Salted Line Sony RX1xx Series Underwater Housing Review

Key Features

• Electronic shutter up to 1/32000s
• Built in 24-200mm (equivalent) f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens
• 20.1 MP CMOS sensor
• Unlimited 4k video with full pixel read out
• Native ISO 100-12800
• Weight: 302g (0.67lb)
• Size: 4.02” X 2.28” X 1.69”

Read more on the Sony RX100 VII here.

RX100 Series Salted Line Housing Features and Specifications

Availibility:

Salted Line Europe

Salted Line USA & ASIA

Key Features

• Interchangeable Ports system w/ bayonet mount
• Built in moisture sensor alarm and light warning system
• Dual fiber optic cable ports for strobes
• Cold shoe mount for optional accessories 
• Manual aperture ring included
• Optical viewfinder (for RX100 VI and VII)
• Optional pre-dive vacuum pump system 
• Optional additional ports (wide 4”or 6” dry dome or macro port)
• Optional Handles: Two stage pistol grip with shutter release, dual handle tray with built in 1” ball mounts, single handle tray with 1” ball mount

Key Specifications

• Polycarbonate Build
• Positive Buoyancy
• Width 6.5"
• Height 5.9"
• Length 6.5"
• Weight 2.6 LBS
• Waterproof to 195ft(60m)
• Dual ORing seals
• Two ¼”-20 threaded holes at base for mounting on dual handle tray

Interchangeable Port System

The Salted Line Housing for Sony RX1xx series comes with a standard flat glass port. They also have  a flat glass macro port with 67mm threaded front and two dry dome ports for wide angle photography.  Upgrading to include the macro port or a 4” or 6” dome port still includes the standard flat glass port at a surprisingly low cost.  

Standard Port

• Multi Coated Optical GLASS 
• Polycarbonate
• Depth Rating 195ft (60m)

Flat Macro Port 

• 67mm Threaded Front for added wet lens
• Multi Coated Optical GLASS 
• Polycarbonate
• Depth Rating 130ft (40m)

4”Dry Dome Port

• Optical Acrylic Lens
• Polycarbonate
• Depth Rating 130ft (40m)

6”Dry Dome Port

• Optical Acrylic Lens
• Polycarbonate
• Depth Rating 130ft (40m)

Ergonomics and Multi Use Design

The all around design of this housing with the water sports enthusiast in mind, is versatile and can be comfortably operated with or without the optional handles. The comfort of a built in finger grip on the right side makes for easy handling while snorkeling. Or if you choose to go all out with the dual handle tray and strobes, this housing transforms to a respectable, fully outfitted underwater camera setup. 

Each button has an engraved label (so it won’t fade away with use) and operates smoothly with precision allowing full access to the camera controls.  The aperture control dial located on the left side of the housing is one of the best features in regards to the ease of changing your settings underwater. It connects to a control ring that slides over the lens itself prior to inserting the camera into the housing and delivers dedicated access to the aperture twist – turn operation that the camera offers topside.

Interested in surf photography? The pistol grip handle puts the trigger button at your fingertips to easily operate the camera with one hand.  It makes for a fun way to capture the ultra popular scenic over under shots or even the inside barrel of a wave.

Salted Line Housing Underwater

I took the housing for a few dives on Maui with Sony’s RX100 VII camera with both the macro and standard ports.  It is a compact set up even with the dual handle tray and Sea & Sea strobes.  The housing itself with the camera installed is buoyant but with it mounted on the dual handle tray with strobes the system was negative.  I added two small buoyancy cubes on each strobe arm to add a slight lift and added wrist comfort while diving.

Overall, maneuvering the controls and the ease of the shutter release button on the housing was flawless. Having the ability to use the aperture dial with my left hand and separate from the other buttons made for quick, easy adjustments to exposure settings.

TIPS:

• The best lighting quality from the strobes is from when the lens is zoomed between 24mm- 70mm 
• Be sure to use the supplied anti-reflection ring to avoid seeing your camera’s flash reflect in the photo. This was most apparent at 40mm or wider.

Prepping the Salted Line RX1xx Housing for Underwater

Choose the port first. After cleaning, lubricating and reinstalling the orings, line up the dot on the port with the one on the housing.  With gentle pressure, twist the port clockwise. The port will stop when it is in place. It is precisely in the correct position when the locking groove lines up with its groove on the port. Install the locking piece from within the housing and tighten the screw.  

Place the anti-reflection ring into the housing. It rests between the housing and port.  With your camera settings ready to go, slide the aperture ring over the camera lens and install the camera into the housing. I found this was a nice, secure fit, having to give it a little extra assistance.  

Once the camera is in place it’s time for the back panel. It drops directly onto the housing and secures itself with dual stainless steel hinge locks, one on each side.  The latch is secure when its red release button slides into place. I recommend checking the latches by giving them a gentle tug.

Be sure to clean, lubricate and reinstall the orings before each set up. I prefer to clean each oring as I am installing them as opposed to all at once leaving zero chance that a hair or other debris could float onto them they wait to be installed. 

Getting the Salted Line Housing Water Ready Step By Step