Cameracraft magazine – Taking your practical photography further

Tag: subaqua

  • Nikon 1 system makes a splash

    AW1SplashLogoVisible
    How many outlets will use that original headline, I wonder, and what inspiration leads to it…

    AHN6000_AW1

    Today, Nikon released the world’s first interchangeable lens digital camera – if you ignore the military version of the Nikonos RS underwater SLR produced with Kodak. Unlike that specialised system, the AW1 is intended for the consumer and is extremely affordable. Available in black, white or silver metal finish for £749 with standard 11mm-27.5mm F3.5-5.6 Zoom lens (equivalent, in 35mm terms, to 30mm to 74mm) which is rated for 15m submersion, or £949 with the 10mm F2.8 and the zoom, with the 10mm supporting 20m submersion.

    AW1_11_27.5_SL_SLup

    Part of NIkon’s 1-series, the AW1 sports the hybrid AF 14Mp sensor, high-speed shooting (now 15fps with continuous AF) and good high ISO abilities that defined the CX-mount family from the start, with some enhancements inherited from newer models and ideal for underwater use. First, though, let’s look at the mount that makes the AW1 so unique.

    _DSC7731

    It’s very similar, in concept, to the Nikonos RS mount, but reversed. Even the familiar grease to maintain the seals is included. Naturally, changing the lenses underwater is not possible, as the sensor and electronics are exposed – and any foreign body such as hair or sand will stand a chance of compromising that seal, so Nikon is placing a great deal of trust in their consumers’ ability to understand and maintain the camera properly.

    As a member of the CX/1 family, the AW1’s physical lens mount and registration is unchanged, but the body includes a greater protrusion for the flange with a rubber gasket. On the new underwater lenses, the mount is recessed, with the extension of the barrel including a silicone liner. Mounting the underwater lenses is satisfyingly difficult, making it clear that this is sealing to back up the claims of 15m submersion.

    AW11_27.5_SL_1

    Aiding the underwater experience, the 11mm-27.5mm zoom has a grippy metal zoom collar for most of the barrel, and the AW1 uses an innovative ‘press and tilt’ mode selection – simply hold the mode button, and a virtual pendulum hangs on the LCD to indicate the mode. Tilt the camera body clockwise or vice-versa and it indicates one of the automatic modes for video, creative shooting etc. and selects it without any need for additional buttons or hands. This also eradicates the issue with the early Nikon 1, where the mode wheel could be knocked into a new shooting mode when extracting it from a bag or pocket.

    AW1_WH_back

    An underwater 10mm prime lens has also been introduced, which can be submerged to 20m.

    AW10_BK_1

     

    The AW1 does not make existing CX mount lenses suitable for use underwater, and the underwater lenses will not mount on existing CX bodies such as the V2. Yet the flexibility of the system does allow F-mount lenses via the adaptor, so opting for the AW1 really gives very little away in overall ability.

    Other technical improvements include GPS/GLONASS support with compass, depth and altitude meters, shockproof from 2m capability, and an underwater Speedlight (the SB-N10) will also be introduced, though the camera’s own pop up flash can be used underwater. Several accessories have been announced, including the obligatory bright rubber housing which includes a grippy collar for the lens.

    CF_N6000_OR

    We had the opportunity to try a pre-production sample for water, drop resistance and handling, though not photography for publication as the firmware is yet to be finalised, with the camera release date set for 10th October. The silver metal body was particularly attractive, and it seems that at this point, this is where the Nikon 1 system and the CX mount come into their own – offering something truly unique, with a form factor and range of abilities that suits the intended user perfectly.

    – Richard Kilpatrick

    AW1 Specifications:

    Type
    Digital camera with support for interchangeable lenses
    Lens mount
    Nikon waterproof 1 mount
    Effective angle of view
    Approx. 2.7x lens focal length (35mm format equivalent)
    Effective pixels
    Effective pixels
    14.2 million
    Image sensor
    Image sensor
    13.2 mm x 8.8 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon CX format)
    Storage
    Image size (pixels)

    Still images (auto, best moment capture, and all creative modes other than Easy panorama; aspect ratio 3:2)

    • 4608 x 3072
    • 3456 x 2304
    • 2304 x 1536

    Still images
    (Normal panorama, camera panned horizontally; aspect ratio 120:23)

    • 4800 x 920

    Still images
    (Normal panorama, camera panned vertically; aspect ratio 8:25)

    • 1536 x 4800

    Still images
    (Wide panorama, camera panned horizontally; aspect ratio 240:23)

    • 9600 x 920

    Still images
    (Wide panorama, camera panned vertically; aspect ratio 4:25)

    • 1536 x 9600

    Still images
    (taken during movie recording, aspect ratio 3:2)

    • 4608 x 3072 (1080/60i, 1080/30p)
    • 1280 x 856 (720/60p, 720/30p)

    Still images
    (Motion Snapshots; aspect ratio 16:9)

    • 4608 x 2592
    File format
    • NEF (RAW): 12-bit, compressed
    • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression
    • NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
    Picture Control system
    Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
    Media
    SD (Secure Digital), SDHC, and SDXC memory cards
    File system
    DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 2.3, PictBridge
    Shooting modes
    Shooting modes
    auto; creative, with a choice of the following options: P, S, A, M, underwater, night landscape, night portrait, backlighting, easy panorama, soft, miniature effect, and selective color; best moment capture (slow view and Smart Photo Selector), advanced movie (HD-P, S, A, M only-and slow motion), Motion Snapshot
    Shutter
    Type
    Electronic shutter
    Speed
    1/16,000-30 s in steps of 1/3 EV; BulbNote: Bulb ends automatically after approximately 2 minutes
    Flash sync speed
    Synchronizes with shutter at X=1/60 s or slower
    Release
    Modes
    • Single frame, continuous
    • Self-timer
    Frame advance rate
    Approx. 5, 15, 30, or 60 fps
    Self-timer
    2 s, 5 s, 10 s
    Exposure
    Metering
    TTL metering using image sensor
    Metering method
    • Matrix
    • Center-weighted: Meters 4.5 mm circle in center of frame
    • Spot: Meters 2 mm circle centered on selected focus area
    Mode
    • P programmed auto with flexible program;
    • S shutter priority auto;
    • A aperture-priority auto;
    • M manual;
    • scene auto selector
    Exposure compensation
    -3-+3 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
    Exposure lock
    Luminosity locked at metered value when shutter-release button is pressed halfway
    ISO sensitivity
    (Recommended Exposure Index)
    ISO 160-6400 in steps of 1 EV; auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 160-6400, 160-3200, 160-800) available (user controlled when P, S, A, M, or underwater is selected in creative mode)
    Active D-Lighting
    On, off
    Focus
    Autofocus
    Hybrid autofocus (phase-detection/contrast-detect AF); AF-assist illuminator
    Lens servo
    • Autofocus (AF): Single AF (AF-S); continuous AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); fulltime AF (AF-F)
    • Manual focus (MF)
    AF-area mode
    Single-point, single-point (center), auto-area, subject tracking
    Focus area
    • Single-point AF: 135 focus areas; the center 73 areas support phase-detection AF
    • Auto-area AF: 41 focus areas
    Focus lock
    Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single AF)
    Face priority
    On, off
    Flash
    Built-in flash
    Manual pop-up
    Guide Number (GN)
    Approx. 5/16 (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C / 68 °F; at ISO 160, Guide Number is approx. 6.3/20.7)
    Control
    i-TTL flash control using image sensor
    Mode
    Fill flash, red-eye reduction, fill flash + slow sync, red-eye reduction + slow sync, rear curtain + slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off
    Flash compensation
    -3-+1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
    Flash-ready indicator
    Lights when built-in flash unit is fully charged
    White balance
    Auto, underwater, incandescent, fluorescent, direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine tuning
    Movie
    Metering
    TTL metering using image sensor
    Metering method
    • Matrix
    • Center-weighted: Meters 4.5 mm circle in center of frame
    • Spot: Meters 2 mm circle centered on selected focus area
    Frame size (pixels)/
    recording rate

    HD movies (aspect ratio 16:9)

    • 1920 x 1080 / 60 i (59.94 fields/s*)
    • 1920 x 1080 / 30 p (29.97 fps)
    • 1280 x 720 / 60 p (59.94 fps)
    • 1280 x 720 / 30 p (29.97 fps)

    Slow-motion movies (aspect ratio 8:3)

    • 640 x 240 / 400 fps (plays at 30 p / 29.97 fps)
    • 320 x 120 / 1200 fps (plays at 30 p / 29.97 fps)

    Motion Snapshot (aspect ratio 16:9)

    • 1920 x 1080 / 60 p (59.94 fps) (plays at 24 p / 23.976 fps)
    File format
    MOV
    Video compression
    H.264 / MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
    Audio recording format
    AAC
    Audio recording device
    Built-in stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable
    Monitor
    Monitor
    7.5 cm (3-in.), approx. 921k-dot, TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
    Playback
    Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie and panorama playback, slide show, histogram display, auto image rotation, and rating option
    Interface
    USB
    Hi-Speed USB
    HDMI output
    Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
    Electronic compass/location data/altimeter/depth gauge
    Electronic compass
    16 headings (with 3-axis accelerometer attitude correction and automatic offset adjustment)
    Location data
    • Receiving frequency: 1575.4200 MHz (GPS)/ 1598.0625-1605.3750 MHz (GLONASS)
    • Geodesics: WGS84
    Altimeter
    Operating range approximately -500-+4500 m (-1640-+14,760 ft)
    Depth gauge
    Operating range approximately 0-20 m (0-65.6 ft)
    Supported languages
    Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Marathi, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (European and Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
    Power source
    Battery
    One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL20 battery
    AC adapter
    EH-5b AC adapter; requires EP-5C power connector (available separately)
    Tripod socket
    1/4-in. (ISO 1222)
    Dimensions/Weight
    Dimensions (W x H x D)
    Approx. 113.3 x 71.5 x 37.5 mm (4.5 x 2.9 x 1.5 in.), excluding projections
    Weight
    Approx. 356 g (12.6 oz) with battery and memory card but without body cap or O-ring protector; approx. 313 g (11.1 oz), camera body only
    Operating environment
    Temperature
    -10 °C -+40 °C (+14 °F-104 °F) on land, 0 °C- +40 °C (+32 °F-104 °F) in water
    Humidity
    85% or less (no condensation)
    Shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof performance
    Shockproof performance 1, 2
    Has passed in-house tests 3 to MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5: Shock standard
    Waterproof performance 2
    In-house tests have demonstrated JIS/IEC Class 8 (IPX8) waterproof performance; can be used at depths of up to 15 m (49 ft) for up to 60 minutes
    Operating depth 2
    Maximum 15 m (49 ft)
    Dustproof performance 2
    In-house tests have demonstrated JIS/IEC Class 6 (IP6X) dustproof performance
    • * Sensor output is about 60 fps.
    1. Does not apply when built-in flash is raised.
    2. With special-purpose waterproof lens attached.
    3. Using a test method derived from MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5: Shock, the product is dropped from a height of 200 cm (6.6 ft) onto a plywood surface 5 cm (2 in.) thick. Exterior deformation and surface damage are not tested. These in-house tests do not constitute blanket guarantees of invulnerability to damage or destruction.
    • Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery operating at the temperature specified by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA): 23 ±3 °C (73.4 ±5.4 °F).
    • Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this page may contain.

     

  • Pro underwater housing for NEX-5

    Most underwater housings for compact cameras are basic items intended for use down to 10m or so. The NEX-5, with its magnesium alloy body and exceptional 16mm f/2.8 optic with fisheye and wide conversion options, is worth far more than that. It can be turned into the modern-day equivalent of the Nikonos rather than a modern day equivalent of that peculiarly unreliable subaqua Vectis which Minolta bowed out with…

    Here’s something which we found in an email for B&H Photo Video. It is not exactly cheap – you are looking at a near-$2000 investment to take your NEX and lenses below the waves – but it’s got a specification to make serious subaqua shooters rush for that low-cost NEX-5 outfit to complete the kit. Especially as anything similar for DSLR cameras may cost 50%, 100%, even more than this.

    There is a waiting list now – the Montreal manufacturer (reports Photoclubalpha forum member Javelin) is 4-6 weeks from delivery after a big rush following the product announcement. So if you want one of these for summer, get your order in right now, do not delay as all production is likely to be pre-ordered this year.

    To complete this you need an extension and dome port front, of course

    The Aquatica AN-5 Underwater Housing for Sony NEX 5 Camera is a compact (5.5 x 3.25 x 6″/14.2 x 8 x 15.4 cm) housing machined from a solid block of aluminum designed for the Sony NEX 5 camera. This lightweight (2.2 lbs/1 kg) housing has a baked-on powder coating and is fully anodized against the corrosive effects of sea water. It has replaceable sacrificial anodes, plus pad printed function labels that won’t peel off or fade. It has built-in dual optical connectors, and all controls are easily accessed, with the LCD screen at a more-comfortable 15° viewing angle. A variety of ports are available for the AN-5 housing.

    Note: Requires Lens port
    Also Note: Most zoom lenses require a close-up diopter filter to correct focus distance.

    • Accurately balanced ergonomic design – all controls are within easy reach.
    • Depth rating: 300′ (90 m).
    • Excellent balance underwater.
    • Replaceable sacrificial anodes protect the housing from electrolysis.
    • Precision machined from a single aluminum block
    • Lightweight and compact housing is fully anodized
    • Covered with baked-on powder coating to protect against the corrosive effects of sea water
    • All function labels are pad printed so they will not peel off or fade.

    Pre-order from B&H

    This is a new product, and B&H show it as available for pre-order, along with the accessory ports (to fit either the 18-55mm zoom, the 16mm f/2.8 alone or the 16mm fitted with the VCL-ECF1 fisheye converter) and accessory L-type hand grip. See comments above about production and orders. This is a hot product and likely to be hard to get.

    The housing is compatible with the Sea & Sea Y110a slave-strobe underwater flash. This will set you back the better part of $1000 more, but it’s been tested synched with the NEX mini flash and apparently all works well. Flash is essential for good colour at depth, even down 5m or so and you’ll require it in many water conditions. The premium option is the twin Y110a dual unit (the housing has two optical connectors for the strobe’s fibre optic triggering cables).

    If you are put off by the cost, maybe you can’t afford that two week trip to the Maldives to photograph manta ray convocations – the basic housing is $1399, a typical dome port as shown is $499 (for the 16mm lens alone, only $159 and the cheapest option), the L-grip is $59, there’s also an optional zoom control. But 90m diving with an APS-C live view autofocus camera with f/2.8 lens focusing down to a few inches, usable ISO to 1600 and then more, has to make this worth the cost. And if you want to match the combo, you can easily spend $10,000 on a DSLR with housing which will not get into the same space or handle anything like as well.

    – DK