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Underwater Photographers call for an end to harassment of marine life

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Marine Life

If you are an underwater photographer, and like to spend a bit of time on social media sites, then you may have seen plenty of comments about various competitions and the images that have done well in them recently. Many competition rules will state that any image that has been taken at the expense of marine life will be disqualified, but how do the judges and organisers prove that the marine life in the shot has been moved, harassed or manipulated? At the moment, the status quo seems to be that if they cannot prove it, then the image will be allowed. However, this sets a terrible example to other divers and underwater photographers and only encourages the practise of moving, usually macro critters, to more photographically pleasing places or poses.

Many may say “What is the problem?” it is only a shrimp, it was unlikely to have been hurt, there are more important things in life to worry about, all photographers do it.

Marine Life

A dive guide moves a wobbegong shark for a better shot for the underwater photographers in his group

All photographers do not do it!  As underwater photographers, we should care about the marine environment. It is our responsibility to show the great beauty we see beneath the waves in an honest and truthful way. The argument that there are more important issues going on in the world is just fatuous. Of course there are, but if we used this as reasoning for ignoring the smaller issues, then we belittle everything we do to protect marine life. Caring about the environment, marine life and how this is portrayed in the public domain is important to us.

What can we do? Well, competition organisers and judges can simply change their rules to say that any image suspected of any marine life fiddling will be disqualified. No proof needed. Yes, some people will have perfectly valid images disqualified, but soon would learn not to bother entering such images. For example, it is possible to come across an inflated pufferfish in the wild (it could have been recently licked by a dolphin!), but I would not enter the image into a competition, because I could not prove that it was not me that stressed the fish out. It is possible to find emperor or tiger shrimps in pleasing positions, riding nudibranchs and sea cucumbers for example, but the likelihood of some of these poses happening naturally fits into the same category as that fact that I might win the lottery. It can happen (please let it) but it is phenomenally unlikely. Maybe I should point out at this point that I have a Masters degree in animal behaviour, and so whilst this does not make me an expert in all marine species, it does give me some credibility to comment on such things.

These images should be removed by the organisers and judges, before the serious work of selecting a winner even begins. Underwater photographers can show that they care about these issues by not entering the competitions that fail at following this simple ethos, and complaining and demanding answers about this topic when they feel high environmental standards have not been met.

What can you do? Work with dive centres that do not reward this behaviour in their dive guides. The dive guides, usually in the Far East in our experience, do this because they know that a “good” image of a macro critter will get them a good tip. When we are travelling, we like to dive with centres that do not allow the guides to be tipped individually. Rather, they collect tips, and distribute them evenly among all the staff (those that fill tanks, man the shop, drive the boats etc.) One of our favourite dive centres in Indonesia will fire any member of staff that accepts a private tip and all divers are made aware of this at the beginning of their stay. At other centres, if we are taking a group, we will ask all the divers to tip at the beginning of the week. We give this envelope, with an excellent tip inside, to the centre manager and tell them that they can give it to the staff at the end of the week if no-one reports any dive guides moving critters while we are diving. If the guides are reported to have moved any marine life – the tip money goes to a marine charity instead. This has worked very well indeed!

To find out what support this movement has, Dr Alex Tattersall has setup a petition. It calls for a “cultural shift” that is “necessary at all levels” from “those with influence such as competition organisers and dive magazines” and that they “should promote more responsible UW photo behaviour”.

You can sign the petition here.

Marine Life

An emperor shrimp rides a gorgeous nudibranch with no manipulation of the critters

There are signatures and supporting comments from around the world. Dive Centres and guides have now also been included in the petition.

The reality is that everyone needs to get involved and try to ensure marine life of all shapes and sizes are well looked after. It must a collective movement by divers, underwater photographers, dive centre owners, dive guides, marine conservation charities, dive publications and competition officials.

Underwater Photographers have the ability to inspire people to protect our oceans. Many post images of amazing scenes, unusual animal behaviours, give us an insight in the world of rarely seen creatures, show us divers enjoying themselves. These images can make up our mind as to where to next travel to, they can be donated to marine charities to use in campaigns, or they can give us tips and ideas on how to next shoot a particular animal. They can also post images to raise awareness and promote conservation that are not pleasant to view, but necessary to share, such as images of dead sharks lying at the bottom of the ocean with their fins removed, plastic pollution, and ghost nets that carrying on killing for years.

We all need to get behind a more ecologically aware way of diving. This is one aspect of a much wider movement. As the new editors of underwater photography at Scubaverse, we will be doing our best to incorporate this ethos in the posts and competitions run on the site.

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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Meet Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Redefining Action Cameras With Unrivaled 8K Image Quality & Smarter AI

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insta360

Insta360 is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its Ace series, Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This groundbreaking wide-angle action camera delivers unparalleled image quality, smarter, easier capture powered by AI, upgraded audio, and an improved rugged design made for action at its most extreme.

Co-engineered with Leica, it delivers serious performance upgrades with the industry-first dual AI chip and state-of-the-art imaging courtesy of a new 1/1.3″ 8K sensor and Leica SUMMARIT lens with a 157º field of view. Creators can experience smoother videos with higher frame rates at 8K30fps and 4K60fps Active HDR, PureVideo for excellent low light performance, a bigger 2.5″ flip touchscreen and more.

The action camera utilizes Insta360’s advanced AI technology to offer a smarter experience from shooting to sharing. Innovative functions like the option to pause or cancel a recording, gesture and voice control, Auto Edit, and AI Highlights Assistant completely transform the experience for creators. With no more complex workflows, anyone can experience a simpler way to film and spend more time immersed in the moments they love.

insta360

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 significantly improves on its design, offering a more rugged, reliable action camera. Its waterproofing has increased to 39ft (12m), and it offers crystal-clear audio with an integrated Wind Guard and a removable Lens Guard to handle whatever you throw at it, providing full flexibility for action and sports enthusiasts.

“Our goal was to refine and enhance the groundbreaking features of the original Insta360 Ace Pro to deliver an unparalleled experience,” says JK Liu, founder of Insta360. “We are confident these upgrades establish a new industry standard. Not only do they bring significant advances in AI, they empower creators to capture what was always impossible with other action cameras, opening the door to unprecedented creative potential.”

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to order today worldwide via Insta360.com, as well as trusted retailers and select authorized partners.

Unparalleled Image Quality, Day and Night

The Leica SUMMARIT lens immediately sets it apart from competitors with its state-of-the-art image quality. Combined with an upgraded 1/1.3″ 8K sensor offering 13.5 stops of dynamic range, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 delivers simply breathtaking visuals in situations other action cameras simply can’t handle.

Further contributing to its image quality and performance is the industry-leading dual-chip design. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is the first action camera with a dedicated Pro Imaging Chip that handles image processing and noise reduction, while a separate 5nm AI Chip handles further image processing and overall camera performance, providing a smooth, seamless user experience. The dual chip also enables more shooting modes and higher specifications, such as 8K30fps video, 4K60fps Active HDR (High Dynamic Range), and upgraded PureVideo. Even in fast-moving motion and high-intensity action, creators can enjoy smooth, sharp videos thanks to the higher frame rates or slow it all the way down with crisp 4K120fps slow motion.

A complex, custom-trained AI neural network underpins PureVideo, a specialized shooting mode that drastically reduces noise and enhances details in real time for cleaner, brighter images, even in extreme low light. Whether it’s twilight strolls or evening rides, creators can record what they never could before. For the daytime, upgraded 4K60fps Active HDR brings out all the details in intense highlights and shadows for more vibrant footage. Meanwhile, a wider 157° lens FOV captures more of the surroundings, perfect for vlogging or when the scenery really matters.

Exclusive Leica-engineered color profiles infuse footage with their signature aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance to every shot. Insta360’s devotion to color accuracy is seen elsewhere with Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s ability to retain rich and precise colors, even underwater.

Ready for Action Anytime, Anywhere

The upgraded design proves to be even more rugged, ready for when you ramp up the action. Waterproofing has increased to 39 feet (12 meters) or 197 feet (60 meters) with the Dive Case, and it handles temperatures as low as -4ºF (-20ºC) with ease, perfect for winter sports and extreme climates.

The new, removable Lens Guard provides greater all-around protection, meaning creators can feel confident to push the limits further and capture the impossible, knowing their action cam is up to the challenge.

An all-new Wind Guard keeps wind and noise at a minimum during those peak moments, ready to snap on and off as you need. With refreshed audio algorithms bringing professional-grade clarity to your content, you can immerse your viewers like never before. What’s more, the magnetic mounting system lets you seamlessly switch between accessories. Less time spent unscrewing and screwing your camera and mounts, more time in the moment.

Insta360’s leading FlowState Stabilization technology ensures videos remain incredibly smooth no matter what, while 360º Horizon Lock, now applied automatically in-camera, keeps everything perfectly level. Prioritizing performance and convenience, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sports a bigger 1800mAh battery and a new Endurance Mode that offers a 50% longer runtime at 4K30fps than Insta360 Ace Pro. Fast charging powers the battery to 80% in 18 minutes or 100% in 47 minutes, so you can get back to the action quicker.

Insta360 has expanded its compatibility with several top third-party sports accessories, allowing action and sports enthusiasts to add a new level of detail. For data-rich videos, overlay real-time stats from third-party sports brands, including Garmin, Apple, COROS, and more. Alternatively, users can add stats from their phone directly in the Insta360 app without any extra gear or use the GPS Preview Remote for easy live preview, remote control, and real-time GPS data. For moto vloggers, pair Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with your motorcycle helmet headset from Sena, Cardo, and more for clear dual-track audio and hands-free control every ride.

Made for those who demand the highest standard of action capture, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers the perfect combination of durability and high-quality performance to capture life’s thrills with confidence.

insta360

Smarter, Easier Capture & Editing

Insta360 Ace Pro’s flip touchscreen proved an essential and convenient tool for creators and has been further upgraded to 2.5 inches. With a 70% increase in pixel density, a 6% increase in brightness and a 100% increase in flip durability, it allows for perfect framing and easier preview for vlogging, selfies, and difficult angles, all while remaining visible under bright sunlight. Instead of guessing if your shot looks perfect, you can shoot with confidence, knowing it is.

Internally, Insta360 Ace Pro 2 offers innovative solutions to problems that have hindered action enthusiasts for years:

  •   4K Clarity Zoom – Want a close-up but the image quality becomes too grainy? Zoom in and out 2x without losing quality.
  •   Pre-Recording – Never miss a moment with up to 120 seconds of footage saved before you even hit record.
  •   Gesture & Voice Control – Use quick hand signals or verbal commands to control the camera, such as start/stop recording or take a photo, ideal if it’s mounted out of reach.
  •   Pause/Resume Recording – Got time between shots? Hit pause and continue recording when you need to keep everything in one continuous file for easier file management and editing.
  •   Timecode – Seamlessly synchronizes multiple cameras for an efficient editing workflow.

Insta360’s revolutionary AI features demonstrate a commitment to making shooting and editing as accessible as possible. Anyone, regardless of their skill level, will be amazed at what they can create. For those who aren’t confident editing, AI Highlights Assistant automatically finds the best moments from a video and delivers the highlights for review, all in-camera. Creators can merge every thrilling moment into one incredible recap or choose the ones their favorites and delete any unwanted clips to save storage.

The Assistant also helps craft your next reel from your adventures and pushes it directly to your smartphone via the Insta360 app. Look back on all your Memories and share those unforgettable moments in seconds.

Acting as a full editing suite in your pocket, the Insta360 mobile app fully embraces the game-changing possibilities of AI with advanced Auto Editing, one-tap templates and creative Shot Lab effects. Instead of spending hours learning complex tools and editing workflows, AI does it all for you, bringing your clips to life with dynamic cuts and transitions. Creators can even achieve the infamous Invisible Selfie Stick effect with the AI Selfie Stick Eraser in the app for third-person views. Looking for a real twist? AI Warp uses preset or custom keywords to bring your wildest ideas to life.

Available Now

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is available to purchase today worldwide via Insta360.com and select retailers. The Standard Bundle retails for US$399.99 and includes a Wind Guard, Battery, Standard Mount, Mic Cap, and USB-C Cable. The dual battery bundle includes the same accessories and two batteries for US$419.99.

www.insta360.com

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Introducing the Nauticam Super Macro Converter 3

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Nauticam SMC-3

The SMC-3

Nauticam is proud to introduce the SMC-3, the latest evolution in our line of water contact optics! Designed as a renewed version of the acclaimed SMC-1, the SMC-3 boasts a lightweight build—now only one-third the weight of its predecessor—without compromising on optical performance.

SMC-3 Specifications

Dimensions OD 70mm x H 32mm 
Weight in Air 307g
Weight in Water 215g
Max Magnification (*1) 2.4x (lens dependent)
Working Distance (*1) 51-103mm
Lens Construction 3 elements in 2 groups
Lens Coatings Anti-reflection Coating
Mount Thread Diameter M67
Depth Rating

100mm

Nauticam SMC-3

Tested with Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Key Features

  • Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just one-third of the SMC-1, the SMC-3 offers unparalleled portability for on-the-go use.
  • Superior Optical Performance: Enjoy the same exceptional clarity and precision you’ve come to expect from the SMC series.
  • Increased Working Distance: The redesigned lens allows for a greater working distance, meaning it’s easier to use and provides enhanced versatility.
  • Premium Materials: Crafted with advanced materials to enhance durability while minimizing weight.
  • Cost-Effective: Slightly more affordable than the discontinued SMC-1, the SMC-3 delivers exceptional value.

Uncompromised Optical Quality

The Super Macro Converter 3 is constructed from lenses that are precision crafted of specially formulated low dispersion optical grade glass, ground to the most demanding standards. These exceptional measures, enhanced by broadband anti-refective coatings effectively reduce common optical issues such as chromatic aberrations, coma, spherical aberration, and field deformation associated with underwater macro photography using traditional magnifying lenses. These optics are assembled in a rugged hard anodized aluminum housing, and nitrogen purged during assembly to eliminate fogging.

Stunning Magnification

When combined with a full frame camera and a 100mm or 105mm macro lens, the device converts the optical system to provide a maximum of 2.4X magnification factor. In other words, a subject area of 15.6mm X 10.4mm will fill the whole frame of a 36mm X 24mm sensor.

Improved Sharpness and Contrast

As the Super Macro Converter 3 is optimized explicitly for using together with a macro lens underwater, images captured exhibit exceptional sharpness compared with conventional magnification lenses. Thanks to the broadband multi-layer anti-reflection coating on each surface of the lenses, images also exhibit higher contrast.

Superb Light Transmission

All the lens elements installed inside the SMC are optically optimized to appropriate diameters so as to provide maximum light transmission. The SMC doesn’t suffer from vignette issues under even the most extreme conditions. The broad band multi-layer anti-reflection coating on all surfaces also greatly improves light transmission.

Optimized for Autofocus

By utilizing a specially developed algorithm in the optimization process, the SMC renders superior image quality over the full focusing range of the camera lens (which becomes ~50 to ~100 mm in front of the SMC). Also benefitting from the high brightness and contrast of the image, the autofocus system of the camera usually works acceptably well within this range.

Nauticam SMC-3

Ample Working Distance

Even at the maximum 2.3X magnification, there is still more than 50mm of working distance between the front element and the subject with 100/105mm macro lenses. This working distance is crucial when capturing behavior with skittish subjects.

Resolution

High resolution was a primary design goal of the SMC project. This has been achieved using computer aided optimization and high grade optical glasses with unique refractive and dispersion properties. Images taken with this new system exhibit very high resolution and quality. Results have exceeded expectations, and these images rival the quality of the macro lens in air.

Smooth Bokeh

The Converter retains the optical properties of the macro lens for the whole system underwater, resulting in a blurred (out of focus) background that has a pleasing smoothness and creamy look, without the normal purple and green fringing.

Avoiding Diffraction

Due to the overall superior optical performance of the SMC-3 it is possible to shoot larger apertures with excellent image quality. This avoids reaching the diffraction limit of high resolution sensors, and allows selective focus effects with narrow depth of field in super macro images.

For more information about the Nauticam Super Macro Converter 3, which ships in November, click here.

www.nauticam.com

 

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