Upcoming Subaquatic Cameras and Recording Devices for the Year 2020
At DEMA 2019, several leading underwater photography and video manufacturers showcased innovative products aimed at improving durability, functionality, and imaging capabilities in underwater environments. Here's a roundup of the key highlights for each manufacturer:
Ikelite
Ikelite, known for rugged, corrosion-resistant underwater housings, showcased improved sealing systems, ergonomic housing controls, and compatibility with new camera models. Notable announcements included the Ikelite Sony A7R IV housing, now compatible with the Sony A9 II, and a new, unnamed DS type strobe with 35% more energy capacity.
Nauticam
Nauticam emphasised high-end, modular underwater housings with advanced control systems. Innovations included improved ports and accessories supporting new lens configurations, electronic zoom and aperture controls, and enhanced compatibility with mirrorless cameras and compact cameras for video and stills. The Wide Angle Conversion Port 2 (WACP-2) was also introduced, a conversion port with true water contact optics, optimised to work with 14mm equivalent lenses to create a 140-degree field of view.
Sea & Sea
Sea & Sea presented a range of products, including expanded lineups of housings for both entry-level and professional cameras, with integrated vacuum check systems to ensure leak prevention. They also introduced a universal dome port, made of a new material called PLANEXT, which has the same optical properties as glass but is half the weight and half the price. This port will be compatible with all wide angle lenses.
Kraken
Kraken focused on affordable, beginner-friendly underwater housings with video-oriented features. They introduced a new version of the Solar Flare Mini, increasing its lumens to 12,000, and a new snoot light, featuring 1000 lumens and an optical condenser.
Isotta
Isotta showcased new housings for recent mirrorless camera models, with enhanced port systems for wide-angle and macro lenses, plus upgrades to internal electronics allowing for better integration of lighting and external controls for video shooters. They also announced the RED 64 strobe, boasting a guide number of 64.
Aquatica
Aquatica presented new housings for the Nikon Z6/Z7 and Sony A7R IV cameras. The Nikon Z6/Z7 housing is ergonomic, well-designed, and durable. The Sony A7R IV housing will ship in mid-December 2019.
Fantasea
Fantasea focused on video-centric features like enhanced external ports for microphones and HDMI outputs, and updated underwater lights and video accessories to improve recording quality in challenging conditions. They also highlighted their focus on the vacuum safety system, incorporating it into their product line for various cameras.
SeaLife
SeaLife unveiled the Sea Dragon 5000, featuring a 5000 lumen beam with an auto proximity dimmer, automatic off capability with strobes, one button, a CRI of 96, and safety features to prevent explosion. They also introduced the Reefmaster RM-4K Video Camera, a compact video-oriented camera capable of 4K@30fps, 1080p @ 60fps, and featuring a 140-degree field of view.
Light & Motion
Light & Motion showcased more powerful and compact LED video lights with longer battery life and adjustable light output for video. They introduced wireless controls and mounting options emphasising flexibility for video rigs.
DEMA 2019, held in Orlando, Florida, was the world's largest tradeshow for the dive industry and underwater photo/video professionals. The event provided a platform for these manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations and products, reflecting a focus on enhancing underwater image quality, ease of use, and integration of video features for the increasingly popular underwater filmmaking market.
- Ikelite's announcements at DEMA 2019 included the Ikelite Sony A7R IV housing, now compatible with the Sony A9 II, and a new, unnamed DS type strobe with 35% more energy capacity, demonstrating a commitment to improving imaging capabilities underwater.
- Nauticam's innovations at the event included improved ports and accessories supporting new lens configurations, electronic zoom and aperture controls, and enhanced compatibility with mirrorless cameras and compact cameras for video and stills, aiming to provide divers with advanced control systems.
- Sea & Sea's universal dome port, made of a new material called PLANEXT, which has the same optical properties as glass but is half the weight and half the price, was introduced to offer divers a cost-effective yet high-quality solution for wide-angle lenses.
- Kraken's new snoot light, featuring 1000 lumens and an optical condenser, was highlighted, showcasing their dedication to providing beginner-friendly underwater housings with affordable and video-oriented features.
- Isotta's RED 64 strobe, boasting a guide number of 64, was showcased, catering to professional underwater photographers seeking enhanced lighting capabilities.
- Fantasea's focus on the vacuum safety system, incorporating it into their product line for various cameras, along with enhanced external ports for microphones and HDMI outputs, was evident, demonstrating their commitment to improving video quality in challenging underwater conditions.
- SeaLife's unveiling of the Sea Dragon 5000, featuring a 5000 lumen beam, safety features, and a CRI of 96, underscores their focus on providing divers with high-quality underwater lighting and safety gadgets.
- Light & Motion's wireless controls and mounting options for their compact LED video lights, offering longer battery life and adjustable light output for video, reflect their emphasis on technology and innovation in underwater photography and video equipment.
