Ikelite Housings for Nikon D500 Overview

Ikelite introduces their 3 new housings for Nikon D500 and the new Dry Lock port mount.  Ikelite offers 3 underwater housings for Nikon D500; standard four lock port mount, 50ft water housing with Dry Lock port mount and 200ft Dry Lock port mount.

The new Dry Lock port mount was based on the design of Ikelite's mirrorless port system, which has redefined the concept of their port system.

The 20.7 MP Nikon D500 raises the bar in DX format Nikon cameras. The best feature is the revamped autofocus system, which boasts 153 AF points, 99 of which are cross-type. Improved focus tracking and a joystick for quickly adjusting the focal point location help capture fast action. This is a major jump for Nikon and puts the D500 into the consideration set of those who would have previously chosen Canon's dual-pixel AF technology.

In addition, the Nikon D500 has a large viewfinder with 100% coverage, 4K video resolution, and 10 fps continuous shooting with a buffer far larger than similar camera bodies (using XQD mem cards)... that's some processing power! If you haven't yet, you can read our Nikon D500 Pre-Review.

Purchase:  Ikelite D500 Housing with Four Lock Mount / Ikelite D500 Housing with Dry Lock Mount

U.S. Retail Price:  $1,395 / $1,595

Availability: Pre order for Early September on the Four Lock Mount and Pre-order for October on the Dry Lock Mount

Press Release

The "Best Enthusiast DX Offering"

Nikon has finally given us a successor to the D300s camera with fantastic speed and processing power in a relatively compact and durable body. Some highlights include:

• Same 153-point Autofocus system and EXPEED 5 processor as the Nikon D5
• 4K/UHD video recording
• 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Excellent low light performance with an ISO range of 100-51,200
• Same rugged weather sealing as the Nikon D810

The D500 is up to almost any photographic challenge—so it's fitting to offer a housing system that can be built to suit almost any need. Three base housing versions are available to suit the Nikon D500 DSLR camera. Skip to the side-by-side comparison...

All three versions start with a fully functional, white ABS-PC housing front which is depth rated to 200' (60m).

Form + Function

The D500 slides into the form fitting housing using a simple tripod-style attachment. Controls are provided for all important camera functions and positioned intuitively to take advantage of the muscle memory you develop when using the camera on the surface. A unique universal gearing system puts zoom or focus at the tip of your finger with a brand new soft-touch, 5-lobed knob.

The AF-ON Trick

Take full advantage of the camera's superb autofocus system and fast continuous frame rate by using AF-ON to lock focus. A convenient lever on the side of the housing feels so natural that we promise you'll never think about half-pressing the shutter again.

Groovy Groove-less O-ring

O-ring channels trap dirt and debris, and cause the o-ring to twist and deform in various ways. Our unique groove-less design is the most user friendly and reliable sealing method currently available. For added assurance, the all-clear back allows you to see the o-ring form a solid, black line once the housing is sealed.

Very Flashy

Optical slaves have come a long way, but electrical sync cords are still the fastest and most precise way to trigger a strobe under water. Each housing comes equipped with a manual flash hot shoe and Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead. The hot shoe and bulkhead are user changeable for in-field modifications and serviceability.

An optional TTL hot shoe and Nikon TTL Converter provide industry leading accuracy in exposure when combined with a compatible Ikelite DS strobe.

The flash system is almost endlessly expandable with lots of options for remote units triggered by extension cords, optical slaves, Pocket Wizards, and more. It's time to get creative with your lighting and think way beyond the classic two-strobe set-up.

Lens Port Authority

And now... the main event. Introducing the NEW Dry Lock (DL) Port Mount. Building off of our popular port system for compact mirrorless cameras, we have re-designed and refined the concept and it's ready for the big leagues. Key features include:

• A unique exterior o-ring which prevents water from dripping onto your camera when the port is removed;
• Solid, sure-stop press fit with no threading, turning, or twisting of the ports or extensions;
• Built for reliability in remote locations with standard locking thumbscrews and no complex moving parts;
• Accommodates large diameter lenses with ease;
• A new compact 8" dome port provides the optical quality of a large dome with the size of a much smaller dome—perfect for close-focus wide angle work;
• Plus the new featherweight full 8" dome is less than half the weight of its predecessor and several pounds lighter than the glass alternatives with nearly identical optical quality!

Not quite ready to let go of your legacy ports? The Four Lock (FL) version can be sent in at a later date for upgrade to the DL mount. However, our original standard flat, 6" dome, and modular port components are not adaptable to the new system. We promise that once you switch over, you won't miss them anyway...

Our new white ABS-PC blend is specially formulated for added strength and durability. Compared to black, colored, or clear alternatives, the white shell keeps the camera running cooler, longer in hot, sunny climates.

Two Faced... and Two Backed?

The new 50ft (15m) Water Housing version features a slimmed down acrylic back and paired down control set which is over 1/2 pound lighter and streamlined for use at the surface of the water, in surf and pool work. The two backs are interchangeable and can be purchased separately so you can pack lighter when shooting the whale sharks in Isle Mujeres or dolphins in the Red Sea.

Two Faced... and Two Backed?

The new 50ft (15m) Water Housing version features a slimmed down acrylic back and paired down control set which is over 1/2 pound lighter and streamlined for use at the surface of the water, in surf and pool work. The two backs are interchangeable and can be purchased separately so you can pack lighter when shooting the whale sharks in Isle Mujeres or dolphins in the Red Sea.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Three housing versions are available to suit the Nikon D500 DSLR camera. All versions feature:

• Controls for Shutter-release button, Power switch, Movie-record button, Sub-command dial, Exposure compensation (+/-) button, ISO button, MODE button, WB button, Metering button, BKT button, Lens release button, AF-ON button, Main command dial, Multi selector, Info button, Live view selector, Lv button, i button, Playback button, Trash button, MENU button, Key/? button, Magnify + button, Magnify - button, OK button, Fn2 button
• Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead and manual flash hot shoe
• Aluminum base with Left-Hand Quick Release Handle
• A completely clear back for an unobstructed view of the camera and o-ring seal
• Control symbols laser etched into the back for easy to read labeling that will never fade or rub off
• A quick install camera mount plate which does not need to be removed for battery or memory card access
• 1 year limited warranty

Purchase:  Ikelite D500 Housing with Four Lock Mount / Ikelite D500 Housing with Dry Lock Mount