Photo / Video News & Reviews
Nauticam Release New Housing For The Canon G7 X
Nauticam has released its newest aluminum underwater camera housing, NA-G7X for the 20MP Canon G7 X Camera. The NA-G7X is the latest release in the Nauticam advanced compact camera lineup, and provides an impressive feature set for underwater photographers seeking big image quality in a small package.
The Canon Powershot G7 X
The G7 X was one of the most interesting introductions of September’s Photokina Imaging Fair in Cologne, Germany. This camera is a serious competitor to the hugely popular Sony Cyber-shot RX100 series cameras with a large 1″ image sensor in a truly pocketable form factor. The size of the G7 X is reminiscent of the Canon S-series of high end compacts, a model which has also been very popular for underwater photography, but sports an impressive 2.8x larger sensor. Digital Photography Review suggests: “The G7 X is just as small as the Sony RX100 but offers much more in terns of direct control.”
The G7 X is a true enthusiast camera built around a 20 megapixel 1” BSI CMOS imaging sensor and updated DIGIC 6 Image Processor. Image quality is nothing short of exceptional.
To make the most of these digital chops, G7 X sports an outstanding lens, covering an extremely versatile 24-100mm equivalent range. This is just as wide, but with more reach than competing compact options. The lens is also very bright, with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 on the wide angle end, and only closing down to f/2.8 at full telephoto.
Most interesting to underwater photographers is the excellent macro performance of G7 X when used with accessory macro conversion lenses. G7 X can capture significantly smaller subjects than Sony’s RX100 series. Nauticam say that the only current cameras that they have tested offering better closeup performance are the smaller sensor Canon G16 and S120.
The display panel is a 3” TFT-LCD, and is articulated, allowing a full 180 degrees tilt for shooting in tricky circumstances.
As expected, 1920 x 1080 Full HD movie clips can be captured at 30 or 60 fps and enhanced by Canon’s very accurate underwater white balance capability, producing pleasing color when shooting movie clips with only a filter.
Canon’s determination to compete with the best in the compact camera market means we all reap the benefits.
Nauticam NA-G7X
NA-G7X is the latest iteration in a lineup of advanced housings for very capable compact cameras supported by Nauticam. Features found on professional DSLR systems have been integrated into this system, and the result is an underwater housing that allows the user to harness the full potential of advanced compact camera in water.
All of the basic functions and ergonomic enhancements that Nauticam users have grown to know and love are incorporated in NA-G7X. The housing is machined from a solid block of aluminum, then hard anodized to seal out corrosive salt water. It is closed via a simple, yet secure locking rotary latch. The right side of the housing is sculpted to fit the palm of the user’s hand, and Nauticam’s two-stage shutter release lever provides clear differentiation between the half press and full press shutter release positions. All functions are clearly labeled, and an m14 accessory socket allows an optional vacuum valve to be installed.
This is the first Nauticam compact camera housing to feature an interchangeable port system. This new port line is called the “N50” mount, and allows optical solutions to be precisely dialed in for maximum performance in water. Ports are attached via a bayonet fitting, and locked securely in place.
The Nauticam leak alarm and vacuum monitoring system is installed as standard equipment. This system provides an audible and visual alert to any water entry in the housing, and when combined with an accessory M14 Vacuum Valve (#25611) the water tight integrity of the system can be tested before ever entering the water and monitored during every dive.
NA-G7X Feature Checklist
- Secure, easy to use locking latch
- Ergonomic controls with size, shape and color differentiation
- All camera controls accessible
- All controls clearly labeled
- Popup flash lever
- Dual fiber optic bulkhead
- Integrated leak detector and optional vacuum check
- M10 mounting ball
- Cold shoe mount
- Interchangeable port mount
- Standard port: full zoom through & m67 accessory mounting
- 1/4-20 tripod or tray mounting holes
- Sculpted, sensitive shutter release
- M14 bulkhead port for vacuum valve
The New N50 Port System
Because of the specific camera and lens function of the Canon G7 X, a special port system is required to fully realize the potential of accessory wide angle lenses underwater.
The NA-G7X “standard” port, supplied with the housing, allows full zoom through and features a 67mm threaded front for attaching accessory macro lenses. This port is ideal for mid-range fish portraiture style shooting, close-up, and macro with add on wet-lenses.
An optional N50 Short Port with M67 Thread for Wide Angle Lenses (#38701) is available, offering precise placement of wide lenses very close to the camera’s lens at its wide angle zoom position. Zoom through is not available with this port, but it does offer the widest coverage possible with minimal vignetting for wide angle photography.
A dome port solution is also available, restoring the in-air field of view of the lens. This is a light weight configuration that offers a surprisingly wide angle of coverage. This port is called N50 3.5″ Acrylic Dome Port (#38702).
Testing indicates that the Inon UWL-H100 (either in the m67 mount or the LD mount) is an ideal wide angle lens for the NA-G7X. This combination will result in a diagonal FOV in excess of one hundred degrees (100º).
Coming Soon:Compact Macro Converter The Nauticam Super Macro Converter shook up the super macro shooter world last year when it was released, bringing more sharpness and less distortion to an underwater macro lens than had ever been seen before. Building on that success, Nauticam is nearing release of a new and similar lens, this time designed for compact camera lenses. The Nauticam Compact Macro Converter (CMC), as it will be called, will become the ideal closeup lens for this and other similar compact cameras. Shot with NA-G7X and prototype Compact Macro Converter, by Alex Tattersall |
Nauticam Vacuum Check System
The engineers at Nauticam have also managed to squeeze in the Nauticam vacuum monitoring and leak detection electronics. By default, it serves as an audible and visual leak detector, but add a Nauticam M14 Vacuum Valve, (p/n 25611) and it becomes a vacuum check system. The vacuum monitoring system provides early warning for any problem with watertight integrity – which means peace of mind when shooting underwater.
Recommended Accessories
Nauticam
| p/n | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 25611 | M14 Vacuum Valve | Enables vacuum check system, allowing for check of watertight integrity |
| TBD | CMC | Coming Soon. Compact Macro Converter; add on lens that provides close focus macro with minimal distortion |
| 25101 | M67 Flip Diopter Holder | Enables quick installation and removal of the CMC underwater by flipping lens in place or out of the way |
| 71201 | Easitray | Simple tray with comfortable rubberized hand grips |
| 71207 | Flexitray | Adjustable tray with comfortable rubberized hand grips |
| 71209 | Flexitray W | Wider Flexitray, also allows for tripod use |
| 71208 | Right Handle | Right handle for Easitray or Flexitray |
| 71311 | Ball for Easi/Flexitray | 1″ Mounting ball for either tray, allows mounting strobes/lights using Nauticam arms/clamps |
| 36316 | Compact Handstrap | Comfortable handstrap for right side of housing |
| 36323 | Long Handstrap | Longer version of handstrap for larger hands |
| 25106 | LCD Magnifier | Enlarge the view of the LCD; easy to see in bright sun, and can adjust diopter |
| 25123 | LCD Magnifier Rails | Allows installation of LCD Magnifier |
| 25221 | M10 ball | Mount point for lighting hardware |
| 25514 | Ball adapter (Inon) | Allows mounting of Inon strobe |
| various | Arms/Clamps | Nauticam mounting hardware |
| various | Carbon fiber buoyancy arms | Arm that provides extra buoyancy to offset heavy lights or strobes |
| 26214 | Fiber optic cable for Inon Strobe | Allows fast, accurate automatic flash exposure (TTL) over fiber, with no sync cables to flood or corrode |
| 26215 | Fiber optic cable for Sea&Sea strobe | Allows fast, accurate automatic flash exposure (TTL) over fiber, with no sync cables to flood or corrode |
Recommended Third Party Accessories from Inon, Keldan, FIX NEO
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Inon UWL-H100 28m67 type 2 | Recommended wide angle wet mount lens |
| Inon Z-240 | Powerful, reliable strobe with excellent coverage |
| Inon S-2000 | Smallest strobe, ideal for travel |
| FIX NEO 2000 SWR | Focus light with Wide, Spot and Red light options |
| Keldan Video 4X | Compact 6000 lumen video light |
Details and Specifications
- Depth Rating: 100m
- Weight: 0.83kg
- Dimensions: 146mm (w) x 100mm (h) x 111mm (d)
Model Number: 17318
USA Retail Price: $1100
Shipping Now.
More information is available from Nauticam USA at: www.nauticamusa.com
USA Dealer List: www.nauticamusa.com/nauticam-dealers
Worldwide Dealer List: www.nauticam.com/dealer02.asp
An emotive photograph showing a freediver examining the aftermath of whaling sees
Alex Dawson from Sweden named Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024. Dawson’s
photograph ‘Whale Bones’ triumphed over 6500 underwater pictures entered by underwater
photographers from around the world.
“Whale Bones was photographed in the toughest conditions,” explains chair of judging
panel Alex Mustard, “as a breath-hold diver descends below the Greenland ice sheet to bear
witness to the carcasses. The composition invites us to consider our impact on the great
creatures of this planet. Since the rise of humans, wild animals have declined by 85%. Today,
just 4% of mammals are wildlife, the remaining 96% are humans and our livestock. Our way
needs to change to find a balance with nature.”
Photo: Rafael
Fernandez Caballero
Whales dominated the winning pictures this year with Spanish photographer Rafael
Fernandez Caballero winning two categories with his revealing photos of these ocean giants:
a close up of a grey whale’s eye and an action shot of a Bryde’s whale engulfing an entire bait
ball, both taken in Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico. Fernandez Caballero took ‘Grey
Whale Connection’ while drifting in a small boat, holding his camera over the side in the water
to photograph the curious whale. ‘The End Of A Baitball’ required Fernandez Caballero to dive
down and be in exactly the right place at the moment the whale lunged. “The photo shows
the high speed attack,” he said, “with the whale engulfing hundreds of kilograms of sardines
in one bite — simply unforgettable to see predation on such a scale.”
Photo: Rafael
Fernandez Caballero
Lisa Stengel from the United States was named Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 for her image of a mahi-mahi catching a sardine, in Mexico. Stengel used both a very fast shutter speed and her hearing to catch the moment. “If you listen there’s an enormous amount of sound in the ocean,” she explained. “The action was too fast to see, so I honed in on the sound of the attacks with my camera to capture this special moment.”
“It is such an exciting time in underwater photography because photographers are capturing such amazing new images, by visiting new locations and using the latest cameras,”
commented judge Alex Mustard. “Until this year I’d hardly ever see a photo of a mahi mahi,
now Lisa has photographed one hunting, action that plays out in the blink of an eye.”
The Underwater Photographer of the Year contest is based in the UK, and Jenny Stock,
was named as British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 for her image “Star
Attraction”, which finds beauty in species of British wildlife that are often overlooked.
Exploring the west coast of Scotland, Stock explained “in the dark green depths my torch
picked out the vivid colours of a living carpet of thousands of brittle stars, each with a
different pattern. I was happily snapping away, when I spotted this purple sea urchin and I
got really excited.”
Photo: Jenny Stock
In the same contest, Portuguese photographer, Nuno Sá, was named ‘Save Our Seas
Foundation’ Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2024, with his photo ‘Saving
Goliath’, taken in Portugal. Sá’s photo shows beachgoers trying to save a stranded sperm
whale. The picture gives us hope that people do care and want to help the oceans, but also
warns us that bigger changes are needed. “The whale had been struck by a ship and its fate
was sealed,” explains Sá. “An estimated 20,000 whales are killed every year, and many more
injured, after being struck by ships-and few people even realise that it happens.”
Photo: Nuno Sá
More winning images can be found at www.underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com.
About Underwater Photographer of the Year
Underwater Photographer of the Year is an annual competition, based in the UK, that celebrates photography beneath the surface of the ocean, lakes, rivers and even swimming pools, and attracts entries from all around the world. The contest has 13 categories, testing photographers with themes such as Macro, Wide Angle, Behaviour and Wreck photography, as well as four categories for photos taken specifically in British waters. The winners were announced in an award ceremony in Mayfair, London, hosted by The Crown Estate. This year’s UPY judges were experienced underwater photographers Peter Rowlands, Tobias Friedrich and Dr Alexander Mustard MBE.
Header image: Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 winner Alex Dawson
The winners of the prestigious World Shootout 2023 underwater photography competition were announced at this year’s BOOT Show, captivating audiences at the world’s largest diving and water sports exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany. Hundreds of photographers from 54 countries competed across nine categories, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technical skill.
Grand Prize Winners
- Picture of the Year: Spanish photographer Eduardo Acevedo “secured” the top Honor with the prestigious prize the “boot Dusseldorf Director’s Prize, earning an Andromeda statuette and a €2,000 cash prize.
- Best 5 Images Portfolio: Luc Rooman from Belgium triumphed in this category, winning a dream 4-week diving trip for two to Papua New Guinea, valued at $18,900.
- Amateur Photographer: Alexandra Ceurvorst from the USA impressed the judges with her talent, taking home the 1,000 € cash prize award.
Celebrating Diversity and Innovation
This year’s competition saw 11,680 entries from 964 photographers, showcasing a remarkable spectrum of skills and perspectives. From the intricate wonders of Macro photography to the beauty of “Black Water”, the “Underwater Fashion” category added a touch of artistry and innovation, while the ever-important ” Environmental & Conservation” category served as a powerful reminder of the need to protect these fragile ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: AI and Ocean Conservation
World Shootout founder and producer David Pilosof unveiled an exciting addition for the 2024 competition: this year the Environmental category will be focusing on the impact of plastic on our oceans and future.
This category will embrace the potential of AI or other editing software as a tool to amplify the conservation message.
Entrants will submit campaigns of three original underwater photographs dealing with plastic pollution, along with their final AI assistance processing. This innovative approach encourages artistic expression while raising awareness about a critical environmental issue.
Explore the Stunning Collection
Discover the complete album of competition entries by clicking here.
For Low-resolution photos of finalist entries in eight categories, click here.
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