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S.U.P.E.R. Part 9: Nauticam NA-EM10II
In our ongoing series S.U.P.E.R. (Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews), Nick and Caroline Robertson Brown from Frogfish Photography review new underwater photography equipment, general diving equipment, and some older favourites too.
For the ninth instalment of S.U.P.E.R., Nick and Caroline take a look at the NA-EM10 Housing from Nauticam.
Nauticam have added the latest housing for the Olympus EM10 mkII to their extensive range of underwater camera housings.
The first thing we noticed when getting it out of its box was how light it was. Okay, we are used to heavier SLR housings, but this is very light (at just a touch over 1kg), and indeed compact in size too. The Olympus mirrorless cameras are probably the most popular – of this genre – with underwater photographers, due to the quality of the cameras and the range of lenses available for them. Nauticam has made a housing that ensures that you can access every function with ease, and has port and gear options to allow users to have a great choice on what to buy. The housing is tough and is made from solid aluminium with a depth rating of 100m, which makes it suitable for technical diving too.
It is always difficult to test a new housing, with an unfamiliar camera inside, with only one day to dash up to Capernwray Quarry, in freezing conditions, and get the best from the system. Cold hands combined with unfamiliarity with the camera itself can lead to frustration. However, Nauticam housings do help, with an intuitive design, a sturdy build and some great extras. One of the first things that really pleased us about this housing was the new Shutter Release Extension. This is a piece that can be fitted to the housing that makes the shutter release easy to press (even with 5mm gloves) without moving your hand away from holding the handle. This new housing also comes with metal brackets that anchor the handles from the tray system to the housing – giving better stability all around.
This new housing and ports are also designed to take the fantastic new wet lenses that Nauticam have brought out and so, with the Compact Macro Converter (CMC) attached to a holder on the arm, and the Wet Wide Lens (WWL-1) attached to the bayonet fitting on the port, we were ready for action. The WWL-1 is a heavy wet lens, as you would expect from a quality piece of glass, and so you can also get a handy float for the housing that keeps the system nicely balanced in the water.
With these optional Nauticam wet lenses, you can actually stick with the “kit” 14-42mm lens and the small Macro 29 port and take amazing images. However, there are also great lenses for the Olympus range for both macro and wide angle lovers to select from.
Whilst the Nauticam Vacuum Leak Detector is not a new feature specifically for this housing, as it has been around for a while now, it does come with the ability to have one fitted. This feature really does give you peace of mind, as it tests the integrity of housing seals before you get into the water. A green light and you are good to go.
It is hard not to be impressed with Nauticam housings and this is no exception. It looks good, feels good in the hand, and is obviously built to a high standard. With some fabulous accessories, a great choice of lenses, ports and gears to select from, the hardest thing for buyers will be what to leave out of the package! Whilst we only got a single, cold water dive to form our views, we are certain this is a product that will not disappoint. Actually we would quite like it back!
For more information regarding Nauticam products visit www.nauticam.co.uk.
To find out more about Nick and Caroline and Frogfish Photography, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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