News
Underwater Photography News from DIVE 2016, Part 1: 360bubble
As usual, underwater photography featured prominently at the Birmingham Dive Show at the NEC this past weekend. The Photozone was packed with underwater photography equipment to buy, new innovations, the BSoUP photo competition and a host of great speakers on the Centre Stage. Over the next week we will be bringing you all the news about the underwater photography equipment and talks from the show.
360bubble
360bubble are the newest photography orientated team to join the Dive Show exhibitors with their innovative underwater housings for 360 cameras. 360 cameras are storming the above-water market, with Facebook, YouTube and VR goggles hugely popular for those that love the idea of a 360 degree panorama. So it is great to see 360bubble at the show encouraging divers to take this technology underwater. The stand was certainly attracting crowds, with wonderful images (or photospheres) and video, drawing in those who passed by, along with the unusual looking “bubble” for sale.
Until now, being able to take underwater 360 images and video has been prohibitively expensive, but 360bubble have changed this, with reasonably priced packages that will provide plenty of fun for anyone who takes the plunge. As soon as we saw the product, we started talking about shallow dives that we have done that would have worked brilliantly with the 360bubble.
Currently they have two products; one for pool use that is depth rated up to 4m, and a snorkelling, shallow water diving model that is waterproof to 10m. They are about to start a crowdfunding campaign to allow them to begin work on a much deeper version (working to at least 50m) which we would love to see at a future show.
The housings are designed to take all the current major players in 360 cameras. You can buy the housing alone if you already own one of these cameras, or 360bubble also sell camera and housing packages. The dive show special offer of 20% off is still available until tomorrow (Tuesday 25th October} – so if you fancy giving this a try, do so quickly! Go to the 360bubble website and use the code Dive2016.
This was 360bubble’s first Dive Show and they seemed to be delighted on how it had gone. We caught up with them late on the Sunday and they said that the show had gone well with really good customer involvement and that the crowd had been great.
We will be testing the 360bubble in the next few weeks, so watch out for some fun shots and video on Scubaverse in the near future. We cannot wait to get our hands on this great new product.
Here is a video link shot with the 360bubble housing:
For more from Nick and Caroline visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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