News
Ikelite Announces Housing for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
200DLM/A Underwater TTL Housing for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless Micro Four-Thirds Cameras
Ikelite has announced its housing for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKIII camera which was released in 2017. A professional grade, compact waterproof housing, perfect for any application in or around the water from scuba to surf to pool.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a powerful compact interchangeable lens camera. Customizable controls, a TTL flash hotshoe, and a titling LCD screen make it a good choice for underwater use. The E-M10 Mark III features a 16MP CMOS sensor, 4K/UHD video at 24p and 30p, and a 121-point contrast-detect AF system.
True TTL exposure
Proper strobe exposure is the #1 most important contributor to sharp and colorful underwater photos, particularly below 30ft/10m. This is the only housing to include an integrated TTL circuit fine-tuned to the Olympus O-MD E-M10 Mark III flash exposure protocol for the fastest and most accurate exposure possible. TTL communication by electrical sync cord improves camera battery life and recycle time, meaning you get many times more strobe-lit shots when you need them. The TTL circuit is powered by the strobe for zero maintenance and no batteries to change. Exposure compensation in TTL mode is supported using the camera’s built-in control. At this time, only Ikelite DS strobes are capable of powering the TTL circuitry. Non-Ikelite strobes featuring an electrical bulkhead may be attached by sync cord but must be used in manual exposure modes only.
Built-in Flash
The camera’s built-in flash may be used to trigger external fiber optic strobes. Two fiber optic ports are provided on the top of the housing for attachment of compatible fiber optic cords (see compatibility information below). The built-in flash is not suitable for lighting a subject underwater.
Constant-On Lighting
A bright constant-on video light can be used instead of or in addition to a flash. A constant-on light is not as bright as a strobe flash. Constant-on lights do provide added versatility because they can be used for focus assist and for improved colors when shooting video. Light is absorbed as it travels through even short distances underwater, making colors appear dull or monochromatic. To preserve the natural colors of your subject, it’s important to stay within arm’s reach—no more than 3-4 feet (1m) away. There is a simple rule that brighter is better underwater. A high-quality lighting system can produce magazine quality results with almost any camera system.
Extensive Lens Support
High quality yet affordable optics are available for an extensive range of micro four-thirds lenses from wide angle fisheye to macro. The DLM port system is designed to be tough enough for heavy surf and without complex mechanisms for supreme reliability in remote locations. The custom optical grade acrylic domes provide the color, clarity, and durability of glass at a fraction of the travel weight and cost. Glass flat ports are available for macro lenses. Lens port sold separately. A compatible lens port is required for waterproof use.
Controls and Ergonomics
A trigger-type shutter lever control is designed for optimal sensitivity and a natural motion when shooting underwater. The standard control hugs the side of the housing for comfortable use when hand holding. The AEL/AFL button is accessed by a lever for convenient access to customizable functions. Try using back button focus via the AFL button for shooting small or fast moving subjects. Both shutter and AEL/AFL / Fn1 levers can be easily extended using the optional Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.93 for more comfortable reach when using a handle grip. Soft-touch knobs are easy to grip with or without gloves on and provide quick access to important controls including front and rear dials and the mode control. Hard anodized aluminum push buttons are extremely lightweight and resistant to salt build-up and corrosion. The video record start/stop button is bright red anodized to stand out so that you never miss the action. The back of the housing features laser engraved control symbols which will never fade or fall off.
Camera Installation
The camera mount is front-loading for easy installation and removal. A small mounting plate attaches to the bottom of the camera and secures in the front of the housing. The camera mounting plate does not need to be removed from the camera for surface use or when changing the battery or memory cards. The mounting plate features a 1/4-20 threaded mount on the bottom so that it can be attached to a tripod on the surface.
Viewfinders
The included Supereye Viewfinder provides an enhanced view of the camera’s optical viewfinder when viewed through a dive mask. Get the brightest and sharpest view of the camera’s OLED EVF by adding an optional Magnified Viewfinder. The Supereye removes quickly and easily for the attachment of an Straight Magnified Viewfinder # 6890 or 45° Magnified Viewfinder (Type 1) # 6891.1. The camera’s large, super-bright LCD screen is viewable through the back of the housing and can be tilted prior to installation in the housing for a a better view underwater.
Accessory Mounting
Two 1/4-20 threaded mounting points are included on the bottom of the housing for the attachment of a tray and handle grips. Handles provide improved ergonomics underwater and are the foundation for your lighting mounts. If you’re shooting with two strobe or lighting arms, then a top handle can be added to carry to and from the dive site. Top handles are available in a Cable Grip # 4080.07 or Aluminum Top Handle # 4080.08. The rigid aluminum version provides additional mounting points for lighting and accessories.
Sealing and Testing
There is no greater assurance than being able to see your camera and o-ring seal through the back of the housing. Our signature open-groove design suspends the rear o-ring in a natural position that is easier to maintain and more reliable than forcing the o-ring into a channel. Once the housing is closed you can see the o-ring form a solid, waterproof seal. A spare 1/2-20 threaded accessory port is provided on the side of the housing for easily installation of the optional Vacuum Kit # 47012. A hand pump with gauge allows you to draw a vacuum on the housing to simulate water pressure and check for leaks prior to entering the water. Every unit is water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m) before it leaves the facility in Indianapolis.
Durability and Corrosion Free Performance
A custom ABS-PC blend housing provides strength and performance year after year with minimal maintenance. The ABS-PC material is fundamentally corrosion-proof and considerably lighter than aluminum. The specially formulated color deflects the sun to keep your camera running cooler, longer. Compared to black or clear housings, the light color provides superior contrast for enhanced view of the camera, LCD screen, and o-ring seal.
Optional Accessories
- Spare Rear O-Ring # 0110 Carry a back-up in case original seal becomes damaged.
- Spare Front O-Ring # 0132.45 Carry a back-up in case original seal becomes damaged.
- Vacuum Kit for 1/2″ Accessory Port # 47012 Check for leaks prior to entering the water.
- Tray with Dual Quick Release Handles # 9523.64 Add a tray for easier handling and a second attachment point for strobes or lights.
- Shutter Trigger Extension # 4077.93 Brings shutter and/or AEL/AFL / Fn1 lever out to handle for more comfortable use.
- 45º Magnified Viewfinder (Type 2) # 6891.1 Brighter, larger, and more ergonomic positioning when shooting under water. Rotates for landscape or portrait shots.
- Adding an external strobe or video light enhances your photos’ color and sharpness underwater. If you will be shooting below 30 ft (10m) or in an indoor pool, your photos will be predominantly blue-green without an artificial light source. Read more about strobe options
Specifications
- 200 ft (60m) depth rating
- DLM/A port mount
- Controls for all important camera functions
- Ikelite flash bulkhead connector with built-in TTL circuitry
- Two 1/4-20 threaded tray mounts with 3″ (76mm) spacing
- Slightly negative buoyancy in fresh water
- Actual buoyancy varies depending on choice of lens and port
- 3.7 lb (1691 g)
- 7.37 x 6 x 5.5″ (187 x 152 x 139 mm)
- ABS-PC, acrylic, and acetyl construction
For more information
Free Octopus with every purchase of a SCUBAPRO regulator system
Just in time for the spring season, divers can save money with the FREE OCTOPUS SPRING PROMOTION! Until July 31st SCUBAPRO offers an Octopus for free
with every purchase of a regulator system!
Get a free S270 OCTOPUS with purchase of these combinations:
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with A700
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with S620Ti
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with D420
MK25 EVO Din mit S620Ti-X
Get a free R105 OCTOPUS with purchase of the following combinations:
MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with G260
MK25 EVO or MK17 EVO with S600
SCUBAPRO offers a 30-year first owner warranty on all regulators, with a revision period of two years or 100 dives. All SCUBAPRO regulators are of course certified according to the new European test standard EN250-2014.
Available at participating SCUBAPRO dealers. Promotion may not be available in all regions. Find an authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer at scubapro.com.
More information available on www.scubapro.com.
Jake Davies boards Ghazala Explorer for an unforgettable Red Sea diving experience…
Overnight, the wind picked up, making the planned morning dive a bit bumpy on the Zodiacs to the drop point on Thomas Reef. There, we would dive along the reef before descending through the canyon and then passing under the arch before ascending the wall with a gentle drift. The site provided great encounters with more pelagic species, including shoals of large barracuda, tuna, and bigeye trevally.
Once back on the boat, it was time to get everything tied down again as we would head back south. This time, with the wind behind us, heading to Ras Mohammed to dive Jackfish Alley for another great gentle drift wall dive before then heading up the coast towards the Gulf of Suez to moor up at the wreck of the Thistlegorm. This being the highlight wreck dive of the trip and for many onboard, including myself, it was the first time diving this iconic wreck. I had heard so much about the wreck from friends, and globally, this is a must on any diver’s list. Fortunately for us, there was only one other boat at the site, which was a rarity. A great briefing was delivered by Ahmed, who provided a detailed background about the wreck’s history along with all the required safety information as the currents and visibility at the site can be variable.
Kitting up, there was a lot of excitement on deck before entering the water and heading down the shoreline. Descending to the wreck, there was a light northerly current which reduced the visibility, making it feel more like the conditions that can be found off the Welsh coast. At 10m from the bottom, the outline of the wreck appeared as we reached the area of the wreck which had been bombed, as our mooring line was attached to part of the propeller shaft. Arriving on deck, instantly everywhere you looked there were many of the supplies which the ship was carrying, including Bren Carrier tanks and projectiles that instantly stood out.
We headed around the exterior, taking a look at the large propeller and guns mounted on deck before entering the wreck on the port side to take a look in the holds. It was incredible to see all the trucks, Norton 16H, and BSA motorcycles still perfectly stacked within, providing a real snapshot in time.
Overall, we had four dives on the Thistlegorm, where for all of the dives we were the only group in the water, and at times, there were just three of us on the whole wreck, which made it even more special, especially knowing that most days the wreck has hundreds of divers. Along with the history of the wreck, there was plenty of marine life on the wreck and around, from big green turtles to batfish, along with shoals of mackerel being hunted by trevally. Some unforgettable dives.
The final leg of the trip saw us cross back over the Suez Canal to the Gobal Islands where we planned to stay the night and do three dives at the Dolphin House for the potential of sharing the dive with dolphins. The site, which included a channel that was teeming with reef fish, especially large numbers of goatfish that swam in large shoals along the edge of the reef. These were nice relaxing dives to end the week. Unfortunately, the dolphins didn’t show up, which was okay as like all marine life they are difficult to predict and you can’t guarantee what’s going to be seen. With the last dive complete, we headed back to port for the final night where it was time to clean all the kit and pack before the departure flight the next day.
The whole week from start to finish on Ghazala Explorer was amazing; the boat had all the facilities you need for a comfortable week aboard. The crew were always there to help throughout the day and the chefs providing top quality food which was required after every dive. The itinerary providing some of the best diving with a nice mixture of wreck and reef dives. I would recommend the trip to anyone, whether it’s your first Red Sea liveaboard in the Red Sea or you’re revisiting. Hopefully, it’s not too long before I head back to explore more of the Red Sea onboard Ghazala Explorer.
To find out more about the Northern Red Sea reef and wrecks itineraries aboard Ghazala Explorer, or to book, contact Scuba Travel now:
Email: dive@scubatravel.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 411590
Photos: Jake Davies / Avalon.Red
-
News3 months agoHone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News3 months agoCapturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs2 months agoCreature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear Reviews3 months agoGear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
News3 months agoWorld’s Best Underwater Photographers Unveil Breathtaking Images at World Shootout 2023