Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.5 x 4 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000099SGU
• Item model number: WP-DC800
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Take PowerShot S400 along when diving and snorkeling with the optional Waterproof Case WP-DC800, depth rated to 30 meters/100 feet.

Product Description

Take your PowerShot Camera along when diving and snorkeling with the optional Waterproof Case WP-DC800, depth rated to 40m/130 feet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Product-Underwater YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!, June 26, 2004

By 

J. Malin "Google technical writer" (Silicon Valley, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400 (Electronics)

I am an experienced scuba diver with some experience in underwater photography. I bought this housing on a lark, because I had the camera and wanted something small to take along when I wasn't diving for photography but wanted to take some snaps.

*WITH THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS AND CHECKS* I found this case worked and was easy to use. I definitely recommend it.

The warning is:
* TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
* MAKE THE PROPER PRE-DIVE CHECKS
* YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN
* GET FLOODING INSURANCE OR DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES

I was advised from the beginning to take a course on underwater camera maintenance and use, and to get flooding insurance. I still accept that despite my best efforts, I'll get flooding. The insurance will protect me. You *cannot* assume that a manufacturer will warranty an underwater housing against leakage. It's not possible. Even a tiny bit of sand on an O-ring can cause a leak, and at 60 feet the leak will let in water at twice atmospheric pressure.

Fancy underwater housings for $1000+ cameras are *not* warranted against flooding. Don't expect that a $170 housing will be. Don't blame manufacturers for your complete lack of knowledge and experience in a very specialized photographic discipline that most divers take years to learn.

Get flooding insurance. Learn how to protect your camera. Test the housing. Ask other divers.

The only possible limitation is that the rated depth is only 100 feet. But considering this housing is only $170, and an Ikelite pro-level housing is $500+, this little gem is a great deal.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works Great - Just don't use too much silicone!, May 28, 2004

By 

S. Frazer (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400 (Electronics)

I purchased this housing to go with my S400 for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. This was the first time I had used an underwater housing. My background: I have been diving for 12 years. Typically in diving - and especially when assembling equipment, you apply a liberal amount of silicone grease. Not too much, but plenty. With this housing, this method will cause leaks. However, if you use just a touch and evenly coat the O-ring with it until the O-ring is shiny - and make sure that there are no areas where you can actually see the silicon, only the shiny coating you shouldn't have a problem with leaks.

Two other suggestions: One, you want to be sure that there are no small objects on the o-ring, even hair or fluff or that fine fabric stuff that kind of floats in the air. Two, you will want to assemble the camera and the housing in an airconditioned space before the dive to minimize the potential for fogging. Once assembled, leave it assembled until the battery runs out or you have another reason for removing the camera, as each time you seal the casing you risk a flood.

Overall an excellent product that needs to be used with care, but that performs excellently (and is positively buoyant so it will float if you drop it over the side of the boat!).

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good idea. Well made. No warranties or guarantees. Expense, June 3, 2004

By 

maninblue "maninblue" (Cudahy, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC800 for Powershot S500, S410 & S400 (Electronics)

I recently bought this accessory for my S400. I didn't buy it from Amazon, but I should have since it's cheaper here. I was so excited to test it to make sure it doesn't leak before I put my expensive camera in it. I read the manual and filled the WP-dc800 with toilet paper for a test. I then stuck the camera housing into a sink full of water and let it soak for a while. I pressed all the well-built little buttons and levers underwater to make sure that every seal was water tight. When I took the item out and inspected it, everything checked out ok and the toilet paper was dry as a bone, just like I want my camera when I take this thing snorkeling later this summer. They ask a little much for this accessory and they don't offer any type of warranty with it at all. They warn you enough times in the manual not to let even a strand of hair interrupt the waterproof seal or it may leak on your camera, but they never tell you what to do if this item is faulty and floods your precious camera inside. I doubt Ill have any issues with it and it stood up to my tests at home. The WP-DC800 appears to be a solid product. I like how the buttons perfectly align to the buttons on the S400. Every feature is accessible while the housing is on your camera except, of course, removing the battery or CF card. The lens is double plated, anti-condensation glass. It attracts fingerprints like a magnet though. IT also comes with some sealant goop, a wrist strap and a cool Canon neck strap that shows the world how eccentric you are with your digital camera housing.
What I don't like about the WP-DC800 is the large part on the front that makes the item more huge than it has to be. This is for the added diffuser plate feature for your flash. It makes the WP-DC800 seems a little bulky
What I dont like about the WP-DC800 is the large part on the front that makes the item more huge than it has to be. This is for the added diffuser plate feature for your flash. It makes the WP-DC800 seems a little bulky. The realease to open the unit is a little hard to open. There is a push button that you hold while pulling on the top. I always fear that I might break the thing, but at least there is no worry that it will open underwater.