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S.U.P.E.R. Part 9: Nauticam NA-EM10II

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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.

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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.

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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