Thursday
Jan262012

Scuba Gear Reports on the Nauticam T3i Housing

DSC_8689

NAUTICAM NA-600D HOUSING 

 with a Canon EOS Rebel T3i

and Dual Inon Z240 Strobes

SGR STAFFERS RECENTLY took a dive trip armed with what some might call an “Entry Level Professional Camera System.” After spending a week under water with this rig, we just call it magic in our hands.

We received the camera, housing and strobes in several boxes and bags. Spread out over an entire six-foot dining table, it looked a bit intimidating at first, like staring at a huge pile of LEGOs for adults. But once we dove in, the system came together relatively easy.

The housing itself comes in two parts. Starting with that, we built around it. To assemble the port for the 18-55 lens the system came with, there are two locking rings that you tighten together once and probably will never have to worry about again. Once rings are attached to the port, the port locks into the housing using the port locking switch which is easy to find and use.

Next we attached the focus ring to our 18-55 lens. In order to do this you first need to remove the rubber lens grip. This takes some practice. But once it’s off you can slide on the focus ring.  (Nauticam provides a “How To” video” on their website that shows how to do this while making sure you get the correct alignment and orientation.)

IMG_2747

 

After the focus ring is on the camera we attached the mounting tray that holds the camera inside the housing. It’s a fairly simple tray that can be tightened with a flathead screwdriver, or a quarter, or a car key if you’re in a pinch. 

 

...

 

Overall, we were impressed with the Nauticam 600D housing in particular and the overall system in general. The camera/housing combo feels solid and stable to ensure confidence in even the strongest surge or currents. This great camera setup exceeded all of our expectations.

DSC_8692

For more, check out the whole article here.
Monday
Jan232012

Nauticam Demo Opportunity

Blue Heron Macro Workshop

2012-02-09 thru 2012-02-12

octopus masthead


Take advantage of one of the finest macro sites in the world, our own Blue Heron Bridge, located in West Palm Beach, FL. This 3 day clinic focuses on macro photography, and there may not be a better setting anywhere to hold this kind of class.  The bridge is actually located on the intercoastal waterway, inshore.  This protected area has great tidal exchange, structure from two bridge structures, and an island (Phil Foster Park).

batfish


The diversity of macro life at this site is unlike anything else in the tropical atlantic.  Unusual critters like seahorses, frogfish, pipefish, sea robins, batfish, stargazers, nudibranchs, and flatworms are common at this site bridge.  A host of juveniles are start their lives in this protected area before moving out on the reef.  Tropical angelfish, spadefish, barracuda, and jacks are found amongst the bridge pilings.  Eagle rays and stingrays feed in the sand flats, and manatee are even seen on occasion.

octoseahorse


In addition to photo instruction, this class includes a dive guide for every 2-3 divers.  Our guides work for local dive operators or in the Reef Photo store, and are expert Blue Heron Critter Finders.  Our guests can focus on taking pictures, and we'll lead you from subject to subject.  No stress about dragging around a dive flag, navigation or boat traffic, just relax and take pictures!

seascape


We'll begin Thursday night with a very thorough briefing of the site, a slideshow introducing the subject matter you'll find, and some tips for photographing the marine life in the park.

sharptail


Diving at this site is best at high slack tide, and our classroom work is structured around the best dive times.  Water temperatures are expected to be in the low 70's, but variable.  A 5-7mm wetsuit and hooded vest are recommended.

Schedule
Thursday, Feb 9
8 PM
Slideshow & Site Briefing
Friday, Feb 10
9 AM
Guided Shore Dive

1 PM
Classroom Session

9 PM
Optional Boat Night Dive
(Price TBD)
Saturday, Feb 11
9:30 AM
Guided Shore Dive

1:30 PM
Classroom Session
Sunday, Feb 12
10:30 AM
Guided Shore Dive

2:30 PM
Classroom Session



Classroom topics will start with macro camera settings, focus strategies, and exposure tips.  Once you've got a grasp on the basics, more advanced lighting, composition, and creative effects can be explored.  Our staff uses Adobe Photoshop Lightroom for image cataloging and editing, and a thorough digital workflow introduction is included.

octo


Sharing is a big part of this event, and we'll run slide shows for inspiration, critique, or just show and tell in each classroom session. 

Lodging:

Lodging and meals are not inlcuded. The following hotels are recommended: 

Hilton Singer Island
561-848-3888
3700 North Ocean Drive
Singer Island, Florida 33404
Discount Code 27477737 

Crowne Plaza
561-842-6171
3200 North Ocean Drive
Singer Island, Florida

Marriott Ocean Point
561-882-3000
71 Ocean Avenue
Palm Beach Shores, Florida33404

For the more budget conscious:

Super 8 Motel
1-800-800-8000
412 Blue Heron Blvd.
W. Riviera Beach, Florida

Super 8 Motel
1-800-800-8000
757 U.S. Highway
North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

Day's Inn
561-848-1188
2300 45th Street
I 95 & 45th Street

Getting Here:

The dive site is around 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), and around one hour from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL).   If you are flying in from out of town, a rental car will be necessary for transportation between the classroom, dive boat, and hotel.

Workshop Fee  $350 (Includes Tanks)

Questions?  Send us an email!

Friday
Jan202012

Nauticam in Alaskan Waters

Craig Dietrich shares some beautiful cold water shots using Nauticam housings. 

Sony NEX-5, 18-55mm, 1/400 f/11 Canon 7D, Tokina 10-17mm, 1/250 f/16

Canon 7D, EF-S 60mm, 1/125 f/6.3 Canon 7D, EF-S 60mm, 1/125 F/6.3 Canon 7D, EF-S 60mm, 1/250 f/22

Canon 7D, Tokina 10-17mm, 1/125 f/11

 

 

 

 

Thursday
Jan192012

NEX-7 Housing Photos

Our initial news item about the new housing for Sony NEX-7 feature CAD drawings of the housing. Here are some actual shots of this beautiful housing:

Thursday
Jan122012

Nauticam NA-V1 Housing for Nikon V1 

Nauticam proudly announces the NA-V1 housing for Nikon’s new and revolutionary line of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras.

From the Nikon press release:

The new Nikon 1 system is a completely original concept, engineered specifically to strike the ultimate balance of performance, intuitive simplicity and portability to chronicle life like never before. 

Nauticam is once again the leader in the mirror-less interchangeable world for underwater photographers by bringing the first V1 housing to market. With this housing, Nikon shooters will use the V1 to chronicle life under the sea.

Nikon V1

The eagerly awaited Nikon 1 System is in some ways Nikon’s answer to the mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras created by its rivals like the m4/3 and NEX. Nikon takes a slightly different path, focusing on ease of use and responsiveness. The system features a brand new and unique sensor format dubbed “CX” and a corresponding line of new NIKKOR lenses called Nikon 1 Mount. Nikon V1, along with lesser sibling J1, is Nikon’s first camera in this line.

V1 features a 10MP CMOS sensor, with choice of 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio, a 3” 921K dot LCD display, XSPEED 3TM dual core processor and a crisp 1440K dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). V1 takes advantage of both an electronic and mechanical shutter system. An optional external flash unit (SB-N5 Speedlight) provides legendary Nikon automatic flash exposure compensation (TTL). Importantly for underwater shooters, the V1 can record RAW mode and offers manual shooting, and manual focus.

The big news for this camera for underwater shooters is the focus system. The camera offers best of both worlds - contrast and phase detection autofocus. Phase detection is the same technique used by SLR cameras to achieve very fast autofocus. Using up to 73 AF points, the autofocus system offers multiple options to achieve impressive autofocus performance, including continuous autofocus tracking. This kind of autofocus performance, combined with the deep depth of field afforded by the CX sensor, mean the end of out of focus shots.

Edward Lai, Nauticam CEO, had this to say about the autofocus performance of the V1 after using it underwater: “What amazed me was the speed and accuracy of the AF system.  Coupled with the small lenses the camera really focused lightning fast.  And the 10 fps with AF between each shot can be extreme useful”.

The Nikon V1 is capable of extremely fast continuous shooting speed; 5fps in normal mode, 10fps or 30fps with electronic shutter and up to 60fps with fixed AF. V1 has an intriguing mode that takes advantage of this high speed shooting called “Smart Photo Selector” that take a burst of photos at an amazing 30fps and then keeps only the sharpest, best 5 shots of that group. Imagine using that for ambient light shooting of fast moving animals or people.

The new NIKKOR 1 System lenses include image stabilization and silent motor for quit autofocus and zoom during movie shooting.

The V1 also shoots 1080p 30fps HD video using the H.264/MPEG4 format. Motion snapshot mode means capturing photos at 60 frames per second. Other modes include slow motion video at up to 1200fps. V1 even allows you to capture a high quality still image while recording 1080p HD video.

Nauticam NA-V1 Housing

Nauticam delivers the new NA-V1 housing, incorporating some of the best features of earlier Nauticam offerings. The NA-V1 also features the type of innovations people have come to expect from Nauticam, including a clever patent pending switch to make using both the EVF and the LCD possible. V1 shooters not only can take their new camera along for underwater exploration, but they can do so with the rugged, ergonomic, and stylish NauticamNA-V1 housing.

This is a very compact and lightweight housing, with all of the key V1 camera controls available from the ergonomic grip sculpted into the side of the housing. A choice of hand strap and left/right handle means the shooter can customize the housing to meet their specific needs.

The same Nauticam patented mini locking port release system used with other Nauticam mid-range housings has been incorporated, allowing easy and secure port changes. Initially, two lenses, the Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/2.5-5.6 and the Nikkor 10mm f/2 are supported. Given the cameras deep depth of field and fast focus, macro shooting is ideal with this setup, and the 10-30mm is supported via the Macro Port 45 (part #36135). Nauticam is now shipping a flip macro close-up lens holder (part #25101) that attaches to the 67mm threads on the Macro Port 45, and is deal for shooting macro with the V1. Zoom is supported on the 10-30mm with an optional zoom gear.

For wide angle, the 10mm lens is supported with a choice of 2 ports, a 3.5” dome (part #36131) and a flat port called N10 Pancake Port (part #36151), which optionally supports use of the FIX UWL-04 Wet Conversion.

The housing body is raised to incorporate the optional external flash unit (SB-N5 Speedlight). By placing the strobe higher above the lens, it is possible to get good results without an external flash – ideal for shooters who want an all-in-one system. An optional snap on diffuser (part #36321) will be offered to facilitate this type of shooting.

The sculpted NA-V1 housing fits the V1 camera perfectly - the camera is quickly mounted in the housing via a snap in camera tray, and the housing is securely closed with a locking rotary latch.

Nauticam housings are designed with ergonomics in mind, and this housing puts all of the important controls on the camera within easy reach. The shutter release is sculpted into the housing itself, landing the right index perfectly on the button. A four-way controller with set button is easily reached from the right. Video record and set button are larger and have a concave face, making them easier to distinguish, further adding the ease of use. Zoom is easily accessed from the left side of the housing.

NA-V1 also features an audible and visual leak detector and cold shoe accessory mount.

Locking Rotary Latch

The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate safety clasp. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening.

Nauticam Build Quality

Only the finest materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes are used to make Nauticam housings.  The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  The soft feel and ergonomic design make the housing easy to grip and minimize hand fatigue on long dives.  Both single and double handle configurations are available for complete customization, and each handle can be adjusted laterally allowing the user to dial in perfect fit. A hand strap is also available for those wishing an even smaller profile.

Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL

Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with Nauticam housings and a variety of optically fired flashes.  Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, and YS-01 strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate TTL flash performance with no electrical sync cables to flood!

Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handles or a single strobe mounting ball point on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for even more mounting options.

Specifications

  • Depth Rating:  100m
  • 184mm x 167mm x 102mm 
  • Weight: 1.3kg (2.9 lbs.)

More test photos can be found at:

http://nauticam.smugmug.com/HousingTests/NA-V1-test-Dec-2011

USA Dealer List:

http://www.nauticamusa.com/nauticam-dealers/

Dealer Inquiries Outside of North & South America:

enquiry@nauticam.com

International Dealer Listing:

http://nauticam.com/dealer.htm

 

Thursday
Jan052012

Nauticam E-PL3 Housing with Panasonic 8mm and 12mm Lenses

I had a chance to shoot with the Olympus E-PL3 camera and Nauticam NA-EPL3 housing while diving with SPLASH DIVE CENTER (splashbelize.com highly recommended) in Placencia, Belize. I spent several days diving in the Silk Keys after a recent algae bloom.

My Nauticam NA-ELP3 housing was equipped with the Nauticam 4.33 inch dome port which I used with the Panasonic 8mm F/3.5 fisheye and the Olympus 12mm F/2.0.  I found both lenses to be very sharp behind the dome with little corner softness. Both lenses focuses very close (to the dome) which allowed me to get within inches of the Lionfish.

The 12mm is a great lens for fish portraits and larger animals like the Loggerhead turtle feeding on lobster remains which had been dumped near the keys by local fishermen. I also took some split shots during lunch on one of the local keys. The smaller dome and 12mm lens combo set at F-22 using ISO-200 gave we a shutter speed of 1/160th in the bright midday sun light. The other 12mm images were also exposed at ISO-200 and 1/160th ranged from F/7.1 to F/9 with two Inon Z-240 strobes for fill lighting.

The Panasonic 8mm fisheye lens is very well suited to underwater photography but requires time to master due to the wide angle of view. When I started using fisheye lenses underwater I ended up with my fins, strobe heads, strobe cords, diver parts and more in the frame. Fisheye lenses because they are so wide often include the sun particularly when shot vertical.

This can cause the sun to burn a hole in the image as in the upper right corner of the gorgonian image. With the Jelly shot I put the sun to my back to avoid the problem and with the vase sponge I got low and close putting the sun behind the sponge. These lenses also distort objects with straight lines like wreckage, large animals and more.

Because the lens is so wide it may fool the auto focus system as well. See in the photo below how the lens in auto focus chose to focus on the water drops on the surface of the dome (yes, that is how close these lenses focus) rather than the much larger boat. 

The Olympus 12mm and the Panasonic 8mm fisheye lenses are not cheap, however they can both be used with the same Nauticam 4.33 inch dome port. These lenses give two distinctly different wide angle options and offer first class sharpness across the entire frame. Both lenses are very small and well suited for travel as is the Nauticam NA-EPL3 housing.

 

Photos and text by Phil Rudin


Wednesday
Dec282011

Underwater Photo Weekend Workshop

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 12-15, 2012

West Palm Beach, Florida

Join us for an information packed weekend of diving and learning about underwater still photography. This class is perfect for beginner to intermediate underwater photographers and is designed to take your imaging skills to the next level. All different camera systems are welcome, from point&shoot compacts to mid-range interchangeable lens cameras to SLRs. Don't have a system yet? No problem, rental camera rigs for entire weekend will be available at nominal charge. Nauticam demo equipment is also available for select dives. 

Florida's Gold Coast has fantastic wreck and big animal diving, with plentiful turtles, groupers, sharks, and lots of fish! Drift diving allows photographers to cover lots of reef with little effort, and duck out of the current behind reef structure to grab a shot.

Rough Head Blenny and Damsel EggsTurtle

The reefs of Palm Beach County are bathed in current from the gulf stream, leading to remarkable diversity and abundance of life. While the water is a bit cooler in January, there are typically more big fish and sharks around than in warmer months. 

Schedule

Date Time  
Thursday, January 12 6 PM Classroom Session
Friday, January 13 10 AM Blue Heron Bridge Beach Dive
  2 PM 2-Tank Boat Dive
Saturday, January 14 9 AM Classroom Session

1:30 PM 2-Tank Boat Dive
Sunday, January 15 9 AM Classroom Session
  1:30 PM 2-Tank Boat Dive

Diving:
The workshop will include a total of three two tank boat dives, and one shore dive. Boat dives will be done from Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures Deep Obsession. Deep O is a roomy vessel with plenty of room for the truckloads of camera gear we'll have on board. 

Deep Obsession Dive Boat

Water temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s in January, so 5mm suits and hoods are recommended. Rental gear is available locally, but should be reserved in advance. Every diver needs to carry a signal marker buoy (safety sausage), and one that can be deployed from a 15' safety stop is recommended.

The Classroom Sessions:
In the classroom portion of the workshop we'll focus on the basics of getting underwater shots that you are happy to have hanging on your wall. We'll break down the camera settings that matter, with lots of setup tips for macro, fish portrait, and wide angle photography. 

Once you've figured out how to get stuff in focus and properly exposed, we'll work on composition and the elments of a great shot. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom will be a big part of the workshop, as it is an indespensible tool for organizing and editing photos. Other programs work well enough, but our staff speaks Lightroom fluently.

Chain MorayFrench Angel

Lodging:
Lodging and meals are not inlcuded. The following hotels are recommended by Scuba Adventures: 

Hilton Singer Island
561-848-3888
3700 North Ocean Drive
Singer Island, Florida 33404
Discount Code 27477737 

Crowne Plaza
561-842-6171
3200 North Ocean Drive
Singer Island, Florida

Marriott Ocean Point
561-882-3000
71 Ocean Avenue
Palm Beach Shores, Florida33404

For the more budget conscious:

Super 8 Motel
1-800-800-8000
412 Blue Heron Blvd.
W. Riviera Beach, Florida

Super 8 Motel
1-800-800-8000
757 U.S. Highway
North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

Days Inn
561-848-1188
2300 45'th Street
I 95 & 45'th Street

Octopus 

Getting Here:
The dive boat is around 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), and around one hour from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 
If you are flying in from out of town, a rental car will be necessary for transportation between the classroom, dive boat, and hotel.

Workshop Fee $495

Contact us here to sign up!

Wednesday
Dec212011

Announcing Housing for Sony NEX-7!!!

Nauticam NA-NEX7 Housing for Sony NEX-7 

Nauticam proudly announces the NA-NEX7 housing for Sony’s top of the line mirror-less interchangeable lens camera, the Sony Alpha NEX-7. Nauticam’s leadership in the Alpha NEX arena continues as it brings the first NEX-7 underwater housing to market. With DSLR quality imaging and performance packed into a housing that is small enough to take anywhere, NEX-7 is now ready to explore the depths.

Sony NEX-7

Sony NEX-7 with 18-55mm Lens, Photo Courtesy of Sony Electronics.

The Sony Alpha NEX-7 expands the Alpha NEX lineup by adding features and performance worthy of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Specification-wise, the NEX-7 might be closer to Sony’s flagship DSLR, the A77, but the body size is only slightly larger than the NEX-5N.

DPReview.com has this to say about the new Sony NEX-7 camera:

 “It's no stretch to say that, at its best, the NEX-7 offers the finest still image quality of any APS-C camera, bar none.”

“The NEX-7 is, without doubt, something of a technological triumph for Sony.”

“…there's little doubt that the NEX-7 is one of the most capable cameras around, and in terms of out-and-out image quality it's probably the best APS-C camera yet, regardless of size.”

“…taken on its own merits the NEX-7 is an exceptional camera, and a worthy winner of our top award.”

“There's little doubt that the NEX-7 is one of the most exciting cameras of 2011.”

With a new 24 Megapixel CMOS APS-C sized sensor, ultra fast performance, new three dial user interface, built-in flash, magnesium alloy body, 190K dot LCD and stunning 2.4M dot electronic OLED viewfinder (EVF), NEX-7 is a photographic dynamo. Of course the basics are there as well, including RAW shooting, manual exposure, and automatic flash exposure compensation (TTL), even in manual shooting mode.

The camera is packed with additional features, including built-in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, sweep panorama, anti-motion blur, articulating LCD, HDMI output, burst mode, custom white balance, Creative Style, Picture Effects, and more. Lens compensation (for chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting) is built in. Battery life is excellent.

Manual focus is often difficult with non-SLR cameras, but NEX-7 adds a key feature that will allow users of the EVF to fine-tune manual focus. Called “peaking”, it highlights in-focus area of an image in real-time, allowing the shooting significant control over what part of the image is in focus. 

The NEX-7 also shoots 1080p 60fps HD video using the AVCHD Progressive format at up to 28Mbps for best quality, or MPEG4 for quick sharing.  Where the NEX-5 and NEX-5N are limited to automatic exposure in video, NEX-7 allows for manual control including changing settings during a shot. Continuous autofocus is available as well, and even the Picture Effects can be active during video shooting.

Thanks to the NEX-7’s fast processor, review is lightning fast with no delay scrolling through multiple photos.

Sony's E-mount lens collection. Photo courtesy of Sony Electronics

NEX-7 comes standard with the excellent 18-55mm OSS mid-range zoom lens, a very useful focal range for all-around shooting, including underwater. Other keys lenses for underwater use include the 16mm pancake lens, 16mm + Fisheye Adapter, 16mm + Wide Angle Adapter and the new 30mm macro lens.

Nauticam NEX-7 Housing for Sony NEX-7   

As mentioned when the NEX-5N was released, underwater photographers have long had to choose between the excellent image quality of a DSLR versus the compact size of point and shoot cameras. With the NA-NEX7 housing from Nauticam, that paradigm has now changed, and radically so. With NEX-7, you can expect image quality rivaling any DSLR in a housing that is incredibly small and light – plus fine control over all camera settings.

Building on the success of the NA-NEX5 and NA-NEX5N housings, the NEX-7 supports all of the new controls on the NEX-7, including the triple command wheels. Not only are all the key controls supported, but they are logically placed and easily reached without moving the hand out of position. The shutter release is sculpted right into the housing such that the hand naturally finds it. A choice of hand strap and left/right handle means the shooter can customize the housing to meet their specific needs.

Where the NEX-5 has a simplified user interface, the NEX-7 takes advantage of its 3-dial interface to make manual shooting changes as easy as turning a dial. The housing fully supports the 3-dial interface, and all 3 dials are easily reached with the right thumb. The NEX-7 also adds a programmable focus lock control, prominently placed on the housing right next to the thumb groove.

This housing also features optical correction for the excellent electronic viewfinder (EVF), letting the user dial in critical focus. An easy to reach, patent pending lever lets the user quickly switch between the EVF and the LCD. The housing takes advantage of the NEX-7 tilting LCD display and angles it up at approximately 15º for easier viewing.

The popup flash is controlled with a clever single lever that both pops the flash up and disables it to allow for silhouette shooting. Fiber optic flash is of course supported, as is, optionally, electronic sync cord flash.

The NA-NEX7 housing uses the same Nauticam patented locking port release system as in the NEX-5, allowing easy and secure port changes. Ports are available for the major lenses that are useful underwater, including the Sony 18-55mm, 16m pancake, 16mm pancake + FE adapter, and the 16mm pancake + WA adapter, and the new Sony 30mm macro lens.

Locking Rotary Latch

The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate safety clasp. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening.

Nauticam Build Quality

Only the finest materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes are used to make Nauticam housings.  The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  The soft feel and ergonomic design make the housing easy to grip and minimize hand fatigue on long dives.  Both single and double handle configurations are available for complete customization, and each handle can be adjusted laterally allowing the user to dial in perfect fit. A hand strap is also available for those wishing an even smaller profile.

Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL

Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with Nauticam housings and a variety of optically fired flashes.  Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, and YS-01 strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate TTL flash performance with no electrical sync cables to flood! With NEX-7, optical TTL is enhanced even more since NEX-7 can perform TTL in manual exposure mode.

Electronic sync cables will also supported via an optional bulkhead for Nikonos style connectors. 

Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handles or a single strobe mounting ball point on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for even more mounting options.

About Nauticam USA:

Nauticam USA is the exclusive wholesale distributor of Nauticam products in the North American Market.  Nauticam USA’s warehouse and service center is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Our staff of underwater photography experts strives to provide the best customer support and after sale service available.  Dealer inquiries are welcome!


Dealer Inquiries Outside of North & South America:

enquiry@nauticam.com

International Dealer Listing:

http://nauticam.com/dealer.htm

 

 

Thursday
Dec152011

Nauticam NA-D7000V

Updated housing for Nikon D7000 features enhanced control access and HDMI connection compatibility.

Unveiled with great fanfare at the 2010 DEMA Show, the original NA-D7000 housing grew to be one Nauticam’s most successful offerings.  A little over one year later, Nauticam is proud to announce an update that includes significant ergonomic improvements and new accessory compatibility.

Nikon D7000

The Nikon D7000 needs no introduction. The camera is already one of the leading underwater options and the best choice for Nikon DX users. The D7000 boasts an impressive number of advanced features at a very affordable price point. With its 16.2 MP CMOS sensor, 1080p HD video with manual exposure control, and 39-point AF system, the D7000 is an excellent choice for the advanced enthusiast. 

Unmatched Ergonomics

In keeping with Nauticam philosophy, the NA-D7000V housing continues to improve new products by building on previous innovations.  NA-D7000V inherits the outstanding ergonomics of its predecessor, and adds access to the multi-controller, “OK”, and “Info” buttons at the right grip.  Now nearly every function on the D7000 can be controlled from the housing handles

Continued Innovation

A new lever to disengage the housing’s zoom and focus control makes camera loading with a lens attached easier than ever!  While no control levels required presetting on previous housings, zoom or focus gears could occasionally snag on the control assembly.  This new assembly eliminates inconvenience, and allows faster setup.


Stainless steel housing handle brackets are included to provide additional security when heavy strobes or video lights are attached, and provide lanyard mounting points.

Patented Two-Stage Shutter Release Lever

This mechanical lever greatly enhances tactile feel of the half-press and full-press positions of the camera shutter release button, allowing precise focus control, and fewer accidental shutter actuations.

Locking Housing Latches

Easy to use locking latches are simple to close with only minimal hand strength required, and are protected from accidental opening by a pushbutton lock. This new closure method is not only easier to operate, but reduces the overall size of the housing. 

Patented Locking Port Release Lever & Locking Extension Rings

The acclaimed patented Nauticam Locking Port Release is incorporated into the NA-D7000V housing.  Lens ports are inserted straight into the port mount, eliminating the twisting or threading actions that can extrude dry o-rings.  Once seated, the large red port lock lever is engaged, securely locking the port in place.  To remove a lens port, the silver unlock button is pressed, the port lock lever rotated to the outboard position, and the port is pulled straight out of the housing. 

Nauticam also features the industry’s only locking extension ring system as standard equipment, securely fixing large dome ports even when mounted with an extension ring.

NA-D7000V is compatible with Nauticam SLR housing accessories, allowing use of an extensive line of lenses, ports, port adapters, lens gears, and viewfinders.


Patented Expanded Viewfinders

Nauticam’s highly acclaimed optional 180º and 45º viewfinders provide a crystal clear life size view of the camera’s optical viewfinder through a diving mask.  The patented external dioptric adjustment allows eye relief to be fine tuned in water.  High quality optics eliminate distortion and keep color fringing to an absolute minimum.  The edge-to-edge, magnified viewfinder image makes confirming fine focus and checking corner composition an absolute breeze.

Port Adapters for Other Housing Lines

Nauticam offers a full range of port adapters allowing existing housing owners to use their current ports, reducing the cost of switching to a Nauticam housing. Port Adapters are available for Aquatica, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5, Nexus M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3, Subal Version 4, and Zillion lens ports.

Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL

A variety of optically fired underwater strobes yield reliable, totally automatic flash exposures via fiber optic cables with Nauticam housings.  Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, and YS-01 strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate TTL flash performance with no electrical sync cables to flood!  Nikonos, Ikelite, and S6 style flash connectors are available as optional accessories for customers utilizing legacy electrically fired strobe systems.

Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable and secure rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  Handles are available in two sizes to accommodate customers with different size hands, and spacers are available with the housing for cold-water divers.

Proven Construction Materials

Nauticam Housings are machined from a solid block of seawater resistant aluminum alloy, then hard anodized making them impervious to corrosion.  All hardware is marine grade stainless steel.  Acrylic windows protected with a scratch resistant material.

Specifications

  • Depth Rating:  100m
  • Dimensions (with handles mounted): 329mm x H184mm x D138mm      

Standard Features

  • Patented Locking Port Release Lever
  • Sensitive Two Stage Shutter Release Lever
  • Handle Brackets with Lanyard Loops
  • Optical Strobe Connectors
  • Rubberized Ergonomic Grips
  • Customizable Accessory Port (allowing use of optional Nikonos, S6, or Ikelite Strobe Connectors, Hydrophone, HDMI Video Out, or Remote Control Connectors)
  • Embossed Control Function Labels
  • Quick Release Camera Mounting Shoe
  • Lens Release Button
  • Four Strobe & Accessory Base Mounting Locations
  • Complete Access to All Key Camera Controls
  • .66x Optical Pickup Finder (Enhanced 180 deg Viewfinder with External Diopter Adjustment Optional)

More information is available from Nauticam USA at:

http://www.nauticamusa.com.

USA Dealer List:

http://nauticamusa.com/?page_id=9

About Nauticam USA:

Nauticam USA is the exclusive wholesale distributor of Nauticam products in the North American Market.  Nauticam USA’s warehouse and service center is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Our staff of underwater photography experts strives to provide the best customer support and after sale service available.  Dealer inquiries are welcome!

Dealer Inquiries Outside of North & South America:

enquiry@nauticam.com

International Dealer Listing:

http://nauticam.com/dealer.htm

 

Wednesday
Nov302011

HD Underwater Video on Vimeo

Our video group on Vimeo now has over 60 videos and counting. There is some great stuff there. Check it out, join our group and add some of your own Nauticam video!

Some samples:

More at:

Nauticam HD-DSLR Underwater Video group

Nauticam HD-DSLR Underwater Video group RSS feed