SeaLife is introducing a Lens Adapter for their SportDiver underwater Smartphone housing. 

67mm and 52mm threaded lenses may be mounted to the SportDiver smartphone housing allowing the underwater photographer to expand their macro and wide-angle creativity.   The precision lens adapter, constructed with hard anodized machined aluminum and stainless-steel hardware, mounts directly to the SportDiver’s lens port for a secure, solid fit.   The adapter allows for easy horizontal and vertical lens movement adjustments to center the lens over the phone’s intended shooting lens.

The adapter comes threaded with a 67mm opening, for larger diameter lenses. A 52mm threaded ring is included for attaching smaller 52 mm lenses.   For other lenses, a step-down ring may be obtained through dive photo or photography shops.

SeaLife is also introducing a 52mm 4-element 0.7x wide angle lens that fits onto the Lens Adapter; the new SeaLife 52mm Wide-Angle Dome lens (Item SL054) increases the phone lens shooting angle by 43%, allowing for a closer shooting distance and improved edge sharpness.

With the multitude of underwater lenses and a wide variety of smartphone lenses available, underwater photographers now have virtually unlimited choices available to them. SeaLife recommends using wide-angle lenses with optical magnification between 0.5x and 0.75x magnification, which allows closer shooting distances while fitting the subject into the image frame.  SeaLife also recommends using macro lenses with diopter correct between 3x and 10x.  Macro lenses will allow you to get closer to the subject while maintaining image sharpness.  Due to the wide variety of smartphone phone lenses in the market, some lens settings may not be compatible.          

The lens adapter will be available at Sealife’s USA network of dealers by January 2024.

Learn more at: https://www.sealife-cameras.com

SeaLife, the leading maker of underwater imaging gear, has introduced a new Wide Angle Dome Lens for their popular SportDiver underwater smartphone housing that increases the phone’s camera lens field-of view by 43% and allows photographers to get closer to the subject while fitting everything into the image frame.

The new dome lens mounts directly to the SportDiver housing’s lens port without any lens adapter.  The 0.65x dome lens requires no skill, training, or adjustment; simply mount it and shoot. Split shots that split the topside view with the undersea view are especially easy. There’s a safety lanyard included to keep the lens with the housing should it get bumped off. 

The 6” Wide Angle Dome Lens design uses high-grade acrylic optics arranged in a 2-element/2- group array that delivers crisp edge-to-edge sharpness.   “This is a very versatile lens that significantly improves the phone lens’ performance and allows for some creative underwater images and video” says Bjorn Harms, SeaLife’s Vice President of Product Development.   

The lens has a 15.6mm film-equivalent effective focal length when used, for example, with the SeaLife SportDiver and the iPhone 15 Pro’s 24mm “Ultrawide” camera lens. The lens is waterproof to 130ft/40m and is positively buoyant.   The new 6”/15cm Dome Lens fits all SeaLife SportDiver housings. 

The lens includes a rotatable sunshade built around the optics to help control stray sunlight. The new lens is a “wet lens” and easily attaches and removes underwater, the inner lens chambers are air-filled, and the lens is therefore buoyant. A lanyard is included and prevents the lens from accidentally detaching when bumped or in rougher water conditions. The 6”/15cm Dome Lens weighs 17.4 ounces (493 grams). 

The 6”/15cm Dome Lens will be available in January 2024.

Learn more at: https://www.sealife-cameras.com

Dive into a new realm of creative possibilities with the groundbreaking innovation from Giosim. Introducing the meticulously crafted underwater housing designed exclusively for the Sony FX 30 and FX3 professional cameras – the Giosim Case. This anodized aluminum marvel redefines underwater cinematography, offering seamless control and unparalleled ergonomic comfort.

Elegance in Engineering

Crafted entirely by Giosim, the underwater housing showcases an exquisite blend of form and function. Meticulous attention to detail has been paid to every aspect, ensuring that your filming experience remains as fluid as the underwater world itself. The exterior design ingeniously situates all camera controls conveniently on the outside. With the registration lever and control knob intuitively placed for effortless access, your creative vision remains unhindered – all without the need to remove your hand from the ergonomic handle.

Empowering Control, Elevating Comfort

Giosim’s ingenuity shines through in the design of the housing’s handle. It not only offers comfort during extended shoots but also promotes intuitive maneuverability. The handle’s customizable adjustments cater to your preferences, providing a seamless grasp that enhances the fluidity of your shots. The handle’s subtle inclination is a deliberate touch, favoring smooth swings and precise trims that capture the essence of your underwater subjects.

Dive Deeper, Capture More

The Giosim Case isn’t just an underwater housing; it’s a versatile creative hub. Inside, provisions have been made for expanding your capabilities. An additional memory slot ensures you never miss a moment, while the HDMI plug enables real-time video output. The housing boasts a video output with a 16×1 thread and cap, ensuring compatibility with your preferred equipment.

Sealed with Excellence

Security and versatility merge seamlessly in the Giosim Case’s design. The housing is securely fastened by three robust stainless steel hooks, safeguarding your camera against the aquatic elements. Its ingenious design allows for the attachment of various lenses and ports of different formats, seamlessly replaceable with a bayonet mechanism that retains focus and zoom control.

A Foundation for Creativity

Beneath the housing, a purpose-built base beckons. Dotted with threaded holes, this base offers limitless potential for mounting additional accessories such as brackets and trestles, all while featuring a zinc anode for added durability. Designed with vacuum safety in mind, the Giosim Case leaves nothing to chance.

Plunge into the Depths

With a remarkable maximum depth of -120 meters, the Giosim Case empowers you to explore the mysteries of the deep. Unleash your creativity and capture the wonders that lie beneath the surface, all while trusting in Giosim’s dedication to quality and precision.

As the world holds its breath in anticipation, the Giosim Case for Sony FX 30 and FX3 professional cameras is set to redefine underwater cinematography. Immerse yourself in a realm of control, comfort, and creativity like never before. Your journey into the depths begins now.

Learn more at: https://www.gio-sim.com

Underwater photography captures unique marine life and breathtaking environments, offering a mesmerising perspective that unveils the underwater world’s hidden beauty, especially to those that don’t dive.

The Collection was created to offer the community imagery that would show the beauty of the underwater world on the surface, raising awareness for the conservation of natural resources.

Created for the general public, the Diving Talks wanted to retribute all the support for its realisation to the city that hosts the event.

Becky Kagan Schott, Natalie L Gibb, Pete Mesley, Rui Luís and Tom St George are the five artists that contributed to the Collection in 2024. These photographers join Brandi Mueller, Ellen Cuylaerts, Nuno Sá and Nuno Vasco Rodrigues, that were already present at the 2022 exhibition in Grandola.

Now the Collection shows 54 beautiful pictures of different yet incredible underwater creatures and environments. All these will be available to the public in Lisbon in October. 

The Diving Talks Underwater Photography Collection is a captivating realm of underwater photography! The invited photographers’ lenses unveil the incredible mysteries beneath, showcasing the ocean’s and other liquid environments hidden wonders. With each click, their creations share the untold stories of aquatic life.

Discover a world beyond imagination at the Exhibition of the Underwater Photography Collection. Experience the magic of the deep from the surface. Join us at the Diving Talks and be captivated by the hidden beauty beneath.

Visit the Exhibition during the Diving Talks. Book now! https://www.divingtalks.com/tickets

The Scuba Place is excited to announce our new partnership with Phil Medcalf of Alphamarine Photography with a Photography Workshop at Scandi Divers in Puerto Galera Philippines in May 2024.

Phil has been scuba diving for over 30 years and has been taking digital pictures underwater for over 15 of those. In that time, he’s dived around the world including the UK, Egypt, Indonesia, the Maldives and Australia. Along with his wife Anne, he turned his interest into a business in 2017 and now they own Alphamarine Photography Ltd an underwater photography training and retail company. They have a highly rated blog on their website alphamarinephoto.com and a Facebook Q & A group with over 2000 members worldwide. They’ve written on underwater photography for Scuba Diver magazine and have presented on the subject at every Go Diving show since the event started. Their workshops and online courses on underwater photography and photo editing attract students from around the world. Phil’s expertise ranges from getting the best from budget-friendly compact cameras to using the latest high-end mirrorless options. His experience as a retailer gives him a much broader knowledge base than many underwater photographers when it comes to the equipment in use.

Before running Alphamarine Photography full time Phil worked in health care for over 25 years. During that time much of his role involved teaching skills to adults and he brings this experience as well as Anne’s expertise as a university lecturer to how the workshops are designed and taught.

Phil will be hosting our first underwater photography workshop at Scandi Divers in May 2024. With a blend of formal and informal coaching, Phil will conduct both group and one-to-one instruction. A daily talk will cover topics such as Understanding Exposure, Composition and Lighting, Shooting in Manual Mode, Equipment and Postproduction. Phil will make himself available to answer questions, give advice and conduct ad hoc teaching sessions throughout the workshop. He will also have some demo equipment to try such as wet lenses and strobes. And everyone participating in the workshop will have the opportunity to have one on one time with Phil where he can review your images and give you specific advice. The aim of Phil’s workshop is for everyone to be happier with the pictures they are getting at the end of the trip than they were at the start.

We could think of no better place to kick off this new partnership than Scandi Divers in Puerto Galera. Situated on the Verde Passage, Puerto Galera is widely recognised as one of the most bio-diverse bodies of water on the planet. It contains more varieties of fish than the Red Sea and more varieties of hard and soft corals than the Great Barrier Reef!

The water temperature in Puerto Galera averages around 29°C throughout the year, and the visibility is excellent. Surrounded by beautiful reefs, thriving with marine life, Puerto Galera has an abundance of amazing dive sites, most of them within a few minutes boat ride of the resort! There are wrecks, caves, muck dives, shallow coral fields, and drift dives. Plenty of opportunities for both wide angle and macro photography!

We visited Scandi Divers in April 2023 and absolutely loved it! The diving was spectacular, the food was scrumptious, and the people were sensational! You can read our full trip report here. The resort is located on Big Lauguna Beach with over 40 rooms. The Sky View Restaurant & Bar, where we ate most meals is on the second floor allowing for great views. The Beachfront Restaurant is on the first floor and offers a great spot to meet your dive buddies for happy hour! Both offer the same menu with international, Filipino and western cuisine. We were on a full-board basis and never disappointed with any meal! 

The onsite dive centre has a five-station camera room for underwater photographers. The dive package for the workshop includes up to 4 dives daily. Two morning boat dives are offered after breakfast followed by one afternoon boat dive after lunch back at the resort. Dusk and night dives are also an option. A Verde Island day trip is Included as well as a blackwater dive. NITROX is available on a per tank or weekly charge, and we analysed our tanks with between 30 and 32 and had great fills over 200bar plus during our last stay.

We are thrilled to be going back and as aspiring underwater photographers, we’re looking forward to learning from one of the best! So if you’re looking for an amazing dive holiday… Come Dive with Us and Phil Medcalf! 

Photography Workshop with Phil Medcalf

Scandi Divers – Puerto Galera Philippines

10 night itinerary 

departs Saturday 25 May 2024

Itinerary highlights

• Return flights London Heathrow to Manila vis Dubai on Emirates Airlines departing 25 May 2024
• 1 night accommodation in Manila
• 9 nights at Scandi Divers Resort in selected room type with full board
• 8 days diving with 3 boat dives and 1 night dive per day
• Verde Island excursion with lunch and one hour massage session included
• Photo Workshop with Phil Metcalf of Alphamarine Photography with daily talks, group and one to one coaching, ad hoc teaching sessions and advice 
• All transfers and taxes

from £2549 per person based on double occupancy

Check out the full itinerary and brochure here. 

Contact us today and book your space at https://www.thescubaplace.co.uk

Want to know a little more? Here are some links :

For all things Phil and Anne of Alphamarine Photography 

• alphamarinephoto.com
• https://www.facebook.com/alphamarinephoto/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/alphamarineqanda/
• https://www.buymeacoffee.com/alphamarine

For more on Puerto Galera and Scandi Divers

• https://www.thescubaplace.co.uk/puerto-galera-philippines
• https://www.thescubaplace.co.uk/scandi-divers-resort

For our April 2023 Trip Report and Underwater Images

• https://www.thescubaplace.co.uk/post/dive-the-philippines-scandi-divers-puerto-galera-trip-report
• https://www.flickr.com/photos/thescubaplace/albums/72177720309565482

Capturing stunning underwater footage has always been a challenge for professional cinematographers. The need for reliable and durable equipment that can withstand the harsh conditions of the deep has led Giosim, a renowned manufacturer of camera accessories, to develop a groundbreaking solution. Enter the Giosim Case, an innovative underwater housing designed specifically for the Blackmagic Pocket 6K-6K PRO-G2 professional camera.

Crafted entirely from anodized aluminum, the Giosim Case is a testament to precision engineering and quality craftsmanship. The sturdy construction ensures the safety of your valuable camera, providing complete peace of mind in even the most demanding underwater environments. But what sets this housing apart from the rest?

First and foremost, the Giosim Case boasts a design that places all the essential controls of the Blackmagic Pocket camera conveniently on the exterior. The registration lever and control knob are strategically positioned for optimal comfort, allowing seamless operation without having to remove your hand from the ergonomic handle. This unique feature enables swift adjustments, favoring smooth panning and precise trimming while capturing breathtaking footage.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Giosim Case accommodates not only the camera itself but also the additional Pocket Camera ProGrip battery. This ensures extended shooting sessions without compromising on power. Moreover, the interior of the housing provides space for an extra memory card and an HDMI plug, facilitating convenient video output during underwater shoots.

The Giosim Case further enhances its adaptability with a video output featuring a 16×1 thread and a cap. This allows for easy integration with external devices, expanding your creative possibilities and enabling seamless connectivity with underwater monitors and other accessories.

Security and ease of use are paramount when it comes to underwater equipment, and the Giosim Case excels in both aspects. The housing is securely sealed using three stainless steel hooks, ensuring a watertight enclosure for your camera. Additionally, the Giosim Case offers a variety of lens options with interchangeable bayonets, allowing cinematographers to experiment with different focal lengths and perspectives. The bayonets also feature focus and zoom control, providing precise adjustments while shooting underwater.

Taking convenience to the next level, the Giosim Case incorporates a sturdy base with multiple threaded holes for brackets or trestles. This practical addition allows for easy mounting and attachment to various underwater support systems, providing stability and flexibility during your underwater cinematography endeavors. Furthermore, the inclusion of a zinc anode offers an extra layer of protection against corrosion, ensuring the longevity of your equipment even in saltwater conditions.

Safety is of utmost importance when diving to great depths, and the Giosim Case prioritizes it without compromise. In response to the vacuum’s request, the housing is fully equipped to handle extreme underwater conditions. It is certified to withstand depths of up to 120 meters, making it an ideal choice for professional divers and underwater cinematographers seeking unparalleled performance in the most challenging environments.

In conclusion, the Giosim Case for Blackmagic Pocket 6K-6K PRO-G2 sets a new standard in underwater camera housings. Its robust construction, ergonomic design, and extensive compatibility options make it an essential tool for professionals looking to capture awe-inspiring underwater footage. Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or shooting in a controlled underwater environment, the Giosim Case ensures your camera remains protected and ready to deliver exceptional results. Dive into the future of underwater cinematography with the Giosim Case.

Learn more at: https://www.gio-sim.com

SeaLife, creator of the SportDiver Underwater Housing for Smartphones, has added a new Magenta color-correcting filter for green water to their SportDiver line.

SeaLife already includes a red filter with the SportDiver for blue water. The filters are designed to restore and correct for color-loss underwater, especially in the red color spectrum. They’re made of an optical acrylic that uses proprietary color pigments. 

These filters are most effective at depths of 3 to 18 m and are easily attachable and removeable to the SportDiver optical lens frame while underwater.  

The color filters may be used with or without external underwater lights, depending on the shooting distance and water conditions.   The filter also serves as a protective cover for the SportDiver’s optical glass port. 

A lanyard is included for attaching the filter to the housing to prevent loss.

Learn more at: https://www.sealife-cameras.com

Underwater photography has become increasingly popular, allowing us to capture the stunning beauty that lies beneath the water’s surface. Whether you’re an avid scuba diver, snorkeler, or simply enjoy documenting your beachside adventures, having a reliable underwater camera is essential. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve scoured Amazon.com to compile a list of the top highest rated underwater cameras available on the market today. These cameras offer exceptional image quality, durability, and advanced features, ensuring you capture breathtaking moments while exploring the underwater world.

Olympus Tough TG-6:

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a favorite among underwater photographers, boasting a rugged design that is waterproof up to 50 feet. It features a 12-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and advanced underwater shooting modes. The camera’s robust construction and impressive image quality make it a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Nikon COOLPIX W300:

Equipped with a 16-megapixel sensor, the Nikon COOLPIX W300 is waterproof up to 100 feet, making it ideal for deep-sea explorations. This camera offers 4K UHD video recording, built-in GPS, and Wi-Fi connectivity. With its reliable performance and excellent image stabilization, the W300 delivers outstanding results in various underwater environments.

Sony RX100 VA:

The Sony RX100 VA is a compact point-and-shoot camera that excels in both underwater and above-water photography. It features a 20.1-megapixel sensor, a fast f/1.8 lens, and 4K video capabilities. With its impressive autofocus system and extensive manual controls, this camera is perfect for capturing intricate details and vibrant colors beneath the waves.

GoPro HERO9 Black:

The GoPro HERO9 Black is a versatile action camera that has gained popularity among underwater enthusiasts. It offers 5K video recording, a 20-megapixel sensor, and HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization. The camera is waterproof up to 33 feet and can be paired with various mounts and accessories, making it an excellent choice for adventure-seekers who want to capture their underwater escapades.

Panasonic Lumix LX10:

With a 1-inch 20.1-megapixel sensor, the Panasonic Lumix LX10 delivers exceptional image quality for both stills and videos. It features a bright f/1.4-2.8 lens, 4K video recording, and a touchscreen interface. The LX10’s compact design and excellent low-light performance make it a great option for underwater photography enthusiasts.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III:

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a powerful compact camera that packs a punch. It offers a 20.1-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and a flip-up LCD screen for easy framing. This camera excels in capturing detailed underwater shots and allows for seamless sharing of images with its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Fujifilm FinePix XP140:

The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It features a 16.4-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and is waterproof up to 82 feet. This camera’s durable construction, advanced shooting modes, and image stabilization make it a great companion for underwater adventures without breaking the bank.

Ricoh WG-6:

The Ricoh WG-6 is a rugged underwater camera that can withstand the harshest conditions. With its 20-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, and 20-meter waterproof rating, it’s well-suited for deep-sea explorations. The WG-6 also features a built-in macro ring light, which allows for stunning close-up shots of underwater flora and fauna.

Conclusion:

Capturing the beauty and excitement of underwater worlds has never been easier with the wide range of high-quality underwater cameras available on Amazon. From compact point-and-shoots to robust action cameras, the top highest rated options we’ve highlighted in this article provide outstanding performance, durability, and advanced features tailored for underwater photography. Whatever your skill level or budget, investing in one of these cameras will ensure you bring back stunning images that showcase the mesmerizing beauty hidden beneath the waves.

All three sessions will be in person, at Bayland Community Center, and via Zoom for any participants that can’t make it to the in-person presentation. The workshops are FREE.

Three 1-hour Workshops for Beginning to Intermediate Videographers – Starting May 20, 2-4 p.m.

The three sessions will only deal with how to take good video clips underwater. They will not deal with editing and assembly into final films. The surprising thing about UW video is that it doesn’t have to be a black art. There are some simple practices that are easily taught and somewhat easily practiced that will make a night and day difference in results you achieve.

• Session one: Achieving Good Color Underwater
• Session two: How to Take Stable UW Video Clips
• Session three: Taking Video that is Critically In Focus

Time will also be spent discussing how to best get reliable results from action cameras, point and shoot systems, and higher end SLRs. Questions will be fielded for answers and discussion.

Contact Dennis at ddeavenport@comcast.net to sign up or get more information

Corey Phillips taught an underwater photography class last fall via Google Meet. He has had a few people ask if he could do it again. Corey thought it would be a good time, as everyone was dusting off their dive gear and see who was interested in improving their dive photography skills.

Background of the class

• From my meager beginnings using a home made housing with a Sony Digital 8, to using dual GoPro cameras I will walk you through some basics of photography to what has worked for me to improve from less than a megapixel video to 5K and 23 Mega Pixel photographs.
• I go through the photography basics and outline some of the challenges with the point and shoot cameras underwater.
• What I have learned using GoPro or action cameras and housings for video camcorder cameras.
• I go through the why I run my rig the way it is setup and different configs I have had.
• If you have thought of photogrammetry I can answer questions regarding how to get results there as well.
• If you are a photographer this course might not be for you although you might pick up a thing or two along the way

Questions I have had:

1. How much does it cost?
   Nothing although if you want to donate a new camera system or scooter or stage bottle, I wouldn’t turn it down.
2. Why did you develop the class?
   To be honest I have struggled to get the shots or video that I hoped for. Looking online I see the struggles in others work as well and am hoping to pass on some of what I have learned in the school of photography hard knocks. Plus I want to see better product being produced so I can see more from your dives through video and photographs.
3. How long is the class?
   It is about 1 1/2 – 2 hours. To be honest I cover a large amount of ideas during that time. It really is meant for you to use it as an idea board that you can investigate in more detail on your own time. You will need to formulate a plan on how to try some of what I present.
4. I can’t make it on the night that you picked, I wish you ran it::
   My schedule is dictated by both work and volunteering that I do in the community. Well you are in luck though. I happen to be in a profession that I have July and August off and I take a break from my evening commitments. Almost any day or evening (with a little notice) could work in July and August.

With the weather getting nicer (at a later date) we could setup a workshop to practice our skills above and below the water.

Dive safe. Take lots of pictures. Share your photos.

According to a poll Corey took, Monday night seemed to be the preferred night.

Contact Corey @ Facebook for the proposed date.

Mantis Sub, a leading innovator in underwater VR solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the 250m-rated Mantis RS360, an affordable and compact new underwater VR camera housing specifically designed for the groundbreaking Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition.

Recording rich experiences and deep habitats for tourism and science

360 cameras have the unique ability to quickly capture the full 360-degree surroundings in a single panorama photo or video. This makes them the perfect tool to record the overall experience and atmosphere as a memory, and to document an environment for later study. They also aid the discovery of new things and surprising details, such as secondary events that happen in parallel with the main event elsewhere.

Videographers and scientists are now increasingly interested in depths between 30m and 150m, which have so far remained largely unexplored. The human impact on these environments is not limited to climate change and plastic pollution, but also includes everyday activities like fishing, trawling, dredging, drilling and increased sedimentation from rivers.

New compact housing aids new research of human impact at greater depths

Previously, videographers and scientists had to choose between small consumer-grade poly-carbonate housings and large machined professional-grade equipment. Plastic consumer housings are inexpensive and simple to use, but are often limited to 30m depth and suffer from overheating. Machined professional equipment can dive deeper and record longer, but often costs tens of thousands of US dollars and is more complex to operate. For many projects neither option is a workable solution.

The Mantis RS360 housing for the Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition now closes this gap with a durable, reliable housing rated to 250m (820 feet) for a capable but equally affordable 360 camera. The combination now allows scientists and videographers to capture stunning 6K 360-degree underwater videos and 21MP photos with outstanding dynamic range at great depths thanks to the large dual 1-inch sensors of the camera.

Most affordable 360-degree camera housing with a durable aluminum body

Each Mantis RS360 housing is machined from an aluminum block and hard anodized for optimal strength and corrosion protection, making it a durable and long-lasting solution for underwater videography that has been tested to 300m (984 feet). The housing is engineered to optimally dissipate the heat generated by the camera into the surrounding water, allowing the camera to operate continuously without heat exhaustion – a common problem with consumer housings made from polycarbonate plastic. At the same time, it is a fraction of the price of other aluminum-body 360 degree camera housings.

User-friendly and extensible

Leveraging the camera’s quick capture mode, the Mantis RS360 housing provides a single button to turn the camera on/off and start/stop a recording at the same time. This saves precious battery life and makes it the perfect companion for underwater 360 photographers and videographers of all skill levels.

An integrated bulkhead port allows the user to power and control the camera externally, for example with a separate battery pack or from an underwater drone (ROV).

“We are excited to introduce the Mantis RS360, a top-of-the-line underwater VR camera housing that offers unparalleled durability and performance in its class,” said Axel Busch, Chief Engineer of Mantis Sub. “With 6K video and 21MP photo capabilities, ease of use and extreme depth rating, this housing opens up new possibilities for underwater videographers, scientists and deep sea explorers looking to capture stunning, highresolution images and videos of the ocean’s beauty and marine life.”

“The RS360 is as small and as easy to operate as a consumer housing, while still offering the quality, durability and versatility of a professional tool,” said Andrew Simpson, Head of Sales of Mantis Sub. “Our larger housing for the Insta360 Pro 2 is extremely popular with Universities, Institutes and Production Houses around the world. With the RS360 housing we can now put a highly capable and versatile 360-degree camera system into the hands of enthusiasts and into places and at depths where the larger system can’t go.”

The Mantis RS360 is available for purchase now on the Mantis Sub website, https://www.mantis-sub.com/products/p/mantis-rs360, for US$1,680.00 and from Mantis Sub dealers worldwide.

The Powervision S1 is the world’s smallest smartphone gimbal which can easily fit into a pocket for photography and video “on-the-move”.

It combines a powerful gimbal, wireless chargebank, smart object tracking, and professional-level photography editing software into one compact package. 

Achieve cinematic perfection with S1’s 3-axis stabilizing gimbal. 

An omni-compatible magnetic system adds a new dimension of convenience. Use or charge any smartphone, anywhere.

I have recently taken delivery of a Powervision S1 and a full review is forthcoming but I have to say, that out of the box, this is a seriously powerful little device which is surprisingly easy to use and easy to carry.

Exclusive Discount

In addition to a whopping 35% discount option for Black Friday, readers of The Scuba News can get an additional 10% extra discount, making the Powervision S1 nearly half price!

How to Claim Your Discount

Simply use the links below and use discount code: scubanews

Buy from the Powervision Store at: https://bit.ly/3G1lI2v

Buy from Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3T0ISbS

SeaLife’s SportDiver Smartphone housing fits the new iPhone 14 series including the iPhone Pro Max. The SeaLife SportDiver is a compact, lightweight underwater housing that fits most Android and Apple smartphones, and accommodates the new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Ultra, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iOS apps work with previous generations including the iPhone 7.

The SeaLife SportDiver housing allows divers to take photos and video with their smartphone down to 130 feet or 40 meters. The durable housing is constructed of polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, and optical grade glass. Although the SportDiver housing is “heavy duty”, it is not heavy. In fact, it weighs less than 1.5 pounds (641 grams) on land and offers near-neutral buoyancy in water depending on the smartphone.

The SportDiver ergonomic design is easy to hold and use, featuring a large shutter lever and rear control buttons for easy operation, even with dive gloves. Snorkelers and Divers will be more creative with their photos or video shot by using the advanced camera settings. Depending on your phone model, adjust Zoom, control Exposure, Auto/Manual Focus, White Balance, Lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, and many more settings.

The SeaLife SportDiver includes the free SportDiver camera app for iOS and Android users. With the SportDiver app, you can easily toggle between photo and video mode. The SportDiver app utilizes the native phone camera technology, which results in the same high-quality photos and videos that you would expect from your phone. The app also offers a power-save mode that temporarily turns off the phone’s camera and dims its display: a touch to any button will wake it up immediately.

The App Playback mode shows full size photos and videos with a vertical thumbnail strip to easily locate your images. Videos start playing automatically when selected. All files are saved to the phone’s camera roll. The SportDiver housing automatically connects to your phone and the SportDiver app using Bluetooth® Low Energy wireless technology. No cables or buttons, just touch the phone. The housing offers ultra-low power consumption, which is powered by two AAA batteries that last over 50 hours of continuous use.

For enhanced imaging results, a removable underwater color-correction filter is included with the SportDiver which restores natural underwater colors. The filter easily attached or removes underwater and includes a safety tether to prevent loss. The SportDiver housing features triple 1/4-20 tripod mounts which mounts to any light or light tray with standard tripod threads such as SeaLife’s own range of Sea Dragon underwater photo/video lights. SeaLife also offers the SportDiver and the Sea Dragon underwater light combined dubbed the “SportDiver Pro 2500 Set”.

For the phone’s safety and protection, the SportDiver has a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs that securely hold the smartphone in place and add shock-protection. The SportDiver has “Dual Leak Alarms”, which include an internal moisture and vacuum pressure alarms that alert the diver with on-screen warnings, audio, and LED signal in the unlikely event the waterproof seal is compromised or when there is a loss of housing pressure/moisture detected. The door of the SportDiver is sealed with a TPE O-ring and a robust cam-lock sealing latch that easily latches and securely locks the waterproof door. To prevent interior fogging from residual moisture, the SportDiver uses the anti- fogging agent “Moisture Muncher” capsule, which prevents fogging and internal condensation.

SeaLife SportDiver phone housings are available now. Since there’s no change in hardware or electronics, any SportDiver housing will be able to connect to the iPhone 14 series.

The latest iPhone app is available at the Apple store now:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sportdiver/id1517840362

The official app name when searching is “SportDiver” by Pioneer Research.

Learn more at: https://www.sealife-cameras.com

Artisan & Ocean Korea, leading the digitalization of global water sports announced that it will participate in the DEMA Show to be held in Orlando, USA for four days from November 1 to 4, 2022. 

Artisan & Ocean, with its vision of ‘letting more people experience the beauty of the ocean through diving’, manufactures diving gear using smartphones to lower the cost burden of diving equipment and lower the barrier to entry for diving. The core future technologies, research on underwater camera development and underwater communication-related technologies are currently under R&D.

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) show, launched in Florida in 1977, is the world’s largest B2B dedicated exhibition for scuba diving, marine water sports, and adventure/diving travel industry companies. Hundreds of diving and travel industry experts have participated.

This will be the first off-line launch of ‘Universal Light’, recently launched on Kickstarter in about two years since the release of DIVEROID Universal Pro&mini White in 2020. Also, through this exhibition, they plan to use this as an opportunity to establish strategies for differentiation by understanding the products and technologies of the major competitors.

The main goals of attending the exhibition are to establish cooperative networking with several major diving shops in various countries and actively promote future technologies of the upcoming products. 

Artisan & Ocean has experience not only in D2C sales but also in crowdfunding such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo and is solidifying its position in the global diving industry through B2B sales of domestic and overseas distributors and resellers.

During the exhibition period in the booth #713, the new Universal Lite and Pro-controller products with future core technologies to be released will be displayed and sold along with the current flagship product Universal Pro&mini at Artisan & Ocean’s booth. A potential B2B partnership consultation table will also be actively operated.

Wonny Kwak, the lead marketer of Artisan & Ocean officially said, “Through participating in this exhibition, we will do our best to expand our overseas market share by launching new products and establishing networks with major overseas diving shops.” We will continue to work hard to promote the next generation of technology.”

Learn more at: https://www.diveroid.com

SeaLife, the leading maker of underwater imaging gear, introduced a new Micro Wide Angle Dome Lens for the Micro-series and ReefMaster underwater cameras that increases the camera’s field-of view by almost 50% and allowing photographers to get three times closer to the subject.

The Micro Wide Angle Dome Lens design uses high-grade optics arranged in a 4- element/4- group array that delivers crisp edge-to-edge sharpness. The internal elements are fully multi-coated optical glass. The dome lens is optical polycarbonate with hard, anti-scratch coating. “This is a breakthrough for Micro-Series camera users, as the lens significantly improves the camera’s performance” says Bjorn Harms, SeaLife’s Vice President of Product Development.  The lens has a 13.3mm film-equivalent effective focal length when used with the SeaLife Micro 3.0 and is waterproof to 200ft/60m. 

The lens fits all SeaLife Micro-series cameras (Micro HD, HD+, Micro 2.0, Micro 3.0). With the Micro 3.0 camera, the shooting angle is increased from 100° to 143°, and the close focus distance is reduced 3-fold to 5”/12.7cm. The Micro Wide Angle Dome Lens also works with the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K increasing the tiny camera’s shooting angle to 196°.  The new lens is a “wet lens” and easily attaches and removes underwater. A locking ring prevents the lens from accidently detaching when bumped or in rougher water conditions.  The Micro Wide Angle Dome Lens weighs 11.7 ounces (331 grams) and is negatively buoyant.  A lanyard is included to prevent loss underwater and the lens can dock on SeaLife’s “Lens Caddy” when not in use. 

The rotatable light shade prevents unwanted glare from external lighting or sunlight, as well as protect the dome lens from bumps and abrasion.

Learn more at: https://www.sealife-cameras.com

Now you can use your iPhone as both an underwater camera and dive computer! Whether diving, snorkeling, paddling, or playing in the water, Oceanic+ Smart Housing allows you to take great photos on your iPhone underneath or on top of the water. With the Oceanic+ app and Smart Housing, your iPhone also becomes a fully-functional dive and snorkeling computer.

Pre-Order Now with only a $10 USD Deposit

The full retail price is $489.95 USD ($639.95 CAD) + plus tax/shipping. Available summer 2023!

Features Include

• Unique, Oceanic design
• German-grade nylon material
• Electronic Bluetooth® user interface
• User interface controlled by Directional Pad Controller
• Works with ultra-wide lens features on iPhones
• Vacuum pump with automatic seal check/integrated leak detector
• Maximum operating depth to 60 meters (196 feet)
• Integrated depth pressure and temperature sensor
• Standard accessory attachment for 1/4” – 20 UNC thread (right)
• Rechargeable lithium battery via included USB-C
• Ergonomic two-material handle for excellent grip
• Includes a thermoformed travel box to protect from scratching
• Advanced photo and video features, including digital color correction filters (depth color-correction) for the best images possible
• Compatible with iPhone X series and above (iOS16)
• Ability to utilize the fully functional dive computer Oceanic+ app for iPhone
• Photos and videos can be added to your Oceanic+ logbook post-dive
• All your pictures are saved directly to your iPhone Photos app
• Share photos and profiles through social networks via the Oceanic+ app after your dive or snorkel session

Learn more about Oceanic+ at: http://oceanicworldwide.com/oceanic-plus/

Any diver can now smoothly record stunning underwater videos with the new powerful yet intuitive Vaquita 2nd Gen camera with 150° ultra-wide lens and patented automatic underwater color correction – while simultaneously help to map the ocean through the community-driven TheOceanBase in the Paralenz app.

Award-winning Danish ocean-tech company Paralenz recently launched the second generation of its Vaquita underwater camera designed by divers for divers. Named after the critically endangered Vaquita porpoise, this easy-to-use camera is packed with new technology to deliver unprecedented quality in video and still photography under any aquatic conditions. 

“Vaquita 2nd Gen is all about improving on its predecessor based on the feedback we receive from our community”, says Martin Holmberg, Paralenz co-founder. “While the recording performance has improved drastically, you can still expect the Vaquita series’ signature ease-of-use, automatic color correction, and the geeky App that features advanced dive statistics.”

The new powerful Vaquita 2nd Gen records even smoother high-quality videos in up to 4K60 with the newly-updated, patented Auto-DCC (Automatic Depth-Controlled Color Correction) enabling the camera to automatically detect green or blue water and apply a digital color filter for breathtaking true-to-nature recordings. The new ultra-wide 150° lens* supports the camera to record stunning scenes full marine-life.

*H=122°(H=6.31mm), V=92°(V=4.72mm), focus distance = 25 cm (9.8”)

Each dive becomes valuable data

The Vaquita 2nd Gen has sensors for comprehensive data collection to map and document the conditions of the Ocean: temperature, depth, and geolocation. Every single dive shared in the Paralenz App contributes valuable ocean data.

The GPS sensor makes it possible for divers to share their dive footage as pins on TheOceanBase interactive map available in the Paralenz App. This new feature is entirely driven by the Paralenz community and enables users to map the ocean, view dives from all over the world, seek inspiration, or research conditions for future dive trips. 

First and foremost, ocean data from each dive is shared with marine scientists and partnering conservation organizations like Coral Restoration Foundation and Ghost Diving Organization, and many more emphasizing Paralenz’ mission to actively help protect the Ocean.

Price and availability

Paralenz Vaquita 2nd Gen is available globally on August 18th for the retail price $799 / €799 in paralenz.com, select retail stores and Amazon US and Europe.     

Paralenz Vaquita 2nd Gen Key Features 

• Automatic Depth-Controlled Color Correction (Auto-DCC): Capture true-to-nature colors with the patented intelligent color correction. No need for extra filters or software.
• Ultra-wide lens: Capture stunning scenes full of marine life with the new 150° ultra-wide lens with a 25 cm (9.8”) focus distance.
• Integrated GPS, Depth and Temperature Dive Log: Vaquita is packed with sensors for divers: GPS, depth, temperature, conductivity, dive time, date/time, and descent/ascent rate.
• Built for technical diving: Built-in “T-Rail” mounting system for multiple mounting options. Waterproof down to 350 m (1150 ft) without extra housing. All camera settings are fully adjustable underwater.
• Easy to use: intuitive handling for undisturbed diving, perfect fit even with gloves on, and vibration feedback.
• Brilliant recording quality: Record true-to-nature underwater videos up to 4K60 / 1080p240 / 720p240 and photos with 12MP.
• Connects with free Paralenz App: Upload, organize, edit, and share your recordings. Help map and protect the ocean by sharing your dive and its connected ocean data.

More amazing features include: True Color OLED display, Auto-Record function, customizable recording overlay settings, customizable recording modes. 

Learn more at: https://www.paralenz.com

We all use a smartphone on a daily basis. But what if you could give your iPhone even more functionality, replacing other devices like a GoPro? If you scuba dive or snorkel, then you know the importance of being able to capture photos and videos of your underwater adventures. And now, you can turn your smartphone into a high-quality underwater camera with a ProShot Dive Case.

Our first model, the ProShot Touch case, is an effective way to take pictures and videos underwater up to 50ft (15 meters) with your iPhone. But although the case offers touchscreen capabilities, the ProShot Touch case isn’t one-size-fits-all. You have to buy the correct model for your current smartphone, and you can’t dive with it beyond 50ft/15m. But what if you upgrade your smartphone to a newer model? And what if you like to scuba dive below 50 ft/15m? We understand that many customers want an underwater case that they can take on all their scuba adventures and use regardless of their phone model, which is why we’re excited to introduce our ProShot Dive Universal iPhone Case. So, what can you expect from this new, innovative product?

New depth capabilities

Unlike the ProShot Touch Case, the ProShot Dive Case is hardcover rather than a soft cover. The new design is incredibly sturdy and shock-resistant, which is a huge perk when faced with underwater conditions. Although that means the case will not allow you to use the touch screen on your phone, it does mean that the case is rated for far more depth than the original design. With the ProShot Dive Case, you can take photos and videos with your phone down to 130 feet (40 meters). That’s over double the capabilities of the ProShot Touch Case. But how can you operate your camera if you can’t use the touchscreen?

Compatibility

The most apparent difference between the ProShot Touch Case and the ProShot Dive Case is that the dive case is compatible with any type of iPhone. While the exterior of the new case is similar in size to our iPhone 12 Pro case, one big difference is in the insert. Our new case is designed with a sliding insert that has a spring-loaded clamp, enabling many different-sized smartphones to fit inside. Additionally, the new case has a bigger camera lens window, allowing for expansion to the iPhone’s camera. Newer iPhone cameras have many premium features like 4K filming, 60fps video, slo-mo, and cinematic video stabilization.

The ProShot Dive Case has the same mount as a GoPro, so it’s compatible with any GoPro accessories you may want to use, such as stabilizer trays or floating extension poles.

The ProShotCase App

To take photos or videos using the ProShot Dive Case, you will need to use the ProShotCase App. This app allows you to control your camera 100% with your volume buttons. Through our App you take photos or start/stop a video using the Volume (+) button. The Volume (-) button will allow you to cycle through all your different camera modes. The app gives you complete control of your camera without needing to use your phone’s touchscreen.

You may have noticed in the past that photos or videos you take underwater can appear quite blue or green and lack saturation. That is because the deeper you go, the less red light there is, meaning that red colors are less visible. While the ProShotCase App has an Underwater Color Correction feature which you can use to correct your underwater photos in post-production editing, our ProShot Dive Case will have the option to add a physical red filter in front of your camera lens making your underwater footage come to life.

Accessories

The ProShot Dive Case comes with some fantastic accessories that will help improve your underwater filming experience. The first is a floating hand grip, which, as you can imagine, would be very beneficial when filming in the water. The last thing you want is to drop your iPhone and watch as it sinks to the depths of the ocean. When your ProShot Dive Case is attached to the floating hand grip and you accidentally drop it, it will float back to the surface where you can easily retrieve it. The floating hand grip is excellent for both snorkeling and diving.

It also comes with a wrist strap, ensuring that even if you drop your phone, it remains attached to your arm. This is very helpful when you’re diving. Your ProShot Dive Case will come in a custom travel case that is compact, lightweight, and perfect for taking your ProShot case wherever you go. Plus, it will keep your case and accessories protected and in one place.

ProShot Dive Travel Case

Beyond the accessories included with your case you can purchase additional accessories that will take your underwater photography to another level. These include a physical red filter, which automatically puts red light back into your photos and videos. This is more effective for color correction than editing post-production. You can also add a waterproof light which you can attach to the case for deep dives. You’ll be able to attach both the light and hand grip/wrist strap simultaneously. 

iPhone Protection Guarantee

But how can you ensure that such a sleek and compact case is actually 100% waterproof and will protect your phone? We are so confident that the ProShot Dive Case will keep your iPhone bone-dry underwater that we include an iPhone Protection Guarantee with every single case purchase. We will cover the repair or replacement of your iPhone for any water damage that occurs while using the product. On top of that, we will reimburse you for the cost of the case. That means you can rest assured that your iPhone is safe and you can take it anywhere in the ProShot Dive Case. 

How to get your ProShot Dive Case

Are you ready to take incredibly beautiful, high-definition underwater photos and videos with the advanced iPhone camera you already own and love? Don’t spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a DSLR camera with special underwater housings. New iPhone cameras have amazing shooting capabilities above water. So why not use them underwater?

First 200 cases are available for $99.99 (save $60 if you order today!)

You can get your new ProShot Dive Case by clicking here, and don’t forget to share your awesome underwater adventures with us over on our Instagram. 

Action Cameras have helped change underwater videos forever and for everyone. Technology has revolutionized the whole concept of taking a camera on a dive. Smaller, sharper, easier to operate, and certainly carrying a smaller price tag, action cameras are bringing home images from spots that it would have been nearly impossible to film with traditional equipment a generation ago. However, all that begs the question: has the “democratization” of underwater video, diluted the quality of what’s being recorded?

Award-winning cameraman and author, Jeff Goodman is sure that doesn’t have to be the case.

Goodman created RAID’s new Action Camera program and he says, regardless of whether you are completely new to underwater cameras or an aspiring pro with your own YouTube following, RAID ACTION CAMERA will give you the help, information, and coaching to move your results up to the next level… and more.

Having worked on films above and below the world’s oceans for international clients, and as the author of two books on the art and craft of underwater videography, Goodman goes well beyond the scope of the usual author with this course.

It gives clear and concise guidance on how to get the very best results from your action camera. The rapid advances in technology for diving as well as underwater camera equipment and lighting mean that traditional photography courses don’t hit the mark. Goodman’s content is lively, up-to-date, detailed, thorough, and easy to follow. Moreover, his creativity and understanding of the challenges a diver faces to capture the perfect image—still or moving—make this program unique and relevant for today’s diver using today’s equipment.

“Jeff has managed to condense the experience of more than 10,000 dives and countless hours of underwater filmmaking and photography in a really tight package for us,” says RAID’s P.J. Prinsloo.

Prinsloo, RAID’s VP of Training, adds, “Jeff shows how versatile action cameras can actually be, and that as a product class, they have traveled lightyears away from the earlier versions with regard to capabilities, function, and quality.”

Goodman, who is based in the UK, runs bespoke underwater video and editing workshops aimed at rank beginners up to budding professionals says he is very happy with the course.

“We based the RAID course on a recent book, which while a perfect companion piece for the new RAID course is not part of the official program. I set out wanting to help students to get the very best video and stills from their equipment because it is possible to get wonderful results with just a little extra attention and a few secrets.”

Sign up for RAID’s Action Camera Program at: https://www.diveraid.com/

Order you copy of Jeff’s Books at: https://www.divedup.com/

Entirely made of anticorodal aluminium and anodised at 30 micron, the custom Giosim SP case for Z-CAM-E 2 has been designed on request. The case is provided with a window for a 5.5” monitor at the back inserted internally at 45 °

Very simple but in the same way very precise and reliable, the assembly of the machine with Tilta contour bracket, optics and batteries with large lasting capacity. (NP-F970) both for the machine and for the monitor on the internal sliding bracket creating a very compact system.

Closed by 2 solid and reliable stainless steel side hooks with safety device, the case is equipped with all the upper and lateral machine controls. A dedicated registration lever is located on the right side of the housing, easily accessible with the hand positioned on the ergonomic handles. As well as adjustments of Focus and Zoom by means of 2 knobs, one or more video outputs, safety vacuum, and several holes are located on the top and bottom of the housing for easy assembly of the film accessories such as balls, arms, lamps and more.

A solid upper aluminium bracket connects the two side handles to give more possibilities in transport and in the various passages. The bracket under the housing is adjustable in different positions to give the right centering and trim to the system in the water according to the different objectives and personal comfort.

The case is very linear, practical and reliable in all situations, even the most extreme and it is operational down to a depth of -150 meters.

On request it is possible to have a closed back by mounting an external monitor and therefore of much smaller dimensions.

By customizing the aluminium extension and the 9.5″ spherical glass holder in this case, we can insert different optics without problems – wide-angle, zoom, macros, with all the relative manual controls.

Learn more about Giosim at: https://www.gio-sim.com

Are you participating in REEF’s Conservation Challenge? It’s a fun way to get involved in marine conservation and earn collectible stickers for completing different challenges. Get ready to jump in the water (or take a look through your camera’s memory card) to complete this month’s featured Conservation Challenge: the Discover the Sea Underwater Photography Contest. All you need to do to complete this Conservation Challenge (and earn the corresponding sticker) is enter one or more of your photos into the contest, or simply cast a vote for your favorite photo.

All REEF members may submit photos to the Discover the Sea Photography Contest now through July 31. Check out all the details at www.REEF.org/photocontest. For more information about the Conservation Challenge and details about other stickers you can add to your collection, visit www.REEF.org/conservationchallenge.

NOTE: You can learn more about REEF’s fish survey program by joining Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary for a Fish ID Class. More info here.

Available for Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras, Giosim SP housings are completely made of anticorodal aluminium and anodized to 30 microns. Therefore unassailable to salt and / or to any other agent, indestructible and reliable over time.

Complete with all the controls necessary for the complete use of the camera in the water, they can be used up to a depth of -150m and have a wide range of interchangeable bayonet portholes with safety locks.

Numerous spherical portholes in anti-reflective tempered glass, x macro portholes and various customized extensions… all in anodized aluminum… complete the system.

In the upper-lateral part of the housing 2 fiber optic inputs. The case is designed for accessories such as Vacum, bushing for flash attachment and others on request.

The right and left handles are ergonomic in double molding and adjustable to allow the operator greater comfort in using the controls both with and without gloves. The 3 safety locking hooks are simple and reliable in stainless steel.

In the lower part there are several threaded holes for fixing tripods and more at will.

Surely the reliability and the quality linked to the price are very important and fundamental things for Giosim.

Technical data:

• 30 micron anodized anticorodal aluminum case.
• Closing hooks in stainless steel
• Fiber optic outputs 2
• Bayonet porthole with SAFETY closure
• Maximum depth -150 mt.
• Ergonomic adjustable handles
• Weight Kg 1,800
• Buoyancy in water depends on the lens / porthole.
• Possibility of customizing commands and porthole attachment for other brands ….. porthole

Giosim respects the environment in all production processes and all products and various parts can be recycled.

Learn more at: https://www.gio-sim.com

Join Freeflow Media for 7 days of mind blowing diving in The Red Sea – 30th September to 7th October 2022

Freeflow Media are taking one of the finest vessels in the region, to bring you underwater photo and video workshops in the stunning surroundings of the Southern Red Sea. Famed for it’s combination of reef life, large pelagics and wrecks, we hope to combine the best of all Red Sea diving into one trip, with the added edge of lessons on how to create your own photographic memories to show your family and friends!

Liane and Harry, two camera operators, will be on board running workshops for those who are willing to learn. They will also be filming the trip from beginning to end to put together a memory video for all of our guests to take home (Don’t worry, they won’t have a camera in your face for 7 days! Subtlety is a fine art that they firmly believe in!)

Check out the video from our previous trip to the Galapagos to get an idea of what you’re in for:

What’s Included

• 7 Nights full board accommodation (3 meals a day, snacks in between dives, bed in a shared cabin)
• 6 Days of diving with up to 4 dives per day
• Photography/Videography Workshops
• As much photography advice and photo reviews as you can ask for!
• A memory video of the trip filmed over and underwater (see above for an example)
• A camera operator capturing you and the amazing wildlife we come across on every dive
• A clean-up dive after we’re back on shore with HEPCA and a chance to see their amazing projects! (OPTIONAL)
• Transfers between local airport and liveaboard on days of embarkation and disembarkation
• Water/coffee/tea/soft drinks
• 12 Litre cylinder with air fills
• Weights

The Itinerary

• Day 1 – Visit dive sites local to your departure port for three dives (a check dive, practice zodiac dive and night dive) before heading out to the marine parks.
• Days 2-5 – We normally plan to spend a day at one of the Brothers Islands, Daedalus and the Elphinstone area. Normally you will have the opportunity to make three dives per day (night dives are not permitted in the marine parks). 
• Day 6 – After a week of drop-offs, enjoy two relaxed morning dives local to your arrival port allowing you to cruise into harbour in the early afternoon. Take advantage of an evening onshore to purchase souvenirs and enjoy Egypt’s famous hospitality before either journeying home or joining the clean-up dive the next day.
• Day 7 – HEPCA clean-up dive and talk on their local projects for those who want to.

PLEASE NOTE The itinerary above is an example of the planned route and dive sites cannot be guaranteed. All dive sites are subject to weather conditions and the final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides. Night dives are not permitted in the marine parks

Photo and Video Workshops

For those budding photographers and videographers, make sure you bring along your cameras; this trip is designed with underwater media in mind!

Liane and Harry will be teaching the basics of underwater photography for those who are interested, during a number of workshops slotted into the rest periods each day. There is no pressure to attend, those who prefer some down time are more than free to do so!

Here is what we plan to cover:

• Intro to diving with a camera
• Photography/videography basics and how they apply underwater – Triangle of light, Apperture, Shutter speed and ISO, Framing, FPS etc 
• Natural light photography
• How light behaves underwater
• Flash photography/video lights
• Types of camera
• Types of Photography/Videography and Lens choice
• Housing set-up and maintenance – Pre and post dive
• Constant photo review and feedback during the trip
• The chance to try different camera set-ups

Learn more and discuss reserving a place at: https://freeflow-media.com/egypt/

Taking images of fish is probably one of the most difficult and frustrating kinds of Underwater Photography, and yet one of the most rewarding. Almost every underwater photographer, at one time or another, has looked at fish pictures in dive magazines or online, and has wondered how the photographer was able to capture the image. Great images of fish require a combination of factors, including research, planning, competent diving skills, solid photographic techniques, patience, and a bit of luck. When I teach underwater photography, I tend to stress simplicity. First, you should concentrate on isolating a single subject or multiple subjects. To get really dramatic images you usually have to get close to your subject. So the old adage, “Get close, Get down and Shoot up”, definitely applies.

One of the most important lessons to learn in this endeavor is to find out as much as you can about the marine life you’re trying to photograph. This gives you a better chance to get closer and will drastically improve the likelihood of obtaining an excellent image.

Fish Behavior

Once you become very comfortable underwater, you’ll be able to devote more effort to the thought processes required for underwater photography. Learning about fish behavior is an essential tool in the process of becoming a consistently competent fish photographer. What a fish feeds on, where it hangs out, fish hygiene, and mating behavior are just a few of the bits of helpful information that you may need. The more you find out about particular fish, the better your chances will be to get close enough to take a great photograph.

Mating Rituals and Behavior

If a fish is concerned with attracting a potential mate, that fish will probably ignore your presence, even if you have a bright yellow and pink dive skin with matching accessories and your movements are a bit too jerky. If a pair of fish are in the process of spawning or at least dating, it is pretty likely that you will be overlooked regardless of what you’re doing. 

A good example is the strikingly beautiful Mandarinfish that can be found throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are very territorial and tend to congregate in the shallow coral rubble beds and finger corals. Night dives are often set up with the specific purpose of beginning the dive in an area where Mandarinfish are known to hang out. These dives always need to start before the sun goes down, because Mandarinfish will emerge at dusk to participate in their courtship dance.  These smallish fish will pair off and rise up in the water column to perform a flashy courtship dance, and with the female resting on the male’s pelvic fin they will spawn, releasing a cloud of eggs and sperm. This is generally the easiest time to take your photos.

If a fish is guarding its eggs or neatly manicuring its nest, it may ignore you as an unlikely predator or perhaps try to chase you off. In either case, you may be able to get up close and personal and be able to take the photograph.

Territoriality

You may find that many fish are territorial, but for different reasons. Some, like the male Garibaldi in southern California, will clear a sheltered nest site and will protect that site from all intruders including divers. Large Triggerfish, which can be found in most tropical dive destinations, will protect their nests against all who venture too closely. All types of triggerfish build nests on the open sea floor, and will try to chase away other fish or divers who venture too close. Titan Triggerfish have a particularly bad attitude. During the reproduction season the female guards her nest vigorously against all intruders, escorting them away from the nest and on occasion inflicting a serious bite. The threat posture includes facing the intruder and holding its first dorsal spine erect. For photographers, this may be good or bad depending on whether it involves being able to get ‘the shot’ or get bitten. 

Many other tropical fish, such as frogfish and scorpionfish are also very territorial, and they can often be found in the same location or general area for several weeks at a time. These fishes often rely on camouflage to mask their presence from others. There may be particular places on the reef such as low-lying caves or overhangs where certain types of fish can usually be found. Anemonefishes can always be found living within the protection of their host’s stinging tentacles. A few anemonefishes can be found in the water column, high above their host anemone, and are pretty cooperative about posing. 

Night dives

Night dives often provide opportunities to get close to fish that are too active and skittish on the reefs during the day. While many of these fish are docile or inactive at night and easier to approach, they sometimes completely change colors and patterns. Among the fishes that are particularly fun to photograph at night are spiny pufferfish. While they are generally pretty elusive during the day, at night they can often be found hanging out in small sandy alcoves or depressions along the edges of shallow reefs. Although they won’t swim away at night, they do have an understandable albeit frustrating habit of turning their bodies away from the camera. Try shining your spotter light in front of them, and they will often turn around and swim back toward you. 

Personal hygiene (Cleaning Stations)

If you find a cleaning station, you may observe that many species, which are often difficult to approach, may be more inclined to pose for a picture. Fishes that congregate around cleaning stations are normally very civilized. When it’s time to get those unwanted parasites or nasty bits of dead skin removed, many fish will queue up and wait their turn for cleaners to do their job. Cleaners most often include gobies, shrimp and juvenile reef fish. I have never observed any disorderly conduct between fishes hanging out in the waiting room. If you feel like you need a little pruning or other work done, try putting your hand near a bunch of cleaners. Just wait your turn!

Research the dive site

The more you find out about a particular dive site, the more you can do to take full advantage of the photo opportunities offered at each location. Ask your divemaster or other divers who have visited the site previously what to look for. They might give you some useful info about some of the resident fishes that divers might be able to get close to. Some reef residents are such picture hogs that they can get downright annoying. Certain fish in the Caribbean often swim back-and-forth between the photographers and their intended subjects. Gray angelfish are well-known for this behavior. Sometimes you may find a dive master or underwater photographer who is willing to share the location of a rare or hard to find fish that he or she saw on the last dive or that they are pretty sure hang out in a certain place on the reef.

Diving and photographic techniques

There may be certain diving or photographic techniques that make dramatic fish portraits a lot easier to achieve. You don’t know how many images you will be able to take in a sequence. If you set up for a shot ahead of time it will increase your chances to get at least one good image of a skittish subject. If you are using manual exposure settings, take a ‘pre-shot’ to test the exposure before you approach your intended subject. The easiest way to do this is to take a quick shot of a sponge or hunk of coral. Take a look at the exposure and quickly adjust your settings (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) to lighten or darken the image. Then go ahead and approach the fish and take a quick image. If the fish cooperates, and you have the opportunity to take multiple images, then you can concentrate on composition rather than adjusting exposure. When you approach your subject, try to anticipate the fish’s movement so that you can maximize your chances of getting an interesting frontal shot. If you know that your exposure is in the ball-park, you can bracket while focusing on the eyes of the fish, using different camera angles. If the fish is angling toward you, make sure that your strobe(s) will be able to light the side of the fish that is visible to the lens. 

Don’t Scare Your Subject

This is probably an obvious point, but successful fish photography depends upon getting close enough to the subject to get the picture you want. If you chase the subject, you will only become proficient at great tail shots. There are several alternatives to trying to out-swim your subject. Always use exaggerated slow movements and move parallel to your subject. Even though some fish are relatively slow swimmers, you will find that when they’re startled by a diver’s quick, jerky hand or body movements, they can still move a lot faster than you can. They will often slip into cracks and crevices that are a bit too small for you to follow them. 

If you swim parallel to your intended subject, you’ll often find that you can take repeated side shots or move down the reef ahead of the subject and wait for it to swim to you. Also, spend as much time as possible in one area to let the fish get accustomed to your presence. This may also let you learn more about their behavior by observing. Some fish, like juvenile spotted drums found in the Caribbean, are always in motion, and at first blush it can seem like photographing them can be a study in frustration.  Take a bit of time to observe their movements. You will find that they often swim in repeated patterns, such as a figure eight, in the same area.  Anticipate where they will be and set up your shot from an angle that will allow the fish to come to you. This technique also works very well with most anemonefish, that are in constant motion around their host anemone. 

Simplicity

In most situations, the fish portrait is much more dramatic if you can keep it simple. Concentrate on a single subject or pair of subjects. Isolate the subject (s) against an uncluttered background. Try using a horizontal or slightly upward angle whenever possible. By doing so you can often get a background that is mostly water, giving you a solid blue or black background.

Before trying to shoot multiple subjects, concentrate on getting a single fish by itself. Be creative with your lens to subject angles. Remember that the most interesting shots will probably be those where the fish is swimming toward the lens or appears to be coming into the frame. Try to put some open space between the front of the fish and the side of the frame. This will add to the impression that the fish is entering your picture. 

Get low, Get close, Shoot up

Finally, in most instances it will improve your photo if you think “get low, get close, and shoot up.” Try to avoid shooting down on your subject. Shooting down inevitably causes problems. At best it usually results in adding clutter to the background. Get as low as possible so that you can either observe the fish at its level or look up at it. Most fish will agree that this gives them a much more distinguished appearance. Putting a solid color, such as blue water or a simple pattern, such as a Sea Fan, section of coral, or Feather Star, behind your subject, helps to isolate and frame it in the picture.

In some situations, you simply can’t avoid a cluttered background. Get as close as possible to the subject to minimize the background details. You can also try to collapse the depth of field around your subject, leaving your subject in focus and blurring out the distracting background detail. The smaller the aperture the thinner the depth of field.

Practice these tips to enable you to get closer to your subject and to simplify your images. I think you will be pleased with the results in most cases. After you have absorbed all the technical information you can, you will find that the most important elements of fish photography are still good diving skills, solid photographic techniques, patience and LUCK!

For more interesting facts on fishes and other marine animals, check out our series of eBook Dive Travel Guides. Go to our website to get links to Amazon, iTunes and Google Play platforms and take advantage of free downloads that may be available: https://www.divetravelguides.com

As part of the Euro-Divers 50 years of “Diving With Friends” celebrations in 2022, we are inviting photography enthusiasts to participate in our Underwater Photography Competition.

Between 1st of March 2022 & 31st of May 2022, guests can submit their best single picture taken at any Euro-Divers Worldwide Dive Centers indicating the location and date when the photo was taken. A title and short description must also be submitted.

• The Competition is Free to enter
• Each participant is allowed to submit 1(one) single picture
• Picture category: OPEN (wide-angle, macro, split shot)
• The picture should not be smaller than 1MB and no larger than 5MB
• The picture should be in a JPEG file
• All participants must be able to supply a high-resolution picture suitable for printing in media should the image be required
• Entries must be submitted by 31st May 2022, at 12:00 GMT
• Entries will be selected between 1st June – 30th June 2022, and the name of the Winners will be announced online on the Euro-Divers Worldwide website and social networks

Submit your picture here

Learn more and see all of the prizes up for grabs at: https://www.euro-divers.com/underwater-photography-competition/

Stuart Seldon’s 11th edition of his Reefs and Wrecks Calendar has gone to the printer and will be ready around the end of November 2021. This is an oversized, high-quality 13-month calendar with 27 unique images from the Great Lakes, British Columbia and Caribbean.

Printed on heavy weight recycled stock, this is a beautiful calendar that any diver or nature lover will enjoy. They make an ideal Christmas gift as well of course. The cost is $26 including mailing ($26 US for US Mailing addresses) and discounts are available on bulk orders of 10 or more.

It is about to go to press, so please let me know if you would like one (or more!) ASAP. Payment by e-transfer (preferred) or PayPal to stuart.seldon@gmail.com. Be sure to include your complete mailing address.

Stuart is on Facebook

The new Sea Dragon 3000SF Pro Dual Light, which is available for pre-order from some dive businesses, is an underwater photographer’s and videographer’s dream light. It has a 3000 lumen broad beam that will really bring the colours underwater to life. It also has a narrow beam of 1500 lumens, which is ideal for poking around in cracks and crevices or pairing with a snoot for some creative photo opportunities. The red focus light emits a “stealth mode” beam that will not scare away midnight water creatures while preserving your natural night vision.

Features

• Bulb: COB LED array plus red LED focus light
• Brightness: 3000 lumens (wide), 1500 lumens (spot), 180 lumens (red)
• Brightness Levels: Flood 100%, 50%, 25%; Spot 100% 50%; One red light mode; SOS signal
• Color: 5000K (wide beam), 6000K (narrow beam)
• CRI: 90 (wide beam), 70 (narrow beam)
• Beam Angle (degrees): wide 120° beam (90° underwater), narrow 15° spot beam, 88° red focus light (66° underwater)
• Battery: Li-ion 25Wh
• Battery Charge Time: 170 min
• Battery Burn Time: 100% 60min, 50% 120min, 25% 240min
• Depth Rated: 330ft / 100m
• LED Life Span: 35,000 hrs

The light retails for $499.95 US.

Learn more about Sealife Cameras at: https://www.sealife-cameras.com

Discover how James Cameron’s love for learning about and exploring the ocean has shed light on one of the world’s most vital and least studied regions.

The DEEPSEA CHALLENGER and pilot sphere with the exhibit will be displayed for the first time in North America at the Edmonton Science Centre. Immerse yourself in an underwater world in this exhibition tracing explorer and filmmaker James Cameron’s passion for deep ocean science, technology, and exploration, including footage from his world-record-breaking dive to the planet’s core in the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, the submersible he co-designed and co-engineered.

Discover how James Cameron’s love for learning about and exploring the ocean has shed light on one of the world’s most vital and least studied regions. The show uses cinema-scale projections, artefacts, and specimens from his trips to immerse you in an underwater atmosphere. Discover the Titanic and the German warship Bismarck sinks in this stunning and mysterious abyss. See relics from the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER’s design and construction, which was built to endure 16,000 pounds per square inch of water pressure.

Learn how Cameron’s underwater recording, lighting, communication, and diving technology are used in both his filming and exploration. Original film artefacts and costumes from The Abyss and Titanic, including the renowned Heart of the Ocean diamond, are also on display. Discover the world of a man who is driven to investigate and overcome the deep’s obstacles.

Learn more and buy tickets here at: Challenging the Deep

New guidelines for underwater photographers

The Reef-World Foundation – the international coordinator of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative – has launched the newly updated Green Fins Environmental Best Practice for Underwater Photographers poster with new guidelines. These guidelines help dive and snorkel operators encourage their guests to follow environmental best practices while taking photos underwater in order to protect the marine ecosystems they are photographing. 

Underwater photography is becoming increasingly popular as cameras and underwater housings become more accessible, coupled with the prevalence of sharing these sightings on social media. However, using a camera on a dive can be distracting and can lead to changes in buoyancy and body positioning that may cause damage to the marine environment. Additionally, moving or manipulating marine life and coral in order to get the perfect shot is common – a practice that causes stress to marine life and can erode the ecosystem’s health.

The latest global survey of reef health, The Sixth Status of Corals of the World: 2020 Report,  found the critical need to reduce local pressures on coral reefs in order to maintain their resilience while global threats posed by climate change are addressed. This includes the negative impacts from marine tourism. The Green Fins Environmental Best Practice for Underwater Photographers’ poster aims to help marine tourism professionals promote environmental best practices to underwater photographers and prevent practices that are harmful to the coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.

The guidance includes a wide range of recommendations, from improving buoyancy skills to not fixating over a particular species. These recommendations are consolidated from dive professionals and professional underwater photographers with years of experience working in the industry. 

Samantha Craven, Programmes Manager at Reef-World, said: “Underwater photography is a powerful conservation tool that can bring the delights of the ocean to the surface and foster connection with the marine environment. However, if poorly managed, it can damage the very animals we love to photograph. Our research showed that divers holding a camera (either compact or SLR) accounted for 52.7% of observed diver contacts with the reef*. These guidelines will help everyone – from operators to photographers themselves — reduce their impact and protect future photography subjects! 

The Green Fins Environmental Best Practice for Underwater Photographers poster is available for free on the Green Fins website. Anyone can download the poster here.

For more information, please visit www.reef-world.org or www.greenfins.net. Dive and snorkel operators interested in signing up to Green Fins can find the membership application form at: www.greenfins.net/how-to-join.

In early October, Julie Ouimet from N2Pix was invited to Preside over the Video Jury of the CMAS World Championship of Underwater Photography and Videography held in Porto Santo, Portugal. Teams from 18 countries gathered for the weeklong event.

The competition is very demanding given that participants have only 4 dives to gather images and the rules are very strict on what is accepted or not.

Julie had been a member of the jury for the prior edition in 2019 but acting as President was much more demanding given that each film submitted needed to be scored but also verified with much scrutiny regarding respect of the various rules such.

Julie became the first woman to act as President of the Jury.

The films that were submitted can be viewed on : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEpTJoOI89YAmc1ilCKAMqA/videos

While in Porto Santo, Julie dove the 2 signature dive sites of the area including the wreck of the Cordeca, sunk 5 years ago as an artificial wreck.

For more on the competition, visit: https://www.madeiraunderwater.com/en/

Follow Madeira Underwater on Facebook

Award Winning Underwater Photographer Daniel Sasse took amazing underwater Pictures. Here is his Reel. 

Most of these Fish are critically endangered and need help! We have many Marine Life Conservation Projects running but we are always short on funding and Donations. 

You can Help save them by Donating or buy our Merchandise from our Homepage! 100% of the income goes towards our Projects! 

https://dani-sasse.de/

Cryptocurrencies are available for donation too. 

http://poseidon-krabi.com/donation/

This year NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is hosting its seventh national “Get into Your Sanctuary” celebration to raise awareness about the value of our national marine sanctuaries as iconic destinations for responsible recreation and stewardship through a series of special activities.

From now until August 8, experience all of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System from wherever you are, through virtual opportunities. From taking an ocean safari to virtually diving around shipwrecks or learning how to responsibly catch fish and even cook them from a professional chef, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and/or plan a future trip!

A list of planned Get Into Your Sanctuary events can be found here.

In addition, the Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest runs until September 6 (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend).

Learn more at: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/giys.html

SeaLife has launched their Android app for the popular SportDiver Smartphone housing. The SeaLife SportDiver is a compact, lightweight underwater housing that fits most Android smartphones and Apple phones from iPhone 7 and up. The Android and iOS apps work with the current OS and the previous version, e.g. the Android app presently works with Android 11 and 10.

The SeaLife SportDiver housing allows divers to take photos and video with their smartphone down to 130 feet or 40 meters. The heavy-duty housing is constructed of polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum and optical grade glass. And while the SportDiver housing is “heavy duty”, it is not heavy, weighing less than 1.5 pounds (641 grams) on land, and offers near-neutral buoyancy in water depending on which smartphone is used.  The SportDiver ergonomic design is easy to hold and use, featuring a large shutter lever and rear control buttons for easy operation, even with dive gloves. Snorkelers and Divers can get more creative with their photos or video shot by using advanced camera settings. Adjust Zoom, control exposure, Auto/Manual Focus, White Balance, Lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, and many more settings depending on your phone model.

The SeaLife SportDiver includes the free SportDiver camera app for both Android and iOS.  With the SportDiver app, you can easily switch between photo and video mode. The SportDiver app utilizes the native phone camera technology resulting in the same high-quality photos and videos that you would expect from your phone. The app also offers a power-save mode that temporarily turns the phone’s camera off and dims the display; a touch to any button wakes it up immediately. 
The App Playback mode shows full size photos and videos with a vertical thumbnail strip to easily locate your images. Videos start playing automatically when selected. All files arealso saved to the phone’s camera roll. The SportDiver housing automatically connects to your phone and the SportDiver app using Bluetooth® Low Energy wireless technology. No cables or buttons touch the phone and the housing offers ultra-low power consumption which is powered by two AAA batteries that last over 50 hours of continuous use. 

SeaLife SportDiver phone housings are available now. Since there’s no change in hardware or electronics, any SportDiver housing will be able to connect to both the iPhone or Android app. 

The new Android app is available at the Google Play store now: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sealife.sportdiver

The official app name when searching is “SportDiver” by Pioneer Research.
SeaLife offers a “fit-guide” on its website for users to instantly determine if their phone model will fit into the SportDiver housing.

Go to https://www.sealife-cameras.com/sportdiver-compatibility/ or simply scan the QR code to see if your phone fits. 

Learn more about the full range of products from Sealife at: http://www.sealife-cameras.com

One of the best dive lights for tech diving in the industry is the Orcatorch D630 canister dive light. With 5 hours of runtime at its brightest setting emitting a whopping 4000 lumens, the Orcatorch D630 does not disappoint. As soon as you pick this unit up, you get the impression of quality. This dive light is a favourite for cave divers as well as professional divers when surveying areas for work.

What customers like D630 most:

• 5 hours long runtime at brightest mode
• 90°-180° angle adjustable cable suitable for both back mount and side mount diving
• Good for mobility
• Affordable price

Orcatorch is one of the most reliable brands for dive lights. We have created a series of dive lights and underwater video lights that are extremely bright, have a long beam span, long runtime, high waterproofness, high impact resistance, easy operation.

Learn more at: https://www.orcatorch.com

Who can say they aren’t fond of penguins? Penguins have countershaded dark and white plumage (likened to a tuxedo) and flippers for swimming that can also be used for walking on land, making them well-adapted for life in the water/land.

In Netflix’s latest documentary-style series, both the penguins and the town are real. Penguin Town is an eight-part docuseries narrated by Patton Oswalt about a group of African penguins who gather in the South African resort town of Simon’s Town every year for the summer mating season. These penguins, dubbed “jackass penguins” by the locals, aren’t perched on a glacier or floating on an ice floe; instead, they mix with the locals and tourists in the sunny, warm atmosphere, trying to find a nice position to mate, lay eggs, and care for their new chick. The penguins are quite bold, and they have no qualms about strolling amongst humans or breeding in home gardens.

The whole family will appreciate this 8-episode, 4-hour docuseries.

Pass the popcorn.

Watch at: https://www.netflix.com/title/81214135

Did you ever wonder how the top professionals capture amazing underwater pictures? Jill Heinerth, Fellow of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences and International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, shares her secrets, techniques and expedition experiences to help you improve your ability to capture compelling underwater images. This event has three sessions.

Description

In this workshop, work with Jill Heinerth, celebrated underwater photographer and veteran explorer, to enhance your underwater photography skills in a small-group setting. In each of three sessions, Jill will offer a dynamic multimedia presentation followed by an intimate opportunity to discuss your questions, critique common challenges, and edit the work of interested participants.

Jill will share her best practices for safety and success with advice on editing your work, building a portfolio, and even finding potential clients or opportunities to share your work. Throughout the workshop sessions, you will have ample opportunities to raise questions and get personal feedback on your work from Jill.

In the final session, Jill will also cover the essentials of underwater videography, offering a short primer on the basic principles of shooting good video content.‍

• Session 1: Gear, environmental challenges, conservation, communications, composition, white balance, and histograms
• Session 2: Advanced lighting, dive safety, working with models, editing workshop
• Session 3: Workflow and editing workshop part 2, shooting video and storytelling, going pro, optional portfolio review

This workshop is suitable for all levels of divers. Beginner photographers will get solid understanding about underwater photography basics, helping them select appropriate gear and begin their journey. Veterans will have a chance to refine the details of their craft, get personal feedback and gain a deeper understanding of how collecting the right data will lead to the best options for editing images. All participants will learn about how to be a role model photographer using safe diving practices that do not harm the environment.

Details

Mondays Jun 7 – Jun 21 5pm PT / 8pm ET – 90 min

Limited to 25 participants $195.00 for all three sessions

Buy Ticket Here

Learn More at: https://www.speakeasy.com/e/underwater-photography

Announcing a new series of eBooks made by divers for divers. Presented in an easy to read, educational style, each eBook focuses on a specific diving-related activity or topics that will increase your knowledge and help you gain the most from your own underwater adventures.

• Valuable information for everyone from beginning underwater photographers to seasoned shooters
• Great refresher before any dive trip!
• Easy way to get your head “back in the game” if you have been out of the water for a while
• Introduction by Adam Hanlon, Editor of wetpixel.com

The first book in the Wise Divers eBook series, 101 Tips for Underwater Photographers is written and photographed by longtime, professional underwater photographer, Marty Snyderman, and designed and edited by Eric Riesch. The tips provide suggestions for underwater photographers of all experience levels and offer valuable reminders and guidance regarding a variety of concepts and techniques.

Illustrated with Marty’s photography, the text is written in an easygoing yet educational style. The tips cover a wide variety of topics ranging from pre-dive preparation, handling and care of equipment, the use of lighting and strobes, working with models, to post-capture processing. You will learn ways to create photographic opportunities, how to “get your shot”, and how to handle camera equipment, both above and below water.

Preview available at Apple Books and Amazon

eBooks available from Apple Book Store and from Amazon.com Kindle.

Learn more about Wise Divers at: http://www.wisedivers.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram

SeaLife Ambassador Brent Durand shows us SeaLife’s new ReefMaster RM-4K camera and takes us for a dive in Monterey Bay demonstrating the camera’s above and underwater performance.

Related: SeaLife® Introduces New ReefMaster® RM-4K Ultra Compact Underwater Camera

The ultra-compact underwater camera has a pocket-sized design with big camera features including a 14-megapixel Panasonic® CMOS image sensor, UHD 4K30 video, and a high res 2” color display.

The small, portable design ensures that divers and snorkelers can take the ReefMaster anywhere, from a wet environments at the surface to 130’ or 40 meters underwater with its robust underwater housing.

The camera captures sharp, colorful still images and brilliant 4K video with built-in underwater color correction. The wide 140° Fisheye lens allows close captures of the subjects while still keeping everything in the image.

For more information visit http://www.SeaLife-Cameras.com

Thousand Island Shipwrecks is 3D models of shipwrecks and various buildings lying in the Thousand Islands area of the St Lawrence River.

Two techniques were used to create the 3D models offered on this site.

The field survey

This involves making measurements of the object to be modeled in 3D, and then creating the model using specialized software.

This technique uses simple instruments such as the measuring tape, the compass, the depth gauge (that of the dive computer is fine) stakes and a notebook.

It requires a lot of time spent underwater, good diving technique, expertise in handling the 3D creation software. The open source software Blender was used here.

Photogrammetry

A 3D point cloud is generated with a specialized software from thousands images taken underwater. It is then converted into a 3D model.

This technique makes it possible to create a reproduction faithful to the original in every detail, and with surface textures very close to reality.

However, it requires technical expertise for image capture and software manipulation, very large file storage capacities (up to several terabytes – thousands of gigabytes) and strong computing power.

The files of these models are also available for free from the Github repository: github.com/thousand-islands-shipwrecks.

Learn more at: https://thousandislandsshipwrecks.ca/

SeaLife has introduced the new ReefMaster RM-4K Ultra Compact Underwater Camera.  Featuring a pocket-sized design with 14-megapixel Panasonic® CMOS image sensor and ultra-high definition 4K 30fps video, its ultra-compact, portable design ensures that divers and snorkelers can take the ReefMaster anywhere, from a wet environment to 130’ or 40 meters underwater.   The camera captures sharp, colorful still images and brilliant 4K video with underwater color correction. The 140° Fisheye Lens allows a close approach to the subjects while still keeping everything in the picture.

The unique ergonomic housing was especially designed for use underwater, while the housing is easy to hold and use even with one hand, the tough enclosure also features a unique closing system – a “Pressure Lock” thumb screw that exerts the optimal amount of pressure on the housings O-ring seal.    The waterproof housing encases the small inner camera, and also stores a powerful drying agent called “Moisture Muncher” next to the camera that prevents internal fogging caused by heat and humidity trapped inside the housing. 

Featuring a compact removable inner camera and a robust external housing that mounts easily to a light tray or can just as easily be hand-held due to its contoured ergonomic body.   The easy, 4-button control system makes catching the action an effortless process.  The ReefMaster offers WiFi sharing ability, so you can wirelessly preview, download and share pictures & videos to a smart phone or tablet with a free app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

With the expandable memory of the ReefMaster RM-4K, you can use Micro SDHC memory cards up to 128GB, ensuring you have room to shoot & save all of your video content. It also has a time lapse function – shooting at set time intervals and saves as video file or series of still images. 

The compact RM-4K is easily expandable with popular SeaLife accessories, including and not limited to one or two Sea Dragon Photo/Video/Dive lights, and the super macro lens. Its 2.0” TFT color LCD screen creates a sharp and easily visible display on the small camera.

The ReefMaster RM-4K includes the ReefMaster 4K inner camera, ReefMaster underwater camera housing, wrist strap, 30”/75cm USB cable and camera pouch.

The ReefMaster RM-4K Camera & Light Set combines the ReefMaster RM-4K with a Sea Dragon 2000 lumen COB LED Light, which features a bright and wide beam that will add color and brilliance to both still images and videos. 

For more information visit http://www.SeaLife-Cameras.com

Underwater Photography with Jill Heinerth. This event has three sessions.

Did you ever wonder how the top professionals capture amazing underwater pictures? Jill Heinerth, Fellow of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences and International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, shares her secrets, techniques and expedition experiences to help you improve your ability to capture compelling underwater images.

Description

In this workshop, work with Jill Heinerth, celebrated underwater photographer and veteran explorer, to enhance your underwater photography skills in a small-group setting. In each of three sessions, Jill will offer a dynamic multimedia presentation followed by an intimate opportunity to discuss your questions, critique common challenges, and edit the work of interested participants.

Jill will share her best practices for safety and success with advice on editing your work, building a portfolio, and even finding potential clients or opportunities to share your work. Throughout the workshop sessions, you will have ample opportunities to raise questions and get personal feedback on your work from Jill.

In the final session, Jill will also cover the essentials of underwater videography, offering a short primer on the basic principles of shooting good video content.‍

• Session 1: Gear, environmental challenges, conservation, communications, composition, white balance, and histograms
• Session 2: Advanced lighting, dive safety, working with models, editing workshop
• Session 3: Workflow and editing workshop part 2, shooting video and storytelling, going pro, optional portfolio review

This workshop is suitable for all levels of divers. Beginner photographers will get a solid understanding of underwater photography basics, helping them select the appropriate gear and begin their journey. Veterans will have a chance to refine the details of their craft, get personal feedback and gain a deeper understanding of how collecting the right data will lead to the best options for editing images. All participants will learn about how to be a role model photographer using safe diving practices that do not harm the environment.

Details

Presented by Jill Heinerth

Mondays: Mar 8 – Mar 22 @ 5pm PT / 8pm ET

90 min sessions

Limited to 20 participants

Cost: $195.00 for all three sessions

Purchase Tickets Here

Into The Planet

We love diving, we love pictures of diving and we love great diving content. Due to the popularity of #ScubaSunday on Twitter, we have decided to start offering #ScubaSunday recommendations in our Instagram feed too!

If you enjoy posting your diving pictures to Instagram, be sure to tag us or include the #ScubaSunday hashtag in your post and not only will we share our favourites but we will give a #ScubaSunday shout out and recommend your account as one to follow!

Don’t already follow us on Instagram? Why not??? Head on over and start tagging us today!

https://www.instagram.com/TheScubaNews

Paralenz Vaquita is a small yet powerful underwater camera with a simple mission: to enable you to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos with the world. Get wet, discover the depths below, and make an impact. Every dive counts.

Keep a real-time overview of what you’re recording on the Paralenz Vaquita’s new True Colour OLED screen. It also displays your dive profile along with the current depth and temperature information.

Capture Ocean life in all its details. Paralenz Vaquita’s updated technology delivers the smoothest and most vivid underwater videos up to 4K (4k 60fps / 1080p 240fps). Take back all those vivid colours you remember from your dive up to the surface. Paralenz Vaquita’s patented depth-controlled colour correction (DCC) automatically adjusts the white balance of your recording to the depth you’re diving at. There is no more need to manually start your recording. Adjust your preferred depth level at which the Paralenz Vaquita automatically starts and stops recording.

Paralenz Vaquita has a unique set of sensors that automatically track valuable ocean data. Sharing your underwater videos and the ocean data with our App allows marine scientists to learn more about the ocean and help restore its health. Vaquita’s high-grade aluminum body fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and can be easily operated with neoprene gloves. You can also attach it to your mask or to your gear.

Price: $749.00 US

Pre-Order at: https://vaquita.paralenz.com

Here at The Scuba News we love diving photos, simply love them. The one thing we like just as much, is sharing them and being able to see how much other people love diving photos. With this in mind we would love to share your diving photos. More pictures, more sharing, more pleasure!

You can now share your own diving pictures with our worldwide audience, complete with a complete credit to you and links to your social media profiles.

Take 2 Minutes And Submit Your Photo Today at: http://dive.im/share

New from Sea & Sea – The U/W Housing for Canon EOS R5. Revised ergonomic design, improved safety features and eye-catching exterior. The new MDX series housings are now upgraded with more standard features to ensure better handling and greater protection for your camera.

Equipped with Grip plus, SA8 Fixed Ball Bases. The new MDX R5 is the perfect complement to Canon’s new mirrorless R5 camera. The MDX-R5 is rich in features with all controls ergonomically designed to maximize camera operation. All major camera functions can be accessed from the grip handles through thumb or finger movement without releasing your grip.

Sea&Sea Optical Converter and S&S manual flash trigger compatibility, port locking system plus removal and attaching of lenses while camera is still in housing. Compatible with both native RF lenses and all EF lenses (with mount). In addition, a 24mm port has been included to accommodate HDMI 2 cables for connection to an external video monitor to realize the full potential of the cameras ultra-high video capabilities. A built-in Leak Sensor and a bulkhead for external vacuum sensor provides double protection and increased peace of mind for your camera equipment while diving.

Many more features are available on the MDX R5 to help you gain the full potential of all the R5’s features and make your underwater imaging experience unforgettable.

For better noticeability, controls are partially coloured with yellow. All major controls for camera function can be easily operated without releasing your grip on the handle, providing stability and assurance during all imaging situations.

MDX-R5 Other Features

• The Port lock prevents the port from turning or loosening and the Port Lock lever is specifically located to avoid being unlocked accidentally.  
• The housing is equipped with a lens-lock release button which makes it possible to change lenses easily, without opening the housing. 
• Pulling out the Focus/Zoom Dial gives sufficient room inside the housing to easily accommodate larger diameter lenses.
• All controls have luminescence stickers which glow in a dark environment for better visibility of controls.
• Equipped with Optical Viewfinder 0.5x as standard. Other optional viewfinders such as the VF180 1.2x,VF45 1.2x and Optical Viewfinder 0.66x,0.8x can be used.
  Some vignetting may occur when the VF180 1.2x is mounted on housing, the upper part of the camera’s viewfinder cannot be viewed due to vignetting. 
• Sync Cord 2-pin Connector enables use of conventional hardwired Sync cable (Manual mode only).
• Equipped with two sacrificial zinc diodes (one on the front case and the other on the rear) to prevent electrolysis damage.
• Built-in leak sensor immediately alerts alerts you to water ingress.
• Tripod screw mount is located on the center underside of the housing.
• Equipped with an under guard to protect housing from scratches and abrasion

Learn more at: https://www.seaandsea.jp/products/digital_slr/mdx-r5/

Scuba4U TV is seeking short dive videos to contribute to a library for an initiative called “The Ocean Watch”.

The Ocean Watch purpose is to establish a comprehensive accessible library that tracks the health and state of the oceans from the diver’s point of view.

We are seeking submission of dive videos (from 1990-2020) to be cataloged year-by-year and destination-by-destination in order to create an archive of videos taken by the dive community.

Our intention in gathering these video records from individual divers around the world, is to provide a vital and valuable resource of information.

Access to these archival dive videos created by ‘in the water’ users allows our community and global citizens to monitor and witness the changes in the seas and oceans that have occurred over the last thirty years.

Come and be a part of this global initiative, checkout SCUBA4U TV click the link below.

https://www.thepublicplace.online

Your video submissions should have been shot between 1990-2020, a maximum 5 minutes (minimum 720 DPI file formats: avi, wmv, mp4, mpg, mov, mpeg) and the content we are looking for is the marine environment only, no land or on board shots. We would like you to include with your submissions, the specific location, the date captured and your name so we can archive and sort accurately.

Once you have viewed SCUBA4U please “login” and “register”, we will then send you an email so you can create your own password and return to the site to login again and upload your video onto the system. There is no charge for this

Learn more at: http://www.scuba4u.ca/

An adventurer, photographer and filmmaker with a passion for showcasing British Columbia’s stunning natural diversity. Maxwel grew up on the Sunshine Coast before travelling around the world evolving his skills as a photographer. Honduras, Vietnam, Norway, Greece, The Bahamas, and Tanzania all helped sharpen his skills to become one of Canada’s leading nature photographers.

Read The Scuba News Canada’s article on Maxwel’s latest video “Tadpoles, the Big Little Migration”

Maxwel’s accolades include winning Best Of Show at the Monterey Shootout in 2018 and 2019, adding footage to the BBC ‘s acclaimed Blue Planet series, and helping to better understand the underwater world of British Columbia. In addition, Maxwel instructs unrestricted surface supply and foreign commercial divers’ occupational scuba training.

​Maxwel is a brand ambassador with Huish Outdoors (Hollis, Zeagle, Atomic Aquatics, Oceanic), a commercial diving instructor, tech diver, cave diver, certified drone pilot, published photographer, and a proud Canadian!

Learn more at: https://www.maxwelhohn.com/

SeaLife has introduced their new compact Sea Dragon 5000F Photo-Video light. The Sea Dragon 5000F photo-video light delivers 5000F lumens in an even 120° wide beam. The light offers an unmatched 96 CRI (color rendering index) with a proprietary COB LED array that replicates natural sunlight (A CRI of 100 would be just like natural sunlight). Most other LED lights offer a much lower CRI, and missing critical color components necessary to produce natural and colorful still images and videos. The Sea Dragon 5000F also delivers a TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) value of over 97. With 100 being the highest possible TLCI value, this index value is especially important to underwater video photographers.

Size and weight of the new Sea Dragon 5000F have been minimized; the 5000 is the over 20% lighter, and smaller than its 4500 lumen predecessor.

The Sea Dragon 5000F also offers impressive still image results and can be used as a primary source of light or in combination with a strobe. The 5000F features Auto Flash Detect mode, which cancels the light for one second when a strobe is fired.

Two integrated 220-lumen red LED’s cast an 88° beam. At night or in caves or shadows, the red LED’s preserve your eyes natural low light function; allowing you to see gauges and your surroundings, at the same time the red LED’s do not frighten creatures like skittish reef fish that disappear from bright underwater LED lights. The red LED’s are powerful enough to assist the camera’s auto focus and will turn off for 1 second when a Strobe/Flash is fired.

The Sea Dragon 5000F brightness can be adjusted manually or automatically with its built-in photocell light sensor. The Auto Bright mode automatically adjusts from 500 to 5000F lumens based on proximity to the subject, helping to preserve your eye’s natural night vision and extends battery life. The light can also be manually adjusted to 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% brightness, plus the 220 lumen red mode.

The light head includes standard YS adapter, Flex-Connect YS Adapter and 1” ball joint adapter, for easy expansion with any YS, Flex-Connect or 1” ball joint system of arms, grips, trays and mounts.

Part of the Sea Dragon’s impressive performance is its powerful 50W Li-ion rechargeable battery pack, that runs the light for 50 minutes at full power. The light also includes a battery charger, 3 international plug adapters and a protective travel case.

The Sea Dragon 5000F Light is available for shipment now!

About SeaLife:

SeaLife Underwater Cameras are made by Pioneer Research in Moorestown, NJ and were first introduced in 1993. In 2000, SeaLife developed the world’s first digital underwater camera. In 2007, SeaLife developed the first non-housed digital underwater camera, and in 2013 SeaLife introduced the powerful Sea Dragon Lighting system and its innovative Flex-Connect tray, grip, arm, and accessory system. In 2014, SeaLife introduced the Micro HD, the world’s first permanently sealed underwater camera, followed by the new Micro 2.0 in 2015 and the cutting-edge DC2000 underwater camera in 2017. SeaLife cameras, lighting and accessories are sold and serviced in 64 countries around the world.

For more information visit www.SeaLife-Cameras.com

Behold… The Biggest Scuba Photo Competition the UK Lockdown has seen! 

Here at DIVELIFE we decided to spice it up a little and have ourselves a photo competition with some awesome prizes!

So, what are the rules? Simply submit your diving related photo, like our page and sit tight for a few weeks… yeah that’s it!

Prized kindly donated by our sponsors: 

• Halcyon UK: 1x H75P & Halo Regulator Set
• SANTI Diving: 1x Flex360 Undersuit
• Diving Matrix: 1x One-on-one private training day at any level

*Winner gets first pick!*

We’ve also got a prize for the Best Worst Photo – the winner of this prize will receive a £25 shopping voucher and a T-Shirt representing how much you suck at taking pictures. (Deliberately bad submissions are allowed).

CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR PHOTO

Learn more and see full terms and conditions at:  https://divelife.co.uk/pages/lockdown-photo-competition-2020

The Niagara Scow (also known as the Old Scow or Iron Scow) is the unofficial name of the small scow wreck which in 1918 brought two men dangerously close to plunging over the Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the Niagara Falls. The wreck could be seen, upstream of the falls, until Halloween Night 2019, when a sudden change took place.

Gustave F. Lofberg and Frank Harris were onboard the Great Lakes Dredge and Docks Company (Old Scow) on August 6, 1918, dredging sandbanks upstream of the waterfall from the Niagara River. As Captain John Wallace’s tugboat brought the Hassayampa over to carry the scow back to shore, it broke free and soon started floating downriver towards the falls.

There are contradictory claims that Lofberg and Harris were able to release the scow’s false bottom to dump their load of sand and silt, but the boat was trapped 838 yards (766 m) from the edge of the falls on a rock shoal, leaving the two employees of the Niagara Falls Power Company stuck in the middle of the raging water torrents. Later reports indicate that, as a safety precaution, Lofberg had tied a rope between himself and the scow so as not to fall overboard while the scow was beached, while Harris tied one between himself and a free barrel.

The Niagara Falls (Ontario) Fire Department attempted to use a grappling gun to shoot a lifeline out of the barge from the top of the roof of the Toronto Power House while waiting for the US Coast Guard to come from Youngstown, New York, carrying a heavier grappling gun, as a rescue boat was out of the question. They managed to send a lifeline over to the barge when the US Coast Guard arrived, and both marooned men made it safely back to shore via breeches buoy, 17 hours after they first grounded.

Old Scow remained on the rock shoal where it ran aground and began to deteriorate until 2019 when on Halloween Night, powerful southwest winds lifted the water levels of Lake Erie’s East Basin to record highs. The historic Old Scow was shifted off the rock with these record-high flows, allowing it to drift closer to the edge of the falls. According to a source at the Niagara Parks Commission, the scow drifted an estimated 50 metres downriver, and the wreck seemed to have “flipped on its side and turned around”.

Nature’s act or Halloween? Nobody’s going to know! Someday the “Scow” may make it over Niagara Falls.

Thanks to Dave of Freakography for the video and photo.

Follow Freakography on Facebook.