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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

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Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake

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halloween

Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.

halloween halloween

After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.

halloween

With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.

halloween

Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!

Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.

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Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction


Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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