Photo / Video News & Reviews
SUBAL Announce Professional Housing For The Nikon D810
Austrian-based professional underwater housing manufacturer SUBAL have announced the ND810 housing for the Nikon D810 camera.
Subal’s ND810 housing is designed for the world’s most demanding photographers and multimedia professionals, especially those in the fields of underwater sports and nature photography as well as advanced amateur photographers.
A formidable evolution of the new D810 provides important upgrades in performance. The D810 is designed to replace both the very popular D800 and the D800E.
The D810 features a new 36.3-megapixel, full-frame FX-format sensor without OLPF, designed to achieve exceptional resolution. The D810 gets the EXPEED 4 engine from the D4s, promising improved image quality and metering, faster burst shooting and wider ISO range.
The ND810 housing is available now at an MSRP of USD 4,300 (port not included).
As with every SUBAL housing, all the camera’s functions can be operated from the ND810: Power On-Off/Display Illumination, Shutter Release, Zoom (Manual Focus), Front and Rear Main Dial controls, Lens Release, Port lock system, Focus Mode Selector (M-S-C), Metering Mode Control, Movie Record Button, Mode Selector, AF- Lock, AF-On, Port Lock. The ND810 includes buttons for the following: Mode, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, Flash Sync Mode, Lock, Metering Mode Control, Rec. Start/Stop, Playback, Delete, Menu, Thumbnail, Protect, OK, ISO, Quality, White Balance, Microphone, Multi Selector, Info, Live View, and AF Mode.
The SUBAL ND810 provides photographers with access to all photo and video functions while holding the camera.
The SUBAL ND810 housing is crafted from a solid block of high-grade seawater-resistant aluminum, which is anodized and put through a chemical hardening process. SUBAL is the only underwater housing manufacturer to use this patented, hard-coat anodizing method. A triple-layer powder coating is added, giving the housing an elegant finish and further protecting it from the environment. All shafts and screws are made of high-alloy chrome-nickel steel to extend operational lifetime. Like all SUBAL housing, the ND810 is equipped with the SUBAL Quick Lock closure system for maximum safety.
Controls
- Designed for professional underwater use
- Access to all camera and video functions
- Two fiber-optic connectors and two bulkheads with optional Nikonos 5N, Ikelite and S6 connectors
Optional accessories for the ND810
- Extensive line of high-quality SUBAL dome and flat ports
- Gears for all major underwater lenses
- Easy attachment of viewfinders: GS180°, WS45° and PS30° Prism Viewfinder
- Full line of mounting accessories available: arms systems, strobes, adapters, mount balls
SUBAL Professional Standard Features
The SUBAL Quick Lock System is a precise and robust locking system that eliminates accidental opening.
The new Port Lock System secures dome ports (DPs) and extension rings (EXRs) to the bayonet housing and provides the means to secure all components with ease.
The lens Release Latch allows for easy lens exchange without removing the camera from the housing.
A visual and audible warning Leak Alarm comes as standard on every SUBAL housing.
The SUBAL Special Saddle System for quick and precise positioning of the camera body inside the housing makes misalignment impossible.
Viewfinder Options
In addition to the standard viewfinder, SUBAL has developed various options to meet the demands of underwater photographers. The viewfinder is one of the most important elements for improving creativity in underwater imaging. All SUBAL viewfinders are manufactured from sea-grade aluminum with an anodized casing. High-quality, multi-coated optical glass ensures the highest resolution and optimum light transmission. A simple interchangeable system makes it possible for the user to fit, remove or change any of the SUBAL’s viewfinders whenever needed. The SUBAL GS180 straight viewfinder provides 150% magnification of the camera image. The eyepiece of the new WS45viewfinder is at a comfortable 45° angle to the camera’s viewfinder. With a magnification factor of 150%, the visible image is 2.5 times larger than the standard viewfinder. The WS45 also rotates 360° with click stops every 90°to suit different viewing angles and image orientation. This is especially helpful for macro shooting or for subjects on the seabed as well as those tricky under/over, half-and-half shots. SUBAL’s latest innovation is the new PS30 prism viewfinder. The viewfinder is specially designed for video recording and facilitates shooting on the seabed and under/over, half-and-half shots.
Strobe Options
SUBAL provides two fiber-optic ports for accurate TTL control of strobes such as the Inon Z-240, Sea & Sea YS-D1 and Sea & Sea YS-01. Optional bulkheads are available on request for Nikonos V, Ikelite and S6 as well as a video connector for an external monitor.
Technical Information
| Housing Construction | Machined from a single block of specially treated, high grade corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. Hardness treatment and three-layer powder paint coating applied |
| Design | Ergonomic placement of all the important controls provides convenient and comfortable handling of all camera functions |
| TTL/Strobes Options/Flash Monitor | Dual Sea & Sea fiber-optic ports and up to 3 optional flash connectors for Nikonos 5N, Ikelite or S6 sockets. Video output available on request for external monitor or external trigger |
| Port Mount Type | Bayonet 4 and 3 size available. All SUBAL dome and flat port options can be mounted except for size two ports. Port Lock Option |
| Dome Ports Options | DP 100/4 (4”), SWB (6”) , DP FE (8”) and DP 230 |
| Viewfinder Options | Standard viewfinder. Optional GS180, WS45 Viewfinder and 30° Prism |
| Leak Alarm | Standard built in housing |
| Display | Yes |
| Dimensions | (W x H x D) 270 X 215 X 150 mm (w/o port and handles) |
| Buoyancy | Housings near to neutral depending on ports and accessories |
| Depth Range | 80 meters (standard version) and 120 meters (TEC version on request) |
| Color Options | SUBAL Standard Color |
| Weight | 3.1 kg incl. handles (no ports or accessories included) |
| Controls | Power On-Off, Display Illumination, Shutter Release, Zoom (Manual Focus), Front and Rear Main Dial, Lens Release, Focus Mode Selector (M-S-C), Metering Mode Control, Movie Record Button, Play Back, Mode Selector, AF-Lock, AF-On, Port Lock Option, Flash open/close. Push Buttons for: Mode, Exp. Compensation, Bracketing, Flash Sync Mode, Lock, Metering Mode Control, Record, Start/Stop, Playback, Delete, Menu, Thumbnail, Protect, OK, ISO, Quality, White Balance, Microphone, Multi Selector, Info, Live View, and AF Mode, Port Lock |
Lens Options
SUBAL constantly evaluates new lenses as they arrive on the market and suggests the best options for underwater use. A SUBAL lens port chart for Nikon is available and will guide you through the optimal combination of ports and extension rings for each lens model. Contact your nearest SUBAL dealer for further assistance.
Please contact your local dealer for more detail information.
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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