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.
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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