Underwater
At Camalot, we provide Gates setups that turn the most popular cinema cameras into submarine machines.
Gates underwater housing
If you’re taking a high-end cinema camera underwater, you don’t just need a waterproof box: you need a tank. That’s where Gates comes in. Known in the industry as the “bulletproof” standard, Gates housings are built for filmmakers who need 100% reliability when working underwater.
At Camalot, we provide Gates setups that turn the most popular cinema cameras into submarine machines.
Why did we chose Gates?
While other brands might rely on fancy electronics that can glitch in salt water, Gates is famous for its mechanical integrity. The housing is incredibly robust, but what makes our specific setup special is the Universal Remote Cinema configuration. It allows for a seamless bridge between the diver below and the crew on the surface.
The Specs
Let’s look at why this specific housing is the best choice for shooting underwater:
- High-end fiction & commercial focus: This system is specifically designed for top-tier productions. Because the housing is tethered to the surface, the DP and focus puller have real-time control, making it the perfect tool for scripted sets, series, and high-end commercials.
- Construction: Machined from solid blocks of 6061-T6 aluminum, protected with a hard-anodized finish and a nickel-acetate seal. It’s built to survive the harshest oceans.
- Precision optics: Equipped with precision ports (flat or super wide). You get zero distortion and edge-to-edge sharpness, so your glass performs exactly as it should.
- Perfect buoyancy: Using an adjustable trim weight system, we balance the rig to be “neutrally buoyant.” This allows the diver to hover and move smoothly instead of fighting a rig that wants to sink or float.
A Professional Partnership: Our Certified Technicians
Because these rigs are high-precision instruments, Camalot provides the Gates housing exclusively with a certified technician/operator. This specialist knows the machinery inside out and handles the “heavy lifting” so you can focus on the creative.
Our technician will:
- Handle the build: Rigging the camera, lens, and remote systems for a perfect fit.
- Safety & vacuum tests: Running pressure tests to guarantee a 100% watertight seal before the kit ever touches the water.
- Perform the dive: Our tech handles the underwater navigation and framing, acting as the DP’s hands under the surface.
- Technical support: Ensuring the video feed and remote controls stay rock-solid throughout the shoot.
Once submerged, the housing becomes an extension of the operator. With ergonomic handles and an external SmallHD 5” monitor, the diver isn’t squinting through a tiny hole—they see exactly what you’re seeing on the surface.
Full control from the surface
This is where it gets exciting for the crew on shore. With our remote setup, the DP and focus puller stay dry.
While the diver handles the framing and movement underwater, the team on the surface has full access to the camera menu and FIZ controls (Focus, Iris, Zoom). You see exactly what the camera sees on your monitors, allowing for the same level of precision you’d expect on a dry set.
Camera Compatibility
The Gates Universal housing is incredibly versatile. We can fit almost any camera in our inventory into the rig. The most popular choices include:
- ARRI Alexa 35 / Alexa Mini / Mini LF
- Sony Venice 1 & 2 (Perfect for low-light depths)
- RED V-Raptor / DSMC2
- Phantom Flex (For those stunning high-speed water effects)
Is a Gates right for you project?
The Gates Remote Cinema Housing is primarily designed for fiction, cinema, and high-end commercial productions. Because of the technical complexity and the requirement of a certified operator, this isn’t a “grab-and-go” rental—it’s a collaborative underwater solution.
Ready to take the plunge? Just send us a message and we will provide you with more information specifically for your shoot. And we’ll help you pick the right camera, the right port for your lens, and make sure you’re fully prepped for your underwater shoot.
