The Shooter's Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is upon us, but you still have time to rush out and buy that underwater photographer on your list something special. Here is some inspiration to ensure good cheer and good images.
Sea & Sea DX-D100 and DX-30/60 Housings
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| Sea & Sea DX-D100 housing|
The hot new digital single-lens-reflex cameras this season are from Nikon and Canon. The Nikon D100 and the Canon D60 and D30 are each six-megapixel cameras that accept all the interchangeable lenses and dedicated strobes provided by their respective companies. Imagine reasonably priced cameras with virtually no digital lag, file resolution able to shoot cover-sized images or even 16 x 20 enlargements, and able to accept up to 1-gigabyte CompactFlash or MicroDrives to boot. Imagine over 100 high-resolution images on a single dive, all able to be converted from the original RAW capture mode into 33-megabyte TIF files. The digital advantages are obvious and compelling, so to no one's surprise the race was launched among housing manufacturers to adapt these cameras to underwater use. Among the first to market is the Sea & Sea DX-D100 (for the Nikon D100) and the DX-30/60 (because the Canon D60 and its earlier version, the D30, are the same size, the same housing fits both). With polycarbonate and ABS construction, interchangeable ports, standard Nikonos five-pin bulkheads, and the extraordinary ergonomics for which Sea & Sea has become famous, these housings usher in a new era of affordable digital SLR imaging. We look forward to offering a complete review of these cameras and housings once they are available for in-water testing, but as of this writing, the first housings are only now shipping from Japan. Stay tuned. Price: $1,800. On the web:www.seaandsea.com.
Pioneer Research SeaLife ReefMaster Digital Camera and Accessory Lenses
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| SeaLife ReefMaster digital camera with SL970 wide-angle lens|
In the June 2002 Viewfinder column, we introduced the ReefMaster digital camera and the unique concept of having a housing manufacturer commission a camera to its specs, both in terms of hardware and software. The result has been a very popular 1.3-megapixel camera with a 2x digital zoom that can be used either as a standalone topside camera, or in a cleverly crafted housing for underwater use. There is even an external flash that functions as a cordless slave as well as a close-up lens and macro lenses.
Now, Pioneer Research has gone the extra step necessary to make this a complete digital system by introducing its 24mm wide-angle lens. With close-focus capability that allows sharp focus to within 12 inches of the subject, this multicoated optic can easily be attached or removed from any ReefMaster camera, even while under water. Weighing in at nine ounces, with three lens elements in three groups in an aluminum housing, the SL970 lens is submersible up to 200 feet and is compatible with all the cameras in the ReefMaster line, including the SportDiver, ReefMaster CL, ReefMaster RC, ReefMaster DC100 and DC200. Price: $99.95. On the web: www.sealife-cameras.com.
Light & Motion Titan and Bluefin Housings
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| Light & Motion Titan housing|
Whether the digital enthusiast in your life is after the ultimate still or video image, Light & Motion has it covered. The Titan housing is especially designed for the Olympus E-20n and E-10n SLR digital cameras. The flagship model, the E-20, is a five-megapixel SLR with an integral 35-140mm lens, 4X optical zoom, and quick autofocus capability. Supporting both Smart Media and CompactFlash cards, it's possible to capture hundreds of high-resolution images on a single dive. The housing provides access to all the camera controls, and features a 1.8-inch LCD screen for instant viewing feedback. The standard flat port is great for fish photography, and optional close-up and wide-angle accessory optics can be changed under water. Like the Tetra housing for the Coolpix 5000, the Titan includes the revolutionary ROC strobe controller for up to 12 manual power settings for most TTL-compatible strobes. Price: $2,699; complete package including strobe accessories and case, starting from $3,999.
For underwater video enthusiasts who take their craft very seriously, the Bluefin VX2000 housing for Sony's highly regarded three-chip VX2000 and PD150 camcorders is a current state-of-the-art application. The Bluefin provides access to program auto exposure, shutter speed, white balance, audio level, exposure and the neutral-density filter. Accessories include a remote monitor that allows for housing operation from a remote location up to 300 feet away--a great idea when shooting close-ups of a great white shark's teeth. The Bluefin VX2000 also includes an EOS port ready to accept an underwater communications system. Travel packages include HID or halogen lights with appropriate chargers and NiMH batteries. Price: Bluefin VX2000 housing, $3,899; with travel package, $5,399. Housing also available for the new Sony three-chip TRV950. On the web: www.uwimaging.com.
Ultralight Pivot Tray for the Light & Motion Tetra Coolpix 5000 Housing
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| Ultralight Pivot Tray|
More than just a stocking-stuffer, the Ultralight Pivot Tray for the new Tetra Coolpix 5000 housing fills a much-needed niche. The problem has always been how to shoot vertical images with dual strobes. Most trays and arm systems allow for a traditional right-and-left position while in horizontal mode, but turn the camera vertical and you now have top-and bottom light instead. Ultralight's clever pivoting tray creates the means to turn the camera independent of the strobe position, so even verticals have the more pleasing textured side light. Price: $186.95. On the web:www.ulcs.com.
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| Pelican Products Micro cases |
Pelican Products Micro Case Series
Pelican cases are possibly the most universally accepted underwater accessory anywhere. The Pelican 1620 is the standard case for housing shooters, so sturdy and commodious that the only problem is to keep from filling it with more than the 70 pounds of gear allowed by most airlines. But Pelican now provides cases to fit the other end of the size spectrum--cases for cell phones, PDAs pagers, and other small electronics that need protection from moisture or shock. Like their big brothers, these cases are watertight and integrate an automatic pressure purge valve.
Pelican Micro Case Series cases are available in solid colors (black, blue, yellow, red) and clear with matching colored latches and liners (black, blue, yellow, red). They are lightweight and come in six sizes (from 5 7/16" to 9 3/8") that fit into glove compartments, attache cases, bags and, of course, dive bags. ** Price:** From $24.96. On the web: www.pelican.com.
Storm Cases
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| Storm Cases|
A new player in the travel case market is the Storm Case. Available in the dive industry through much of the Scubapro distribution network, the Storm Cases are manufactured of a performance resin compound; and feature press/pull latches, soft grip handles, a purge valve that automatically adjusts to changing air pressure, cubed foam or padded dividers for easy customization and wheels on the larger-sized cases. With a lifetime guarantee and a wide variety of sizes (extra-small to large), the Storm Case will look mighty attractive underneath the Christmas tree. Price: From $81 to $259 without foam; $93 to $304 with foam. In black, gray, yellow or olive drab. On the web:www.stormcase.com.
Seacam Viewfinders
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| Seacam S180 and S45 viewfinders|
Of course, buying a Seacam viewfinder for your beloved photographer presupposes that he or she already owns a Seacam housing. Should that be the case, either the S45 (for swivel 45-degree) or the S180 (for straight-through viewing) will provide a seriously enhanced view of the groundglass as compared with the standard Pro viewfinder. Both of these sophisticated finders offer a +/- three diopter correction to adapt to personal vision, and interchange on any Seacam Silver housing without the need for tools. Trying to fine-focus or read LEDs through an SLR viewfinder while wearing a mask has always been a problem, and has led to the popularity of cameras with interchangeable sportfinders like the Nikon F5 for underwater use. Now photographers with cameras like the Nikon F100 or D1X can enjoy the same magnified view of the focus screen, even while wearing a dive mask. Price: S45, $1,440; S180, $1,645. On the web:www.seacamusa.com.
Sea & Sea MX-5 II Camera and YS-20A Strobe
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| Sea & Sea MX-5 II camera with YS-20A strobe|
One of the great entry-level amphibious cameras is the Sea & Sea MX-5. With its attractive sub-$200 price and sharp 28mm lens and built-in flash, it immediately attracted a strong following among point-and-shooters. Sea & Sea was not content with that market niche only, and has improved its product with the introduction of a close-up lens. Recognizing that the camera's built-in flash can cause backscatter in turbid conditions, and realizing that an off-camera flash is more desirable, Sea & Sea has recently introduced a dedicated flash and bracket to adapt it directly to the camera. Older MX-5s can be upgraded to YS-20A flash compatibility for just $65, and the new model camera (known as the MX-5 II) offers strobe compatibility as a standard feature. Backscatter reduction, more strobe power, and more creative lighting effects become possible with this new camera/strobe combination. Price: MX-5 II, $199.95; strobe, $250; kit, $420. On the web:www.seaandsea.com.
Gates Housing for the Sony F707/F717 Digital Camera
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| Gates F707/F717 housing|
The Sony F707 and its newly introduced sibling, the F717, are popular prosumer digital still cameras featuring 5-megapixel resolution, ergonomic design and sharp Carl Zeiss optics. Those who have discovered the joys of this camera for topside use will be pleased to know that Gates Underwater Products has adapted it for underwater use. Long known for its ultra-reliable video housings, Gates brings a unique interchangeable multiport system to its digital still housing, allowing lenses to be changed under water. Strobe lighting is achieved via a dedicated external submersible strobe, and the housing provides access to all key camera functions, including manual focus, white balance, auto-exposure lock, and exposure control in either manual, shutter priority or aperture priority modes. Of course, full automatic operation is possible as well. With a depth rating of 450 feet, the Gates F707/F717 housing is both rugged and elegant. Price: Basic price, $1,995. On the web:www.gateshousings.com.
The holiday season is upon us, but you still have time to rush out and buy that underwater photographer on your list something special. Here is some inspiration to ensure good cheer and good images.
Sea & Sea DX-D100 and DX-30/60 Housings
Sea & Sea DX-D100 housing The hot new digital single-lens-reflex cameras this season are from Nikon and Canon. The Nikon D100 and the Canon D60 and D30 are each six-megapixel cameras that accept all the interchangeable lenses and dedicated strobes provided by their respective companies. Imagine reasonably priced cameras with virtually no digital lag, file resolution able to shoot cover-sized images or even 16 x 20 enlargements, and able to accept up to 1-gigabyte CompactFlash or MicroDrives to boot. Imagine over 100 high-resolution images on a single dive, all able to be converted from the original RAW capture mode into 33-megabyte TIF files. The digital advantages are obvious and compelling, so to no one's surprise the race was launched among housing manufacturers to adapt these cameras to underwater use. Among the first to market is the Sea & Sea DX-D100 (for the Nikon D100) and the DX-30/60 (because the Canon D60 and its earlier version, the D30, are the same size, the same housing fits both). With polycarbonate and ABS construction, interchangeable ports, standard Nikonos five-pin bulkheads, and the extraordinary ergonomics for which Sea & Sea has become famous, these housings usher in a new era of affordable digital SLR imaging. We look forward to offering a complete review of these cameras and housings once they are available for in-water testing, but as of this writing, the first housings are only now shipping from Japan. Stay tuned. Price: $1,800. On the web: www.seaandsea.com.
Pioneer Research SeaLife ReefMaster Digital Camera and Accessory Lenses
SeaLife ReefMaster digital camera with SL970 wide-angle lens In the June 2002 Viewfinder column, we introduced the ReefMaster digital camera and the unique concept of having a housing manufacturer commission a camera to its specs, both in terms of hardware and software. The result has been a very popular 1.3-megapixel camera with a 2x digital zoom that can be used either as a standalone topside camera, or in a cleverly crafted housing for underwater use. There is even an external flash that functions as a cordless slave as well as a close-up lens and macro lenses.
Now, Pioneer Research has gone the extra step necessary to make this a complete digital system by introducing its 24mm wide-angle lens. With close-focus capability that allows sharp focus to within 12 inches of the subject, this multicoated optic can easily be attached or removed from any ReefMaster camera, even while under water. Weighing in at nine ounces, with three lens elements in three groups in an aluminum housing, the SL970 lens is submersible up to 200 feet and is compatible with all the cameras in the ReefMaster line, including the SportDiver, ReefMaster CL, ReefMaster RC, ReefMaster DC100 and DC200. Price: $99.95. On the web: www.sealife-cameras.com.
Light & Motion Titan and Bluefin Housings
Light & Motion Titan housing Whether the digital enthusiast in your life is after the ultimate still or video image, Light & Motion has it covered. The Titan housing is especially designed for the Olympus E-20n and E-10n SLR digital cameras. The flagship model, the E-20, is a five-megapixel SLR with an integral 35-140mm lens, 4X optical zoom, and quick autofocus capability. Supporting both Smart Media and CompactFlash cards, it's possible to capture hundreds of high-resolution images on a single dive. The housing provides access to all the camera controls, and features a 1.8-inch LCD screen for instant viewing feedback. The standard flat port is great for fish photography, and optional close-up and wide-angle accessory optics can be changed under water. Like the Tetra housing for the Coolpix 5000, the Titan includes the revolutionary ROC strobe controller for up to 12 manual power settings for most TTL-compatible strobes. Price: $2,699; complete package including strobe accessories and case, starting from $3,999.
For underwater video enthusiasts who take their craft very seriously, the Bluefin VX2000 housing for Sony's highly regarded three-chip VX2000 and PD150 camcorders is a current state-of-the-art application. The Bluefin provides access to program auto exposure, shutter speed, white balance, audio level, exposure and the neutral-density filter. Accessories include a remote monitor that allows for housing operation from a remote location up to 300 feet away--a great idea when shooting close-ups of a great white shark's teeth. The Bluefin VX2000 also includes an EOS port ready to accept an underwater communications system. Travel packages include HID or halogen lights with appropriate chargers and NiMH batteries. Price: Bluefin VX2000 housing, $3,899; with travel package, $5,399. Housing also available for the new Sony three-chip TRV950. On the web: www.uwimaging.com.
Ultralight Pivot Tray for the Light & Motion Tetra Coolpix 5000 Housing
Ultralight Pivot Tray More than just a stocking-stuffer, the Ultralight Pivot Tray for the new Tetra Coolpix 5000 housing fills a much-needed niche. The problem has always been how to shoot vertical images with dual strobes. Most trays and arm systems allow for a traditional right-and-left position while in horizontal mode, but turn the camera vertical and you now have top-and bottom light instead. Ultralight's clever pivoting tray creates the means to turn the camera independent of the strobe position, so even verticals have the more pleasing textured side light. Price: $186.95. On the web: www.ulcs.com.
Pelican Products Micro cases
Pelican Products Micro Case Series
Pelican cases are possibly the most universally accepted underwater accessory anywhere. The Pelican 1620 is the standard case for housing shooters, so sturdy and commodious that the only problem is to keep from filling it with more than the 70 pounds of gear allowed by most airlines. But Pelican now provides cases to fit the other end of the size spectrum--cases for cell phones, PDAs pagers, and other small electronics that need protection from moisture or shock. Like their big brothers, these cases are watertight and integrate an automatic pressure purge valve.
Pelican Micro Case Series cases are available in solid colors (black, blue, yellow, red) and clear with matching colored latches and liners (black, blue, yellow, red). They are lightweight and come in six sizes (from 5 7/16" to 9 3/8") that fit into glove compartments, attache cases, bags and, of course, dive bags. ** Price:** From $24.96. On the web: www.pelican.com.
Storm Cases
Storm Cases A new player in the travel case market is the Storm Case. Available in the dive industry through much of the Scubapro distribution network, the Storm Cases are manufactured of a performance resin compound; and feature press/pull latches, soft grip handles, a purge valve that automatically adjusts to changing air pressure, cubed foam or padded dividers for easy customization and wheels on the larger-sized cases. With a lifetime guarantee and a wide variety of sizes (extra-small to large), the Storm Case will look mighty attractive underneath the Christmas tree. Price: From $81 to $259 without foam; $93 to $304 with foam. In black, gray, yellow or olive drab. On the web: www.stormcase.com.
Seacam Viewfinders
Seacam S180 and S45 viewfinders Of course, buying a Seacam viewfinder for your beloved photographer presupposes that he or she already owns a Seacam housing. Should that be the case, either the S45 (for swivel 45-degree) or the S180 (for straight-through viewing) will provide a seriously enhanced view of the groundglass as compared with the standard Pro viewfinder. Both of these sophisticated finders offer a +/- three diopter correction to adapt to personal vision, and interchange on any Seacam Silver housing without the need for tools. Trying to fine-focus or read LEDs through an SLR viewfinder while wearing a mask has always been a problem, and has led to the popularity of cameras with interchangeable sportfinders like the Nikon F5 for underwater use. Now photographers with cameras like the Nikon F100 or D1X can enjoy the same magnified view of the focus screen, even while wearing a dive mask. Price: S45, $1,440; S180, $1,645. On the web: www.seacamusa.com.
Sea & Sea MX-5 II Camera and YS-20A Strobe
Sea & Sea MX-5 II camera with YS-20A strobe One of the great entry-level amphibious cameras is the Sea & Sea MX-5. With its attractive sub-$200 price and sharp 28mm lens and built-in flash, it immediately attracted a strong following among point-and-shooters. Sea & Sea was not content with that market niche only, and has improved its product with the introduction of a close-up lens. Recognizing that the camera's built-in flash can cause backscatter in turbid conditions, and realizing that an off-camera flash is more desirable, Sea & Sea has recently introduced a dedicated flash and bracket to adapt it directly to the camera. Older MX-5s can be upgraded to YS-20A flash compatibility for just $65, and the new model camera (known as the MX-5 II) offers strobe compatibility as a standard feature. Backscatter reduction, more strobe power, and more creative lighting effects become possible with this new camera/strobe combination. Price: MX-5 II, $199.95; strobe, $250; kit, $420. On the web: www.seaandsea.com.
Gates Housing for the Sony F707/F717 Digital Camera
Gates F707/F717 housing| The Sony F707 and its newly introduced sibling, the F717, are popular prosumer digital still cameras featuring 5-megapixel resolution, ergonomic design and sharp Carl Zeiss optics. Those who have discovered the joys of this camera for topside use will be pleased to know that Gates Underwater Products has adapted it for underwater use. Long known for its ultra-reliable video housings, Gates brings a unique interchangeable multiport system to its digital still housing, allowing lenses to be changed under water. Strobe lighting is achieved via a dedicated external submersible strobe, and the housing provides access to all key camera functions, including manual focus, white balance, auto-exposure lock, and exposure control in either manual, shutter priority or aperture priority modes. Of course, full automatic operation is possible as well. With a depth rating of 450 feet, the Gates F707/F717 housing is both rugged and elegant. Price: Basic price, $1,995. On the web: www.gateshousings.com.
