Ikelite Announces Underwater Housing for Panasonic Lumix GH3

Feature filled housing due out late May

The Panasonic Lumix GH3 is a top quality micro-four thirds mirrorless camera capable of capturing both stunning video and high quality stills.  The Ikelite housing is sure to be a great value, especially considering the TTL capability, which is one of the best features of the housing.  The clear, poly-carbonate material allows you to see inside the housing and is an Ikelite feature most other housings don't have. Ikelite joins Nauticam as the only two manufacturers so far to annonuce a GH3 underwater housing.

Ikelite jumps into Mirrorless housings

This is Ikelite's first foray into the mirrorless housing arena. It will be interesting to see if they quickly expand their mirrorless offerings, or if they selectively and slowly choose their models.

Ikelite GH3 Housing Features

TTL or "Through-The-Lens" flash metering means the camera controls flash duration to properly expose an image. The Ikelite housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH3 is able to tell the camera that a TTL external flash is attached, allowing the camera to adjust exposure more accurately*. The housing translates direct electrical impulses from the camera, triggering the external strobe and precisely adjusting its power without the need to fire the camera's flash. In-line communication between the strobe and the camera completely eliminates signal interference and false triggering caused by light rays bouncing off the water's surface or another diver's flash going off. Avoiding the need to fire the camera's built-in flash also prolongs battery life and reduces recycle time between shots. 

Exposure adjustments directly through the back of the housing put the perfect shot within reach every time. Tweak the exposure or take total control without taking a hand off of the housing. Two pushbuttons below the camera's LCD viewfinder act as a remote control for Ikelite DS-series strobes*. Access is provided to plus/minus exposure compensation in TTL mode, plus 7 manual power settings in half-stop increments. Strobe settings are indicated by a series of LED lights and plainly visible even at night. 

Controls are customized to put all important camera functions within comfortable reach. Unlike other housings currently on the market, the Ikelite housing brings video record start/stop and AF lock out to the side of the housing for quick thumb-access without taking a hand off of the handles. Translating the movement via a lever control ensures that the video will start and stop without the shakiness typically caused by rear push button action.

For a system of this caliber, a tray with dual handles is essential to good handling, balance underwater and attachment of external lighting. An aluminum tray with right- and left-hand rubberized grips is included with the Ikelite housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH3, providing comfortable hold, two quick release points for strobe and video arms, and tripod attachment holes. The complete handle assembly removes with just two screws for traveling. 

An over-sized knob smoothly engages a unique system of universal zoom gears. Two zoom sets are provided with each housing: one for use with most popular larger diameter zoom lenses and one designed for use with smaller diameter zoom lenses. Both sets are lightweight and easy to install with no modification to the lens required. A variety of dome and flat ports attach with four locking latches for maximum security and quick changes between dives.

Special polycarbonate blends shape up to an extremely strong yet clear and lightweight enclosure. There's no substitute for inspecting the actual o-ring seal once the housing is closed. A 100% clear back provides visual confirmation that the housing is watertight and dry before entering the water, and provides full view of the camera while diving. The heavy-duty polycarbonate housing never bubbles or flakes and is fundamentally corrosion-resistant.

Like every Ikelite product, the 6860.03 housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH3 is designed, built and tested in the USA. All housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit, function and waterproof integrity. The average assembly technician is a certified scuba diver and has over 16 years of experience building Ikelite products. Each Ikelite housing is backed with over 50 years of experience and service within the dive industry. 

Ikelite GH3 Availability

The Ikelite housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH-3 is currently in production for late-May release. This product is available for pre-order through any Authorized Ikelite Delaer.

Product No. 6860.03
US Market Suggested Retail Price $1,500
Camera, lens and lens port not included.

Ikelite housings for the Nikon D7100 and Canon EOS 700D are shipping now. Photos and specifications for all housing models can be found at ikelite.com.

* Requires current model Ikelite DS Substrobe. Click here for strobe requirements by serial number. TTL circuitry does not operate with non-Ikelite strobes. Non-Ikelite strobes provide manual exposure only. 

Further Reading

• Mirrorless camera guide

• Best lenses for micro-four thirds cameras

• Underwater camera Selection Guide

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!