Purpose-Built 8K Acquisition Tool for the Traveling Underwater Professional
Gates Pro Explore: Compact. Travel-ready. Feature Rich.
Sleek and streamlined like Pro Action, Pro Explore shares other distinctive qualities with its sibling: Stackable Port Rings, choice of 6, 8 and 10" AR coated glass dome ports, classic trim weight system, and Seal Check Lite. Both systems also share a unique lens gear drive system for *any* DSLR lens and compact PL glass (like Zeiss CP.3)
But Pro Explore goes further. Tailored to the RED DSMC2 platform (Epic-W, Weapon, Scarlet-W, Raven and all sensors like Helium / Monstro) this compact rig *includes* a low profile, top mounted tilt / swivel External Monitor for the RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD. Pro Explore provides complete camera control and 14 assignable buttons. Fast battery / media changes are made via a separate removable rear shell. Adding to all that is diverse V-Lock battery support for REDBRICK, Blueshape, SWIT and many others.
Pro Explore travels easy, and is a Gates through and through. Reliable. Durable. 'Bulletproof'. Backed by Gates legendary factory direct service and 2 year renewable warranty. Only Gates offers this level of commitment to your success.
Key Features
RT47 Low Profile External Monitor
Designed specifically for the RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD (not included), the top mounted RT47 External Monitor is included with Pro Explore. It will tilt / swivel in any direction for optimal viewing. The RT7 and ST5 External Monitors are options, too.
Fast Battery / Media Change
An innovative rear shell design allows media and battery change in seconds. Verify integrity with Seal Check and you're shooting again in minutes.
Complete Camera Control
14 assignables controls means direct, fast access to your favorite functions underwater. Deeper menu functions are easy, too through the REDMOTE controller which is perfectly positioned at the housing rear.
60 and 80 series Precision Ports™
Pro Explore supports the entire suite of 6, 8 and 10" dome ports and flat ports. Acrylic and AR coated glass.
Extensive Lens Support
Gates innovative and highly flexible Lens Gear Drive system means Pro Explore can accept any DSLR lens and compact cinema PL glass (like Zeiss CP.3)
Clean, Uncomplicated Design
with mechanical controls of lens and camera assignable buttons.
Simplicity = Reliability
Expedition Ready
Cinema to TV, Natural History to enthusiast, Pro Explore delivers comprehensive features for the traveling underwater professional.
Seal Check Lite
The Gates Seal Check Lite is included with Pro Action and assures housing integrity before entering the water. A mere 11oz / 320g it packs easy and travels lightly.
2-Year Warranty.
Legendary factory direct support.
Gates is synonymous with reliability and support, and only Gates offers a 2-year, renewable warranty on all housings.
Accessorize and Customize
A range of accessories is available to suit the diverse needs of cinema, Natural History, broadcast TV, research, and military applications.
Specifications
Controls
- Master Power On/Off
- Run / Stop
- 2x Direct Coupled Lens Gear Drives
- 14 Assignables
- 2x DSMC2 Brain
- 4x Sidekick Module (A-B-C-D)
- 4x REDMOTE
- 4x RT47 External Monitor
- REDMOTE -- all controls
Dimensions:
Click here for Dimensional Drawings
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III Hard Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Depth Rating
- 200 feet / 60 meters
Warranty
- 2 Years Renewable. Gates Warranty Details
Weight in Air
- Variable depending on configuration
- ~35 lbs / 16kg withSP60 Dome Port, 2x SPR60's, RT47 External Monitor, DSMC2 Camera, SWIT 8192 Battery, RED TOUCH 4.7 LCD, Canon lens.
Weight in Water
- Fully Adjustable Buoyancy / Trim
Camera Equipment Required
- Compatible Cameras:
- RED DSMC2 (Weapon, Epic-W,Scarlet-W, Raven with any sensor e.g. Helium, Monstro)
- Required Camera Accessories:
- RED Jetpack SDI Module (SKU 720-0048) *OR*
RED Jetpack Expander Module (SKU 720-0039) if not using SDI surface feed or SDI External Monitor e.g. Starlite ST5 - RED Sidekick Module (SKU 720-0032)
- REDMOTE (SKU 770-0006)
- RED Jetpack SDI Module (SKU 720-0048) *OR*
- Media
- Camera prep / setup only (optional)
- foolcontrol (via WiFi)
- Battery Options
- LCD Options
- RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD (SKU 760-0019)
- RED TOUCH 7" LCD (SKU 730-0007) optional when using RT7 External Monitor
- Transvideo Starlite HD5 optional when using ST5 Starlite External Monitor
- Lenses
- DSLR
- Compact PL Mount under 102mm diameter or 128T Gear
(0.8 MOD or 32 Pitch)
Monitor Options
A Gates External Monitor housing is included with DEEP DRAGON. Select one of the following.
Pro Explore External Monitor Options System Chart
RT 47 External Monitor
Framing, focus and exposure control are mastered with the RT47 External Monitor. Designed specifically for the RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD (not included), the RT47 External Monitor provides access to all monitor functions including four side assignable buttons. Under license from RED Digital Cinema and utilizing Gates original bulkhead 'pass through' design, the interface cable between RED DSMC/DSMC2 cameras and RED TOUCH 4.7 is unbroken by additional connectors. Further, the cable has been adapted with a tough polyurethane jacket and internal water blocking materials.
Designed for RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD
with access to all 4 assignable keys.
(RED SKU 730-0019)
Water Blocked Cable
has a tough polyurethane jacket. A Gates original design.

Powered by Epic
No additional batteries are needed with the RED PRO External Monitor, keeping it small and light.

2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Compatibility
- RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD (not included)
(RED SKU 730-0019)
Contols
- Assignable x 4
Dimensions
Connections
- Gates Pass Through bulkhead connector
Power
- Via connection to any DSMC (EPIC, Scarlet, Dragon) or DSMC2 (Weapon, Epic-W, Scarlet-W, Raven) camera
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
- Marine grade cable with polyurethane jacket and water block
Weight
- Dry: 3.2 lbs / 1.45 kg
- In Water: Neutral
Depth Rating
- 300 feet / 92 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
RT 7 External Monitor
Framing, focus and exposure control are mastered with the RT7 External Monitor. Designed specifically for the RED TOUCH 7" LCD (not included), the RT7 External Monitor provides access to all monitor functions including four side assignable buttons. Under license from RED Digital Cinema, the interface cable between Epic Dragon and RED TOUCH 7 is unbroken, utilizing a Gates original bulkhead 'pass through' design. Further, the cable has been adapted with a tough polyurethane jacket and internal water blocking materials.
Designed for RED TOUCH 7" LCD
with access to all 4 assignable keys.
(RED SKU 730-0007)
Water Blocked Cable
has a tough polyurethane jacket. A Gates original design.

Powered by Epic
No additional batteries are needed with the RED PRO External Monitor, keeping it small and light.

2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Compatibility
- RED TOUCH 7" LCD (not included)
(RED SKU 730-0007)
Contols
- Assignable x 4
Dimensions
- 9.1"W x 8.1"H x 5.1"D
- 20.5cm W x 23cm H x 13cm D
Connections
- Gates Pass Through bulkhead connector
Power
- Via connection to EPIC, Scarlet or Dragon camera
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
- Marine grade cable with polyurethane jacket and water block
Weight
- Dry: 4.5 lbs / 2.0 kg
- In Water: ~-0.5 lbs / -.23 kg
Depth Rating
- 300 feet / 92 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
Starlite External Monitor Housing
(Monitor housing is included with MINI Housing. Transvideo Starlite HD5 is not included)
The Gates Starlite ST5 is specifically designed for the Transvideo Starlite SDI monitor / recorder (not included), a compact, smartphone-size 5.0” / 125mm color LCD. Accessible on the Starlite LCD via the ST5 housing are 'Smart Corners' with direct access to a variety of functions including histogram, vectorscope, waveform and peaking. The Startlite ST5 is a swivel-base mounted External Monitor for viewing, framing and focus at any angle -- even in bright sunlight. The ST5 is powered by connection to the DEEP DRAGON P-Tap, eliminating extra batteries and size.
Of course, the Starlite ST5 External Monitor housing comes with Gates 2 year renewable warranty and ‘bulletproof’ construction. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark since 1969.
Compact Size, Widescreen Display
5" / 125 mm widescreen display.
SDI Interface
is robust and reliable.
Assignable Button Control
Corner controls on the touch screen provide user-assignable functions.

2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Display
- Transvideo Starlite HD5 (not included)
- Widescreen 5 .0 inch / 125 mm color LCD
- 1280 x 720 resolution
Controls
- Power
- Assignable x4
Dimensions
- 6.6" W x 5.5" D x 4.1" H (including shade & swivel mount)
- 16.7cm W x 14cm D x 10.4cm H
Input Formats
- HD-SDI / 3G-SDI
- Frame rates: 24P, 25p, 30p, 50i, 60i
Material
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Weight
- Dry: 3.75 lbs / 1.60 kg (w/batteries)
- In Water: 6 oz / 170 g negative
Depth Rating
- 250 feet / 76 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
Cable / Connections
- Marine-grade multi conductor cable
- Gates Pass Through bulkhead connector
Power / Run Time
- N/A -- power is received from camera
Port Options
The best camera in the world can't make up for poor optics. Poor optical design and materials introduce ‘image killers’ – distortions, aberrations, degraded resolution, or vignetting. Gates family of Precision Ports are sharp and clear: the finest optics for the finest underwater images. No image killers. Professional to amateur, super wide to macro, Gates Precision Ports suit a wide range of needs, conditions and experience. Of course all ports are backed by our legendary customer support and the same standard of excellence expected of all Gates products.
Pro Explore Port Options System Chart
60-Series Ports Compatible with Pro Action Housing
FP60 Flat Port
A simple, versatile port option for macro work or lenses that don't perform well with a dome port.
Versatile
The FP80 supports a wide range of lenses for medium to macro imaging.
Acrylic (Perspex) Element
a practical material for field use, minor scratches can be polished out.
Material
- Optical grade Acrylic / Perspex (standard)
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture:
- 5.6in / 142 mm Ø
Depth Rating
- 150 ft / 45m
Optical Notes
- Flat ports reduce Field of View (FOV) 20% underwater.
SP60-6 Dome Port
The SP60-6 is a 6in / 152 mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
Material Options
- Acrylic / Perspex
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 5.6in / 142 mm Ø
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 6 in / 15mm
Depth Rating
- 150 ft/ 45 m
80-Series Ports Compatible with Pro Action Housing
FP80 Flat Port
Due to its larger front element, the FP80 supports a variety of medium to macro lenses – including external zooms. A simple, versatile port option. Both Acrylic (Perspex) and Glass versions available.
Material
- Optical grade Acrylic / Perspex (standard)
- Anti-reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass (optional)
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture:
- 7.4in / 189mm
Shades
- W075 (standard)
- Macro (optional)
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
Optical Notes
- Flat ports reduce Field of View (FOV) 20% underwater.
SP80-8 Dome Port
The SP80-8 is an 8in / 203mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Medium to macro, too, when paired with compatible macro zoom lenses. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
Material Options
- Acrylic / Perspex
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 8in / 203mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
SP80-10 Dome Port
The SP80-10 is a 10in / 254mm spherical dome port that, like it's smaller SP80-8 sibling preserves field of view (FOV) underwater for wide to fisheye imaging. The SP80-10 however, exhibits superior compatibility with rectilinear lenses, mitigating the soft corners classically found with dome ports in general. This particularly beneficial with certain cinema PL mount glass like Arri Master Primes and Ultra Primes.
The SP80-10 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
Superior Rectilinear Compatibility
For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP80-10 excels at rectilniear imaging, particularly with PL mount cinema lenses.
AR Coated Glass
The SP80-10 is made of optically pure BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.
Versatile
The SP80-10 is compatible with hundreds of lenses. See Gates Compatibility Reference.
Material Options
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 10in / 254mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
Custom Port
Gates Precision Ports extend to custom designs for specific applications like underwater UV imaging or Corrective Optics (CO) that adapt a specific lens for underwater imaging, and eliminating distortions / aberrations. Contact Gates to discuss your particular application.
Included Accessories
Seal Check Lite
The Gates Seal Check Lite is included with every DEEP DRAGON and assures housing integrity before entering the water. A mere 11oz / 320g it packs easy and travels lightly.
RT47 External Monitor Housing
Mounted atop Pro Explore is the low profile RT47 External Monitor. Tilt / swivel any direction for optimal viewing. Designed specifically for the RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD Optionally use the Gates RT7 (for RED TOUCH 7") or ST5 Starlite External Monitor (for Transvideo Starlite HD5) field monitor.
Learn more about all External Monitor options on the MONITOR OPTION tab.
Optional Accessories
Stackable Port Rings (SPR's)
Support a variety of PL and DSLR lenses.
HD-SDI / UHD-SDI Surface Feed
Need topside DP monitoring? High speed digital SDI video feed is available. 50 to over 300 feed, the link includes gold contact connectors and certified coaxial cable.
Nikonos RS Lens Adapter Kit
Specifically designed for underwater, Nikonos RS lenses can be adapted to DEEP DRAGON. Focus and Iris are mapped to the existing housing controls. Quick bayonet lens change and lighter / smaller rig for travel.
LED Lighting
Gates GT14 underwater lights with 14,000 lumens and 90 CRI. Learn more at about the GT14 LED Underwater Lights.
Support
- Gates Pro Explore Setup, Use and Care Guide
- Pro Explore Port Options System Chart
- Pro Explore External Monitor Options System Chart
- Gates Pro Action / Pro Explore SU&C Guide ADDENDUM Nikonos RS
- Gates Underwater Housing General Care and Maintenance Guide
- Pro Explore Dimensional Drawings
- Housing Hire / Rentals
- Find a dealer
- Contact Gates
Pro Explore Housing Supported Equipment
CAMERA
Battery Options
LCD Displays
RED TOUCH 4.7" LCD (SKU 760-0019)
RED TOUCH 7" LCD (SKU 730-0007) optional when using RT7 External Monitor
Transvideo Starlite HD5 optional when using ST5 Starlite External Monitor
Lenses
DSLR
Compact PL Mount under 102mm diameter or 128T Gear
(0.8 MOD or 32 Pitch)
CAMERA MODULES
RED Jetpack SDI Module (SKU 720-0048) *OR*
RED Jetpack Expander Module (SKU 720-0039) if not using SDI surface feed or SDI External Monitor e.g. ST5 Starlite
RED Sidekick Module (SKU 720-0032)
REDMOTE (SKU 770-0006)