Photo / Video News & Reviews
Ikelite Announces Housing For Panasonic Lumix LX100
About The Camera
Building on its tremendously popular LX series, Panasonic’s LX100 combines a super fast lens with a massive micro four-thirds size sensor with 1.5x the effective size as compared to the Canon PowerShot G7 X or Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark III. It also sports a TTL flash hot shoe, which means you don’t have to rely on the camera’s built-in flash for automatic strobe exposure. Take more shots, faster.
The LX100 isn’t just great for stills. Panasonic continues to lead the way in high definition video by offering 4K resolution at 30p and 24. Combine this with the built-in time-lapse function and you have all the tools you need to put together a fantastic video in, under, and around the water. Time-lapse is used all over broadcast media to add a sense of scene to video transitions. You know those shots where the clouds are moving and the sun sets in just a few seconds? That’s time-lapse, and all you need is a tripod and the LX100.
The True TTL Advantage
TTL or “Through-The-Lens” flash metering means the strobe interprets information from the camera to vary flash duration and properly expose an image. Only Ikelite supports true Panasonic TTL flash protocol with a direct connection to the camera’s built-in flash hot shoe.
Direct TTL communications provides numerous advantages over optical, fiber optic, or LED triggered systems including:
- More precise expsoure
- Faster recycle times
- Quicker shutter response
- Rapid fire flash capabilities
- Longer battery life
- More great shots of any subject
Sync Cord Connections
The Ikelite-style electrical bulkhead is widely recognized as the most reliable waterproof strobe sync connection available. In order to communicate with the camera, compatible Ikelite DS strobes must be connected to the housing’s electrical bulkhead using a single or dual TTL sync cord.
Non-Ikelite strobes may be connected to this bulkhead using a compatible sync cord, however the housing’s circuitry will not receive power and the strobes will operate in manual exposure modes only.
Whether in TTL or manual exposure, use of an electrical sync cord eliminates the issues of signal interference, inconsistent exposure due to weak fiber optic transmission, and false triggering caused by light rays bouncing off the water’s surface or your buddy’s flash going off. Sync cords are comparably priced to fiber optic cords and are equally durable.
Wide Angle + Macro
The housing port is designed to accept color filter, wide angle, and macro options for 3.9-inch diameter ports. Light is absorbed very quickly as it passes through water. A subject will look darker, less colorful and somewhat grainy when viewed through even a few feet of water. The addition of a compatible wide angle accessory expands the camera’s field of view underwater, providing the opportunity to get as close as possible to the subject and reduce the amount of water light passes through. The results speak for themselves — photos with the best colour, exposure and clarity possible.
This housing is compatible with the WD-4 Wide Angle Dome for underwater wide angle which is sharper edge to edge than any external wet lens. The WD-4 provides a full 24mm angle of coverage—with zero vignetting (dark shadows in the corners of the image)—and no zooming required. Simple press-fit attachment allows easy removal underwater to shoot small macro critters.
Ergonomics
This sophisticated installation supports all important camera functions including all three custom function buttons and front aperture dial. Rear controls are marked with laser engraved indicia which will never wear off or fade away.
The tray and handle shown are included with the base housing, providing comfortable handling and an attachment point for external lighting. The Quick Release Handle allows the attachment and detachment of accessory arms at the touch of a button. The soft over-molded rubber grip is gently curved to match the palm of your hand for reduced fatigue and to put the most used controls right at your fingertips.
The complete tray and handle removes with just two nuts for traveling or to add a dual tray with release handles.
Construction
There’s no greater assurance than being able to see the o-ring seal. Simply close the two double-passivated stainless steel locking lid snaps, and see the o-ring form a solid black, watertight seal. A specially formulated polycarbonate blend housing is lightweight yet provides all of the strength and durability you need as a diver, in a form that’s fundamentally corrosion resistant.
Product Number 6171.10
For more information, visit www.ikelite.com.
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.
-
News3 months agoHone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News2 months agoCapturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs2 months agoCreature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs1 month agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear News3 months agoBare X-Mission Drysuit: Ideal for Both Technical and Recreational Divers
-
Gear Reviews2 months agoGear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone
-
Blogs3 months agoThe Thrilling Encounter with Tiger Sharks at Beqa Lagoon’s ‘The Colosseum’ with Coral Coast Divers