Photo / Video News & Reviews

Aquatica Announce AD500 Housing for the Nikon D500

Published

8 years ago

June 23, 2016

The new Aquatica AD500 housing is designed specifically for the long awaited Nikon D500 camera. With 21mp still image, 4K video possibilities, and an impressive level of low light performance, this Nikon D500 is a worthy addition to the DX format, a much appreciated sensor size for underwater photography.

What’s in the Nikon D500 camera?

The Nikon D500 camera finally joins the rank of the popular DX format Nikon DSLRs. It brings interesting features:

UHD 4K from a 1.5x crop sensor
Flat picture profile for added post processing
On screen highlight warning
Power aperture control
Impressive AF performance
153 point AF module
55 selectable AF points
100% viewfinder, with 1.0x magnification
The largest in cropped sensor DSLR
10 frames per second rates
200 Raw files buffer using XQD
Rugged construction of Magnesium Alloy and Carbon fiber composite

THE CONTROL LAYOUT

Aquatica designed the AD500 housing by carefully selecting the features that will improve performance for underwater imaging. They then ergonomically placed the vital controls where they were most needed, right at your fingers tips.

HOW TO QUICKLY GET TO THE CONTROLS

ISO is one of the key controls in managing the exposure in video, so particular attention was made in bringing this control at your thumb fingertip. Exposure compensation is crucial, so a dedicated lever has been implemented for engaging it quickly when needed. The control pad can also be accessed quickly via a set of extended controls that brings it close to your right hand for easy access; same goes for the AF-ON lever with its wide range of options available through the CSM menu of the camera. The Fn1 lever located in front and Fn2 button on the rear also gives you access to a range of CSM features. Two oversized and conveniently placed buttons give speedy access to the info and Live View activating features on the camera, and recording is as easy as pressing on the dedicated lever placed strategically close to your thumb.

HANDLING THE HOUSING, THE BEST GRIPS IN THE INDUSTRY

Handling is made with a pair of grips that have become the benchmark in comfort since their introduction over a quarter of a century ago. These grips are a perfect example of Aquatica’s philosophy, change should be implemented to improve a product, and not for the sake of novelty; when grips are as perfect as these are, leave them alone! Aquatica’s grips are light, sturdy and form fitting. They contribute to making your underwater photography experience more pleasing and comfortable. Mounting points on top of them allows strobes arms, such as those from Aquatica’s Delta 3 line, to be mounted securely, freeing the top of the housing from unnecessary clutter.

VIEWING OPTIONS

The Nikon D500 is already boasting the largest and best view finder of its category. Viewing can further be improved underwater with a choice of two enhanced view finders. Two Aqua View finders are available to improve underwater viewing through the camera finder. The Aqua View 180^o finder offers straight through line of sight viewing with a generous viewing area, while the Aqua View 45^ooffers definitive comfort in viewing while shooting upward or for those down in sandy macro situations. Both accessory viewfinders are designed in such way as to minimize the blockage of the rear LCD when shooting using the rear LCD screen.

As a standard feature, the housing comes equipped with a quality multiple elements Galileo type eyepiece, and the rear LCD has been angled to give the viewer a more comfortable viewing angle when using it.

The Aquatica AD500 offers the best available options on the market for connecting strobes with no less than four options to choose from.

20080-UWT

This AD500 housing version features our optional integrated TTL converter circuit board which is compatible with a wide range of underwater strobes. This converter offers both automatic strobe exposure, either through optical relay using optical fiber, or via standard and readily available electrical sync cords from your strobe manufacturers. Alternating between types of triggering is an easy affair, even in the field, with Aquatica’s easily replaceable bulkhead strobe connector design.

20080-OPT

Included with this optically set up housing version is the LED flash trigger. This LED trigger is powered by two popular “off the shelf” CR 2450 batteries and averaging 4,000 to 5,000 bursts of light. This LED trigger slides into the hot shoe of the camera like any other hot shoe accessory would. The 20080-OPT version of this housing is ready to accept standard optical fiber sync cable commonly found on the market – there is no need for a special proprietary or custom type cord, the optical fiber cord supplied by the strobes manufacturers are ready to use as is.

20080-NK

This version is set up with a pair of time proven Nikonos bulkheads connectors, the same available on all of Aquatica’s current DSLR housings. It is a well-established standard, which has been the back bone of strobe technology for decades and is still by far the most distributed type of strobe connectors in the whole underwater photography industry. This 20080-NK housing comes with not one, but two of these connectors installed. These, as well as the optical ones, are easy to replace in the field should one decide to alternate between ways of triggering your strobes, no special tools are required and the operation is done in minutes.

20080-KT

This version is equipped with a trusted Ikelite strobe connector. Since many hard working underwater professional photographers prefer using Ikelite strobes and connectors for their ruggedness and reliability, Aquatica has made a point to have this housing version available to its users.

PORT SELECTION

The Aquatica AD500 uses Aquatica’s excellent line up of existing ports for the DSLR line of housings. A lot of effort has gone into giving you access to the most appealing lenses for this camera with the best port combination for them.

Since ports are such a vital part of the optical formula in any underwater photographic system, Aquatica have built one of the most comprehensive selections available for underwater imaging. Aquatica’s flexible modular system of extension rings, dome and flat ports is ready to face the challenge of constantly evolving lenses coming out on the market.

Wide angle imaging requirement can be addressed with domes of 4”/100mm, 6”/150mm, 8”/200mm and 9.25”/230mm, from ultra wide angle close up situations to top quality over/under images.

Macro imaging needs can be fulfilled using Aquatica’s recently introduced Mini Macro port. A vital part of the Aquatica ACU System, this port has a narrow frontal signature making lighting in tight corners easier. A bayonet mount is located on its front end for attaching Aquatica’s ACU system flip holder with the potential of attaching up to two ACU wet diopter close-up lenses.

Tying the port system together are a set of fourteen locking extension rings, ranging in length from .65”/16.5mm to 3.82”/97.5mm. Port extensions are strategic partners in the optical chain. They serves two purposes: in the case of wide angle lenses, it helps optimize the performance of a wide angle lens by properly placing the optical center with that of the dome port; and for macro lenses, it gives added length for accommodating longer focal length lenses such as the 105mm, or when using internal accessories such as a tele converter which may contribute to the added magnification of a given lens.

SAFETY FEATURES

The AD500 comes standard with Aquatica’s own Surveyor moisture and vacuum monitoring sensor circuit installed at the factory. The housing can also be ordered with the optional pressure extracting valve and pump installed at the factory. The visual and audio signal will attract your attention should any of the O-rings become damaged or hindered by sand, hair or any foreign objects that would compromise the sealing integrity of the housing. All that is required are a few simple steps for your peace of mind and knowing that your equipment is safely protected from the environment.

Securing of the housing is done with time proven stainless steel latches equipped with safety tabs. These are non-gimmicky – their solid track record has demonstrated that what they lack in fashion style, they more than make up in resistance to failure, jamming up or corroding over time. Chosen as a standard means of securing highly valuable assets and equipment by scores of sensitive scientific and military equipment manufacturers, this method of securing is beyond reproach when it comes to reliability. Their simple and efficient design makes them reliable and they are a reflection of Aquatica’s commitment to rely on time and field proven technology.

HOW IT’S MADE

At the core of the design is the shell, designed on cutting edge software by dedicated individuals, machined on state of the art 5 axis CNC machine from a solid block of 6061 T6 aluminum alloy, the same routinely used in aerospace technology. This alloy is acclaimed for its high resistance to corrosion. The shell is then anodized to a MIL-A-8625 Type 2, Class 2 specification, and finally covered with a tough as nails, black polyester powder coating baked at a high temperature in order to be certified to the A.A.M.A 2603-98 specification. This kind of protection is not superfluous, as evidently shown on Aquatica housings having logged over 3,000 immersion and which are still on active duty day after day.

Control shafts and push buttons are made from a Type 304 stainless steel, another metal commonly used by the aerospace industry. It is controlled to be free of the iron contaminants that degrade quality and integrity of the metal, such as the ones often found on the less stringent type 316, which unfortunately, is too often used in this industry.

The housing shell has two entry points for connecting strobes plus two others for adapting various accessories. There is a large 16mm diameter access point on the left hand side, ideal for connecting a monitor. Also located on the left hand side is a standard 1/2” diameter access point for the optional Surveyor pressure valve.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE AQUATICA AD500 HOUSING

Well established and proven system of ports, extensions and accessories to attend to your personal lens preferences.
Quick and simple installation of enhanced viewfinders; no special tool required.
The best selection of strobe connectors on the market.
Dual Nikonos bulkheads
Optical fiber with flash trigger included
Ikelite single bulkhead
Built in TTL converter for optical or electrical triggering.
Exceptionally good and ergonomic control placement.
All controls remain accessible in all dive conditions, either cold or warm, gloves or no gloves.
Secure port locking system and easy access lens release button.
The most comfortable and sturdy hand grips of the industry, also extendable for larger or gloved hands.
Precise camera mounting via a quick release camera tray with angled rear LCD positioning.
Two (2) entry points for accessories such as HDMI monitors, remote control or vacuum monitoring systems.
Eight (8) threaded standard ¼”-20 holes, one located on top, three on the bottom and four on the grips, to mount a strobe arm, brackets, tripods and a wide range of other accessories.
Depth rating options of 90m or 130m depth at no extra charge.

Retail price starting at $3,195 USD

Available mid-July

For more info email info@aquatica.ca or call +1 514-737-9481.

Blogs

Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2024

Team Scubaverse

Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces

NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.

Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking

Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:

“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.

A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”

About NovoScuba

Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.

With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.

Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!

Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.

EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba

NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!

The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.

NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.

underwater videography course

A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission

NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.

NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.

Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration

NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.

Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.

underwater videography course

NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.

Quality Training at a Great Price

NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.

Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity

At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.

Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success

NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.

underwater videography course

Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload

Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Crossover Made Easy

For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.

Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership

NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:

Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.

underwater videography course

Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement

NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.

Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth

At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.

Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.

Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution

Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.

For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.

Blogs

The Benefits of Underwater Photography Workshops

Published

3 weeks ago

November 26, 2024

Team Scubaverse

Are you just getting started out in underwater photography or are you a seasoned shooter who wants to take their images to the next level? Whatever you experience or ability, here’s an overview of underwater photography workshops.

What is an Underwater Photography Workshop?

The first thing to note is that this is not ‘school’! There are no compulsory classes and at workshops you are free to pick and choose what you take part in, or otherwise.

A huge part of learning and developing your skills is through experimentation, trial and error, responding to feedback, and honing your technique. Underwater photography workshops provide you with the perfect platform for practice and improvement.

There is no better alternative to hands on experience in an environment that is 100% dedicated to your development. Reading informative articles and watching videos on YouTube can never replace the value of one on one time with your camera rig, underwater!

Underwater photography workshops are generally structured around core components, namely: presentations, underwater practice, feedback and critique sessions, troubleshooting/one-on-one sessions, and technical support.

Other components of a workshop include dining, relaxing, and time for socializing too!

underwater photography workshop

What Topics do Underwater Photography Workshops Cover?

Depending on the pro, the type of workshop and regional diving highlights, a wide range of topics may be covered from composition and lighting through to shooting techniques and editing.

Benefits of an Underwater Photography Workshop

Improve Your underwater photography
Learn from professionals

Learn from other participants

Expand your photography knowledge and understanding
Try put new techniques
Learn how to maximize your camera rig

Phenomenal travel opportunities
Memorable experience and new friendships

underwater photography workshop

Underwater Photography Workshops in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

When it comes to underwater photography workshops that focus on shooting macro, muck diving, and unusual marine species, there can be no better destination on the planet than the Lembeh Strait.

The Critter Capital of the World, a Muck Diving Mecca, and the Twilight Zone are just a few of the names that have been given to this stretch of water over the years due to its high density, and diversity, of rare and unusual marine life.

Some of Lembeh’s most iconic species include the hairy frogfish, Pontohi pygmy seahorse, the Lembeh sea dragon, Mandarin fish, Bobbit worms, Rhinopias scorpionfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, tiger and harlequin shrimps, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin crabs, and where do we start with octopus? Here’s just a few… wunderpus, mimic, blue ring, hairy, long arm, starry night, and coconut… and the list goes on!

Dive conditions in the Lembeh Strait can be extremely favourable for underwater photographers. There is little to no current making both moving around and remaining stationary a breeze. The comfortably warm water temperatures reduce the cold that can also set in when not on the move.

Lembeh Resort and Underwater Photography Workshops

Lembeh Resort not only offers luxury accommodation in the Lembeh Strait but it is also offers a complete suite of facilities for underwater photographers and enthusiasts. Here is a ‘snapshot’ of the camera and imaging services that are on offer at Lembeh Resort – inside and outside of underwater photography workshops:

Photography Facilities

Lembeh Resort offers a suite of facilities for underwater photographers, including:

The only Backscatter Authorized Photo Center in Asia
Photo Center offering camera, housing, lights and accessory rentals and purchases, onsite repairs, onsite 3D printing of small components, professional support and assistance, full workshop support
Full time onsite Photo Pro
Full time onsite Marine Biologists
Marine biology and underwater photography trained Dive Guides
Spacious camera room with individual work spaces, lights, and power points
Varied diving options including single dives in the Lembeh Strait, two or three tank dive trips, day trips to Bangka, east coast Lembeh trips, blackwater, bonfire, night, and Mandarin fish dives.

underwater photography workshop

Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2025

The renowned Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop is back in January 2025 for the 12th year running!! This unique workshop is hosted by not one but three worldclass photo professionals. The 2025 workshop features: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). The week-long workshop promises to be packed with incredible diving, Pro presentations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback.

2025 Workshop Schedule and Dates:

Pre-Workshop: January 8^th –^–10^th (time to relax and unwind after traveling and enjoy some of Lembeh’s famous dive sites.)
Workshop: January 11^th – 17^th (Capturing Critters in Lembeh 12th Annual Workshop)
Workshop Extension: January 18^th – 19^th (Additional Day Workshop Extension)
Post-Workshop: January 20^th – 21^st (Stay additional nights and enjoy extra diving days or some time to relax and explore more of North Sulawesi)

Find Out More:

Meet the pros and find out more about the Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2025 underwater photography workshop, including prices and workshop inclusions, here:

https://www.lembehresort.com/featured/capturing-critters-in-lembeh-underwater-photography-workshop-2025/

If you are ready to book your place on the January 2025 Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop – contact Lembeh Resort at: reservations@LembehResort.com.