XL 3 Surf with 40mm Dome Port 

• XL 3 camera housing 
• Removable 2-stage pistol trigger grip
• Dome port with dome lens element
• Flexible back door
• Flexible membrane
• Wireless shutter hub
• Ambidextrous side grip
• Removable baseplate with stabiliser wings
• Anti-movement backplate
• 2.5mm camera shutter cables (we will contact you to confirm your camera and cable prior to shipping)
• Finger thumbscrews for rear backplate
• Back plate stabaliser and thumbscrews
• All the required seals and screws
• Seal lubrication gel
• 3m Tape
• Scannable QR code for instructions

 

 

Get To Know The GDome XL

The world's first universal semi-rigid modular underwater housing

Yes, this is a loaded description, so we will need to break it down for you so that you can really see the value of this universal underwater housing.

When we say that the GDome XL is a universal water housing, we really do mean it! The GDome XL will work with almost any mirrorless or DSLR camera right out of the box (check the internal sizing chart to confirm this, as cameras like the Canon 1D could be too tall for our housing).

You might think this is not unique, as there are a number of housing options that can do this. These housings are either completely "soft" (made from rubberized or PVC material), meaning that you cannot add dome ports, lens extensions, or even lights and GoPros to the housing. where the 'hard' housings have extremely limited functionality (no ability to change settings or functions).

Our housing is considered semi-rigid, as the housing and ports are injection moulded, and only the rear screen is made from a flexible membrane. We also include a solid backdoor that is individually pressure tested to 18 m before leaving our office. Having a flexible rear screen allows us to give the user full access to the camera's rear functionality.

When it comes to modularity, the NEW GDome XL Surf V3 is fully modular, as you can interchange ports, the side handles, and even remove the bottom pistol grip and use the optional side trigger system. Included in the box is a 55mm port adapter with a flat lens element, as well as a 40mm dome port extension adapter and dome lens element.

Our 80mm extension port (Optional Extra) is fully compatible with the dome port adapter if you need a further extension to your GDome XL. This port is stackable, so you could add two or even three of them depending on the length of your camera lens.

CONSTRUCTION

Our housings and ports are injection-molded with glass-filled nylon, which is one of the strongest engineering materials on the planet. Our backplates are injection-molded from high-impact polycarbonate. All of our bolts are 316 stainless steel to protect against saltwater corrosion.

SAFETY

Our seals are custom-molded specifically for us from silicone. Silicone has close to zero memory, excellent resistance to weathering and UV exposure, and lasts approximately four times longer than rubber. We do not use glued seals in the GDome XL.

Clips are convenient and efficient; however, the bolts we use are failproof in rough conditions and cannot be easily opened when in the water. We have never had an XL leak due to a product fault as all of the parts are precision moulded (so there is no room for errors), we do not glue our seals, and we pressure test each housing with the solid backdoor to 18 m / 59 ft before leaving the office.

The only real chance of a leak is if you do not tighten up the screws on the ports or backplate when using the housing. Another key feature of our housing is that the camera sits on a heightened baseplate, so even if water does get into the housing, the camera is lifted away from contact with the water, allowing you to get out the water and get your camera out without damage.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the XL Surf and XL Fusion?

         The XL 3 Surf comes with a removable 2-stage pistol (bottom) trigger grip, while the XL               3 Fusion comes with a removable right-hand 2-stage side trigger grip.

2. Why use a pistol trigger grip (Surf) instead of a side-trigger (Fusion)?

          What is a pistol trigger grip for surf photography?

               A handle known as a pistol grip is fastened to the housing's base. A button on the handle activates the                 shutter of the camera by connecting a cable to the device's "remote" connection.

          Why use a pistol-grip trigger when shooting?

              It is simpler to swim with your housing and to position yourself into key wave sections for the finest                      shots when you shoot with a pistol grip because you can hold (and trigger) the camera with just one                    hand.

              With fisheye or wide-angle lenses, where you might not always be looking through your viewfinder                        when shooting, a pistol-grip trigger is frequently employed. Even though some photographers prefer to                utilise the top shutter button for a more comfortable hold when peering through the viewfinder, you can                still use a pistol grip when using longer lenses.

              A side trigger system in water photography offers an alternative ergonomic design. It allows for a more                stable two-handed grip on the camera housing, enhancing control and minimising shake, especially in                  challenging conditions like turbulent waters. This setup is preferred by some photographers who                          prioritize stability and control over the convenience of a one-handed operation. The choice between a                  pistol-grip trigger and a side trigger often depends on personal preference and the specific shooting                      conditions encountered in water photography.

3. Is my camera compatible?

            IF YOU WANT TO USE THE 2 STAGE TRIGGER, please ensure that your camera has a wired                            remote shutter port and uses generic TRS cables. In order to use our 2-stage tigger system, your                        camera will have to have a wired remote trigger shutter port.

            This allows your camera to be triggered via the pistol trigger using a shutter release cable.
            The connectors used for the external release have rather different shapes.

            Side note: You can always use the flex backdoor and assign a custom button to shoot if your camera is                not compatible with our trigger.

            You can also use a wireless remote and our remote backplate. We have a number of types of cables to                support more than 300 camera models; we do not stock or sell proprietary or TRRS cables.

            You will find our available cables here: https://getgdome.com/products/xl-2-5mm-camera-shutter-cables

            NB: When you get a new compatible camera, if it is different, you will only need to get a new camera                    cable to keep using your GDome XL Trigger!

            We have made a short list of some of the cameras that we know fit the GDome XL - there are many                      more that fit! Not supported means that your camera may not have the wired shutter port.

            2-Stage Trigger Compatibility:

            Sony

            A100, A200, A300, A33, A35, A350, A37, A400, A450, A500, A55, A550, A550V, A560, A57, A580, A65,                A65V, A700, A77, A77 II, A77V, A850, A900, A99, A99 II, A3000, A3500, A5000, A5000L, A5100, A6000,              A6300, A6400, A6500, A6600, A1, A7, A7 II, A7III, A7 IV, A7S, A7S II, A7S III, A7R, A7R II, A7R III, A7R                IV, A9, A9 II, HX300, HX400, HX50V, HX60, HX80, HX90, HX90V, NEX 3N, A58, A68, RX10, RX10 II,                  RX10 III, RX10 IV, RX100 II, RX100 III, RX100 IV, RX100 V, RX100 VI, RX100 VII, RX100                                    Platinum, NEX-3NL

            Not supported: A7C, A230, A290, A330, A330TT, A380, A390, A3000, NEX-3, NEX-3C, NEX-5, NEX-                  5T, NEX-5R, NEX-5N, NEX-5C, NEX-6, NEX-7, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, QX 10, QX 100, RX1, RX1R

            Nikon

            D100, D200, D300, D500, D700, D800, D800 E, D810, D850, F90, F100, D70S, D80, Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7,                Z7 II, D750, D780, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5350, D5500, D5600, D600,              D610, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D90, Df, Coolpix P7700, Coolpix P7800, Coolpix A, Coolpix P950,              Coolpix P1000 ... and more!!

            Not supported: 1 AW1, 1 J1, 1 J2, 1J3, 1 S1, 1 V1, D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70, D100, D3000, D3400,                D3500, L840, P610, P900, Z50, Z fc

            Canon

            EOS 1300D / 1200D / 1100D / 1000D / 650D / 550D / 500D / 450D / 400D / 350D / 300D / 90D / 80D /                70D / 60D / 50D /  40D / 30D / 20D / 20Ds / 10D / 7D Mark II / 7D / 6D / R5 / R6 / 5D / 5D Mark II / 5D                  Mark III / 5D Mark IV / SX50HS / Powershot G10 / G11 / G12 / G15 / G1x / G1x Mk II ... and more!!

           Not supported: EOS M, EOS M3, EOS M50, G7, G9, Powershot N, S90, S95, S100, S110, S120,                       SX510 HS, XC10, 4000D, Fujifilm Finepix S1 / S3 PRO / S5 PRO / X30 / X70 / X100F / X100T / X-100V/             X-A1 /X-A2 / X-A3 / X-A5 / X-A7 / X-A10 / X-E1 / X-E2 / X-E2S / X-E3 / XF10 / X-H1 / X-M1 / X-Pro2 / X-             Pro3 / X-Q1 / X-Q2 / X-T1 / X-T2 / X-T3 / X-T4 / X-T10 / X-T20 / X-T30 / X-T100 / X-T200 .. and more!!

          Not supported: HS10, HS11, S1 Pro, S2 Pro, X-Pro1, X100, X100S, XF-1, X-S10                                                Panansonic GH6 / GH5 / GH4 / GH3 .. and more!! Not supported: FZ35, FZ45, FZ70, FZ72, FZ80, FZ82,            GF2, GF3, GF5, GM1, LX5, LX7, GX9, GX80, GX85 Pentax K-5 II / K-5 IIs / K-5 / K-7 / K10 / K20 / K50 /              K100 / K200 / K500 and more!!

          Not supported: K-m, K-r, K-S2, K-x, MX-1, Q, Q-S1, K3 III Samsung GX10/GX20 and more!!

          Not supported: NX-200, NX-210, NX3000 Checking the camera and lens fit: The general rule of thumb              is that if your camera body is the same size or smaller than a Canon 5D MK4, then it will fit the GDome                XL.

          Cameras with built-in battery grips like the 1DX will be too tall, unfortunately.

 

 

3. How flexible and strong is the soft backdoor?

     Our flexible rear membrane is unbelievably strong and flexible, as they are custom-molded         specifically for us from silicone.  Silicone has close to zero memory, excellent resistance to         weathering and UV exposure, and lasts approximately four times longer than rubber.

     Please keep in mind that they are not made to withstand impact or pressure from sharp             edges or points.We suggest storing the silicone screens in a ziplock bag when not in use or       in transit.

 

 

3. Can I still access my controls once my camera is in the housing?

        If you are using the flexible rear membrane screen, it will give the user full access to the              camera's rear functionality.

        If you use the solid back door, you will not be able to change settings. You will have to set          up your camera before closing the backdoor.

4. Will I be able to use various cameras and lenses in the housing?

        As our housing is universal, you will not have to buy a new housing or ports as you                      upgrade your cameras and lenses (as long as they will fit in our housing).

        We also have the 80mm extension ports available (these are stackable).
        If you need a longer port for your lens, we have you sorted.

        If you change camera brands, you will simply need to get the correlating 2.5mm remote              cable. Although the XL waterproof housing is universal, remote cables are specific to your          camera.

5. How deep can I go with GDOME XL?

 

      We individually pressure test each housing with the included solid BackDoor to 18m / 59ft.

      The GDome XL is rated to 5m/16ft housing with the flexible rear membrane.

      The GDome XL is rated at 25–30 feet max depth with the solid BackDoor.

      The GDome XL can handle any size surf you have the balls to swim into.

      These are not dive housings, and they should not be treated as such.

      This housing is intended for surface use.

6. How do I ensure that the front of the lens is the correct distance from the back of the dome?

      Our mounting plate has multiple holes that allow you to position the camera backwards and        forwards.

      Take a look at it here:

 

7. What is the difference between a single-stage pistol grip and a two-stage pistol grip?

      A "one-press" button is present on the single-stage handgun grip.

      With a single press, this button activates focus and the shutter.

      The "half-press to focus" and "full-press to fire" buttons are part of the two-stage pistol grip.

      With the pistol grip, it is quite simple to use one-handed autofocusing because there is a            tactile click at the halfway point and another click at the full push.

      As the trigger hubs (focus and shutter) on the GDome XL 3 are adjustable, you can set the        trigger up as a 2-stage or you can move the hubs closer together to make your housing into        a single stage shutter.