Ikelite have announced a professional grade, compact waterproof housing for Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Micro Four-Thirds Mirrorless cameras. Perfect for any application in or around the water from scuba to surf to pool.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is built for speed. It boasts a large 20MP Four-Thirds CMOS sensor, fantastic in-body image stabilization, and an updated autofocus system. The metal body is weather-sealed with a bright articulating rear LCD display and large, high resolution electronic viewfinder. The DC-G9 supports high-speed UHS-II media, captures Ultra HD 4K video at up to 60p, and features a high speed mode capable of up to 180 fps in Full HD.

Lens Ports

This housing features a robust Dry Lock (DL) port system. “Dry Lock” refers to the placement of the o-ring on the outside of the port mount. This improves visibility of the seal and reduces the chances of water dropping onto your precious camera sensor. DL ports are the lightest on the market, yet robust and capable of standing up to rough surf. Attachment is quick and secure. A system of extensions can accommodate a huge variety of lenses with ease.

Most popular zoom lenses and select lens focus rings can be engaged using a simple yet effective gearing system that puts adjustment right at your fingertips. A large, soft-touch lobed knob on the side of the housing makes fine tuned adjustments a breeze. Zoom and focus gears differ depending on which lens you are using. All are lightweight and affordable.

Vacuum System

The included vacuum valve allows you to pressurize the housing to check for leaks prior to putting your expensive equipment in the water. Use of the vacuum valve requires a compatible Vacuum Pump with Gauge # 47011, sold separately. There is no greater assurance than being able to see your camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing. Our signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel. Once the housing is closed you can see the o-ring form a solid, waterproof seal.

TTL Exposure 

This housing supports your choice of shooting manual or TTL strobes depending on your application. You can enjoy the fastest and most accurate TTL exposure on the market by adding the PT1K Panasonic TTL Kit with Hotshoe # 46031 and a compatible Ikelite DS strobe. Exposure compensation can be used added or subtracted in the camera. The flash bulkhead has been moved to the top of the case for improved cord routing and reduced strain. Reliable locking connectors between the hotshoe and bulkhead make it easy to install the optional TTL electronics or carry back up parts when traveling to remote locations.

Controls and Set-Up 

Shutter and AF/AE Lock levers stand out with super sensitive and natural feeling curved levers.  Both controls can be extended using the optional Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.93 for more comfortable use when using a right-hand quick release handle. All push button controls are hard anodized aluminum to reduce weight and resist salt build-up. The back of the housing is laser engraved with control symbols which will never fade or fall off. The camera mount is front-loading for easy installation and removal. A small mounting plate attaches to the bottom of the camera and secures in the front of the housing. The camera mounting plate does not need to be removed from the camera for surface use or when changing the battery or memory cards. The mounting plate features a 1/4-20 threaded mount on the bottom so that it can be attached to a tripod on the surface.

Viewfinders 

The Super-Eye Viewfinder (included) provides an enhanced view of the camera’s optical viewfinder when viewed through a dive mask. The viewfinder removes quickly and easily for the attachment of an optional Straight Magnified Viewfinder # 6890 or 45° Magnified Viewfinder (Type 1) # 6891.1. The angle of a 45º viewfinder is more ergonomic when shooting underwater plus it provides a larger and brighter view than the standard Super-Eye.

Handling & Travel 

The housing, tray, and handles have been optimized to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability. The Right-Hand Quick Release Handle # 4077.02 (sold separately) can be added or removed depending on your needs. The precision machined aluminum base features 1/4-20 tripod mounting sockets and additional mounting locations for future accessories. The base and handle can be quickly removed when breaking down your system for travel. A 1/4-20 threaded mounting point is located front and center on the housing above the lens port mount. This mount can be used to attach lightweight accessories like a focus light or GoPro camera.

If you’re shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added to carry to and from the dive site. Top handles are available in a Cable Grip # 4080.07 or Aluminum Top Handle # 4080.08. The rigid aluminum version provides additional mounting points for lighting and accessories.

Construction 

The new ABS-PC blend front is stronger than its clear counterpart, provides improved contrast and visibility, and keeps your camera running cooler in the sun. ABS-PC is significantly lighter than aluminum and is fundamentally corrosion-proof. Every housing is made in the USA, individually inspected for fit, and water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m).

MSRP $1595

Lens port sold separately. Available to pre-order now for late April release.

For more information about Ikelite products visit their website by clicking here.