Photo / Video News & Reviews
Aquatica announce the A1Dcx Mark II Housing for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Aquatica has announced its new housing for Canon’s second generation of its most advanced action photography pro camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. With easy to reach controls, Aquatica’s new lens gear system and uncompromised viewing, this new housing puts the Canon 1D X MKII into the hands of photographers shooting in the world’s most demanding underwater environments.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Key Features
- 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100–51,200, expandable to 409,600
- 4K video at 60fps
- Up to 120p frame rate at 1080p
- 4K frame grab
- 14fps/16 in LiveView mode in RAW or JPG
- 2-inch, 1.62 million dot resolution touch-sensitive LCD monitor
- 61-point High Density Reticular AF II system w/41 cross-type points
- 216-zone, 360k pixel RGB/IR metering sensor
- 30–1/8000 sec plus bulb; 1/250 sec X-sync
- Fast 2.0 compatible
- Dual CF Card slots
- Built-in GPS
- Magnesium alloy body, dust- and weather-sealed
ABOUT THE AQUATICA A1Dcx Mark II HOUSING
The Canon EOS-1D X MKII has a maximum of 14fps standard/16fps Live View burst rate and up to 170 RAW images per blast when using a Cfast card, as well as improved AF performance and 4K video capture, this camera is destined to be the camera of choice for sports photographers, wildlife photographers, and even for studio photography.
This new housing is no exception to Aquatica’s manufacture process as it is milled from a solid block of 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum. It is then black anodized and for further protection, a resistant, baked at high temperature, polyester electrostatic powder coat paint is added. This ensures that your investment will last a lifetime.
All video controls are designed for easy reach and smooth operation throughout the housing. This includes a next-generation lens gearing system with a redesigned housing pinion gear and a larger diameter lens gear selection, allowing for smoother transition while zooming/focusing in a video sequence. The Aquatica quick release tray delivers smooth and precise positioning of the camera in the housing and allows the user to insert and remove the camera using a simple push tab, allowing the camera to be removed from the back while keeping a lens and zoom gear attached.
The video record on/off control lever is perfectly located on the right side of the housing. This lever is easily controlled with the thumb using a slight forward motion. All push buttons are made from high quality type 304 stainless steel and operate smoothly for a natural feel and intuitive operation.
SURVEYOR MOISTURE AND VACUUM SENSOR, PUMP & VALVE INCLUDED
Aquatica’s A1Dcx MkII ships with their new atmospheric pressure sensitive circuitry and moisture detector as well as the valve and pump. Aquatica decided to have this add on as a standard feature on your housing to allow you to monitor the vacuum pressure inside the housing.
The moisture detection circuit is on constant guard duty, ready to inform you, by way of an audible and visual signal, of any infiltration, no matter how small. This advanced SURVEYOR circuit also integrates temperature compensation, preventing change in ambient temperature from affecting its accuracy. A few strokes of a pump will light up a green LED, giving you the confirmation that the housing sealing integrity is impeccable.
MORE ABOUT THE HOUSING’S UNIQUE FEATURES
The A1Dcx Mark II housing has three bulkhead access holes ready to accept external accessories such as Aquatica’s Remote trigger, their Water Wizard (an external radio transceiver housing) and third party external monitors and other accessories.
The A1Dcx Mark II model 20082-NK comes equipped with two classic Nikonos connectors of the newest type, these strobe connectors are easy field interchangeable in minutes, while the 20082-KM model is supplied with a time proven 5-pin Ikelite connector.
PROVEN AQUATICA PERFORMANCE
More than 30 years of expertise have helped craft this A1Dcx Mark II ergonomic design. It’s a design strongly influenced by working closely, and listening to the input of professional image makers from around the world. The result is an unparalleled attention to detail and expertly crafted solutions.
Viewing is through Aquatica’s own exceptional Galileo-type eye piece. This high quality and coated optical finder gives a bright and full view of the finder. The A1Dcx Mark II is also fully compatible with Aquatica’s accessory Aqua View 180, and Aqua View 45 finder. For those who are seeking the ultimate in still image viewing, these two enhanced Aqua View finders deliver second-to-none clarity, providing tack sharp corner to corner viewing for composing and critical focusing.
The A1Dcx Mark II also retains Aquatica’s trademark molded grips, the industry standard of comfort for the last 25 years. Lightweight and molded of one piece, they never come unglued or corrode. On top of both grips, threaded mounting holes are ready to accept the popular mounting bracket of Aquatica’s Technical Lighting Control-Delta 3 system as well as being compatible with most current strobes and lighting arms on the market. An extra mounting point for a focus/video light or other accessories is included on top of the housing and three additional mounting points are provided under the housing for various brackets, supports or tripods.
The A1Dcx Mark II housing belongs to one of the most established and comprehensive port and accessories system of the industry. The Aquatica port system, with its critically precise optical property, has been a stable platform on which thousands of photographers have relied on for more than 20 years to produces state of the art images.
The lightweight A1Dcx Mark II benefits from the finest material available in the metallurgic industry and is carefully crafted from a selected alloy of aircraft-grade aluminum. This housing still has the same standard 90m/328ft depth rating that can be factory upgraded to 130m/425ft depth rating on request. Its knurled knobs and oversized controls mean easy operation in all kinds of diving conditions.
Housing equipped with Aquatica’s 180 View Finder #20054
SPECIFICATIONS
Depth Rating & Dimension
- 100m/328ft (upgradeable to 130m/426ft)
- Dimensions: Height: 8,49’’ / Depth: 5,3’’
- Width: No grips: 8,63’’ / With grips: 13,03’’
- Weight (with grips attached): 8,5 lbs
Construction of shell
- 6061 T6 Marine Grade aluminum
- Anodized to MIL-A-8625 (type 2, Class 2 specification)
- Powder coated with certified A.A.M.A. 2603-98 Polyester coating
- Baked at 177c/350F (specification ASTM D2794
Mounting points for strobes arms, lighting fixtures and/or tripod
- 5 standard ¼”-20 sized threaded holes, two on each hand grips and one centered on top of the housing
- 3 standard ¼”-20 sized threaded holes located at the base of the housing
- Standard features last line
- 5 bulkhead access entry point for various accessories
Control shafts and push pins
- Type 304 marine grade Stainless steel
- All shaft double sealed with double O-rings
- All push pins sealed with Quad Rings
Standard features
- Ergonomically optimized for diving conditions
- Oversized knurled controls knobs
- Sturdy comfortable grips
- Extended shutter release
- Port lock mechanism
- Lens release mechanism
- Standard high quality Galileo Optical Eye piece
- Dual sacrificial anodes (front and rear mounted)
- 5 accessory bulkhead entry points
- Surveyor Moisture and vacuum sensor, pump & valve
- Form fitting Grips (2x)
RETAIL PRICE AT $4,849.00 USD
For more information visit www.aquatica.ca.
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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