Nothing is foolproof however, if you read the care instructions for this case, it's pretty close to being so. I have owned the Canon Powershot S410 for three years, it has recieved HEAVY use, for the last year I have used it with this case while diving. I ended up in an intense program at college that involved more diving than some people do in years. I have only been diving a year, but I already understand that if you don't take good care of your gear it will break, even if you do, sometimes it will anyways. You need to double check things all the time to stay as safe as you can, same goes with this camera.

Saying all that, I myself know you forget things sometimes or just can't pay attention to certain things when you need to. I have taken my camera on probably 55 of my dives (anywhere from 0-91 feet) as well as quite a few snorkeling and even two hiking trips. I take it on every dive I can as I tend to miss incredible picture opporunities if I don't. Many of my dives were not focused on taking pictures, and my case has been somewhat beaten up from this as well as some difficult entries and exits on dives. I clean my o-ring every dive and put a thin layer of silicone grease when it seems dry, I had to perform some alterations on it due to a broken button on my camera (Which I would advise you to get your camera repaired if any buttons are broken because I was terrified my alterations would damage the seals, superglue was involved, which I believe the fumes can corrode some materials, anyways, life is easier if your camera is in good shape too.) but despite my questionable care of my case, it has worked amazingly well, I understand that at some point it will probably leak, though I think the camera will break long before as three years in my possesion has left it making a grinding noise when the lens opens and without the use of it's original LCD screen (which if any of you out there break one and have no warranty or don't want to pay for repairs, find someone experienced with computers, buy a replacement screen, and they might be able to fix it free.). The only real issue I have ever had with it would be some fogging problems in French Polynesia, which was fixed completely by merely closing and opening the camera case in an air conditioned room. Either way, both the camera and case have paid for themselves many times over in my opinion, especially with me being the owner.

Some advice would be to read instructions, take a class in underwater photography if you're serious about getting good pictures, and lastly, if you're looking for really amazing super high quality photos and a guaranteed camera housing, pay for it; buy an expensive underwater camera, and an expensive housing, flash, and all that jazz, as well as flood insurance. If you're looking for an all around show your family what you did on vacation (or in my case at school) and maybe even produce some incredible lucky shots that look prize-winning quality go ahead, buy one of these cameras, get the housing, and flood insurance if you feel you need it (I decided I didn't because the camera had already taken thousands of pictures and it was probably going to break soon anyways.) and go have some fun exploring the underwater, or rainy, world!

Simple, just wear the camera with waterproof case and click.

You dont need to re-learn camera operation.

Unlike many reviewers I am not diver. I bought this to for the peace of mind that my camera wouldn't get ruined taking pictures of my son at the water park, pool, and beach. This equipment exceeded my expectations with always clear photo and underwater flash.

This case has out lived an S400 and S500.

Well worth the $170 price tag.

Initially I was wary after reading a few reports that this case may leak, but so far I have had no problems at all. I tested it to 12 feet at the bottom of my swimming pool (with a 1lb lead weight inside to make it sink) and then took it to 130 feet on several dives the following day with my trusty S400 camera. Great pictures, clear video, what a great product.

My dive buddy has taken his to over 200 feet and it still works fine. The only problem may be finding a source for replacement O-rings.

I've had the S400 and this housing for two years now and I've taken it on at least 20 dives. It's gone with me down to about 80 ft numerous times. No issues, no leaking. I am not exceptionally careful with the camera prep but I do use dessicant - which I think is a no brainer for UW photography. For $170 this is the bargain of a lifetime. I love being able to use the same camera for both land and underwater shots. I don't have to master two camera interfaces. After two years, even if it fails at this point, I got my money's worth about 18 months ago, in my opinion. I can't recommend this enough - for anyone who is nervous, just buy the insurance for your trip like the other reviewers suggested - and see how it goes. Canon has made a fan for life.