Aquatica Dresses Up the New Nikon D300s
Aquatica is the first manufacturer to announce an underwater housing for the Nikon D300s, released to the market only a few months ago. The new housing features a variety of alternatives for strobe connectors, including fiber optic cable, Ikelite and Nikonos bulkheads. The housing shell is machined from solid aluminum and it is depth rated to 90 meters / 300 feet. The new Nikon D300s, with 12.3 mega pixels and HD video capabilities, accommodated inside this new housing, will certainly open a new door for many underwater photographers.
The shell is machined from solid aluminum, treated and anodized to military specification and then painted with a robust weather and wear resistant finish. Due to its durable construction, the housing benefits from a 300 feet + depth rating, which sets Aquatica housings apart from some of their competitors. The D300s housing features easy access to vital video function controls, while retaining its ease of operation for still imaging. It is equipped with the same mounting bayonet that accepts Aquatica's existing accessories and ports, including the Aquatica tack sharp Megadome, Aqua View Finder and Remote Control Cord. The housing was specially designed in order to address every aspect of underwater photography as a demanding activity.
- Optical Fiber Strobe Connectors (NEW): This Aquatica housing introduces the optical fiber connection to their line up of housings. Options include optical ports for both Sea & Sea or INON connectors, as well as traditional strobe connectors, as the Nikonos or Ikelite standard bulkheads. These options ensure that the housing is as flexible as possible with respect to its compatibility with the different underwater strobes available in the market.
- Bayonet Port: A positive four point bayonet mounting and a locking mechanism leave no doubt that the ports are secure in place and watertight sealed. The bayonet system, which accpets dome ports, macro ports and extension rings, offers the fastest and most comprehensive access to the lenses for rapid changing without having to remove the camera from the housing. This housing allows use of lenses from a 10mm 180 degrees fisheye lens to a 180mm macro lens. Tele-converter port extensions are also available.
- Menus: Buttons have been designed within an angle of 20 degrees and extended when required, for better ergonomics. Knobs are now grooved and knurled for optimal operation when wearing thick gloves.
- Hydrophone: Available as an accessory and can be easily mounted by using one of the provided accessory bulkhead mounting holes.
- Controls: Fingertip access to all camera menus and video controls including On/Off, Live View mode, Record On/Off, Exposure Mode, Bracketing, Meter Positioning, Focus Control, AF-ON and AE-AF Lock. Controls are all accesses via a single easy access lever. Access to all menu features include Review, Enlarge, Delete, Histogram and Internal SLR Preferences.
- Lens Release: A lever is provided for easy lens changing through the front port without having to remove the camera from the housing.
- Remote Control Grip: Available as an accessory and can be easily mounted by making use of one of the provided accessory bulkhead mounting holes.
- Viewing Eye Piece: One of the most critical aspects of underwater SLR photography is the viewing system. The Aquatica housing is equipped with a viewfinder that features the largest and brightest image possible in full frame viewing. An accessory Aqua View Finder is also available, providing the photographer with unparallel viewing of the camera's viewfinder, for sharp focusing and accurate composition.
- Depth Rating: 300 feet/90 meters (upgradeable on request to 425ft/130 meters).
- Shell: Precision machined from a single aluminum block. This lightweight housing is fully anodized to military specifications and coated with robust wear resistant coating. All function labels are pad printing so they will not peel off or fade on the long term.
- Accurately Balanced Ergonomic Design: All controls, including video activating controls, are within easy reach.
- Excellent Underwater Balance.
- Replaceable Sacrificial Anodes: Protect the housing from electrolysis.
- Weight: 3.29 Kg / 7.25 Lbs
- Dimensions (with grip attached): W 35.6cm x H 20.25cm x D15.25cm / W 14” x H 8” x D 6”
- Dimensions (without grip): 24.1cm x H 20.25cm x D15.25cm / W 9.5” x H 8” x D 6”
To added aggrandize versatility, users accept the adeptness to accomplished tune their images application Nikon’s Picture Controls to acclimatize sharpening, brightness, adverse and blush hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, pass4sure Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a able congenital beam with added advantage for a 16mm lens, the camera is aswell accordant with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and is able of authoritative up to two groups of limited units as a adept administrator for Advanced Wireless Lighting.
Underwater cameras tend to be bulky, and this housing seem to add to its bulkiness. However, to take good underwater pictures, good equipment is often needed, and though it seems unwieldy, I am sure that this would do the job well. It has many functions that would make a professional happy.
One of the most critical aspects of underwater SLR photography is the viewing system. The Aquatica housing is equipped with a viewfinder that features the largest and brightest image possible in full frame viewing. An accessory Aqua View Finder is also available, providing the photographer with unparallel viewing of the camera's viewfinder, for sharp focusing and accurate composition.
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