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UWP News from DEMA: ISOTTA
We spoke to Simon Lorenz on the ISOTTA stand today, having been drawn to the stand by their lovely looking red housings. It is their first time at DEMA (just like us) and their Italian housings were certainly catching the eye. It is a family business that started out in the video housing market, but are now fully focused on underwater photography. Their housings and accessories are already very popular in Italy and the rest of Southern Europe, but they are now spreading out to a global audience. ISOTTA fill the gap between the least and most expensive of the underwater camera housings. You get a lot for your money, as ISOTTA come in around 30% cheaper than others on the market and, on the face of it at least, quality is not compromised.
We started by looking at the smaller camera housings and worked our way up, so our first look was at their two GoPro housings. Depending on what model of GoPro you own, these housings are rated to 150m and 200m respectively and have a host of accessories like flip holders for red filters, shot extension, action viewfinders and a really nice tray for steadier underwater filming.
We moved on to their compact camera housings, with the latest on display being the Sony RX100 mkIV and the Canon G7X mkII. They focus on quality and simplicity in the design, so that the user is able to access all the essential functions, with minimal clutter on the housing itself. Another feature that stands out on these housings is the excellent position and design of the shutter release. The ports have a 67mm thread to be able to add wet lenses with ease.
Moving up again, we looked at their mirrorless camera housings, with the newest model for the Sony Alpha 7 RII. The housing is neat and very compact, and the LED trigger is included with the housing. We loved that all the controls are laser engraved onto the housing, so you will never get your labels or paint rubbing off. These housings are also the only ones in the world that you can open whilst it is sitting upright, using only one hand. The housings can take the INON viewfinders if you want to upgrade from the standard system. Whilst you can fit a vacuum pump, due to the double o-rings and unique shutting mechanism, they are very confident you will not need it!
The latest DSLR housing on display was for the Nikon D500. Again, with these housings, an LED trigger is included with the housing. The new housing is bigger but lighter than previous models. We love that they have kept the top display window which many other manufacturers, have, inconceivably, done away with. We also love that you can reach the ISO button with your right thumb, making this control much easier that on many other housings.
ISOTTA also make a range of quality ports and accessories, which are also all made in Italy. The arms are striking looking, and all but the very smallest offer additional buoyancy to the systems. They also offer a moveable (and removable) float arm, so that you can easily adjust the buoyancy when you change ports.
We very much hope to be testing an ISOTTA housing in the near future, so look out for more on Scubaverse soon.
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
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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