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Gates HF S11 Video Housing - First Look
Joe Holley
December 4, 2009
The Gates HF S11 underwater video housing is compatible with the Canon HF S10, HF S100 and HF S11. Each of these camcorders feature the same form factor with minor differences between them in regard to flash memory and image stabilization. This is a look at the housing from a design/functionality point of view.
The Gates HF S11 housing, as with all Gates housings, is machined from aluminum and features all mechanical controls. The expert machining is very evident when you look at one of these housings. These housings are also coated with a type III hard anodize finiish, which protects the aluminum from the elements and gives it the "sexy" black color.
This housing has controls for Power, Mode (Video, Photo and Dual Shot), Zoom, Record/Standby, Photo, Assign button and Roller and White Balance / Telemacro / Menu, via the Canon Remote. The first thing I needed to do when I heard about the integration of the remote was to figure out which kitchen drawer I had dropped it into, as I normally don't have much of a need for using it.
The controls for Power, Mode, Zoom, Photo and Record/Standby are all located on the rear/right side of the housing and are easily reached without removing your hand from the handle.
The controls for the Assign button and Roller are located on the front/left of the housing. The roller can be assigned to adjust five different functions; Exposure, Focus, *Assist functions, Mic level and AGC Limit (Automatic Gain Control) *The Assist Functions consist of Zebra and Peaking. These controls can also be easily accessed without removing your hand from the left handle.
Gates has incorporated the Canon remote into the design of this housing. The remote is included with all new camcorders from Canon, so make sure you don't misplace yours. This remote provides access to the camcorder's menu functions. The remote fits very nicely inside the shell of the housing and Gates has incorporated buttons for the Function, Menu, Scroll and Set. Gates has designed an accessory handle (pictured on the left handle on top image) that makes pressing these buttons very simple and still allows you to hold the housing steady while making adjustments.
The most common of these functions is white balance and as I have discovered, using the remote for this setting is quite an easy task.
To set white balance takes three steps;
- Press Function to open menu
- Press Custom White Balance
- Press Function again to turn off menu
The three steps above assume that you will already have the function menu in the custom white balance position. If it is not in that position, you will have the simple step of scrolling to the custom white balance. Very easy, either way.
Gates currently has three ports available for this housing. The SP32 Standard Port, FP32 Flat Port and GP32 Wide Angle Port. As we have plans to, but have not dived this housing yet, So I will not comment on the performance, except to say that that SP and FP ports are standard designs and the GP32 is a wide angle port, that according to the specs, will provide up to 85 degree FOV.
The flip-in blue water filter (included with housing) can be replaced with a green water filter at purchase or can be switched by the end user. The filter is flipped into place using the control located on the front of the housing, just above the port.
Overall, this housing looks like it would be an excellent choice for anyone shooting one of these Canon camcorders. It's small size and weight (7.5 lbs) also make it a great choice for anyone concerned with carrying heavy equipment around the world. | 
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About the author: Joe Holley is the administrator for UnderwaterVideography.com and has worked in the field of underwater video for several years. Joe is currently shooting with the Gates EX1 with SWP44C.
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