Sony RX100 V Housing Guide
March 1st, 2017
Sony RX100 V Housing Guide
Do the RX100 IV housings work with the RX100 V camera?
The Sony RX100 V sprang on the scene quickly after being announced by Sony. The cameras were readily available, but we had no word on the underwater housings. To help out a few customers we performed a few tests on our own to see which housings would possibly work with the new RX100 V, which shares the same layout and size as the RX100 IV. Shortly after we have received some confirmation from some manufacturers, but not all.
Below are our findings for the most compatible underwater housings and what to expect for new housings. Use this guide to confirm if your RX100 IV housing will work with the new RX100 V, or choose amoung the various RX100 IV / V housings available for the best option to suit your needs.
Fantasea | Recsea | Nauticam | Ikelite | Acquapazza
Sony RX100 V Key Upgrades
- New 20.1-megapixel 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor
- New BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSi (faster camera operation and image processing speed)
- 315-point phase detection autofocus system
- 24 fps RAW burst with AF tracking for up to 150 photos. Wow!
- New AF-A mode allows camera to switch between single and continuous AF (usually found on DSLR AF systems)
Sony RX100 V Complete Specs
- 20.1-megapixel 1-inch Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor
- 315-point phase detection autofocus system: focuses in 0.05-sec
- AF-A autofocus mode in addition to AF-S and AF-C
- New BIONZ X image processor and front-end LSi (faster camera operation and image processing speed)
- ISO range 125 - 12800
- 24 fps RAW burst with AF tracking for up to 150 photos. Wow!
- Anti Distortion Shutter minimizes rolling shutter effect when recording video
- ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar® T* 24-70mm, f/1.8 - 2.8 Lens with 10 elements in 9 groups and a 0.17 ft (5 cm) minimum focusing distance
- Adjustable LCD screen - 2.95 inches (3.0type) (4:3) / 1,228,800 dots
- 100% coverage viewfinder
- WiFI and NFC connectivity
- Dimensions: 4 x 2 3/8 × 1 5/8 inch (101.6 x 58.1 x 41.0 mm)
- Weight: Approx. 10.5 oz (299 g) (Battery and Memory Stick Duo are included) / Approx. 9.6 oz (272 g) (Body Only)
Read our Review on the Underwater Photography Guide.
Fantasea RX100 IV/V Housing
Good to Go! Confirmed by Manufacturer
The Fantasea RX100 IV housing tested perfectly with the RX100 V, which was later confirmed by Fantasea. They will not be creating a new housing, as there are no issues with the current housing and the new cameras.
Shop the Fantasea RX100 III, IV & V Housing
This housing is a well designed polycarbonate option with full camera functionality. It features control knobs for all dials, and buttons to match the camera. The housing includes a lead detector with audible alarm and a double o-ring seal for extra security.
Fantasea Features:
- Full access to all essential camera controls & functions with clearly marked buttons for both the Rx 100 III and IV
- Depth rated to 60 meters / 200 feet
- Lens port adaptor included, allowing the use of M67 (67mm) macro and wide angle conversion lenses
- Shock resistant construction
- Ergonomic design
- Double O-ring protection for a perfect watertight seal
- Moisture Detector installed inside housing
- FREE Hand Strap and Port Cover
Recsea Housings
Testing Looks Good for both Aluminum & Polycarbonate
We found no compatibility issues when testing both the WHS-RX100IV (aluminum) and the CWS-RX100IV (polycarbonate) housings from Recsea, with the RX100 V camera. The camera fit and all controls worked correctly with no issues. We believe this housing will function flawlessly with the new camera underwater.
Shop the Recsea RX100 IV & V Housings
The WHS-RX100IV Aluminum housing is a high quality housing made from machined aluminum. Well placed controls and the smaller size allow for very easy use underwater. It offers full control of the camera through buttons and dials which match the ones on the camera. In addition it is compatible with Recsea's "Airlock" Vacuum system for additional security.
Recsea WHS-RX100IV Features
- Compact and durable, CNC precision machined corrosion-resistant aluminum housing.
- Lightweight, ergonomically designed.
- Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) of 100 meters (328 feet).
- Half-Press Shutter Trigger for precise camera shutter control.
- Fixed Lens Port.
- Original Secure-Latch locking mechanism for easy opening and closing.
- Front Port Control Ring.
- Rear Control Dial with push button function.
- Quality silicone O-ring with wider Back Cover contact surface for added protection at greater depths.
- Complete camera function control.
- Supports a variety of wet lens accessories.
- Includes 67mm Adapter
The CWS-RX100VI Polycarbonate Housing is made from high quality polycarbonate and features a clear backplate which allows you to see your housing seal and check for hairs or dust. The housing gives access to all primary camera functions with the only limitation being that there is no access to the dial function on the back of the camera.
Recsea CWS-RX100IV Features
- Compact and durable, CNC precision machined corrosion-resistant POM and acrylic housing.
- Lightweight, ergonomically designed.
- Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) of 50 meters (164 feet).
- Fixed Lens Port with built in M67 Adapter.
- Port Control Dial.
- Rear Control Wheel push button function.
- New RECSEA dial locking system for easier opening and closing.
- Quality silicone O-ring.
- Clear rear window - easy to check o-ring seal.
- Complete camera function control.
Nauticam Housing
No Luck! The RX100 IV Housing is NOT Compatible!
But don't sweat! The new RX100 V Housing is AVAILABLE!
The Nauticam RX100 IV underwater housing is engineered so specifically that the very minor size difference between the RX100 IV and the RX100 V cameras makes them not compatible in the same housing. We have not yet heard from Nauticam when a new housing will be available, or if they will offer any sort of an upgrade kit for those folks who own the RX100 IV and want to upgrade to the new camera.
Shop the NEW RX100 V Nauticam Housing!
Nauticam produces high quality aluminum housings, with full camera control. Nauticam is well known for creating a variety of useful accessories to pair with their housings for the ultimate underwater set up. The RX100 V is compatible with their Vacuum Check, as well as the bayonet adapter for the high quality underwater lenses like the Compact Macro Converter and the WWL-1 Wet Wide Lens.
Save Big! Nauticam offers a pre-packaged PRO KIT for the RX100 V housing. This includes the housing, right and left handle Flexitray with ball mounts and the Vacuum Check bulkhead and pump kit. This kit is only $1255, saving you $162 off buying everything individually!
Nauticam RX100 V Housing Features
- Stainless steel handle brackets and trigger release (for Flexitray)
- Secure, easy to use locking latch
- Ergonomic controls with size, shape and color differentiation
- All camera controls accessible
- All controls clearly labeled
- Popup/push down flash lever
- Fiber optic bulkhead
- Integrated leak detector and optional vacuum check kit
- M10 mounting ball
- Cold shoe mount
- 67mm threaded port mount
- 1/4-20 tripod or tray mounting holes
- Sculpted, sensitive shutter release
- M16 bulkhead port for HDMI output
- M14 bulkhead port for vacuum valve
Ikelite Housing
No, but Yes. Ikelite modifies existing housing.
The Ikelite RX100 IV housing was only semi functional in our quick tests here at the store so we did not feel it would be a compatible match with the RX100 V. However, Ikelite also was able to test the new camera against their housing quickly and discovered that only a small modification to the housing would allow it to be compatible not only with the RX100 V, but also with the older RX100 III. The caveat here is that any housing manufactured before October 15, 2016 is not compatible with the RX100 V.
Shop the New Ikelite RX100 V (and IV & III) Housing
The new RX100 V housing is constructed from the cream colored polycarbonate blend that Ikelite has been creating all new housings with. This blend is lighter and stronger making it great for their housings. The rear casing is still clear, allowing the user to see into the housing and check o-ring seal. Fiber optic ports are included for easy addition of strobes, and the housing offers full camera controls.
Ikelite Housing Features
- 200 ft (60m) depth rating
- Controls for all camera functions except Flash switch and Viewfinder switch
- Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water
- 1/4-20 thread tray mounting with 3 in (76mm) spacing
- Weight 2.6 lb (1180 g)
- Dimensions 6.8 x 4.8 x 5.4 in (173 x 122 x 137 mm)
- 3.0-inch diameter glass lens port
Acqupazza Housing
Confirmed, all controls work! Not Verified by the manufacturer.
The Acquapazza RX100 IV housing appears to be fully compatible with the RX100 V camera, with plenty of play in the controls that we are not worried about misfunctions once the camera is taken to depths below the surface. Once we hear from Acquapazza that this is definitely the case we will let you know.
Shop the Acquapazza RX100 IV Housing
The Acquapazza RX100 housing is made from machined aluminum. It is a high quality option that gives you full control of the camera. Very precisely designed this is the smallest of the RX100 IV / V camera housings available. It features an M67 threaded port for attaching accessories and comes in a variety of bright colors so you can really stand out among the crowd of black camera housings.
Acqupazza Housing Features
- Available in 15 different colors (Some colors require special order)
- Large dual o-ring for secure closing
- Tiered control buttons for ease of use
- Knurled Dials for control ring access
- Built in strobe mask (optional projection diffuser available)
- M10 Mount accessory hole
- Depth rated to 100m (328ft)
- Rails to attach an optional monitor hood (shades LCD in bright conditions and offers magnification for betting viewing the LCD)