AquaPac Mini Camera Case

I used the AquaPac Mini for my small Kodak easyshare camera for one week of snorkeling in the Caribbean. Overall, it met my expectations. It kept my camera dry, the neck strap was handy, and I did get some good underwater photos. However, the included silicate packets that they recommended using in humid climates burst, and the granules got into the lens area. My camera still functions, but my lens cover no longer closes when turning the camera off. It was difficult to see my camera screen due to the pouch and sun, the AquaPac tends to bunch up by the lens creating a distortion, and I needed to be very close to the subjects to get a good photo. At this price, it was a fun experiment and I got some great turtle pictures.

I got this to protect my new Canon 790IS camera which I will use on hiking and flatwater paddling trips. I just used it for a week in the Virgin Islands and it worked perfectly at keeping out sand and water while at the beach and kayaking. I did not use it underwater (conditions were so windy we didn't snorkel until the last day) but I had heard from other user's reports that the bag does well in that respect. It is very easy to use but you do need to pooch out the side opposite the lens when you turn the camera on so the extension of the lens doesn't hang up when it hits resistance. Also, be careful to smooth the surface of the plastic over the lens before you make the shot or you will get some blurring at the sides. The plastic does tend to cause some glare reflections when shooting into bright light. But, overall, for the price, it is a useful little product and I am pleased with it. I felt completely comfortable that my camera was protected. Of course, a $200 pro-type hard plastic housing would be better for precise camera work but this has the advantage (besides price) of being compact and portable (it rolls up very small to fit in the camera bag) and useful for other purposes, like as a mini dry-bag for carrying a wallet and cell phone when kayaking.