News

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for getting your hands on some sweet underwater imaging gear, that is.

If you’re looking for the perfect present for that hard-to-please underwater photography enthusiast, look no further than our “Holiday Gift Guide.” It covers all the hottest new gear of the season for a shopper on almost any budget.

Underwater Camera Housings

Subal ND810 Housing for the Nikon D810

Nikon's D810 features a new 36.3-megapixel full-frame FX-format sensor, which does away with the optical low pass filter entirely, promising greater resolution and better dynamic range. The Subal ND810 housing matches the quality of the D810 camera with access to all controls through refined ergonomics and solid build its origins as a solid block of high-grade seawater-resistant aluminum. MSRP $4300 | www.subal.com
 

Equinox Housing for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III

The Mark III upgraded every area of the Mark II—from the new 22-megapixel 63-zone metering sensor and the 61-point AF system to the dual slots for CF and SD cards—and the resulting camera is bound to become the full-frame body of choice for many serious shooters. Couple that with Equinox’s robust and ergonomically designed housing and you’ve got a winning combo. MSRP $1599 | www.equinoxhousings.com

Nauticam NA-GH4 Housing for the Panasonic GH4

Shooting 4K-resolution cinema-quality video ain’t just for the professionals anymore—it’s not even for just expensive video cameras. The Panasonic GH4 brings ultra-HD video at 30 frames per second into a camera that easily fits in the palm of your hand. Nauticam’s housing for the GH4 is designed with the videographer in mind: a dedicated push lever makes it a breeze to change white balance on the fly. MSRP $2250 | www.nauticam.com

Canon EOS Rebel SL1 (100D) Kit by Ikelite

Billed as “the world's smallest, lightest APS-C DSLR,” Canon’s EOS Rebel SL1 packs a solid feature set into an impressively compact body, offering an 18-megapixel sensor, 1080/30p video recording, and 4fps continuous shooting. Ikelite’s kit doesn’t just make taking the Rebel SL1 underwater a breeze—it’s superb value for money, too. Among other things, the package includes the camera body, Canon’s EF-S 18–55mm lens, Ikelite’s housing and tray with handle, and Ikelite’s dome port with zoom sleeve. MSRP $1950 | www.ikelite.com

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Camera and Housing Package from Backscatter

If you want a competent and flexible system that will give you great images without breaking the bank, consider one built around Olympus’ excellent OM-D EM-5 mirrorless camera, with its 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and up to 9fps shooting. Backscatter are currently doing a great deal on a package that includes the OM-D E-M5, 14–42mm lens and zoom gear, PT-EP08 housing, and PPO-EP01 lens port. MSRP $2500 | Sale Price $1499 | www.backscatter.com
 

Fantasea FRX100 III Housing for the Sony RX100 III

You’d be hard pressed to find a compact camera with a better image quality than the new 21-megapixel Sony RX100 III. Pair this capable compact up with the Fantasea FRX100 III housing and you have a feature-rich, ergonomic setup at an eminently affordable price point. MAP $549.95 | www.fantasea.com

Underwater Video Gear

Subal FS-700 Housing for the Sony FS700

Underwater slow motion video doesn’t get much cooler than with the Sony FS700 in Subal’s housing. The FS700 shoots up to 60fps at full HD resolution, while the Subal housing provides access to controls both mechanically and electronically through the remote handles. MSRP: $8900 | www.subal.com

Dive and See DNC-7A Monitor

The Dive and See DNC-7A monitor is designed for discerning professional videographers who want to see every detail in the frame on an ultra-high resolution LCD panel (1280x800 pixels). The monitor features advanced functions like custom button programing, histogram, and focus peaking. MSRP $2995 | www.diveandsee.com | www.backscatter.com

Equinox Housing for the Sony FDR-AX100

Equinox’s affordable housing for Sony’s AX100 is a great way into the world of 4K video underwater. Depth-rated to 330 feet, the housing boasts mechanical controls for almost all camcorder functions and features a four-inch dome port. For macro work, there’s also the option of flat lens port. MSRP $1499 | www.equinoxhousings.com

GoPro HERO 4 Black

Perhaps the best-selling underwater photography device of all time, the GoPro got an upgrade this year with the announcement of the new HERO 4 series. Push your underwater videography to the limit with the flagship HERO 4 Black, which shoots cinema-quality 4K resolution at 30fps. Customize to your needs with a wide variety of mounts, lights and filters. MSRP $499 | www.gopro.com

Backscatter Macromate Mini Underwater Macro Lens for GoPro

As GoPro cameras can only focus to about one to two feet underwater, you need corrective optics if you want to shoot the small stuff. Enter Backscatter’s Macromate Mini, which will get you to within three inches of your subject. In short, if you’re shooting macro with GoPro, this is a no-brainer. MSRP $89 | www.backscatter.com

i-Pix A5 Housing for the iPhone 5

For a more “mobile” option for recording underwater video, there’s the i-Pix housing for the iPhone 5. The i-Pix series are no ordinary “cases”: It comes with a customized application for operation, is depth-rated to 180 feet, and features a threaded port for wet lens accessories. i-Pix housings for the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are due to be launched around May 2015. MSRP $120 | www.itorch.ca

Accessories

Ikelite Excitation and Barrier Filters

Fancy trying your hand at shooting fluorescence? All you need is Ikelite’s Excitation Filter on your strobe (DS161, DS160 or DS125) and their Yellow Barrier Filter on your camera system and mask. Voilà! Welcome to the world of glowing critters! MSRP $175 | www.ikelite.com (strobe filter) | MSRP $55 | www.ikelite.com (housing filter) | MSRP $50 | www.ikelite.com (mask filter)
 

Excitation Filter for strobe	Barrier Filter for housing
Barrier Filter for mask

i-Torch Venom 38

The first light in the i-Torch Venom series, the Venom 38 photo/video light delivers 3,800 lumens at a soft 120-degree beam angle. In addition to the four power level LEDs, the Venom 38 includes red and UV outputs. There’s also an LED display that shows the exact time remaining on the light’s rechargeable lithium battery. MSRP $749 | www.itorch.ca

Octomask

What do you get when you combine a dive mask and a GoPro? Octomask. With a GoPro mount built in to the top of the mask frame, Octomasks are a great hands-free option for sporting these handy action cameras. MSRP $79.99 | www.octomask.com

Dual Sola 2000 Package by Backscatter

Light and Motion’s Sola 2000 is one of the most powerful compact video lights on the market, and a pair is a great lighting option for your GoPro or other compact camera adventures. The Backscatter package includes two Sola 2000 lights, two Flex Arms, and a Backscatter Handle and Tray. MSRP $915 | Sale Price $799 |  www.backscatter.com

Ikelite Vega with Fluorescent Excitation Filter

Traditional white light just too passé for you? Combine Ikelite’s 2,200-lumen Vega video light with their new series of fluorescent accessories to bring to light a whole new world of colors. The dichroic excitation filter for the Vega allows you to explore fluorescent underwater photography without buying a specialty video light. MSRP $550 | www.ikelite.com
 

Fantasea Nano Focus Light

A focus light is critical for shooting at night and for macro or supermacro. Fantasea’s high-intensity, wide-beam LED light does the job admirably—and can also function as a modeling light. The Nano shuts off automatically when your camera pre-flash is fired. MAP $55.95 | www.fantasea.com

Backscatter AirLock Vacuum System

When you’re getting into the water with all that expensive gear, you want to be absolutely certain that you’ve reduced risk of flooding to an absolute minimum. Backscatter’s AirLock vacuum verification system will give you the peace of mind that you need. If you have more than one housing, you only need one AirLock plus an inexpensive adapter that fits each housing. MSRP $399 | www.backscatter.com (with bulkhead)
 

Equinox Tentacle

Can’t get to those hard-to-reach places? Most dentists recommend… the Equinox Tentacle! Ok, so maybe you shouldn’t be checking sharks’ dental hygiene with this handy flexarm, but it could be just what you need to maneuver your GoPro into just the right position. Complete with rubberized grip and aluminum mount. MSRP $48.99 | www.equinoxhousings.com

Quick Buys

“Underwater Photography” by Tobias Friedrich

Acclaimed underwater photographer Tobias Friedrich has turned a new page into the world of educating up-and-coming image-makers with this how-to instructional book. MSRP $39.95 | www.amazon.com
 

Prawno Apparel

Let’s face it—we want to look as cool out of the water as in the water. Prawno Apparel’s got your back (well, all parts of your body) with their t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more. Based off the photography of Lia Barrett, Prawno is the hottest new marine themed apparel line. MSRP $25–65 | www.prawnoapparel.com
 

Whale – Elephant Gray (Men)	Bycatch – Light Hoodie (Unisex)
Earth Shark Crew – Blue (Women)	Water Lillies – Slouchy Sweater (Women)

“Colours of the Reef” by Roger Steene

Fifty years of diving photography experience culminates in Roger Steene’s magnum opus, “Colours of the Reef.” This three-part volume is packed with nearly 4,000 stunning images over 1,400 pages. Additionally, the books feature creature identifications, behavior, reproduction, adaptations, microscopic imagery and ultraviolet illumination. MSRP $320 | www.fishid.com

Vivid-Pix Editing Software

For those not looking to spend hours (or days) editing their underwater images in Photoshop or Lightroom, Vivid-Pix provides a one-click solution. The program works by automatically adjusting settings like color correction, brightness, and contrast specific to underwater photography. MSRP $49.99 | www.vivid-pix.com
 

Holiday Getaways

Now that you’ve checked off all this great photo gear on your holiday wish list, it’s time to get out into the field to use it! Here are some destinations that have proven to be DPG team favorites in recent years and might just be a memorable trip for you and someone special.
 

Wakatobi and the Pelagian

Why choose between land-based and liveaboard diving? With the Pelagian package you get three days of land-based diving, including Wakatobi’s signature house reef. Then board the luxurious Pelagian yacht for another week exploring the outer sites of the Wakatobi region, discovering untouched coral reefs and eye-popping macro critters. Price (per person) $5020.75 (3 nights at resort, 7 nights on Pelagian, 9 full days diving, plus all meals and snacks; airfare not included) | www.wakatobi.com
 

Lembeh Resort/Critters@Lembeh

How does photographing Lembeh Strait’s blue-ringed octopuses, hairy frogfish, pygmy cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, stargazers and ornate ghost pipefish sound? Or how about the pristine walls of Bunaken National Park and the Technicolor reefs of Bangka? Yes? Well, now is the time to book! Lembeh Resort/Critters@Lembeh have extended their DEMA Specials to bookings made on Cyber Monday: A Lembeh Unlimited NITROX dives, 7-night package. Price (per person) $2410 | www.lembehresort.com
 

Guadalupe with the Solmar V

Photographing great white sharks is on the bucket list for many underwater photographers. So why not check it off in 2015? Solmar V offers five-day ventures to Isla Guadalupe in the summer/fall months, where you’ll find one of the world’s healthiest great white populations in clear, tropical waters. It's a trip that's bound to produce images and memories that won't soon fade. Price (per person) $2995 | www.solmarv.com
 

Komodo with the Indo Siren

Crazy macro, pelagic, and wall dives—Komodo’s got them all. Oh, and then there’s those massive, foaming-at-the-mouth dragons wandering about. Stray off the beaten path in Komodo, Indonesia, without straying too far from the lap of luxury on Worldwide Dive and Sail’s Indo Siren. Price (per person) $4400 (10 days all-inclusive; airfare not included) | www.sirenfleet.com
 

Palau with Sam’s Tours

The world-famous Blue Corner dive and Jellyfish Lake are just the beginning of what Palau has to offer. There’s pelagics cruising almost every wall, pristine soft coral reefs, WWII wrecks, and great critter action (mandarinfish, frogfish, and pipefish) on the Sam’s Tour’s house reef. Topside you can explore WWII remnants. Price (per person) $2800 (7 days all-inclusive; airfare not included) | www.samstours.com
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.