News
UWP News from DEMA: ISOTTA
We spoke to Simon Lorenz on the ISOTTA stand today, having been drawn to the stand by their lovely looking red housings. It is their first time at DEMA (just like us) and their Italian housings were certainly catching the eye. It is a family business that started out in the video housing market, but are now fully focused on underwater photography. Their housings and accessories are already very popular in Italy and the rest of Southern Europe, but they are now spreading out to a global audience. ISOTTA fill the gap between the least and most expensive of the underwater camera housings. You get a lot for your money, as ISOTTA come in around 30% cheaper than others on the market and, on the face of it at least, quality is not compromised.
We started by looking at the smaller camera housings and worked our way up, so our first look was at their two GoPro housings. Depending on what model of GoPro you own, these housings are rated to 150m and 200m respectively and have a host of accessories like flip holders for red filters, shot extension, action viewfinders and a really nice tray for steadier underwater filming.
We moved on to their compact camera housings, with the latest on display being the Sony RX100 mkIV and the Canon G7X mkII. They focus on quality and simplicity in the design, so that the user is able to access all the essential functions, with minimal clutter on the housing itself. Another feature that stands out on these housings is the excellent position and design of the shutter release. The ports have a 67mm thread to be able to add wet lenses with ease.
Moving up again, we looked at their mirrorless camera housings, with the newest model for the Sony Alpha 7 RII. The housing is neat and very compact, and the LED trigger is included with the housing. We loved that all the controls are laser engraved onto the housing, so you will never get your labels or paint rubbing off. These housings are also the only ones in the world that you can open whilst it is sitting upright, using only one hand. The housings can take the INON viewfinders if you want to upgrade from the standard system. Whilst you can fit a vacuum pump, due to the double o-rings and unique shutting mechanism, they are very confident you will not need it!
The latest DSLR housing on display was for the Nikon D500. Again, with these housings, an LED trigger is included with the housing. The new housing is bigger but lighter than previous models. We love that they have kept the top display window which many other manufacturers, have, inconceivably, done away with. We also love that you can reach the ISO button with your right thumb, making this control much easier that on many other housings.
ISOTTA also make a range of quality ports and accessories, which are also all made in Italy. The arms are striking looking, and all but the very smallest offer additional buoyancy to the systems. They also offer a moveable (and removable) float arm, so that you can easily adjust the buoyancy when you change ports.
We very much hope to be testing an ISOTTA housing in the near future, so look out for more on Scubaverse soon.
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.
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.
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.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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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