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Nauticam announce NA-Z7 for Nikon Z7 and Z6 Cameras

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The Z7 and Z6, Nikon’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras offer underwater shooters the same legendary Nikon image quality with the versatility of an electronic viewfinder and the more compact form factor of a mirrorless system.  The Nauticam NA-Z7 housing supports both the Z6 and Z7 camera models.

The Nauticam NA-Z7 Housing

The NA-Z7 inherits all of the key innovative features from Nauticam DSLR systems scaled into a smaller form factor built around the Z6 and Z7 cameras.  Best of all, it uses the same N120 Port System!

Z and F Mount Support

The Nauticam NA-Z7 housing allows not only the use of the new Z mount Nikon glass but also the legendary Nikon F mount lenses with the Nikon FTZ Adapter.  The N120 port system allows all compatible Nikon F-mount lenses to be used, providing underwater photographers with a world class lineup of fisheye, ultra wide, mid-range, and macro lenses that can be used with the NA-Z7 housing. Existing Nauticam DSLR housing owners will be glad to know that all of their ports, viewfinders, and Nikon lens gears transition seamlessly to the NA-Z7 housing, and support will be added for the exciting new Z-mount lenses as they are released.

The Nauticam NA-Z7 housing features two lens release buttons that correspond to either F or Z mount lenses, allowing lens swaps without having to remove the camera from the housing.  A vacuum system reset switch is located below the tray as well so there is no need to open the rear of the housing during lens or port changes.

Intelligent Control Placement

Nauticam engineers are obsessed with functionality and this is evident in the location of essential controls.  Regardless of where the control is located on the camera, the Nauticam housing puts them where you need them to be underwater.  For those switching between photo and video modes, an easily reachable switch is located on the right rear of the housing.  The right side double thumb lever, easily reached from the right handle features access to the AF-on and Record buttons respectively.  Between the double thumb lever and the multi-stage shutter release is an ISO lever allowing quick changes to sensitivity.

The left double thumb lever accesses the DISP and Playback controls.  The Zoom In and Zoom Out controls, located on the right rear of the camera body is relocated to the left side of the housing to a location more familiar to Nauticam housing users.

The switch that allows for switching between the LCD display and the EVF, a crucial and much used control with mirrorless systems is located close to the left handle within easy reach.

Front and rear control dials are readily accessible by the familiar large knurled dials at the right handle.  The ergonomic housing handles are rubberized and feature stainless steel stiffening brackets to ensure a stable platform when using large strobes or video lights attached to the pre-installed 1″ mounting balls.

The Nikon Z7 and Z6 Cameras

For many full-frame Nikon shooters the appeal of a mirrorless camera had been tempered by the though of having to invest in and master a new system by moving to another ecosystem such as Sony.  For those awaiting a mirrorless system that utilized Nikon imaging technology and ergonomics, the wait is over.  The Z6 and Z7 cameras feature an identical body, differing only in their feature sets, an ideal feature when it comes to housing the camera for underwater use.

Both camera bodies are built around the new Z-mount.  With an incredibly wide 55mm mount diameter (17% larger than F-mount) and very short flange distance, the Z-mount is able to offer a maximum aperture of F0.95.  While the current range of Z-mount lenses is limited, almost the entire line of F-mount lenses is usable with the optional FTZ Adapter.  When using the adapter, even non VR lenses benefit from the camera’s in-body stabilization.  VR and Z-Mount lenses receive 5-axis stabilization whereas non-VR F-mount lenses have access to 3-axis stabilization.

There is also a dedicated e-VR (electronic VR) that combines optical and electronic stabilization for video shooting.  Both the Z6 and Z7 are able to capture internal UHD 4K at 30fps or 1080 HD at up to 120fps at 144 Mbps.  Capture uses the full-width of the sensor and both cameras are capable of outputting 10-bit N-log UHD 4K over HDMI that supports start/stop control.

The OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) of both the Z6 and Z7 gives 100% frame coverage at Quad-VGA (3.69M dot) resolution.  When triggering external flashes, both cameras feature a 1/200 X-sync shutter speed.

Nikon Z7 Camera

The Z7 features a high resolution 45.7MP FX-format sensor that can shoot at up to 9FPS.  The Z7 features a wide ISO range of 64-25,600.  Autofocus is achieved with 493 on-sensor AF points that cover 90% of the frame and the camera intelligently switched between contrast-detection and phase-detection points to achieve accurate focus regardless of light conditions.

Nikon Z7 Key Camera Specifications

  • 45.7MP FX Format Sensor with no OLPF
  • 9 FPS continuous shooting
  • 64-25,600 ISO Range
  • UHD 4K 30p recording with no FOV crop
  • 10bit UHD 4K N-log output via HDMI with start/stop support
  • 5-axis VR stabilization (with Z lenses)
  • 8K time lapse with exposure smoothing
  • CF Express ready (currently supports XQD)

Nikon Z6 Camera

The Z6 is equipped with a 24.5MP FX-format sensor capable of up to 12FPS continuous shooting with an ISO range of 100-51,200.  Video is recorded internally at up to UHD 4K 30p with no field-of-view crop.  273 on-sensor focus points cover 90% of the fame and the Z 6 intelligently switched between contrast-detection and phase-detection points to assure accurate autofocus.

Nikon Z6 Key Camera Specifications

  • 24.5MP FX Format Sensor with OLPF
  • 12 FPS continuous shooting
  • 100-51,200 ISO Range
  • UHD 4K 30p recording with no FOV crop
  • 10bit N-log UHD 4K output via HDMI with start/stop support
  • 5-axis VR stabilization (with Z-mount lenses)
  • 4K time lapse
  • CF Express ready (currently XQD only)

Flash Triggering

The NA-Z7 comes with Nauticam’s self powered manual flash trigger preinstalled.  The flash trigger plugs into the hot-shoe of the camera and uses LED lights recessed into each of the two optical bulkheads to trigger supported underwater flashes when used with the correct fiber optic connection.  The flash trigger is powered by coin cell batteries that provide thousands of flashes  per battery.  The flash trigger can be upgraded to support TTL triggering (PN 2638 TTL Converter for Nikon).

Key Features

Patented Port Locking System

Unveiled on the very first Nauticam DSLR housing in 2009, this locking lever has become a signature of the Nauticam brand.  No twisting or threading action is required to mount a port, and it locks securely in place with this lever.  Nauticam also offers locking port extensions, meaning a dome will never twist, even when used with a long extension ring.

Housing Locking Latches

The industry’s easiest to use housing closure system, requiring very little hand strength to operate, secures the housing back in place. The latches are safely locked to prevent accidental opening, but are easy to open when needed for a quick battery or memory card change

HDMI Output Support

The Z7 camera supports 10 bit HDMI video output at UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) at up to 30p.  An external monitor or recorder can be used with the optional standard M16 HDMI bulkhead (PN 25033), HDMI (D-C) cable in 190mm length (PN 25036) which come standard in any Nauticam monitor housing package.

What’s Included

  • Nauticam NA-Z7 Housing
  • 90122 Housing O-ring, lubricant and removal tool
  • 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II (pre-installed)
  • CR2032 Battery (for vacuum system)
  • Allen Wrench Set

NA-Z7 Recommended Accessories

  • 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II (Pushbutton Release)
  • 32201 Nauticam 180 straight viewfinder
  • 32203 Nauticam 45 viewfinder
  • 26308 TTL Converter for Nikon
  • 85201 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port with Aluminum Float Collar (incl. N120 to N100 port adaptor)
  • 86201 Macro to Wide Angle Lens 1 (MWL-1) 150 deg. FOV with full frame 60mm macro lens
  • Various electrical bulkheads
  • 25033 standard HDMI bulkhead with M16 thread
  • 25036 HDMI (D-C) cable in 190mm length
  • (Both 25033 and 25036 are standard accessories in Nauticam monitor housing)

NA-Z7 Details and Specifications

  • Depth Rating: 100m
  • Weight: 3.02 kg
  • Dimensions: 360mm(W) x 200mm(H) x 160mm(D)
  • Battery for Vacuum system: CR2032

For more information visit the Nauticam websites:

UK: Click here

USA: Click here

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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