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Nauticam Release New Housing for the Canon G7 X

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Nauticam

Nauticam has released its newest aluminum underwater camera housing, NA-G7X for the 20MP Canon G7 X Camera. The NA-G7X is the latest release in the Nauticam advanced compact camera lineup, and provides an impressive feature set for underwater photographers seeking big image quality in a small package.

The Canon Powershot G7 X

The G7 X was one of the most interesting introductions of September’s Photokina Imaging Fair in Cologne, Germany. This camera is a serious competitor to the hugely popular Sony Cyber-shot RX100 series cameras with a large 1″ image sensor in a truly pocketable form factor. The size of the G7 X is reminiscent of the Canon S-series of high end compacts, a model which has also been very popular for underwater photography, but sports an impressive 2.8x larger sensor. Digital Photography Review suggests: “The G7 X is just as small as the Sony RX100 but offers much more in terns of direct control.”

The G7 X is a true enthusiast camera built around a 20 megapixel 1” BSI CMOS imaging sensor and  updated DIGIC 6 Image Processor. Image quality is nothing short of exceptional.

To make the most of these digital chops, G7 X sports an outstanding lens, covering an extremely versatile 24-100mm equivalent range. This is just as wide, but with more reach than competing compact options. The lens is also very bright, with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 on the wide angle end, and only closing down to f/2.8 at full telephoto.

Most interesting to underwater photographers is the excellent macro performance of G7 X when used with accessory macro conversion lenses. G7 X can capture significantly smaller subjects than Sony’s RX100 series. Nauticam say that the only current cameras that they have tested offering better closeup performance are the smaller sensor Canon G16 and S120.

The display panel is a 3” TFT-LCD, and is articulated, allowing a full 180 degrees tilt for shooting in tricky circumstances.

As expected, 1920 x 1080 Full HD movie clips can be captured at 30 or 60 fps and enhanced by Canon’s very accurate underwater white balance capability, producing pleasing color when shooting movie clips with only a filter.

Canon’s determination to compete with the best in the compact camera market means we all reap the benefits.

Nauticam NA-G7X

NA-G7X is the latest iteration in a lineup of advanced housings for very capable compact cameras supported by Nauticam. Features found on professional DSLR systems have been integrated into this system, and the result is an underwater housing that allows the user to harness the full potential of advanced compact camera in water.

All of the basic functions and ergonomic enhancements that Nauticam users have grown to know and love are incorporated in NA-G7X.  The housing is machined from a solid block of aluminum, then hard anodized to seal out corrosive salt water.  It is closed via a simple, yet secure locking rotary latch. The right side of the housing is sculpted to fit the palm of the user’s hand, and Nauticam’s two-stage shutter release lever provides clear differentiation between the half press and full press shutter release positions. All functions are clearly labeled, and an m14 accessory socket allows an optional vacuum valve to be installed.

This is the first Nauticam compact camera housing to feature an interchangeable port system. This new port line is called the “N50” mount, and allows optical solutions to be precisely dialed in for maximum performance in water. Ports are attached via a bayonet fitting, and locked securely in place.

The Nauticam leak alarm and vacuum monitoring system is installed as standard equipment. This system provides an audible and visual alert to any water entry in the housing, and when combined with an accessory M14 Vacuum Valve (#25611) the water tight integrity of the system can be tested before ever entering the water and monitored during every dive.

NA-G7X Feature Checklist

  • Secure, easy to use locking latch
  • Ergonomic controls with size, shape and color differentiation
  • All camera controls accessible
  • All controls clearly labeled
  • Popup flash lever
  • Dual fiber optic bulkhead
  • Integrated leak detector and optional vacuum check
  • M10 mounting ball
  • Cold shoe mount
  • Interchangeable port mount
  • Standard port: full zoom through & m67 accessory mounting
  • 1/4-20 tripod or tray mounting holes
  • Sculpted, sensitive shutter release
  • M14 bulkhead port for vacuum valve

The New N50 Port System

Because of the specific camera and lens function of the Canon G7 X, a special port system is required to fully realize the potential of accessory wide angle lenses underwater.

The NA-G7X “standard” port, supplied with the housing, allows full zoom through and features a 67mm threaded front for attaching accessory macro lenses. This port is ideal for mid-range fish portraiture style shooting, close-up, and macro with add on wet-lenses.

An optional N50 Short Port with M67 Thread for Wide Angle Lenses (#38701) is available, offering precise placement of wide lenses very close to the camera’s lens at its wide angle zoom position. Zoom through is not available with this port, but it does offer the widest coverage possible with minimal vignetting for wide angle photography.

A dome port solution is also available, restoring the in-air field of view of the lens. This is a light weight configuration that offers a surprisingly wide angle of coverage. This port is called N50 3.5″ Acrylic Dome Port (#38702).

Testing indicates that the Inon UWL-H100 (either in the m67 mount or the LD mount) is an ideal wide angle lens for the NA-G7X. This combination will result in a diagonal FOV in excess of one hundred degrees (100º).

Coming Soon:

Compact Macro Converter

The Nauticam Super Macro Converter shook up the super macro shooter world last year when it was released, bringing more sharpness and less distortion to an underwater macro lens than had ever been seen before. Building on that success, Nauticam is nearing release of a new and similar lens, this time designed for compact camera lenses. The Nauticam Compact Macro Converter (CMC), as it will be called, will become the ideal closeup lens for this and other similar compact cameras.

Shot with NA-G7X and prototype Compact Macro Converter, by Alex Tattersall

 

Nauticam Vacuum Check System

The engineers at Nauticam have also managed to squeeze in the Nauticam vacuum monitoring and leak detection electronics. By default, it serves as an audible and visual leak detector, but add a Nauticam M14 Vacuum Valve, (p/n 25611) and it becomes a vacuum check system.  The vacuum monitoring system provides early warning for any problem with watertight integrity – which means peace of mind when shooting underwater.

Recommended Accessories

Nauticam 
p/n Item Description
25611 M14 Vacuum Valve Enables vacuum check system, allowing for check of watertight integrity
TBD CMC Coming Soon. Compact Macro Converter; add on lens that provides close focus macro with minimal distortion
25101 M67 Flip Diopter Holder Enables quick installation and removal of the CMC underwater by flipping lens in place or out of the way
71201 Easitray Simple tray with comfortable rubberized hand grips
71207 Flexitray Adjustable tray with comfortable rubberized hand grips
71209 Flexitray W Wider Flexitray, also allows for tripod use
71208 Right Handle Right handle for Easitray or Flexitray
71311 Ball for Easi/Flexitray 1″ Mounting ball for either tray, allows mounting strobes/lights using Nauticam arms/clamps
36316 Compact Handstrap Comfortable handstrap for right side of housing
36323 Long Handstrap Longer version of handstrap for larger hands
25106 LCD Magnifier Enlarge the view of the LCD; easy to see in bright sun, and can adjust diopter
25123 LCD Magnifier Rails Allows installation of LCD Magnifier
25221 M10 ball Mount point for lighting hardware
25514 Ball adapter (Inon) Allows mounting of Inon strobe
various Arms/Clamps Nauticam mounting hardware
various Carbon fiber buoyancy arms Arm that provides extra buoyancy to offset heavy lights or strobes
26214 Fiber optic cable for Inon Strobe Allows fast, accurate automatic flash exposure (TTL) over fiber, with no sync cables to flood or corrode
26215 Fiber optic cable for Sea&Sea strobe Allows fast, accurate automatic flash exposure (TTL) over fiber, with no sync cables to flood or corrode

 

Recommended Third Party Accessories from Inon, Keldan, FIX NEO
Item Description
Inon UWL-H100 28m67 type 2 Recommended wide angle wet mount lens
Inon Z-240 Powerful, reliable strobe with excellent coverage
Inon S-2000 Smallest strobe, ideal for travel
FIX NEO 2000 SWR Focus light with Wide, Spot and Red light options
Keldan Video 4X Compact 6000 lumen video light

 Details and Specifications

  • Depth Rating: 100m
  • Weight: 0.83kg
  • Dimensions: 146mm (w) x 100mm (h) x 111mm (d)

Model Number: 17318

USA Retail Price: $1100

Shipping Now.

More information is available from Nauticam USA at: www.nauticamusa.com

USA Dealer List: www.nauticamusa.com/nauticam-dealers

Worldwide Dealer List: www.nauticam.com/dealer02.asp

News

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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