The Fantasea FG9X housing is the latest in a respected line of compact camera housings and is set to become a mainstay in the world of compact underwater photography. Designed for use with the Canon G9 X, this housing caters both to beginners seeking a reliable entry point into underwater shooting and to advanced users looking for a powerful and flexible imaging system. With complete access to camera functionality and compatibility with wet lens accessories, strobes, and video lights, the FG9X turns a compact camera into a professional underwater rig.
The Canon G9 X is among the smallest compact cameras to feature a 1-inch image sensor, making it a standout choice for divers prioritizing portability without sacrificing quality. This high-sensitivity 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers image quality rivaling other high-end compacts. Coupled with Canon's fast DIGIC 6 processor, the camera ensures swift performance in various shooting scenarios. It's a f/2.0–f/4.9 aperture lens with a 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 28–84 mm), offering versatility for wide and telephoto shots, while a minimum focus distance of 2 inches in macro mode allows for impressive close-ups even without added lenses.
The Fantasea FG9X housing enhances the capabilities of the Canon G9 X by offering a robust build, full access to essential controls, and an ergonomic design that simplifies underwater operation. This review will explore the housing’s specifications, control design, touchscreen innovation, and sample photos to demonstrate its capabilities in real-world conditions.
Key Features of the Fantasea FG9X Housing
The FG9X housing delivers an impressive list of features, beginning with full access to all the Canon G9 X’s controls and modes. The camera itself offers many benefits for underwater photographers. Its large 20.2 MP sensor ensures high image quality. The bright F2.0 lens at the wide end makes it ideal for low-light environments, while the ISO range of 125–12800 provides flexibility across lighting conditions. Full HD video recording at 60p ensures smooth footage, and the intuitive 3.0-inch touch panel is ideal for navigation.
The FG9X housing introduces professional-level standards in durability and usability. It provides access to all camera functions with clearly marked external controls, offers a 67mm thread mount compatible with macro and wide-angle wet lenses, and features touch screen access technology that enhances interaction with the camera’s rear LCD screen. It is depth-rated to 60 meters (200 feet), built with shock-resistant materials, and includes double O-ring protection to ensure watertight integrity.
Other key components include a moisture detector for early warning of any leakage, a hand strap for added security, and a port cover. The FG9X is part of a full accessory ecosystem that includes color correction filters, flashes, video lights, wide-angle and macro lenses, and necessary adaptors and connectors. The manufacturer provides a warranty, adding peace of mind for users making a long-term investment.
Controls and Ergonomics
The design of the FG9X housing centers around usability and efficiency. One of the common concerns among underwater photographers using the Canon G9 X is its reliance on the rear LCD touch screen for complete control access. Fantasea addresses this challenge by incorporating five mechanical push-points aligned with critical areas on the touch screen. These touch buttons provide a smooth and familiar experience for users transitioning from land-based to underwater shooting.
In addition to the innovative touch interface, traditional buttons and dials provide access to all other controls. The large-button design makes operation straightforward, even while wearing gloves, and the labeled controls are easy to understand at a glance. Knobs on the housing allow for fine-tuned adjustment of camera settings, performing similarly to those found in DSLR housings. Ergonomic flared features on the right-hand grip area make the housing easy to hold comfortably for long durations. For more advanced setups, the tripod mount on the housing allows attachment to dual-arm trays, which can hold strobes and video lights securely.
Installing and removing the camera from the FG9X housing is a simple process. The camera slides into place smoothly and is secured by a spring-loaded pad on the inside rear cover. This ensures that changing memory cards and batteries between dives is quick and hassle-free. The double O-rings sealing the housing back are accessible and simple to inspect or maintain, which is crucial for ensuring long-term watertight performance.
Control Knobs and Internal View
The camera’s front control ring, which allows adjustment of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, is operated through an external knob on the front-left side of the housing. This knob is accessible to the left hand, which remains free whether stabilizing the housing or using a mounted tray system. This placement ensures that users can make exposure changes quickly and accurately, even in the middle of a dive.
Inside the housing, the camera is seated securely, and space is optimized to keep everything in place. Based on the housing’s interior, the moisture detector is positioned to detect early signs of leakage. A small but visible LED light is placed near the housing edge to alert users if any moisture is detected during use.
Cold Shoe Mount and External Add-Ons
The top of the FG9X housing includes a cold shoe mount, offering the ability to add accessories such as a focus light or action camera. A ball mount can be inserted into this cold shoe to attach additional gear, enhancing the setup’s functionality. Users are advised to secure accessories with a lanyard or tether, as the ball mount may dislodge from the cold shoe under certain conditions.
With a flexible system design, the FG9X housing becomes a base for building a professional compact rig. Users can customize their configuration with lighting accessories, arms, and wet lenses to meet the demands of macro, wide-angle, or video-focused underwater imaging.
Advanced Touch Screen Access
One of the most innovative aspects of the Fantasea FG9X housing is its custom solution for accessing the Canon G9 X’s rear LCD touchscreen. Unlike traditional cameras with a full range of physical buttons, the Canon G9 X relies heavily on its touchscreen for various controls such as focus selection, menu navigation, and exposure adjustments. Underwater housing manufacturers have long struggled with providing access to touchscreen functionality, especially while maintaining pressure resistance and waterproof integrity.
Fantasea addresses this challenge with five custom-designed pressure points built directly into the rear housing panel. These touch points are physically mapped to the most important areas of the Canon’s LCD screen. When pressed, these buttons allow users to activate camera features typically available only through the touchscreen interface. This thoughtful design allows photographers to perform a wider range of operations underwater without sacrificing access to key camera functions.
These touch buttons are not only durable but also strategically placed, ensuring they are intuitive to use even with gloves on. This design bridges the gap between compact camera simplicity and DSLR-like control, delivering a seamless experience that does not compromise performance for portability. This implementation significantly improves usability and will be especially appreciated by photographers who switch between land and underwater shooting regularly. The familiarity of using the touchscreen—combined with the enhanced physical interface—results in a more confident and relaxed underwater shooting experience.
Control Accessibility and Design Efficiency
In addition to touchscreen access, the FG9X housing provides full physical access to every button and dial available on the Canon G9 X. The external buttons are large and easy to press, even in cold water or with gloves. Each button is clearly labeled to match the camera’s layout, removing guesswork and speeding up operations underwater. Whether adjusting ISO, changing white balance, or switching between shooting modes, the housing ensures that all these features are just a press away.
The rotating control ring on the Canon G9 X is an essential feature for adjusting exposure values, and the FG9X’s corresponding knob allows photographers to manipulate this ring with precision. Located on the front left of the housing, the knob is designed for use with the left hand—keeping the right hand free for holding the housing steady or operating a strobe or tray system. This layout mimics DSLR ergonomics, giving advanced users a familiar workflow while maintaining the compact advantages of a point-and-shoot system.
Fantasea’s attention to hand positioning and control spacing results in a natural and efficient feel. The right thumb rest and left grip flare make the housing easy to hold and operate with minimal fatigue. The responsiveness of dials and buttons ensures the photographer stays focused on the subject instead of struggling with housing mechanics.
Optical Port and Wet Lens Compatibility
A significant feature of the FG9X housing is its 67mm threaded port, which supports a wide range of wet lens accessories. This threading is standardized in the underwater photography industry, enabling compatibility with a large selection of macro and wide-angle lenses. This flexibility allows photographers to quickly adapt to changing underwater conditions without removing the camera from the housing.
For macro photography, users can attach diopters to enhance magnification and capture tiny subjects such as nudibranchs, shrimp, and pygmy seahorses. For wide-angle shooting, the housing is compatible with lenses such as the Fantasea BigEye Lens M67 Mark II, which allows photographers to shoot larger scenes, reefscapes, and marine animals from closer distances while preserving the field of view.
The ability to switch between macro and wide-angle lenses mid-dive adds enormous value to the FG9X system. It transforms a simple compact camera into a modular imaging platform, capable of capturing a diverse portfolio of underwater scenes without the need for separate rigs. This makes the system particularly appealing to travelers, dive guides, and photo instructors who require both flexibility and portability.
Internal Moisture Detection and Protection
Protection from flooding is one of the highest priorities in underwater photography. The FG9X housing includes a built-in moisture detector, which adds an important layer of safety. The internal sensor is placed near the base of the housing, where moisture would typically accumulate first. If water is detected inside the housing, the sensor triggers an LED alert on the right side of the rear panel, immediately warning the user.
This moisture alert system gives divers time to safely end the dive and address the issue before it leads to significant damage. The feature is particularly helpful in early detection of issues caused by debris in the O-ring seal, unexpected seal compression, or unnoticed hairline cracks. The sensor system is non-intrusive and operates quietly in the background, serving as a silent guardian for your valuable camera equipment.
Combined with the housing’s dual O-ring sealing system, the moisture detector enhances reliability. These O-rings are easy to inspect and maintain, providing peace of mind on every dive. The double-seal mechanism ensures that even if one ring were compromised, the second would maintain a watertight barrier, increasing the overall security of the system.
Mounting Options and System Expansion
The FG9X housing is designed with expandability in mind. At the base of the housing, a universal tripod thread allows for attachment to trays, arms, and handles—enabling users to build a full-featured imaging rig. Whether you are shooting stills or video, this versatility allows you to create the setup that suits your specific dive and subject.
At the top of the housing, a cold shoe mount adds even more flexibility. This cold shoe can hold a variety of accessories, such as a focus light, an action camera, or a monitoring device. Most users attach a ball mount adapter to the shoe, which then allows for additional equipment to be securely fastened via clamps and arms.
For those using focus lights or aiming devices, the cold shoe mount provides optimal positioning above the housing. This helps reduce shadows and ensures that the camera's field of view remains well-lit and in focus. Divers are encouraged to use lanyards or safety tethers to back up any equipment mounted on the cold shoe, as rough handling or current-induced movement could dislodge the mount.
The FG9X also supports fiber optic strobe connections through a specialized flash window port. Users can install diffusers for onboard flash use or remove the cover to allow fiber optic cables to connect to external strobes. This dual-purpose window offers maximum flexibility for lighting, whether you're just starting with a basic light setup or diving into professional-level strobe systems.
Flash Diffusion and Lighting Options
Lighting is the cornerstone of quality underwater imagery. The FG9X housing is designed to support a range of lighting scenarios, beginning with its flash diffuser system. When the camera’s onboard flash is used alone, the included diffuser softens the light to reduce hotspots and create more balanced exposures. This is particularly useful in macro photography or when shooting in relatively clear water with minimal ambient light.
For users ready to expand to external strobes, the housing’s front flash window can be adapted to support fiber optic cables. These cables carry the flash signal from the camera’s internal flash to external strobes, allowing for more powerful and controlled lighting. This method is commonly used in professional underwater photography and results in significantly improved image quality.
Several lighting systems are recommended for use with the FG9X housing. These include the Sea&Sea YS-03 Flex Arm Strobe Package for entry-level users, the Fantasea Nano Double Ray Set for balanced and compact lighting, and the Radiant 1600 Video Light for continuous illumination during video shooting. Each of these accessories integrates easily with the FG9X via the tray and arm system or cold shoe mount, allowing you to fine-tune your lighting for different types of dives.
Advanced users may prefer dual strobe setups for wide-angle shooting, while macro photographers may lean toward a combination of constant light and one strobe for creative lighting effects. With the FG9X housing, the configuration possibilities are only limited by the photographer’s creativity and goals.
Housing Construction and Durability
Durability is critical for any underwater housing, and the FG9X delivers in this department. Its body is constructed from high-impact polycarbonate, a material chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to pressure. This makes the housing both tough and lightweight, ideal for travel and repeated use in saltwater environments.
The materials used in the housing are resistant to corrosion, UV exposure, and thermal expansion. These properties help maintain structural integrity even after long periods of use in challenging underwater conditions. The buttons and knobs are constructed from stainless steel or treated plastics that prevent sticking, jamming, or degradation over time.
The housing’s pressure rating of 60 meters (200 feet) makes it suitable for recreational and advanced divers alike. Whether you're shooting in shallow reef environments or exploring deeper wrecks, the FG9X maintains performance without compromise. It is also impact-resistant, protecting from accidental drops or collisions with hard surfaces like boat decks or rocky entry points.
Fantasea’s build quality is evident in the fine tolerances of the button design, the smooth travel of dials, and the secure locking mechanism of the rear door. These design choices reflect a deep understanding of the demands placed on underwater gear and demonstrate Fantasea’s commitment to building equipment that lasts.
Real-World Underwater Performance
Taking the Fantasea FG9X housing into real dive scenarios brings to life all of the thoughtful engineering and design features discussed in earlier sections. The Canon G9 X’s compact body paired with Fantasea’s durable and highly functional housing creates a surprisingly capable system that performs well in both tropical and temperate waters. Whether diving in the Caribbean’s clear visibility or the colder, more sediment-heavy environments of the Pacific Northwest, the housing consistently delivers a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience.
Once underwater, the housing’s buoyancy is slightly negative, making it easy to maneuver while avoiding the issue of excessive drag. With the addition of strobes, handles, and other accessories, buoyancy becomes even more neutral—creating a balanced and comfortable rig that is easy to hold for extended periods. This becomes crucial during long dives where fatigue can lead to shaky footage or missed shots. The FG9X’s well-planned weight distribution ensures that it stays pointed forward with minimal effort, allowing the diver to focus on capturing great content.
One of the first things photographers notice is the ease of access to controls. Adjusting white balance, ISO, and shooting mode can be done with minimal distraction, which is essential in fast-moving underwater environments. The layout of the knobs and buttons allows quick muscle memory to develop, and most photographers will find themselves operating the system intuitively after only a few dives.
Image Quality and Color Accuracy
The Canon G9 X’s 1-inch CMOS sensor delivers image quality that stands up surprisingly well when compared to more expensive mirrorless and DSLR systems. Even when shooting JPEGs, the colors produced are rich, the contrast is balanced, and the sharpness remains consistent across the frame. For users shooting in RAW, post-processing potential opens up even further, especially when correcting for underwater color shifts or adjusting exposure.
The FG9X housing supports full manual shooting, which allows users to lock in optimal settings for each scene. Whether shooting in ambient light or with strobes, the ability to control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO enables photographers to produce sharp, vibrant images that convey the mood and clarity of the dive site. In macro mode, the Canon G9 X reveals its full potential, capturing incredible detail in subjects as small as a few millimeters. When paired with wet diopters, this performance is taken to the next level, allowing for precise focus on minuscule sea life with exceptional clarity.
Color rendition is another strength of this setup. With proper white balance settings or color correction filters attached to the housing, blues and greens are balanced effectively, preventing the flat cyan cast that can plague many compact camera systems. Skin tones, coral structures, and fish scales all retain their natural colors, contributing to more lifelike and appealing images. With strobe use, color saturation becomes even more dramatic, especially at depths where red light is absorbed and needs to be reintroduced artificially.
Macro Photography with the FG9X
Macro photography is one of the FG9X system’s most celebrated strengths. The Canon G9 X’s native close-focusing ability, combined with the housing’s sharp lens port and 67mm threading, creates an ideal platform for capturing tiny reef dwellers. Underwater macro shooting demands stability, precision focus, and lighting that can illuminate subjects just inches from the lens. The FG9X housing supports all of these needs seamlessly.
In real-world use, photographers often attach macro wet lenses such as the Bluewater +7 or +10 diopters to extend magnification and reduce working distance. These add-ons are easy to screw on and off during the dive, and they remain securely in place even when swimming through current or repositioning quickly. Once attached, the enhanced detail is immediately visible on the LCD screen, making it possible to isolate a seahorse’s eye or capture the intricate patterns of a nudibranch’s body.
Lighting is critical in macro work, and the FG9X system integrates beautifully with small strobes or focus lights. A dual-arm tray keeps lights positioned close to the port, and the small footprint of the housing makes it easy to approach delicate subjects without scaring them away. Many users report being able to get closer than with bulkier systems, increasing image clarity and reducing backscatter in photos taken in sandy or silty environments.
Wide-Angle and Environmental Imaging
Though compact, the FG9X is no slouch when it comes to wide-angle photography. The Canon G9 X’s 28mm equivalent wide end is serviceable for shooting reefscapes, divers, and mid-size marine life. However, for serious wide-angle work, the addition of a wet wide-angle lens becomes essential. Lenses like the Fantasea BigEye M67 Mark II or Inon UWL-H100 transform the field of view dramatically, enabling users to frame larger subjects like turtles, reef sharks, or schooling fish at closer distances.
In actual dive tests, these wide lenses perform exceptionally well. They reduce the water column between the camera and subject, which not only improves image sharpness but also enhances color accuracy. This is important when trying to preserve natural reds, yellows, and purples at depth. Many compact camera shooters opt to combine wide-angle lenses with dual strobe setups to fully illuminate scenes and avoid the central hotspot often caused by single-flash configurations.
The handling of the housing remains responsive even when shooting with wet wide-angle optics. The front port is built to handle the added weight without creating front-heavy tilt, and the mount threading ensures a tight, secure fit. Photographers exploring large coral heads, underwater caves, or wrecks will appreciate how easily the FG9X setup moves into tight corners, allowing for dramatic compositions with compelling depth and perspective.
Video Performance and Audio Considerations
Video is another area where the Canon G9 X and Fantasea FG9X combination excels. The camera’s ability to shoot Full HD at 60 frames per second ensures smooth, broadcast-quality footage, ideal for documenting dive sites, filming marine life behavior, or creating travel content. With the option for manual exposure control during video recording, users can tailor their settings for different lighting conditions, ensuring consistent output from shallow reef environments to deeper, low-light dives.
In the water, the FG9X housing’s tactile controls make it easy to switch from photo to video mode. The camera’s video start/stop button is mapped clearly and placed within easy reach, allowing users to capture clips without shifting grip or disrupting framing. Focus and exposure locks are also accessible, giving filmmakers greater command over their shots, particularly when tracking moving subjects.
One area to consider is audio. Like most underwater housings, the FG9X does not support real-time audio recording due to the sealed environment. While this is not typically a concern for underwater content—where ambient sound is often replaced with music or narration in post-production—filmmakers should be aware that external microphones cannot be attached. For above-water use or poolside filming, however, the housing may still capture muffled audio that can be enhanced in post if necessary.
Strobe and Light Integration in Practice
Lighting plays a key role in image sharpness, contrast, and color fidelity underwater. The FG9X housing has been designed to work with a wide variety of external lighting options, from simple video lights to advanced strobe configurations. Most users start with a single strobe setup, using fiber optic cables connected through the flash window to fire the strobe in sync with the camera’s onboard flash. This method is reliable and consistent across shooting modes.
For wide-angle and dual strobe users, the FG9X housing accommodates tray-mounted arms on either side of the housing. These arms hold strobes at optimal angles to reduce backscatter, a common issue when shooting in silty or particulate-heavy water. The placement of strobes above and to the sides of the housing allows users to control the direction and intensity of the light, helping to shape scenes and create more dimensional images.
For macro shooters, small focus lights or compact strobes can be mounted closer to the lens port to illuminate subjects more effectively at short distances. These light sources help achieve faster autofocus lock, more accurate exposure, and enhanced detail in texture-rich subjects. Many divers appreciate the system’s modularity—light arms can be lengthened, repositioned, or swapped with minimal tools or downtime.
Handling in Challenging Conditions
Diving environments can vary greatly, from calm, tropical waters with high visibility to surge-prone coastlines and deep, dark wrecks. The FG9X housing proves its worth in all of these scenarios. In cold water, where gloves are thick and dexterity is reduced, the large control buttons remain accessible and responsive. The tactile feedback from each press is strong enough to confirm activation, even without visual confirmation.
In strong currents or surge zones, the compact size of the housing becomes a distinct advantage. Larger DSLR housings can act like underwater sails, catching water movement and straining the diver’s wrists and shoulders. The FG9X is streamlined and easily braced against the body or a rock to stay steady while shooting. The textured grip areas improve hold security, and the addition of a wrist lanyard or buoyancy float ensures the system remains secure if released.
Low-light conditions are another environment where the FG9X performs admirably. The fast f/2.0 aperture at the wide end allows in more light, reducing the need to crank ISO and preserving image quality. When coupled with a bright video light, even twilight dives or night photography become entirely achievable with this setup.
Subject Tracking and Autofocus Speed
Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor and high-speed autofocus system contribute to a responsive shooting experience. Underwater, the autofocus locks on quickly, even in moderately low-light situations. The FG9X housing does not interfere with this responsiveness, and the touch-access buttons allow users to direct focus quickly when needed.
Fast-moving subjects such as fish, rays, or even dolphins can be challenging for compact systems, but the G9 X manages to track reasonably well. In burst mode, it captures multiple frames quickly, increasing the likelihood of getting sharp action shots. Although it doesn’t match the speed of a high-end mirrorless system with continuous autofocus tracking, the combination of fast processing and good optics ensures consistent results for the average dive photographer.
Navigating Underwater Challenges: Practical Use Cases and Real-World Scenarios
Taking any underwater housing into the real world is the ultimate test of its claims, and the Fantasea Canon G9 X housing is no exception. Once submerged, theoretical specs and controlled test environments give way to actual encounters with unpredictable marine conditions. This section explores how the housing performs in various underwater settings, including coral reefs, wreck dives, murky freshwater lakes, and macro shooting environments.
One of the first noticeable benefits is how the compact design becomes a significant advantage in tight spaces. While photographing inside narrow coral caves or weaving through the twisted framework of a sunken ship, the Fantasea housing doesn’t get in the way. Its form factor allows for agile maneuverability, allowing divers to focus on shot composition rather than repositioning a bulky rig.
When it comes to cold-water dives or gloves-required conditions, the ergonomic button placement and tactile feedback on each control prove highly effective. Whether adjusting aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, the responsiveness remains consistent even in 5mm gloves. The housing doesn’t rely on touchscreen control, which can become erratic underwater; instead, it focuses on solid mechanical access that remains reliable in all conditions.
Murky water conditions, such as those encountered in freshwater lakes or stormy seas, can challenge even advanced underwater systems. However, the Fantasea housing supports accessory mounting that allows for additional lighting systems like strobes or focus lights. Once paired with a dual-arm tray and strong lighting, image quality is dramatically improved, especially when using the Canon G9 X’s excellent low-light capabilities.
The macro performance deserves attention. Due to the camera’s powerful zoom and the housing’s compatibility with wet macro lenses like the Fantasea UCL-09F, divers can capture fine details of nudibranchs, seahorses, and shrimp with amazing precision. The glass lens port ensures high optical clarity and little distortion, which becomes especially evident when examining edge sharpness or chromatic aberration.
Longevity, Maintenance, and Field Serviceability
Underwater photographers know that even the best housing is only as good as its durability and how easily it can be maintained. In this area, Fantasea scores high marks for reliability and resilience, but there are key points to understand when it comes to long-term use and maintenance practices.
The O-ring system is the cornerstone of any underwater housing. Fantasea uses a double-seal design, which significantly reduces the risk of flooding. Each housing ships with pre-greased O-rings, and replacement kits are readily available. Divers are strongly encouraged to clean and re-grease the O-ring before every dive. A simple hair or a grain of sand can compromise the seal, so visual inspection is essential.
Fantasea also provides a visual moisture alarm. If water enters the housing, an LED alarm alerts the user immediately. While this can’t prevent damage once water is inside, it allows divers to abort the dive and surface quickly to minimize exposure.
The polycarbonate body holds up well over time, although minor scratches can appear with heavy use. These cosmetic imperfections do not affect optical clarity but can detract from appearance. For this reason, some users prefer to apply a clear vinyl protector or carry a housing bag to reduce abrasion during travel.
Hinges, buttons, and latches should be rinsed thoroughly after each dive in fresh water. This prevents salt crystal buildup, which can lead to stiff buttons or corrosion. Fantasea’s user manual includes a maintenance schedule, and spare parts such as button springs or replacement levers are available through its global dealer network.
A standout benefit is the ability to field-service most issues. With a basic tool kit, divers can replace O-rings, springs, and even lens ports if damaged. This modularity makes the Fantasea housing particularly suitable for travel photographers who don’t always have access to repair shops.
Versatility with Accessories and Expansion Possibilities
The true value of the Fantasea Canon G9 X housing becomes evident when photographers begin customizing it to suit specific shooting needs. From lighting to lens options and trays, the housing offers expansive flexibility that accommodates a wide variety of creative workflows.
One of the most impactful upgrades is the addition of external strobes. The housing features a fiber-optic cable connection point, which works seamlessly with most major underwater strobe brands like Sea & Sea, Inon, and Ikelite. With synchronized flash output, dynamic range improves dramatically, making it possible to capture vivid reef scenes, dramatic wreck interiors, and portrait-like close-ups.
For wide-angle photography, Fantasea provides compatibility with the BigEye wide-angle conversion lens. This wet-mount lens increases the field of view substantially, helping shooters capture entire reef structures or schools of fish without needing to swim far backward. It attaches securely to the lens port and is easily removable underwater, offering great versatility during a single dive.
On the macro side, the UCL series close-up lenses offer serious magnification without distorting the image. These screw-on lenses fit snugly over the housing’s lens port and allow users to alternate between macro and standard shots with a quick twist.
Mounting a double-arm tray enhances balance and stability. It also provides mounting points for dual strobes or video lights, as well as a GoPro or action camera for behind-the-scenes footage. Some users even attach dive compasses or slates for utility during exploration dives.
Fantasea’s design allows photographers to build a compact rig or expand into a full professional setup. The modularity is deliberate, making the housing suitable for beginners who want a basic setup as well as advanced photographers seeking full creative control.
Comparisons and Alternatives in the Market
While the Fantasea housing for Canon G9 X stands out in many areas, it competes in a crowded market of underwater housings for compact cameras. Comparing it to alternatives helps clarify its strengths and limitations.
Ikelite offers a competing polycarbonate housing, known for its robust build and depth rating of 60 meters. While its controls are similarly well-placed, it is larger and heavier, making it less ideal for travel. Ikelite also lacks the same level of support for wet lenses and optical cable sync, unless additional adapters are purchased.
Nauticam, a premium manufacturer, produces an aluminum housing for the Canon G9 X. The build quality is superior, and it boasts features like vacuum leak detection and integrated handles. However, the cost is several times higher than the Fantasea model, placing it out of reach for many hobbyists and travelers.
SeaFrogs offers budget-friendly housings that support the G9 X series but often compromise on ergonomic design and accessory compatibility. Button placement can feel cramped, and the lack of modular lens support limits creative growth.
Fantasea occupies a sweet spot in this landscape: a well-balanced, mid-tier housing that delivers professional-level functionality without excessive cost. It’s a step above entry-level models in both build quality and versatility, yet more accessible than boutique-grade systems.
Community, Customer Support, and Brand Trust
The reliability of an underwater housing doesn’t stop at the product—it extends to the community and customer support infrastructure surrounding it. Fantasea benefits from a strong reputation among amateur and professional photographers alike, largely due to its consistency and responsiveness.
Online forums, such as Wetpixel and ScubaBoard, are filled with positive reviews from long-term Fantasea users. Many photographers share their custom setups, port combinations, and troubleshooting advice, creating a helpful ecosystem of support for newcomers.
Fantasea’s support team is responsive and knowledgeable. Warranty claims, spare part requests, and user manuals are handled efficiently. The brand offers an international distribution network, with authorized dealers in Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. This global reach is particularly valuable for traveling divers who may need assistance or replacement parts on the go.
The company frequently updates its product lines and maintains compatibility with newer camera generations. Firmware notes and accessory guides are available through the Fantasea website, helping users maximize their system without guesswork.
Some Fantasea housings have been in use for over a decade with continued success, further proving the brand’s commitment to long-term durability and serviceability.
Conclusion:
The Fantasea Canon G9 X housing represents an excellent balance of performance, affordability, and expandability. Designed with the needs of underwater photographers in mind, it brings a thoughtful mix of ergonomic controls, solid waterproofing, accessory support, and travel-friendly design.
For photographers new to underwater shooting, the housing offers an easy learning curve with plenty of room to grow. Intermediate and advanced users will appreciate its adaptability and compatibility with professional lighting and optics systems.
While it may lack the ultra-premium materials and depth ratings of high-end metal housings, the Fantasea model more than makes up for it in usability and value. With a well-supported ecosystem, responsive customer service, and real-world-tested reliability, it stands out as one of the top choices in the compact camera housing category.
Whether you’re diving into shallow reefs, exploring mysterious wrecks, or capturing elusive macro subjects, the Fantasea Canon G9 X housing is a trustworthy companion. It enables photographers to focus on their craft rather than worry about the equipment, ensuring that every dive becomes an opportunity to tell a compelling visual story.