How to Make a DIY Underwater Camera or Camcorder Enclosure for Under $20

There is a fascinating world beneath the surface of the ocean. An array of creatures and flora, there are beautiful scenes to capture on film. A commercial underwater camera enclosure is expensive and, depending on the camera, could cost upwards of $500.

Despite what many think, it is possible to make a waterproof enclosure for a digital camera or camcorder.

There are many ways to make one, ranging from more complicated PVC constructs to simple bags for shallow swimming. This DIY tutorial lies somewhere in-between, offering a very simple tutorial for a durable and cheap underwater case.

Items Needed:

1 project box from RadioShack [large enough for your camera to fit in] $4

1 sharp utility knife [or other sharp, small blade] $2

1 piece of Plexiglas $3

1 small bottle vinyl repair $2

1 glue gun $3

1 bag of glue sticks $4

Each of these objects can be found for a cheap price at large discount stores such as Walmart or Target. The project boxes from RadioShack, however, are preferred, as they come in a soft [easy to cut] plastic that is durable, and the seams are nearly already waterproof.

The Plexiglas usually comes in a small 12" x 12" square from hardware stores.

Construction is simple. Refer to the pictures to left for reference.

Step 1: Place your camera into the project box and locate the lens. Mark that spot. Measure out a square that is slightly larger than your lens and mark it on the outside of the box with a pencil. Sometimes, cutting out a square of cardboard and then tracing it onto the box is easier. Once the square is marked, use the small knife to repeatedly score the plastic until the square of plastic is removed. Refer to picture 1 & 2

Step 2: Once the square of plastic is removed, double-check to make sure your lens lines up with the hole. If it does, then proceed to cut out a square of Plexiglas that is 1/4" larger on each side than the hole in the box. Use the knife to score and break the Plexiglas.