things should be mentioned:

1) This housing uses the camera's flash. ANY housing using the camera's flash will have backscatter problems depending on the visability. I belive third party extension flashes are available.

2) For coldwater divers or anybody using thick gloves, you may not be able to access some of the camera functions because the buttons are close together. On/off, zoom and operating mode should be no problem though.

Overall an outstanding value considering the alternatives, i.e. housings by other manufatureers that cost 5x as much. Very happy with my purchase.

Didn't leak when I took it under water. Be careful to rinse it thoroughly after use and leave to dry open in a clean environment.

I have used this waterproof case on several dives in the Pacific off Puerto Vallarta & Coronado and I had no problems. I recommend buying an extra "O-Ring" if you forget to rinse out the case after salt water use. I also used it in fresh water at Lake Tahoe and Lake Huron without any problems with water leaking. However in deeper darker fresh water you will probable need a slave flash.

I bought this case because there is no case avaliable for my old digital camera so I broke down and bought a whole new camera and made sure there was a case avaliable. I took this case and the Powershot A620 diving in cozumel mexico and grand cayman. In cozumel we dove to a max depth of 100 ft and the camera and case were perfect. You have access to all functions on the camera whic is amazing. I really liked to be able to switch to video while diving. I Highly reccomend this product to any divers who want to be able to take their digital underwater.

Amazing product. Multiple trips to the swimming pool and a week at the beach with a great camera safely and securely inside this housing with all functions fully and easily accessible. Image quality is unaffected by the housing system, and the images and video that I've taken are priceless and otherwise unattainable without a waterproof case. This was a wonderful purchase and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I purchased this case and my A620 at the same time just for diving. This is my first underwater digital camera, easy to use and comes with a preset scene for underwater photos. Canon's case is one of the reasons I chose the A620, also like the use of standard AA batteries available everywhere. Took 70-80 pictures per dive on same set of batteries, had the camera on most of the time to be ready for the next photo opportunity. Although the A620 has a fast boot and is quickly ready to shoot. I was not using gloves, so the buttons were easy to operate, may be a bit difficult in cold water with heavy gloves. Took a couple of short movies, but was wanting to preserve the space on my card. With more experience I am sure I will be switching between still underwater and movies more. Great way to get into quality underwater photography for less than $500.

I was very sceptical about how an underwater camera case would work, but this particular model exceeded my expectations. I've got a Canon A620 camera, and the Camera Case fitted very nicely on my camera. I've taken still photos and video with my camera housed in this case- in rivers, lakes and seas, and each time I was thrilled to view the footage from the camera. The case works perfectly and allows me to use every control on the camera while I'm underwater on my dive. I would recommend this camera case to any diver.

I was initailly reluctant to buy an underwater case due to the risk of possible camera damage if the case failed; however, I couldn't be more pleased with the performance of this product. The installation was simple and logical. The performance underwater, shooting both stills and video, was superb - it was surprisingly easy to access all of the camera's functions while submerged. In no way did this case hinder my abilities to use the camera as I wanted to. My only regret is not buying this product earlier.

I own two Canon waterproof cases (the other is for my Canon A95). Both have served me extremely well. I have dived as deep as 130 feet underwater and no leaks. Only warning I have for buyers is that if you buy a separate underwater strobe with a bracket (particularly the Bonica Neons), do not use the adaptors that come with it. The adaptors causes the case to have a small hairline opening that allows water to leak in because of the pressure applied when you screw it in. Simply put, don't use the adaptors. Otherwise, this case well serve you well. Owned one for over a year and have not experienced any problems with the O rings deteriorating. Especially living in a high humidity island such as Guam.

We bought this for our son in the military who is deployed in Iraq. Sand rather than water is the enemy for equipment. So far, it is doing an excellent job. The camera is still taking great photos and looks like it will stand up to another 9 months in the sand until he comes stateside.

Not just for divers or water fans.

After reading horror stories about underwater housings, I decided to spend the extra little bit to get a brand name kit as well as the kit made by Canon (the same maker of my camera [A610]). I was careful to read and follow the directions, but could only test it in my kitchen sink. So, with a little confidence, I took it to the Caribbean last week and sank it to about 15 feet for half an hour. I was impressed that the kit worked perfectly. Not a single leak or anything. I ended up taking it out on three different days and had to clean all the salt water and sand each night, but as long as I keep it clean and lubricate the gasket each time, I'm hopeful that it will give me many months/years of service.

My friend calls it the "chick magnet"? I brought it with me to Margaritaville in Grand Turk after snorkeling and got a lot of attention.

Finding a low cost but durable camera case for scuba diving is not easy, but Canon is well known for having a line of cases for many of its digital cameras.

The WP-DC90 follows the legacy of many Canon scuba cases by providing buttons to operate all features of the camera. The sealing latch is most unlikely to be accidentally opened underwater and a flash diffuser and LED shield are provided.

Unfortunately, the case has some minor annoyances.

The camera flash is useless without the separate diffuser, as the built in flash is partially obstructed by the lens port and thus, lights subjects unevenly. The indispensable diffuser clips onto the lens port and sits infront of the flash, and is prone to physical abuse.

Both the diffuser and LED shield snap onto the camera and can easily be dislodged by the bump and grind typical of dive boats. Both come with laynards to tie them to the camera housing, which then leads to danglies than easily snag underwater. I've already ripped one such laynard and partially damaged a diffuser from an older model camera. Special techniques and clips have to be devised to hold the diffuser and shield more securely such as in rough conditions during high surf shore dives.

The many buttons is a mixed blessing. My previous Canon flooded by exceeding its depth limitation, and that led to leaks that began around the lens housing; otherwise minor leaks can occur with a dirty case O ring. With depth, the control button O rings increasingly become tight, such than the buttons become inoperable near the case's depth limit. I have yet to experience a leak from the buttons themselves, but most underwater cameras allow only a minimum of controls to reduce the risk of flood from many moving parts.

I recently enjoyed two dives in Hawaii...one during the day and one at night. The underwater case worked very well. I was very pleased. I also use the case any time I am around the beach or near salt water and sand in order to protect the camera. If you get the case wet, you have to rinse and wipe off the lense or you will have water spots on your pictures. Of course this would be true of any case.

The only negatives are that the flash is a little week since it is a somewhat obscured by the case. And if you push the on/off button too hard it may jam the camera on/off button down. It only takes a light push to turn it on and off.

Overall it is a great product.

If you're like me and just want to take pictures and not "photographs" and don't want to spend a lot of cash, you'll like this housing. Dove three times before I got the nerve to put the camera inside but, it performed beautifully.

I recently purchased this product for my son ( a marine biology student) and we used it while snorkeling in the Caribbean on a recent cruise . The product perfomed well and was very easy to use .This product allowed for all of the features of the Canon camera to be used to its fullest and the outcome was some outstanding underwater shots of blue tangs ,parrot fish and a rather menacing looking barracuda that had taken temporary residence under the dive boat in St. Thomas. Looks like an expensive piece of plastic in the box - performs like a Swiss watch.

All camera controls and features seem to be accessible, a quality seldom (if ever) found in aftermarket waterproof camera cases. The flash diffuser, easily installed or removed underwater, really helps obtain professional results in the inevitable low light conditions found underwater. Canon's manual provides valuable tips and encourages a lot of self confidence for the new user, like me! Canon says a single hair can cause leaks at the waterproof seal, so you'd better have your eyeglasses, when sealing up, if you normally wear them.

Tested the case at home in a water bucket per instructions. No leaks. Went on a dive trip and the first dive I put in some toilet paper and closed it up. Went to 75 feet. No leaks. Second dive, removed tissue and put in the camera (A610). Performed flawlessly for 17 dives. Excellent case. Highly recommend the case and also the toilet paper test.

The waterproof case arrived in perfect (new) condition overnight as promised. I was especially impressed because it was coming to me on my vacation in Maui and shipped on a holiday. Thanks for saving our vacation photos!

This is a good case, but i would prefer one that it can be a little bit small, because is bulky. But on the overall, is a very good adquisition for the people that wants to take underwater photography.

I purchased this case in March and used it on a trip to the Canaima National Park in Venezuela. The case worked perfect. There were no leakages and I was extremely happy to be able to snap my photos from under the waterfalls in the Park, as well as during the river trip without the fear of damaging the camera. Great product. Great investment.

Unfortunately the waterproof case for my A620 sat unused for over a year. I finally decided to test it out while snorkeling recently and I am overjoyed that I did. Performing the instructions for properly sealing the case were easier than I had first thought. While the case is a bit bulky, full access to controls on the camera are accomplished and easy. While snorkeling I did not need the weights and the flash diffuser worked wonderfully. I also did the 'tissue test' and found this to be of great help.
I love my A620 and had been disappointed in the past with using disposable underwater cameras. Now I feel confident that I can use my camera anywhere and get great photos.

Just got back from a dive trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. Took amazing pictures for a point-and-shoot platform. Excellent control of virtually all of the camera's functions.

This camera case has a very solid construction unlike other lower-end cases. The plastic is relatively thick and the air-right clasp is strong... not to mention it takes excellent underwater pictures. However, you can't expect them to be professional grade because the flash is key and this unit uses the factory flash. It does have a diffuser that comes with it that I recommend using all the time. It also comes with a rubber shroud that goes over the view finder area that is also very useful in lower light (i.e. deeper) environments.
There are no cons I can think of for this unit. I have two suggestions though.
1. Buy the optional weight pack that fastens to the bottom of the unit because if you spend a lot of time underwater it gets frustrating constantly forcing the case to stay submerged.
2. Remove the yellow strap and drag it along with you and you'll notice that various little fish are attracted to it, at least in Maui and Oahu, and will swim along side you as more and more fish follow your lead (see picture of my flock).

Took the camera case for its first use on our South Pacific trip during 11/07. Used on my first dive in Moorea and had lots of problems but none actually due to the camera case, mostly just due to my unfamiliarity with the camera as my wife typically uses it most of the time. So, I only took a few pictures that came out on that first dive. I practiced using the camera w/o the case to get better familiar with the controls. Also, took it on a snorkel trip where I'd have less equipment to worry about. On the next dive I was able to do much better.

The main problem I had overall was use of the strap that goes around the neck. When diving, because the camera case has air in it (I did not purchase the weights) it floats above you and if you do not pay close attention it will float away. On another dive I got the strap entangled in my regulator hose and made it difficult to put the camera out where I could use it. I finally ended up removing the strap so I could take pictures. I did use the wrist strap and attached it to one of the clips on my BC and had much fewer problems after that. You may also want to get one of those coiled clips to help give you more flexibility.

One other issue I had with using the case underwater is that it is pretty difficult to see the LCD screen clearly enough to take good pictures. Again, this is probably not an issue with the case but a combination of lighting, small lcd screen on the camera, and my bad eyes.

The case worked flawlessly, all controls are accessible and easy to use, you just have to be familiar enough with the camera so you know where everything is as you can't read the lables very easily underwater.

works great. Is fairly bouyant, may have to break down and purchase the camera weights.