Dive Photo Guide - Keri Wilk Looks at Nauticam D600

By Keri Wilk

DPG’s Publisher Matt Weiss and I decided to jump on a plane and head over to Grand Cayman where we were going to stay and dive with Cobalt Coast Resort and Dive Tech. The clear, warm waters off the Cayman’s provide the perfect studio, and Colbalt Coast and Dive Tech are perfectly set up for photographers, making logistics simple.  

Keri Wilk puts the NA-D600 through the paces

Nauticam heard about the project and sent over their new NA-D600 housing for the Nikon D600 camera, and asked for some honest feedback.  As you’ll read below, the results were overwhelmingly positive. 

f/13, 1/125, ISO 1600
Nauticam NA-D600, Zen 230 dome, Sigma 15mm fisheye, 
2 Ikelite DS160s

Check out the entire article here: Dive Photo Guide

Announcing Nauticam NA-NEX6

Nauticam NA-NEX6 

Nauticam is very excited to announce their first new mirrorless housing of 2013: The NA-NEX6 housing for the Sony Alpha NEX-6 Camera. As the acknowledged leader in mirrorless interchangeable lens camera housings, Nauticam continues to bring professional quality engineering and exceptional design to demanding compact camera enthusiasts the world over. With the NA-NEX6, Nauticam offers even more choices to underwater photographers who are jumping in to the rapidly evolving interchangeable lens camera field.

Sony Alpha NEX-6

The NEX series of cameras have been one of the most successful and well reviewed mirrorless camera lines in the world. Sensor size, resolution and image quality are all solidly competitive with DSLRs and the video specs have always been superb. The NEX-6 provides a very interesting combination of excellent features borrowed from the best of the new NEX-5R and some highlights of the top-of-the-line-NEX-7. 

The big news on the NEX-6 is the inclusion of the NEX-7’s excellent OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) – a welcome tool for those used to DSLR shooting. The new NEX also carries much of the NEX-7’s form factor and a bright 3.0” LCD display. Particularly notable is the new exposure mode dial – a first for this line of cameras. The camera also provides a control dial, control wheel and a programmable function button that allows plenty of direct access functionality. The control dials allow instant control of aperture, shutter speed or other functions depending on the camera’s exposure mode - greatly aiding settings adjustment. The function button allows the shooter to select between autofocus modes, white balance, AF/MF, picture effects and can be programmed with numerous other possibilities. Likewise the AEL button can be programmed for many of the same options including MF assist, giving the photographer maximum customizable choices.

Following up on many of the cutting edge features that debuted on the NEX-5R, the NEX-6 serves up a new Fast Hybrid AF: a sophisticated combination of phase detection and contrast detection that promises superior performance when used with compatible lenses. The built in WI-FI and the ability to utilize Sony’s PlayMemories Camera Apps is a tool that is only just starting to be exploited. The growing list of apps includes useful options like “Bracket Pro”, “Time Lapse”. A particularly intriguing app is “Smart Remote Control” that allows a smart phone to function as remote viewfinder and shutter release. 

The new NEX-6 may be the Sony’s most appealing blend of features and technology for many photo and video enthusiasts. 

 

Nauticam NA-NEX6

Nauticam manufactures the most highly regarded aluminum housings for the NEX series in the world. Their engineering and refinement are second to none. Not satisfied with simply being the best, Nauticam continues to evolve the NEX housing design with numerous recent improvements present on the new NA-NEX6. Nauticam designed the new NA-NEX6 to appeal to a broad range of photographers with many different demands. The new housing will offer an intuitive upgrade to those moving beyond an LCD-only compact system with comfortable and logical interface. The video professional or DSLR shooter looking for a smaller rig will find just as much to appreciate in the rugged build quality and superb ergonomics. The new NA-NEX6 is ready to take your imaging capabilities beyond your previous expectations.

All Nauticam housings are designed to get photographers and their cameras underwater as quickly, easily and safely as possible. The industry leading features of previous housings are present such as the effortless (but secure) single locking rotary housing latch, rugged machined aluminum case, 100 meter depth rating and the patented port locking system. A new rear mounted housing o-ring makes maintenance easier than ever, while the simple port lock and lens release button supports lens changes without camera removal. A re-engineered camera tray with a unique self locking mechanism gives an audible and visual confirmation of proper camera installation. Of course dual fiber optic ports are standard and take advantage of the built in Sony flash. The Sony NEX-6 also sports a true ISO hot shoe allowing for an optional electric sync bulkhead if desired. This same port is designed to accept an optional HDMI bulkhead that will support Nauticam’s superb NA-DP4 housing for the Small HD Monitor.

Like every Nauticam, the NA-NEX6 is engineered for optimal ergonomics utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. Every control is designed for easy access while maintaining hand position.

The Sony control wheel and control dial are easily accessed by thumb for DSLR-like control of aperture and shutter settings in manual mode. The new mode dial is readily available on the top of the housing to thethumb as well. The function (Fn) button is immediately adjacent to the patented progressive shutter release to keep it accessible for rapid activation of settings like focus modes and white balance function. The NEX-6 EVF is easily activated by a lever similar to the NA-NEX7 housing and Nauticam will offer an optional LCD window that supports the use of Nauticam’s industry leading enhanced viewfinders. The redesigned playback and record buttons are easy and intuitive. The Sony accessory flash can still be activated and deactivated during a dive with a simple lever, allowing for rapid changes from strobe lit to ambient light photography. Video shooters will appreciate the dedicated ISO button located close to the right thumb. Even subtle details, such as the contouring the surface of key operation buttons for tactile recognition are employed to ensure every command of the photographer rendered as intuitively as possible. Of course, Nauticam provides all this robust functionality in a housing built to the most stringent professional standards. 

The NA-NEX6: Why be good enough when you can be exceptional?

Ports for every Need

Nauticam has the most extensive line of ports for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras in the business. Port changes are easy and reliable with the Nauticam patented locking port release system used in all their mirrorless camera housings. Ports are available for the major Sony lenses that are useful underwater, including the Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, 30mm f/3.5 macro, 16mm f/2.8 pancake, 16mm f/2.8 pancake + FE adapter, and the 16mm f/2.8 pancake + WA adapter. 

Nauticam is also pleased to announce support for the new Sony 10-18mm f/4 WA zoom with a special 7” dome (part 36128) and zoom gear (part 36173). Another industry first is a new Macro/Zoom Control Port 45 (part 36127) with a focus/zoom knob to support the new Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 retractable zoom. The port will take full advantage of the smooth power zoom operation of the new 16-50mm lens when employing the new 16-50mm power zoom gear (36172). Additionally, this port also supports manual focus for the Sony 30mm macro lens when combined with the new 30mm focus gear (36171). 

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 and providing an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating. 

 

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

The optional Nauticam Flexitray provides a lightweight, compact mounting solution for strobe arms and the NA-NEX6 housing. 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.

Optional Enhanced Viewfinders

By utilizing Nauticam’s optional LCD window (part 17453) with integrated viewfinder mount for the NA-NEX6, photographers can enjoy the benefits of Nauticam’s exceptional enhanced viewfinders. These viewfinders provide the ultimate focusing accessory with in-water diopter adjustment. The LCD window can easily be user-installed or removed as needed with no tools!

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, YS-01 and YS-D1 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

* Dimensions:  183mm x 133mm x 81mm

* Weight: 0.88 kg (1.9 lbs.)

Model Number: 17407 

USA Retail Price: $1650

Estimated Shipping Date: 15 Feb, 2013

 

More information is available from Nauticam USA at:

http://www.nauticamusa.com

 

USA Dealer List:

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

 

Contact Nauticam USA:

Chris Parsons

Nauticam USA

2303 N. Andrews Ave.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

Phone: 954-489-8678 

Web: http://www.nauticamusa.com

Email: innovation@nauticamusa.com

 

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

Daniel Botelho - Great White Shark Interview

Dive Photo Guide interviews our friend Daniel Botelho

In life, there are those who stay in the cage and those who are brave enough to swim outside. 

And then there’s underwater photographer Daniel Botelho, who doesn’t even think about going in the cage in the first place. Daniel’s spine-tingling, pulse-pounding images have appeared in publications like National Geographic. Last week his image of a Mola Mola was named in the list of “AOL’s 2012 Most Awe Inspiring Images.”

DPG: Great white sharks—the name says it all. For those of us who haven’t had the opportunity to dive with these amazing animals, what is the experience like?

DB: No words could actually describe the experience of interacting with such a magnificent animal! However, it is also very demanding, especially if you are working as the safety diver for the operation. I compare diving with Great Whites to climbing Mount Everest: It can be very glorious, but if you make the wrong decision, it can also be fatal.

DPG: What was your lens selection for these images?

DB: For this essay I used the Nikkor 16mm fisheye, the Nikkor 14mm and the Nikkor 17-35mm. My camera was a Nikon D4 in a Nauticam housing.

See more images and the rest of the interview on DivePhotoGuide.com.

The Versatile Machine

versatile |ˈvərsətl|

adjective

1 able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities: a versatile sewing machine | he was versatile enough to play either position.

2 archaic: changeable; inconstant.

3 embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also :turning with ease from one thing to another: the Nauticam Housing for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera

Ok, we modified that last entry just a bit.. but the Nauticam NA-EM5 Housing + 12-50mm Port/Gear + Flip Diopter really should be the dictionary standard as the ultimate example of versatility, at least for underwater shooters. There really is no other system that provides this much versatility with excellent image quality and good shooting performance, plus won't break the bank and will fit in carry on luggage. There is a lot of buzz out on the web about this (one of the longer threads on Wetpixel ever); let's break it down and delve into what makes it so compelling.

The Camera

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a cool camera. First, it just looks cool, borrowing design elements from the OM camera series of old. More than just good looks though, this camera is very capable, with excellent image quality, and surprisingly fast shooting and focus performance. Belonging to the m4/3 family, the proud owner of this camera enjoys the riches of lens selection available from both Olympus and Panasonic, including the Panasonic 8mm, the Olympus 9-18mm, Pansonic 45mm macro, Olympus 60mm macro, Olympus 12mm and many more.  

 

The Lens

The lens we are focusing on here (sorry, not intending to pun), is the Olympus 12-50mm. This is no ordinary kit lens. The range is excellent (think 24-100mm on full frame) for all kinds of shooting both terrestrial and underwater. Unlike many other lenses in it's range, the lens does not extend while zooming or focusing, which is an advantage for those who want to wrap an aluminum and glass box around it. Speaking of zooming, this is a power zoom lens, meaning nice smooth zooming for video shooting. The 12-50mm has one more trick up it's sleeve though, and it is ideal for underwater shooters: with a flick of the switch, the lens changes into a 43mm macro lens, capable of serious macro magnification. 

The Housing

The Nauticam NA-EM5 housing is the best selling housing for the EM-5, worldwide. There simply is not a better housing made for the camera. Every control is well thought out; every move the shooter might make is considered in the ergonomic design. This rugged housing is milled from solid aluminum, and rated to 100m (330 feet). Changing ports is a snap with Nauticam's patented port locking system, and the housing inherits much from the rest of Nauticam's award winning designs. Nauticam even offers an optional upgrade to take advantage of the camera's built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) - unmatched by any other housing.

 

The Port and Gear Set

The 12-50mm lens presents a challenge to anyone designing a way to control it underwater, being first a power zoom and second, having the macro switch. The Nauticam design team came up with a port and gear set that is unmatched by any other manufacturer - not even the Olympus housing can operate the macro switch on this lens. What this means to the underwater shooter is the ability to shoot at 12mm one minute, shoot mid-range the next, and then quickly switch to macro mode. What this means, more simply, is that when the pod of dolphins swims by as you are shooting pygmy seahorses, you'll get both shots. Try that with any other system. 

The Flip Diopter

When the macro from the 12-50mm isn't quite close enough - you can still get even closer. With the Nauticam flip diopter, you can simply flip your closeup lens (also called a diopter lens) into place and get into the world of super macro. 

The Bottom Line  

As an underwater photographer, what aspects of camera performance are important to you? If versatility is a high priority, along with with very image quality and shooting performance, this system, the Nauticam NA-EM5 with 12-50 port/gear kit and flip diopter, may be just what you are looking for. 

The photos for this article are from Phil Rudin who took the NA-EM5 and 12-50mm to Philippines with us last month. All of these shots are from that trip. Thank you Phil.  

January 2013 Macro Class

Another great macro class at Blue Heron Bridge this past weekend. The Bridge managed to serve up lots of great subjects and our participants took advantage. Here are some samples:

Parrotfish peering from behind a porthole, Tony Fernandez, E-M5 in Nauticam Housing

Tony cruising past the new snorkel trail at BHBSharpnose Puffer with backlighting, by Steve Karm, shot with Nikon D90 in Nauticam Housing Blenny, by Bobbi ClementsBobbi working her lightingSand Perch by Mike Hanchak, Nikon D800 in Nauticam HousingMike with the D800 and Nikon 105 macro

Our ever vigilant Divemaster Dewey watching over us

Super Macro Video by Simon Buxton

Want to see this little shrimp in person? We're heading to NAD Lembeh in September. Join us!

Video Autofocus with Canon T4i

The Canon EOS Rebel T4i (also called EOS 650D) is the first Canon SLR to feature autofocus during video using "hybrid" autofocus - a combination of phase detection and contrast detection technologies. With most SLR's, phase detection is only available with the mirror in the down position, but the T4i, with phase detection sensor built into the chip, can use it with the mirror open, i.e. during video. In theory, this is an important addition - using phase detection, the camera knows which direction to go, meaning less focusing "mistakes". How does this work underwater? I got to take the camera on a few dives, and here are my thoughts. 

The NA-650D and Canon T4i in action

I found the performance of the autofocus during video very promising. With the Tokina 10-17mm and it's old school screw drive motor, the autofocus is pretty slow, but given a reasonable amount of contrast in the frame, quite accurate. The lens will occasionally breathe or hunt, especially when contrast gets low, but I found it on par with some dedicated camcorders that I've used in the past. I've got more work to do with this camera to try more lenses, and dial the settings in and find out what works the best, but the combination of workable autofocus along with Canon white balance makes this camera very high on my interest list. 

The camera can be set to autofocus continously, or it can be set to autofocus only when the shooter presses the '*' button (BTW, the '*' button is easily accessed with the right thumb on the NA-650D housing). I found the later to be excellent for many shots... this is the equivalent of what we call thumb focus for still shooting - it only tries to focus when the shooter wants it to. This is very useful on a lot of video shots to prevent hunting, and opens up several possibilities for creative focus. Note that you can also do this with other Canon SLR's, like the 5D Mark III or the 60D; however, the big difference is that with other SLR's, the camera will typically open up the aperture while it tries to focus - meaning the exposure will be off. Not so with the T4i, meaning that the focus action itself might be useful in the final edits. This can actually be taken a step further, as the point of focus can be moved while shooting and refocus easily done with the thumb. This can be used to do "focus pulls" where subjects come into or go out of focus to add dramatic effect. 

The autofocus motor is constantly busy and the built in microphone on the camera will pick up the sound of the motor. Canon released a new type of lens equipped with stepper motors (designated STM by Canon)  along with the T4i that offers quieter focusing. Examples include the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. Lenses with ring ultrasonic motors, like the Canon EF-S 10-22mm or Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II are relatively quiet, but lenses with screw drive or micromotors are quite noisy. Realistically, for any shots where sound is important, an external microphone/hydrophone and either an ultrasonic lens or STM lens would be called for.  

Here is a short video clip showing the autofocus in action:

Announcing Housing for Canon S110

Nauticam NA-S110

Innovation Underwater

Nauticam takes great pleasure in announcing NA-S110, an underwater housing for the extremely popular Canon Powershot S110 compact digital camera. Nauticam continues to bring professional quality engineering to those who enjoy the attributes of state of the art compact imaging systems. The NA-S110 should prove to be the housing of choice for demanding S110 enthusiasts who want to capitalize on everything this pocket powerhouse has to offer in a refined, rugged and easy to operate system.

Canon Powershot S110

When Canon introduced the first Powershot S90 a few years ago, it kicked off a revolutionary niche of high performance pocket cameras with solid enthusiast features. Since that time, the series (S90, S95, S100) have dominated this segment of the market with relatively large sensors, beautiful image quality and full RAW capability. The competition is increasing, but the new Canon S110 should be every bit as successful as its predecessors.

Retaining much of what made the S100 such a huge success, the S110 presents nicely with a 12.1mp Canon 1/1.7” CMOS sensor and Digic 5 processor. The 24-120mm equivalent lens is enhanced by Intelligent Image Stabilization that is suggested to offer an impressive four stops of exposure latitude. At wide-angle settings the lens is remarkably fast with a variable aperture of F2.0-5.9 that supports low light wide-angle work.  S110 has one of the smallest form factors of any quality compact, and still allows for independent control dials accessing shutter speed and aperture in manual mode. Also noteworthy: 80-12,800 ISO Range, a new touch sensitive 3” 460k dot PureColor II G screen and a built in 3 stop neutral density filter. A new “Zoom Plus” feature offers additional digital zooming in JPEG with pixel interpolation to help preserve image quality. While GPS has been removed on the S110, WiFi has been added that can allow the camera to sync to the GPS on the shooter’s smart phone.

Video features are not forgotten and the S110 shoots 1080p @ 24FPS and 720p @30FPS in H.264 format with mini HDMI out on the camera. 

The Canon S series has an enormous following and the new S110 offers plenty enough performance and value to keep the faithful and new shooters happy.

Nauticam NA-S110 Housing

Nauticam has extensive experience designing professional grade aluminum housings for the compact digital camera market and that experience shows in every detail of the NA-S110. With the growing demand for more professional features in ever smaller camera bodies and housings – Nauticam delivers. The ability to maintain complete artistic control while shooting RAW in a housing the size of one’s hand is the ultimate goal for some – and it is a definite reality now. 

All Nauticam products are constantly evolving and many of the industry leading features found on previous Nauticam housings are clearly evident. The intuitive single rotating housing latch, rugged machined aluminum case and 100 meter depth rating are now well proven. A new rear mounted housing o-ring makes maintenance easier than ever and the sensitive shutter release provides the best “feel” in the business.

Nauticam is famous for its ergonomic innovation and in the compact camera arena their housings often provide easier control of the camera’s features than on operating the camera body on land. The NA-S110 is an excellent example of this with every button and control clearly labeled and easy to access – even with gloves on. This housing is designed and field tested to capitalize on every ounce of potential from both camera and photographer alike. Front and Rear command dials are readily available to forefinger and thumb while never releasing grip. Manual aperture and shutter speed adjustment is a breeze and the front command dial can be programmed for other functions when not shooting full manual. Video functions are easily engaged and performance is particularly impressive when utilizing a quality wide angle wet lens.

 

Nauticam includes a 67mm port thread for mounting optional wet lenses as standard and they precisely engineer optical glass port specifications for optimal wide angle accessory lens compatibility. This critical design criterion allows the NA-S110 to work in perfect concert with the excellent Inon UWL-H100 28 M67 Type II wide angle lens. This combination allows for images with a substantial 100 degree field of view, excellent corner sharpness and no vignetting! To take wide angle a step further; photographers can utilize Inon’s optional Dome Unit II on the UWL-H100 to generate a panoramic 145 degree field of view that allows for super close focus wide angle opportunities. Another high quality, but economic alternative is the Fix UWL 28 Fisheye Wet Lens (using 67mm/52mm step down ring).

Of course a good close up diopter wet lens is always popular with compact macro shooter and the standard 67mm size makes using such a lens simple and easy.

For those underwater photographers who embrace minimalist size, but want maximum potential, the NA-S110 just may be what you’ve been waiting for.

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 and provides an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating. 

 

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

The optional Nauticam Flexitray or Easitray provide a lightweight, compact mounting solution for strobe arms and the NA-S110 housing. Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  The soft feel and comfortable 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 the NA-S110 and a variety of optically fired flashes. The Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, YS-01 and YS-D1strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate automatic TTL flash performance – even in manual mode - with no electrical sync cables to flood! The NA-S110 comes fiber optic ready and accepts standard Sea & Sea style bushing connections. 

Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls secured to the handles of the Nauticam accessory tray systems or a single strobe mounting ball location on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for a focus light or other accessory mounting options.

Specifications

* Depth Rating:  100m

* Dimensions:  143mm x 97mm 95mm 

* Weight: .6kg (1.3 lbs.) 

Model Number:  17308

Estimated Shipping Date: Now Shipping - December 20, 2012

More information is available from Nauticam USA at:

http://www.nauticamusa.com

 

USA Dealer List:

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

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

 

 

5DIII Video from Eric Cheng

Our friend Eric Cheng at work with the Canon 5D Mark III in the Nauticam housing. He's also got some GoPro shots in the video, including a nice one of a Yellow Margin Triggerfish deciding to devour the housing. 

Sony NEX-5R

Nauticam is extremely pleased to present the newest addition to Nauticam’s extensive array of housings for the world’s finest mirrorless camera systems – the NA-NEX5R. As the dominant force in mirrorless interchangeable lens camera housings, Nauticam continues to bring professional quality engineering to this increasingly demanding and popular segment of the photographic community. The NA-NEX5R should prove to be every bit as potent a tool as its extremely successful predecessor: the NA-NEX5N.

Sony NEX-5R

The NEX series of cameras have been wildly successful since their introduction with good reason. Sensor size, resolution and image quality are all squarely in the DSLR realm and the video specs have always been superb.

The 16 megapixel NEX-5R demonstrates Sony’s evolution as a camera manufacturer as they continue to improve on already good products in response to enthusiast demand. The end users are the winner in this process as the top-notch image quality of the NEX-5N is preserved with some useful improvements added to the functionality of the camera. 

The most notable physical change on the NEX-5R is a new control dial and programmable function button the top of the body. The control dial allows direct control of aperture, shutter speed or other functions depending on the camera’s exposure mode - greatly aiding settings adjustment. The function button allows the shooter to select between autofocus modes, metering modes, white balance, AF/MF, picture effects and can be programmed with numerous other possibilities. The LCD touch screen provides and exceptionally easy interface on land.

More improvements are hidden inside where the NEX-5R serves up a new Fast Hybrid AF: a sophisticated combination of phase detection and contrast detection that promises superior performance when used with compatible lenses. Also debuting on the NEX-5R is built in WIFI and the ability to utilize Sony’s PlayMemories Camera Apps. This growing list of apps includes useful options like “Bracket Pro”, “Time Lapse” and “Smart Remote Control” - allowing a smart phone to function as remote viewfinder and release.

The new NEX-5R may be the Sony’s least expensive NEX camera, but it is a lot more than “entry level”. 

Nauticam NA-NEX5R

Nauticam is the recognized leader in underwater housings for compact mirrorless cameras and has produced more aluminum NEX housings than all other manufacturers combined. Nauticam continues to evolve the NEX housing design with a myriad of refinements present on the new NA-NEX5R. Designed by photographers to maximize the functionality of everything underwater photography demands, the new NA-NEX5R exceeds expectations in virtually every regard.

All Nauticam housings are designed for ease of use and maintenance and the NA-NEX5R builds on this solid foundation. The Industry leading features of previous housings are present such as the effortless (but secure) single rotating housing latch, rugged machined aluminum case, 100 meter depth rating and the patented port locking system. A new rear mounted housing o-ring makes maintenance easier than ever and a re-engineered camera tray makes installation a snap. Of course dual fiber optic synch ports are standard and take advantage of the supplied Sony accessory flash. 

Like all Nauticams, the NA-NEX5R is engineered for optimal ergonomics. Every control is designed for easy access while maintaining hand position. The Sony control wheel and new control dial are easily accessed by thumb for DSLR-like control of aperture and shutter settings in manual mode. The new function (Fn) button is immediately adjacent to the patented two stage shutter release for rapid activation of settings like focus modes and white balance function. The redesigned playback and record buttons are easy and intuitive. The Sony accessory flash can still activated and deactivated during a dive with a simple lever. Video shooters will appreciate the dedicated ISO button located close to the right thumb. Most importantly, Nauticam delivers all this friendly functionality in a housing built to same rugged standard as their top-of-the-line professional DSLR housings. A powerful system at a modest price - the NA-NEX5R is ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Ports for every Need

Nauticam has the most extensive line of compact ports in the business. Port changes are easy and reliable with the Nauticam patented locking port release system used in all their mirrorless camera housings. Ports are available for the major Sony lenses that are useful underwater, including the Sony 18-55mm, 30mm macro, 16m pancake, 16mm pancake + FE adapter, and the 16mm pancake + WA adapter. Nauticam will also be supporting the new Sony 10-18mm WA zoom and other underwater appropriate lenses as they become available. An exciting option for some photographers is the Nauticam E Mount Nikonos U/W Nikkor Lens Adapter. This is a unique port adapter that allows NEX users to take advantage of the legendary Nikonos optics from the 15mm wide angle to the 80mm with extension tubes for super macro.

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 and providing an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating. 

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

The optional Nauticam Flexitray provides a lightweight, compact mounting solution for strobe arms and the NA-NEX5R housing. 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, YS-01 and YS-D1 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

* Dimensions:  168mm x 97mm 126mm 

* Weight: .77kg (1.7 lbs.)

Model Number:  17406

Estimated Shipping Date: Now Shipping (December 14, 2012)

More information is available from Nauticam USA at:

http://www.nauticamusa.com

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