News
S.U.P.E.R. Part 3: Fujifilm XQ1 Compact Camera
The Fujifilm XQ1 is one of a recent batch of “super” compact cameras, with advanced features, bigger sensors, ability to use higher ISO and yet is still small enough to fit in your jeans pocket. It looks really good – with a retro feel that oozes quality. Fuji make an underwater housing for this camera that is waterproof to 40m and the best news about this new housing is that all the manual controls can be accessed whilst you are underwater. Put all this together and you have a serious contender in the compact camera market for underwater photographers.
We took the XQ1 into Capernwray to do some testing and to see how good it really is for underwater photographers. For this initial test, in addition to the camera and underwater housing, we fixed the system to a tray, added an INON Z-240 strobe and also the INON mount base to allow us to trial the camera with various wet lenses. We had the camera set to Manual Mode so that we could control the ISO, aperture and shutter speed manually whilst diving. The water temperature was only 6 degrees and so thick gloves were the order of the day. I have to admit that whilst kitting up, I did wonder how I was going to access all the controls on such a small system with cumbersome thick gloves on – but I had need not worry. The XQ1 is really very easy to use, and the one button press to switch between f-stop and shutter speed, then altered via a simple dial, was simple. With the menu button already set to access ISO setting, again there was no problem – even when my fingers were starting to get cold – in making the setting changes that I needed to.
Another huge plus with the Fuji XQ1 is that is has virtually no shutter lag and the autofocus is extremely quick, so gone are the days where you miss a shot underwater simply because your compact system is too slow. The screen on the back of the camera is really clear, again making it easy to use even in relatively tough diving conditions. One thing you do need to remember is to pop up the flash before you put it into the housing and go diving, as once in, this cannot be done underwater. Whilst we have only completed a couple of dives with this setup, we are impressed so far.
We had the most fun when using this camera with the INON Micro Fisheye lens. Not all compact cameras can work well with this lens, but the XQ1 certainly does. The tiny wide angle lens allows you to get really close to a small subject and yet still get a lovely wide angle shot. We cannot wait to get this combination into water with live critters rather than our plastic models.
This 12 megapixel camera, with a larger sensor than most of its rivals, combined with the ability to use higher ISO settings that many cannot compete with, is a serious contender for underwater photographers who want to keep their systems small and light. The image quality is really very impressive and so is the price, with camera and housing (that comes with a useful canvass carry bag and 8GB card) coming in at under £450.
The FujiFilm XQ2 has just arrived with us and so we will be testing this newer model over the next few weeks. Incredibly, it uses the same housing as its predecessor. We will be adding macro and wide angle lenses to the test, doing some video and pushing the various settings and white balance function to the limit to test out the performance – so watch this space…
Marine Life & Conservation
Steve Backshall to headline Shark Trust’s flagship event: For the Love of Sharks
Join a host of amazing, shark loving, speakers including Steve Backshall and the Shark Trust team for an evening celebrating shark conservation at the Royal Geographical Society in London this November.
Date: 29th November 2024
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London
Tickets: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
The event will be a celebration of all things shark. Those lucky enough to get hold of tickets will hear from engaging guest speakers with a passion for sharks.
The line-up includes (*subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise)
Steve Backshall: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young.
Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children’s wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall’. He has been a patron for the Shark Trust for 10 years.
Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.
He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Simon started his career as a crime reporter but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years.
More speakers to be announced soon. Head to the Shark Trust website to learn more.
The evening will also allow guests the final chance to see the Oceanic 31, shark art exhibition. Some of the artwork will be auctioned/raffled at the event, while the rest will be auctioned online to raise money for the Shark Trust Oceanic Programme.
For the Love of Sharks is an evening with something for everyone who is interested and fascinated by sharks. Join the Shark Trust, their Patrons, Trustees and Staff, along with a host of supporters for this celebration of shark conservation.
For more information or to buy a ticket: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
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