Ikelite releases its housing for the Canon EOS R6 V. Features include a dual port, ABS-PC construction, and integrated USB-C. Compare this Ikelite housing to the Nauticam NA-R6V - which one is right for you?
A housing is more than just a waterproof box. It's a choice of entire workflow: weight on the boat, purchase price, and the ability to upgrade later with an external monitor or a TTL ring. Two weeks after the announcement of the Nauticam housing for the Canon EOS R6 V, Ikelite released its own. And it's clear that these two housings are aimed at different types of divers.
The Canon EOS R6 V is the first "V" series camera from Canon, without an electronic viewfinder, designed to be framed on the screen or an external monitor. The Ikelite 200DL housing incorporates much of what's already offered in the housing for the R6 Mark III, with the same ABS-PC construction, which is lighter than aluminum and helps keep the camera cool in direct sunlight on the boat.
The port system remains the Dry Lock (DL) system, compatible with native RF optics and EF optics via adapter. The maximum depth rating is 60 meters, which is more than sufficient for recreational diving and most light technical dives.
Two accessory ports, in M16 and M24 sizes, allow you to add an external monitor or recorder without needing another housing. The integrated USB-C charging system (optional on the standard version, included on the Deluxe version) eliminates the need to open the housing between dives just to recharge the battery, which saves a significant amount of time on a boat that runs multiple dive rotations.
Price: approximately €1,650 for the standard version, and €1,950 for the Deluxe version with handles, vacuum pump, and USB-C bulkhead (converted from $1,895 and $2,195, manufacturer's official price).
In my experience with both brands, this choice is rarely determined by the technical specifications. It comes down to whether you are filming solo with a rear monitor that provides sufficient information, or if you are building a complete system with external video return for professional or semi-professional use. The former case is best suited for Ikelite. The latter is better addressed by Nauticam.
What remains true on both sides: no housing, even the best made one, can compensate for poor white balance settings or imprecise framing. Choosing the right underwater video system always starts with the diver's actual skill level, not the available budget.
The AquaExposure training program helps you make this assessment before purchasing- determining which system truly matches your diving style. Discover the AquaExposure training.
Prices are converted from official rates to US dollars (current exchange rate). The final price charged by European retailers may vary.## Going Further
Approximately €1,650 for the standard version (converted from $1,895, the manufacturer's official price), and approximately €1,950 for the Deluxe version which includes both handles, the vacuum pump, and the USB-C charging port. The actual retail prices charged by European retailers may vary.
Origin: Unlike the version for the Canon R6 Mark III, this housing does not include the built-in bulkhead and flash connector as standard. You must add the B3 upgrade kit for electrical triggering or the TT5 fiber optic transmitter for optical triggering.
Yes, the housing has two M16 and M24 accessory ports, which allows you to add an external monitor or recorder without needing to change housings.
It depends mainly on your budget and intended use. Ikelite is lighter, less expensive, and sufficient for a videographer who films using the rear monitor. The Nauticam NA-R6V is designed for more intensive use, with a modular port system and better compatibility with high-end external recorders.
