News
UWP News from DEMA: Light & Motion
Light & Motion was started up by two Stanford students in 1989. The company is based in Monterey in California and everything they make is built at this location. What a fantastic place to be based, where they can walk out the company headquarters doors and straight into the water for some great diving! We did this ourselves two years ago. We met-up with Hal Wolter at DEMA to talk about what is new in the world of Light & Motion.
Our first conversation got us onto just how many video lights there are on the market and how consumers are really struggling to work-out which was the best video/photo light to buy. Hal told us about the FL-1 standard that should put everyone on the same page when it comes to their claims on lumens and output. They have even gone so far as setting-up a webpage to compare the various lights that are on the market: www.wetestlights.com
We then got on with talking about new products from Light & Motion that were on display at DEMA. The first of these is the Sola Video Pro 9600. As the name suggests this is a 9600 lumen light launched at DEMA and it has an LED read-out on the back of the light to show the current battery life and lumen output. This is the top of the range video light with 7 modes plus an SOS facility.
Also new at the show was the Sola Video 3800 F. This is a wonderfully compact light that packs a mean punch. 3800 lumen flood with a wide 90 degree beam. It has a fast charge system, so that you can be fully charged within 1hr 45mins and you have the option of carrying a remote battery pack so that you can recharge this light without a wall socket for up to 3 charges, great for trips with limited access to standard electricity sockets!
The Sola Video 2500 S/f is a light that has a moderately wide beam of 60 degrees at 2500 lumens and also the option to switch to a penetrating 12 degree spotlight at 1200 lumen. This will be popular with underwater photographers who want a snoot-style light option, to go with a video light and can have this all wrapped up in one light with the Sola. Each beam has three power levels plus the additional SOS mode.
New for January 2017 will be a dome to increase the beam angle by 20 degrees. This has been designed so that it will fit all models from around the last 3 years.
Light & Motion have partnered with another DEMA exhibitor, Polarpro (see Scubaverse interview here) to create the “ultimate video kit” for the GoPro cameras. This is a package that includes a tray, 2 arms, filter system, macro lens and 2 lights, all packed up in a handy bag.
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.
-
- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
-
- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
-
- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
-
- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
-
- 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
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Blogs3 months agoFreediver Christian Redl Sets His 13th World Record at Lake Neufeld