FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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General Info  

Camerashield Underwater Systems

Seahorse Laptop Case (SE & SX 710CC & 720CC)

Seahorse Cases - General Info

Armor PDA cases

Boxit Cell Phone & GPS Cases

Firearms Cases

Other Faqs

Answers

If I find a product on your website cheaper elsewhere, will you meet/beat that price?
We work very hard at offering the most competitive price and uncommonly good service in the industry. If you find a cheaper price elsewhere, please send us an e-mail or give us a call and we will do everything in our power to beat any of our competitor's prices.

Do your cases float?
Everything we sell will float, within reason.  All the cell phone cases will float with the intended equipment, so will the PDA cases.  If you are trying to hide your gold at the bottom of a lake, I'm sure that you can make a Seahorse case sink for example, if it still doesn't sink, you can add a cinder block to the handle.  The larger cases will float so well that they could actually make a great life preserver, I'm sure that there is some law that prevents me from selling cases for this purpose, but if it's the only thing floating, grab it!  We took two UWK1427 cases full of gear (tents, food, etc) on a canoeing/camping trip through the Wisconsin Chain o' Lakes one summer, dragging them behind us in the water, floating on their own.  No sense putting all that weight in the canoe.  Try to avoid white water with this set up. 

Will my camera work with the Camerashield Housing?
Contact us with the physical dimensions of your camera and we can help you determine if it will work.  You can compare the Camerashield housing specs to your camera. If it fits inside the housing it will work.  The shutter actuator arm is fully adjustable to align with any shutter button found on the top right half of a camera.  Do consider any zoom lens that extends when the camera is turned on. You will need to check your camera size while turned on. We recommend that you also purchase the conversion kit to set up your own camera. 

Will my zoom lens work in the Camerashield?
I recommend you disable your zoom lens and if possible set your camera to wide angle as these take the best UW pictures unless you plan on only going after small critters and then set at macro for that dive. Ideally you want your camera lens up against the Camerashield glass to prevent your flash from reflecting within the housing causing what we call light scatter.  Zoom is not very practical underwater since what you see is not the same as the camera sees. Fishes have a tendency of not posing for very long and you have to get what you can when you can.  The camera will ultimately take pictures of water itself and depending on clarity, debris and organisms floating around.  No such thing as panoramic underwater pictures as a rule and 4 to 10 feet gets the best results.  Lighting is really your main concern and always use your flash and take advantage of natural lighting as much as possible by shooting upwards.  Here you can take pictures of other divers of fishes profiles.  Below 6 feet the red color disappears first and has to be reintroduced with the flash. 

The housing has a lip at its perimeter to prevent scratches when you set it down on something.  For the most part, small scratches will practically disappear underwater as the density is similar.  If you were to accidentally manage to gouge it somehow, like on a reef you still have an opportunity if it does not coincide with the exact location of your camera lens.  Depending on you camera size you may also be able to set it up differently to re-align it away from a major scratch.  Even then, not all is lost.  The Camerashield is designed in such a way that you can flip the cover over and use the other side of the housing the same way, as both sides are the identical. To protect your Camerashield when transporting it or in storage, we offer our protective Neoprene sleeves that can be attached to to the Camerashield with a ring and becomes a lanyard and wrist strap while diving. 

Can I use my digital camera?
I'm assuming that you have already confirmed that dimensionally it will fit inside the housing and that being the case, it will work.  There are however, some things to consider when using a digital camera with our Camerashield Housing. 

Most digital cameras have an auto shut-off after (3-5 minutes) feature to save battery life and you need to be aware, especially when going diving that you will not be able to access the power button in the event that your camera turns itself off. 

I have found that most, if not all digital cameras available today can have this feature turned off or the time lengthened before it automatically turns itself off.  You will be able to confirm this from reading your camera owners manual to learn how to change this setting. Even with earlier model digitals (like mine) that cannot have the shut down setting changed) this can still be overcome by intentionally sacrificing a few pictures during a dive to keep the camera turned on. Most digital cameras can store in excess of 100 pictures so even if you ultimately have to sacrifice (and later delete) 15 pictures you have bought yourself 30 to 45 minutes of 'ON' time. (More than most dive times that last 45 to 60 minutes.) 

I also recommend that you always start off with a fresh set of batteries to avoid a shutdown because your batteries  ran out during a dive.  That would also be a bummer. 

Here are a couple more tips to help you get the best possible underwater pictures: 
(underwater, most photography rules change, practice makes perfect) 
1.  Always use your flash, this will dramatically improve picture quality by introducing the red color that is lost underwater. 
2.  If possible, fix the focus to fixed or wide angle. 
3.  Set your camera with the lens all the way up against the glass to avoid the flash reflecting inside the housing into your picture. 
4. Take advantage of natural lighting by taking pictures upwards (towards surface) rather than downwards, away from light. 
5. Get as close as possible to your target.  Where you can see through any water murkiness, the camera cannot and the picture will be of the water in a nice shade of gray and green. 
6.  As you dive, the housing will flex slightly inward, and since you placed the camera forward against the glass (#3 above) it will move it backwards a bit.  Keep this in mind when setting up the shutter actuator so that the camera movement does not miss the button when you get to 100'.  At this depth we are only talking about 2 mm, but if you start way off center you do chance missing the button at certain depths. 

Do you have a video housing?
Sorry, nothing for a video yet. If you like, I can keep you posted as we make new product available or have a special sale.  This is usually only a few times a year, so no spam, don't worry. 

What's with the the camera thickness and diving depth?
At 145' we can establish a deflection on the center of the housing of  2.5 mm. Keep this in mind when sizing a camera to the Camerashield housing.

How is the CS-C100 (Combo) different from the CS-D100 (Digi-Dive)?
The housing is the same. One comes with a free 35 mm camera and the other with a 3.8 digital camera. If you plan on setting up your own digital camera, we recommend you purchase the CS-C100 along with the Conversion kit. Both models allow you to remove the camera for replacement and land use.

What is the best film for UW photos with the CSC100?
ISO 200 down to 40 feet, ISO 400 below that. 

Will my Laptop fit in the Seahorse SE710CC ?
The SE710CC and its “Space Age” Impact Absorbing Material tray was designed to hold even the largest laptops. 
The cavities in the neoprene insert are as follows: 
(As you are looking into the case) 

Long cavity at left: 2 7/8" L to R X 11 5/8" F to B X 2 3/4" D (for cables and longer items). 

Laptop Tray: 14 1/8" L to R X 11 13/16" F to B X 1 1/4" D (removable Velcro strap can secure up to 3" thick laptop) 

Below laptop a) Lower Left 6 3/8" L to R X 10 7/16" F to B X 1 1/4" D 
                     b) Lower Back Right 6 3/16" L to R X 3 5/8" F to B X 1 1/4" D 
                     c) Lower Front Right 6 3/16" L to R X 6 1/2" F to B X 1 1/4" D

The horizontal dimensions of the SE-720CC are exactly the same. Add 2 inches to the depth.

Your laptop computer is bigger than 14 1/8" X 11 13/16"? Not all is lost. By performing a small modification, you can easily fit a laptop measuring up to 17 1/4" wide. The thin rib separating the Laptop Cavity and the Long Cavity at Left can be removed with a sharp blade. This modification must be performed by you, the end user. Modified laptop trays may not be returned for full credit. 
 

Why won't the panel kits fit the SX Series cases?

Email from us to a customer that ordered an SX case and a panel kit:
I am writing you because you have ordered a SX520 case and a set of panel kits that I'm assuming you wanted to use together.  The panel kits we keep in stock are only compatible with our SE series cases.  Although the SX cases are molded with the same mold, the shrink rate of the higher impact resin is slightly different preventing the panel kit screw holes from aligning correctly.  Also keep in mind that the SX series cases are considerably heavier and for most applications they can be overkill.  If you can share with me how you plan on using the case, I can probably advise you whether the SE would work for you and we can change your order accordingly.  If ultimately only the SX cases will do, you might be able to modify the panel kits holes for a proper fit or have the custom made.

Will my PDA work with the PDA Armor?
The key elements are the physical dimension of your PDA.  If they are within the internal dimensions of the case, it will work. The PDA Armor 2601 case is the same size as our Otter Box 2000 model which can also be used for storing and transporting a PDA.  Both of these can be used with the Belt Clip Holster that securely clips the case into place.  The orientation of the PDA Armor is with the screen saver membrane facing inward to protect it while being carried in the holster. We now also offer the Armor 1900, 1910 and 3600.

Will my phone work with the Dolphin case?
Not if it's a flip phone.  Dimensions rule.  If in doubt, please measure your phone and send me the dimensions.  i can confirm it for you.  Looks a little tight? Contact me for a customer provided solution.

Do you carry another size rifle case?
We now offer three rifle cases by Pelican.

Do you have lockable cases for handguns?
The other cases I carry and would highly recommend are our Seahorse cases.  The nice thing about these is that you can add optional locks on the latches, in either steel or plastic (won't rust), you also always add padlocks.  Another case of various larger sizes are our Underwater Kinetics cases.  For single or dual handgun cases a small Seahorse SE120 fits a 380 Beretta or most 9 mm and for a full size 1911 the  Seahorse SE300. Take a look at our Fuerte Cases exclusive SE-300 Handgun case that comes with your choice of locking latches and a customized foam set to protect 2 full size semi-auto 1911 .45 caliber handguns, 2 magazines and enough room for a full box of 50 rounds. This is a great case for storing and transporting your handguns. Case exceds TSA and airline firearms transport regulations and can be mounted to most any surface to deter theft. Contact us if you need help with any usage ideas. Ask us how.

How can our group/organization get a discount?
Tell me about your group or organization.  We can offer discounts with quantity purchases of 5 or more products, many of these are already in our shopping cart.  If the purchases will be over time I can create a special discount coupon just for your group.  Please send me contact information and a web site if you have one.  If I like what your group does, I will also be glad to add your web site to our Hot Links page.

How do your cases compare to metal cases?
Durability will be greater with a plastic case because they will not dent or rust.  They can also be cleaned easily and made to look new with Armor-All or silicone vinyl cleaner.  The plastic case will offer high impact resistance because of the resin's innate properties of being flexible and will absorb impact differently than metal. Metal can only resist impact through greater mass and therefore greater weight of the case. We carry a number of different product lines and all are designed for the best impact resistance based on a variety of needs and requirements since each manufacturer prefers to do it their own way by choosing a particular resin and then adding impact enhancing and UV resisting additives that work best with their design.  We have cases made with fiberglass reinforced ABS, Calcium Carbonate additive in polypropylene, Nylon and Polycarbonate, as is used in manufacturing bullet proof glass. If you tell me how you plan on using a case I can advise you on your best options based on size, weight and use.

How much is shipping?
Shipping costs are revealed in our shopping cart and are retrieved directly from UPS and USPS based on the information you enter. We charge a little more for USPS shipping because we have to hand deliver these to the post office several times a week. 

Can I ship with my FedEx account?
Yes.  Simply send us an e-mail with your FedEx account number IMMEDIATELY after placing your order on our website requesting we send your order via FedEx.  You will have to select a shipping option during the check-out process. You can also call us with the number.

How long before you ship?
We are on the west coast (USA) and we can process and ship orders received by noon PST.  Next day air, Express Mail and 2nd Day Air are treated with even more urgency and we will make every attempt to also ship these when received after 12 PM, sometimes as late as 3:30 PM.  Our shopping cart will offer you numerous shipping service levels and reveal the charges for both UPS and USPS. 

Will you ship internationally?
Yes. We offer USPS international shipping options available during the check-out process. We can also ship with your acount.

What is your return policy?
You can always return any purchase from us for a full refund excluding shipping, so long as the product is unused and complete. Warranty is either lifetime or one year depending on the manufacturer.  We will handle all return and warranty issues. Please click here for more information.
 
 

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