I had a first experience with an Ikelite housing + Canon Powershot S90, but I was looking for something more serious for my recently acquired Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100.

So, after some research on the Internet, I decided to go with the Nauticam housing.

I was first a bit dubious about the comments telling that the handling and quality of the Nauticam justified the steep price difference: at $950, the Nauticam costs more than twice the price of the $400 Ikelite, and it is even more expensive than the camera itself. But I wanted to give this kind of higher-end housing a try and to make up my mind by myself.

Now, after having used it underwater during one week of dives in Mexico, I can tell without a doubt that it's well worth the difference, and maybe more!

First, the housing operates like a charm. All the commands operate smoothly, are well spaced and give a quick access to the whole range of functionality of the camera (even the front ring is easy to operate), whereas Ikelite commands always felt to me somewhat clumsy, with hard spots, and more approximate. The locking system itself merits a mention: it is very smooth and gives confidence. I'd say that the housing makes the camera (at least) as easy to use than without it.

Second, the build quality is flawless and the housing, though very light, feels very sturdy.

Third, the housing is very compact, without any protruding levers or knobs, which is of importance underwater... and it is BLACK! I don't mention this for the looks (though it may count too! :o), but potential reflection problems put apart, having a transparent mess in front of you with levers and knobs sticking from everywhere is not really the best way to concentrate on the aesthetics of your picture! I don't know if it's personal, but the compactness, and blackness of the housing allowed me to focus more on the quality of my shootings - it's kind of more "zen" to take pictures underwater in these conditions, and being zen underwater in general, and while taking pictures in particular, seems of utmost importance to me...

Finally, I must add that when I tried to buy the housing, it was backorder almost everywhere. I went through every possible online shop in North America to find it, and among the few who had it on hand, Scott at BlueWater seemed to me the most reliable and professional. And indeed, the quality of service was top notch, calling me in Canada to fix the delivery details, with a quick delivery, good follow-up, and a trove of good tips on their website.

Btw, Scott and Travis's article at http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/underwater-settings-using-rx100 is a must-read for every owner of a Sony RX100 taking underwater pictures.

Serge B.
Quebec City, QC Canada
PADI Advanced Open Water + Nitrox