Canon WP-DC17 Underwater housing for Canon SD870IS Digital Cameras

My wife and I used this housing with our canon sd870is on our Honeymoon in French Polynesia - Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-bora. Our underwater pictures and videos are clear and crisp! We took it to a dept of 50ft during our diving tour, no problems whatsoever (housing can handle depths of up to 130ft). The housing can take some abuse too during our wild jet-ski tour. There were many times that we decided to just keep the camera inside the housing because it protects the camera from dust, sand, scratches, bumps/rattles, etc. The camera can still capture great pictures on dry land.

It works as described. Obviously a sensitive equipment, so you must treat it with care and not let sand or hair or other dust get into the seal.

I was planning a rafting trip down through the Grand Canyon. I knew my SD870IS would be up to the task, but there was going to be a lot of water and sand. Well, I quickly became the envy of others on the trip because I could have my camera out the entire time taking pictures, while they had to hide theirs in the rapids. It helped make for some great video clips too! The case held up perfectly and it took a bit of a beating with the sun, sand, rocks and water. Not a single scratch or problem at all with my camera. With the memories this case saved, it is easily the best money I ever invested.

I just used this case on a recent trip to the Dominican Republic and St. Martin - where I scuba dived and snorkeled. Between the video and still pictures, I was able to capture a lot of great memories. The case/camera has really spoiled me...it's hard to go scuba/snorkeling without it now!

The pre-set Underwater mode worked great, as did Manual and Digital macro modes using custom white balance (which requires some playing around with to work optimally). Typically, I would switch between the Underwater scene mode, and then have the Digital Macro mode setup too. This way I could quickly switch between macro and non-macro shots just by moving the top slider one click left or right.

Here's a note of caution though: you really want to be a neat freak with the case. There's some care time needed before and after usage. Before, you'll need to clean the rubber seal and remove all debris (about 10-15 mins of prep). After, you'll want to soak the case in non-salt water for a few minutes too.

Overall, if you go in the water at all, get this case! Cameras and water can be compatible - and a whole lot of fun!!

It's hard to understand what it feels like to immerse your camera in water until you actually do it.

Of course, I followed the instructions and tested the case by putting it in the sink for 3 minutes (without the camera inside). And though the case showed no evidence of leaks, this didn't stop me from wondering "will my camera still work at the end of the day?" as I stepped into the pool. It also didn't stop me from freaking out the first time the camera did an auto-shutoff. "Oh my god! Is it broken?"

Of course, I'm just paranoid. The case does exactly what it says it does. I've used it for probably 4 hours underwater now, and my camera stays nice and dry. Being able to use all the camera's buttons when it's in the case is also a nice touch. It even has a tripod mount.

So, it works! That's about it. Costs half as much as the camera, but I wouldn't recommend taking your PowerShot into the pool without it.