News

Showcased at the ADEX dive show in Singapore in April, the new AOI housing for the Canon EOS R50 has now been released. Like the popular EF-S-mount EOS M50 Mark II before it, the RF-mount EOS R50 is an entry-level cropped-sensor powerhouse packed with great features for serious shooters: 24MP sensor with dual pixel AF, 15fps burst shooting (electronic shutter), and 4K/30p 10-bit video with no crop.

AOI’s UH-R50 housing features a fixed port designed specifically for the RF-S 18–45mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM—the standard zoom that is available in a kit with the R50. This arrangement means users can start shooting a variety of subjects right out of the box, while the smallest and largest subjects can be tackled by mounting macro or wide-angle wet lenses onto the port’s standard 67mm thread. AOI offers a variety of high-quality wet lenses, including the UWL-09PRO for wide angle and UCL-09PRO for close-ups.

Coming as standard with AOI’s Vacuum Analysis & Wet Detection System (VWS), the housing offers dual fiber-optic bulkheads for hooking up strobes such as AOI’s own UCS-Q1 flash (updated 2027 edition), which offers a new slave TTL mode for automatic flash exposure. Triggering is via the R50’s pop-up flash, so you don’t have to purchase a separate trigger. The housing is compatible with MDS (Modular System), the company’s highly configurable arm and tray solution.

Shipping now from retailers such as Backscatter, the UH-R50 housing costs $700 and is available in both black and white finishes.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRESS RELEASE

AOI Unveils the UH-R50: Making Passion Possible for the Next Generation of Underwater Creators

AOI Ltd. is proud to announce the UH-R50, a breakthrough underwater housing for the Canon R50 designed to bridge the gap between casual snapshots and advanced cinematography. Built on AOI's core brand philosophy of Passion Possible, the UH-R50 is engineered to democratize high-fidelity imaging, ensuring that the transition from a smartphone or action camera to a powerful mirrorless system is intuitive, cost-effective, and seamless.

The "Level-Up" Choice: Advanced Power, Mobile Simplicity

The UH-R50 is the definitive "Level-Up" for aficionados who have outgrown the limitations of small-sensor devices. By moving to the R50's larger APS-C sensor, users can finally capture the true colors, low-light clarity, and cinematic depth of field that smartphones and action cameras cannot replicate. It provides a pro-tier look while maintaining a nimble, "grab-and-go" lifestyle. With a dry weight of just 495 grams for the Canon EOS R50 camera and 1,433 grams for the UH-R50 housing, this combination is among the lightest mirrorless systems on the market today, ensuring effortless travel and exceptional underwater agility.

Native Vertical Intelligence for the Social-First Creator

In an era where short-form content drives the global conversation, the UH-R50 is designed to take full advantage of the Canon EOS R50's native orientation intelligence. The camera automatically identifies when it is shooting in a vertical format and tags the footage accordingly.

To complement this feature, the UH-R50 is fully compatible with AOI's MDS (Modular System). The MDS is a highly configurable, almost bespoke arm and tray solution that allows creators to build a rig tailored to their specific needs. By utilizing the MDS, users can configure their ergonomics for stable, vertical-friendly handling, making it the ultimate tool for high-resolution TikToks, Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

The Specialized Fixed-Port Advantage

While AOI remains committed to its industry-leading interchangeable port systems for professional vocations, the UH-R50 introduces a specialized fixed-port design tailored for experts who prioritize nimble, efficient workflows. This integrated approach offers distinct advantages for the rapid-deployment creator:

• Streamlined Security: The fixed-port design offers a "Set-and-Forget" experience. By reducing the number of user-serviceable seals, the UH-R50 provides a highly reliable, low-maintenance profile ideal for travel.
• Factory-Tuned Precision: The port is factory-aligned to the specific optics of the Canon R50 kit lens, ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness and perfect optical performance out of the box.
• External Versatility: Featuring a standard 67mm thread, the fixed port remains a versatile platform. Creators can switch between wide-angle and macro wet-optics mid-dive using AOI's world-class optics, such as the UWL-09PRO, keeping the camera sensor sealed and safe at all times.

Performance Without the Premium: High-Fidelity at a High-Value

The combination of the Canon EOS R50, its versatile kit lens, and the AOI UH-R50 housing represents one of the most accessible avenues in the industry to produce high-fidelity underwater content. By optimizing the system around a fixed-port architecture, AOI has removed the "entry tax" typically associated with mirrorless underwater photography.

• Upgraded Peace of Mind: The housing features AOI's VWS (Vacuum Analysis & Wet Detection System) as a standard feature. This internal system actively monitors internal vacuum pressure and detects moisture before a single drop hits the camera sensor, providing definitive confidence before and during every dive.
• Seamless Integration: The newly upgraded UCS-Q1 can be used with the Canon EOS R50 inside AOI's newly launched UH-R50 underwater housing. Creators using this new setup can rely on effortless, automated lighting that perfectly complements the R50 system's compact footprint.

For approximately the same investment as a decent smartphone and a specialized housing, creators gain access to an advanced 24.2MP sensor and world-class 4K video. This setup offers a higher-fidelity standard that empowers aficionados to produce gallery-grade photos and cinematic videos without the premium price barrier.

Availability

The AOI UH-R50 will be available through authorized AOl dealers and select digital marketplaces in June 2026.

Specifications

• MODEL NUMBER: AOI UH-R50-BLK / AOI UH-R50-WHT
• DESCRIPTION: Underwater Housing for Canon EOS R50 Camera (Black / White Color)
• COMPATIBLE CAMERA MODEL: Canon EOS R50 Camera
• MAIN MATERIAL: PC +GF
• DEPTH RATING: 60m / 200ft
• PORT RING: M67
• FLASH TRIGGER METHOD: By using the camera's built-in pop-up flash
• WATER LEAKAGE PROTECTION: Built-in Vacuum Analysis and Wet Detection System (VWS)
  • BATTERY POWER: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery (3.7V)
  • BATTERY CHARGING: By USB Charger DC5V, 0.5A (not included) - Approx. 1.5 Hours for a full charge
  • BATTERY OPERATION TIME: Approx. 100 hours
• DIMENSIONS: 172mm(L) X 160mm(W) X 145mm(H) / 6.8in(L) X 6.3in(W) X 5.7in(H)
• WEIGHT:
  • On Land: Approx. 950g / 2.1lbs (Only included the Housing Body, LCD Monitor Hood, Zoom Gear, Port Front Cap)
  • Underwater: Appro.x -280 g / -9.9oz (With Canon EOS R50 Camera, Camera Battery, RF-S 18-45mm Lens, Zoom Gear, LCD Monitor Hood)

• STANDARD ACCESSORIES
  • USB Type-C Charing Cable (AOI USBC-02) x1pc.
  • LCD Monitor Hood (AOI LCDH-01) x1pc.
  • Spare O-ring for Vacuum Valve Protection Cap (AOI SRVV-02-GRY) x1pc.
  • Silicone Grease (AOI SIGR-5) x1pc; Silica Gel (AOI SIGE-3) x1pc.
  • Lanyard (AOI LYD-01) x1pc; Fiber Optic Cable Port Plug x2pcs.
  • Port Front Cap for M67 Thread (AOI LFC-01) x1pc.
  • Vacuum Hand Pump (AOI VP-03) x1pc.
  • Zoom Gear for Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (AOI LG-CRF-S1845) x1pc.
  • Extended Shutter Release Lever x1pc.
  • Spare Main Seal O-Ring (AOI SOR-07) x1pc; Spare Secondary Seal Ring (AOI SSR-07) x1pc.
  • O-ring Remover (AOI ORR-02) x1pc. AOI Logo Stickers x1pc.
  • Micro-Fiber Cleaning cloth (AOI MC-01) x1pc.