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Winning Shots from World Oceans Day

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In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, June 8th would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day.” World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans – and be part of the solutions.

Photography is a powerful medium to convey a feeling or a message, so the World Oceans Day photography competition is an open and free photo competition that seeks to inspire the creation of imagery capturing the beauty, the challenges and the importance of the ocean and humankind’s relation to it, hoping to contribute to actions to preserve it.

Here are the 2019 winners…


Above Water Seascapes Winner: Caine Delacy

Image above

On a stormy morning in Dominica I watched these fishers set a net perhaps 200-300 meters in length; from their small boat. As they started pulling it in the fish caught presumably ballyhoo (Hemiramphus brasiliensis), started to concentrate near the surface and a seemingly empty net soon became full of fish. When one fisher jumped in to close the bottom of the net, the catch was a good as theirs. The next step was to haul it all onto the boat, this is where the difference between industrial and artisanal fishing is found.”


Clean our Oceans Winner: Jacek Dybowski

I took the pictures of this injured shark during a diving safari in the Red Sea, Egypt. The route of the safari was along the golden triangle – Brother’s Island, Deadalus, Elphistone. We met the shark in the waters around the Small Brother Island. The purpose of the safari was generally a meeting of sharks, of which this route is famous for. This is a longimanus shark, which by nature is very curious. When diving boats arrive, sharks appear to observe the divers. They are not afraid, they swim very close to divers. This shark appeared with two others, but only he was swimming with a large group of pilot fish. It was only when he approached very close that one could see that it was wounded.

The feeling was devastating. I had never seen anything like this. In the beginning, I did not know what happened to this shark and what is located on its gills. I was shocked when I noticed that this yellow plastic was cutting the shark very deeply. This had to cause the excruciating pain to it.

When we were discussing on the boat with other divers about what could have happened to this shark, when we were looking at the photos, we came to the conclusion that he was wearing a necklace for fixing the second stage of breathing regulator. The shark had to somehow put it on himself when it was small and growing along with it. This plastic band looked like rooted in. We discussed the possibility of re-diving and trying to remove this plastic, but none of us had experience in this kind of activities. We decided it could be too dangerous.”


Human Interaction – Making a Difference Winner: David Salvatori

Strait of Messina (Italy) – a diver floats in a soup of trillion of tunicates brought together by a very rare combination of currents, winds, moon cycle. Strait of Messina, between end point of Italy peninsula and isle of Sicily, is a unique place where strong currents and steep sea bottoms often create conditions for rare encounters


Underwater Life Winner: Galice Hoarau

Selayar Island, South Sulawesi,Indonesia

Green turtle Chelonia mydas

Green turtles can be found in large numbers in the shallow waters around Selayar. On this dive site 30 to 40 individuals can be found resting and getting cleaned. After spending several dives with them, I was lucky to find this particularly friendly one surrounded by cardinal fish.”


Underwater Seascapes Winner: Renee Capozzola

A healthy soft coral reef explodes with life in Raja Ampat

This image was taken in Raja Ampat, Indonesia where many healthy coral reefs can be found.  Showing an explosion of color and vitality, this flourishing marine ecosystem is a testament to how coral reefs should look.  Here, soft corals bloom into rainbow-hued formations that are full of fish life.  It is my hope that images like this will help to raise awareness for the added protections our oceans need.”


Gender and Oceans Winner: Henley Spiers

Marine biologists Emily and Kari tend to the coral nursery at COMO Cocoa Island. Rapidly rising sea temperatures have devastated somewhere between 60% to 90% of the shallow, stone coral reefs in the Maldives. Initiatives such as this coral garden provide a fast platform for growing coral which can then be used to repopulate the reef.”


Overall Winner 2019 UN World Oceans Day

For more information about World Oceans Day visit the website by clicking here.

As an underwater and wildlife photographer, Fellow of The Explorers Club and having a front seat in exploration being part of the Flag and Honours Committee, Ellen is also inducted in the Women Divers Hall of Fame. She travels the world and tries to make the most of every destination and the path that leads her there. Ellen acts as an ocean citizen and believes as divers we should all be ocean ambassadors and lead by example! Having lived in Grand Cayman for many years, she now lives in the UK.

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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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