Wetpixel/Under The Jungle Cenote Workshop 2021
Articles
DEMA 2008: Leashtec
As the size of cameras and other devices has decreased, the chance of dropping these fragile electronics seems to have increased. To combat this, Leashtec has introduced the DiveLeash, an inexpensive neoprene strap with velcro attachment (similar to that on boogieboards and surfboards) and quick-release snap that securely holds your small camera or housing (less than 16oz in air) if one needs use of both hands…
DEMA 2008: Ozeon Snorkeling
Ozeon Snorkeling has introduced the head-mounted QV360, a new snorkel design in the spirit of the old double-hose regulators that allows for hands-free video or spotting light use while snorkeling.
Expected to be available in Spring 2009, the QV360 consists of a flexible mounting base worn on the back of the head, similar to styling to a flattened bicycle helmet, with a new ‘dry-top’ snorkel mounted on the back…
DEMA 2008: Intova
Intova is dedicated to providing underwater photography products to the consumer at low price points, perfect for the casual vacation photographer who wants a simple, no-fuss system to capture their experiences.
The company has continued to upgrade their cameras and housings, now offering the SP880 system, complete with an 8MP camera with 2.5” LCD that is waterproof to 10 feet out of the housing, or 130 feet with. The camera has a 38mm to 114mm equivalent focal length and three underwater modes, and both camera and housing are shock-resistant…
DEMA 2008: NiteRider Dive Lights
NiteRider Dive Lights is known for their full-facemask head-mounted lights and video HID lights. CEO Thomas Carroll walked me through a few of the new products, including the DeepStar Elite 3-LED light with 4W/8W/12W power settings and burn time of 3.5 hours to 9 hours from a Lithium-ion battery based on output choice.
On display was the redesigned 56w HID II Pro 40 4-HID bulb video light set with a low/high beam feature to switch between 10W and 14W settings to achieve power outputs of dual 10W (20W total), dual 14W (28W total), and quad 14W (56W total) for an output of 3200 lumen…
DEMA 2008: Aditech Underwater
Aditech Underwater produces the Mangrove line of video housings for Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and JVC cameras. The overall shape of each housing is the same (as is the 200m depth rating), with slight variations in sizing and port placement based on the specific camera in use, and a range of dome ports to suit macro or wide-angle requirements.
Most Mangrove housings boast all electromagnetic controls (no penetration into the housing) and a 3.5” high-resolution TFT LCD monitor on the rear for convenient viewing…
DEMA 2008: Bonica Precision (with interview)
Michael Chan talks about the Bonica Snapper HD video housing and 60W video lights. The Bonica Snapper is interesting because it comes in a silicone case that is already waterproof up to 12’ (when outside of the underwater housing). The housing captures the camera’s remote control and uses it instead of the buttons on the back of the housing. By default, they bundle a second remote control in the package, in case you lose one.
Also on display was a new MT09 80° beam halogen video light, with 30W/40W/60W power settings and a Lithium Polymer battery that allows from 1-2.5hrs of burn time depending on the power setting…
DEMA 2008: TZKY Design Ltd (Ultima Digital)
Just to the left of the Wetpixel booth was a new entrant into the underwater camera housing market, TZKY Design Ltd (Ultima Digital), with an ambitious design to support the 22MP medium format Hasselblad H3D camera.
Based in Hungary, TZKY Design has produced an aluminum housing rated to 80m with access to all primary camera controls on the H3D, and shipping with a dome port for the 28mm and 80mm lenses, and an absolutely gigantic flat port for the 120mm macro…
DEMA 2008: 10Bar Underwater Housings
10Bar Underwater Housings had a variety of new housings for Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Sony cameras and accessories. L C Ng directed me to an aluminum housing for none other than Canon’s flagship 1D/1Ds Mark III digital SLR.
The housing featured dual S6 bulkheads, and composite handles with a unique built-in fingertip shutter release (connected to the remote cable that plugs into the side of the camera) and ULCS strobe balls…