Wetpixel.com

Amazing images of sea butterflies

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-19T10:51:14+00:00

A sea butterfly (*Clione limacina*.) ©Karen Osborn/Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian Collage of Arts and Sciences blog has published a [photographic study of sea butterflies](http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/artscience/2013/05/amazing-sea-butterflies-are-the-oceans-canary-in-the-coal-mine/) or pteropods by zoologist Karen Osborne. She and her fellow researchers are capturing the animals by hand while on scuba in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Mexico and California and then bringing them back to the research ship and photographing them in a shallow tank of clear water with a Canon 5D camera with a 65mm lens, using multiple flashguns to capture their colors. This is taking place alongside genetic analysis of the specimens to ensure taxonomic accuracy.

A shelled sea butterfly (*Hyalocylis striata* ) ©Karen Osborn/Smithsonian.

Traditional capture methods have involved the use of a net, which makes the butterflies retract their "wings", and then the way the specimens have been preserved is also thought to affect their appearance. It has believed that this has resulted to mis-identification and classification. Hand gathering specimens is, the researcher feel, more likely to give accurate representations of the animals, as well as to "*capture never-before-recorded images of the living animals—and to inspire interest in these weird, wild animals*.” All images ©Karen Osborn/Smithsonian.

A sea butterfly (*Pneumodermopsis* sp.) ©Karen Osborn/Smithsonian.

Tagged: news, sea butterfiles

Ikelite announces its housing for the LUMIX GH3

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-17T22:40:56+00:00

Ikelite has launched its Smart Housing for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera. This represents a departure for the company as it is its first housing for a mirrorless or EVIL camera. The housing is immediately recognizable as an Ikelite and shares the TTL flash control and polycarbonate design of its siblings, but also moves the video and AF lock controls onto the side of the housing for thumb activation.

The Ikelite GH3 Smart Housing will be available from late May at a US retail price of $1,500.
###Press release.
##Ikelite Housing for Panasonic Lumix GH3.
Other housings simply waterproof your camera. An Ikelite Smart Housing improves your photos.
###Features:
TTL or "Through-The-Lens" flash metering means the camera controls flash duration to properly expose an image. The Ikelite housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH3 is able to tell the camera that a TTL external flash is attached, allowing the camera to adjust exposure more accurately*. The housing translates direct electrical impulses from the camera, triggering the external strobe and precisely adjusting its power without the need to fire the camera's flash. In-line communication between the strobe and the camera completely eliminates signal interference and false triggering caused by light rays bouncing off the water's surface or another diver's flash going off. Avoiding the need to fire the camera's built-in flash also prolongs battery life and reduces recycle time between shots.

Exposure adjustments directly through the back of the housing put the perfect shot within reach every time. Tweak the exposure or take total control without taking a hand off of the housing. Two pushbuttons below the camera's LCD viewfinder act as a remote control for Ikelite DS-series strobes*. Access is provided to plus/minus exposure compensation in TTL mode, plus 7 manual power settings in half-stop increments. Strobe settings are indicated by a series of LED lights and plainly visible even at night.

Controls are customized to put all important camera functions within comfortable reach. Unlike other housings currently on the market, the Ikelite housing brings video record start/stop and AF lock out to the side of the housing for quick thumb-access without taking a hand off of the handles. Translating the movement via a lever control ensures that the video will start and stop without the shakiness typically caused by rear push button action.

For a system of this caliber, a tray with dual handles is essential to good handling, balance underwater and attachment of external lighting. An aluminum tray with right- and left-hand rubberized grips is included with the Ikelite housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH3, providing comfortable hold, two quick release points for strobe and video arms, and tripod attachment holes. The complete handle assembly removes with just two screws for traveling.

An over-sized knob smoothly engages a unique system of universal zoom gears. Two zoom sets are provided with each housing: one for use with most popular larger diameter zoom lenses and one designed for use with smaller diameter zoom lenses. Both sets are lightweight and easy to install with no modification to the lens required. A variety of dome and flat ports attach with four locking latches for maximum security and quick changes between dives.

Special polycarbonate blends shape up to an extremely strong yet clear and lightweight enclosure. There's no substitute for inspecting the actual o-ring seal once the housing is closed. A 100% clear back provides visual confirmation that the housing is watertight and dry before entering the water, and provides a full view of the camera while diving. The heavy-duty polycarbonate housing never bubbles or flakes and is fundamentally corrosion-resistant.

Like every Ikelite product, the 6860.03 housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH3 is designed, built and tested in the USA. All housings are built by hand and individually tested for fit, function and waterproof integrity. The average assembly technician is a certified scuba diver and has over 16 years of experience building Ikelite products. Each Ikelite housing is backed with over 50 years of experience and service within the dive industry.

###Availability.
The Ikelite housing for the Panasonic Lumix GH-3 is currently in production for late-May release. This product is available for pre-order through any Authorized Ikelite Dealer.

Product No. 6860.03
US Market Suggested Retail Price $1,500
Camera, lens and lens port not included.

Ikelite housings for the Nikon D7100 and Canon EOS 700D are shipping now. Photos and specifications for all housing models can be found on the Ikelite [website](http://ikelite.com).

* Requires current model Ikelite DS Substrobe. Click here for strobe requirements by serial number. TTL circuitry does not operate with non-Ikelite strobes. Non-Ikelite strobes provide manual exposure only.

Tagged: gh3, ikelite, news

Review: UK Aqualite eLED video lights

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-17T21:53:29+00:00

Video capture devices seem to be available in an ever-decreasing size. The ability of SLR cameras to produce very presentable video has been followed by a series of POV cams like the GoPro and Sony AS15. These are small, light, inexpensive and capable of producing very good quality footage. Hence, they have been widely adopted by many videographers. A common feature of these cams is that they have limited low-light performance and fixed wide-angle lenses.

Underwater Kinetics has produced a dedicated video light with their Aqualite eLED. Powered by a Li-ion cell, this is a very small and compact light with a very competitive price point. It is supplied as standard with a charger, a spare Li-On cell and an optional 1" ball can be added (at an additional cost) which attaches via two threaded holes on the torch body. The torch is available with interchangeable 90°, 65° or 20° reflectors, with the 90° being the most suitable for video use. Apparently, the 65° is designed to match the angle of view of compact cameras like the Sealife.

The light puts out a very credible 600 lumens of output at 5000°K, which can be controlled in 4 steps (600 to 120 lumens) via a revolving switch on the rear of the light. Burn times are also very good, with a quoted burn time of 1.3 hours. The addition of an extra battery makes for a full day's shooting without needing to recharge.

Burn testing showed the manufacturer's burn times to be accurate, with the lights averaging around 80 minutes burn at full power.

In use, the lights are very light (200g) and only 13cm long. During testing they were almost completely neutrally buoyant when attached to my SLR housing. They seem solidly constructed, and the aluminum surround will act as a effective heat sink when the torches are used underwater.

Our test involved using a pair of Aqualites with a Nauticam housed Nikon D800 and a 16-35mm wide-angle lens behind a Zen 230mm dome (70mm extension). Also attached to the housing was a GoPro HERO2 POV cam in a Backscatter housing and attached with a ULCS GoPro cage.

It can be argued that lighting for video (and maybe for stills too) is best when the viewer does not notice it. Light is typically used to illuminate areas of shadow and bring out underwater color. For wide-angle, videographers will normally attempt to set their cameras to expose the ambient light correctly, and use lights to gently correct the color loss due to the light's passage through the water or areas that have been shaded.

The testing took place in the green water of Capernwray, near Lancaster, UK on some fairly gloomy days. Fortunately the D800 is capable of performing well even at low light levels, so it was able to expose correctly for the conditions.

In use, it was apparent that the Aqualites were simply not powerful enough to provide adequate output for wide-angle filming with either the SLR or the GoPro. The lights' output could be seen in reflections on fishes' scales but did not penetrate far enough in front of the cameras to light up any elements of the scene. The color of the light was soft and the beam had no discernible hot spots.

This presents somewhat of a conundrum, as these lights are being marketed as being a suitable tool for use with POV cameras. The current versions of these cameras all feature very wide-angle fields of view and in order to light scenes with these, large output lights are required. It is somewhat ironic that in order to light a scene for a GoPro, the lights that you need may well cost 10 times the cost of the camera itself!

The testing did not include using the lights for shooting macro scenes, and it should be emphasized that they may be suitable for macro use. This omission was somewhat deliberate, as POV cams currently on the market cannot shoot macro, although there may well be third-party adaptors becoming available for this soon. Whilst mentioning third-party accessories for POV cams, I believe that a set of color correction filters for the camera may well be a more effective solution for correcting color issues.

I have also heard of the GoPro/Aqualite combination being effective for filming in caves, where the lack of ambient light means that the light's output is sufficient. Given this, I would also assume that they would be suitable for filming within wreck interiors or perhaps at night.

The Aqualite eLED retails for £221.00 in the UK and $249.00 in the U.S.A.
###FTCC Disclaimer:
The torches were kindly loaned to the reviewer by Underwater Kinetic's UK distributer [Sea & Sea](http://www.sea-sea.com). Thanks to Brett Thorpe of [Divelife](http://www.divelife.co.uk/) for his assistance with the review.

Tagged: aqualite eled, review

Think Tank Photo releases massive Logistics Manager 30 rolling bag

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-17T14:03:04+00:00

Think Tank Photo releases massive Logistics Manager 30 rolling bag

Air Pacific/Fiji Air exposed as shark fin trafficker

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-17T13:54:53+00:00

Air Pacific/Fiji Air exposed as shark fin trafficker

Adobe releases Camera Raw release candidate 8.1

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-17T13:43:39+00:00

Adobe releases Camera Raw release candidate 8.1

Video: Howard Hall’s Leviathan

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-17T13:25:34+00:00

Filmmaker [Howard Hall](http://www.howardhall.com/) has [posted](http://vimeo.com/66357495) a short film of footage of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) captured at Vavau'u, Tonga. Howard cites the help of Whale Watch Vava'u and Endangered Encounters in getting the encounters necessary for the film.. The images were captured with a RED Epic and a Tokina 10-17mm lens in 5K resolution.

Tagged: howard hall, video

Interview with Clark Little: “I love getting thrashed”

Abi Mullens — 2013-05-14T20:05:05+00:00

Photographer [Clark Little's](http://www.clarklittlephotography.com) career broke open all of a sudden, just like one of the thick waves that rises up against the North Shore of Oahu and slams into the sand. After a British web site sent out a newsletter with a link to some of his images, his life turned upside down. He appeared on numerous TV shows, exhibited his photography at the Smithsonian museum, opened two galleries, and published a book, "*The Shorebreak Art of Clark Little*".

He attributes the secret of his success to more than three decades of playing in the ocean. The 43-year-old grew up on the North Shore and while his older brother Brock gained fame paddling into the world’s monster waves, Clark surfed the shorebreaks. He learned how to read the waves, how to time his ride, and how to fall when he wiped out; which happened quite a bit. He got a rush from getting tumbled, so it was a bit strange when he took a 9-to-5 job as a keeper at the local botanical garden. He got married, started a family and then found himself in a situation where his wife needed him to dive back into one of those big waves to take a picture. He jumped right in and got hooked all over again. A few years later he quit his job and decided to shoot full time. He’s been tumbling in the wake of that decision ever since.

Find more of Little's wave imagery and the full *Outside* magazine interview and article with him [here](http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/nature/Galleries-We-Like-Shorebreak-Art-of-Clark-Little.html?page=1).

Tagged: clark little, outside, wave photography

Nauticam releases its housing for the GH3

Adam Hanlon — 2013-05-14T18:46:16+00:00

Nauticam has finally officially released their housing for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The NA-GH3 was first spotted on the Nauticam China website, and was exhibited at the NAB show. Since then there have queries about the launch date on the [forum](/forums/index.php?showtopic=50299). Nauticam USA has now confirmed that it will be shipping from 27 May at a US retail price of $2250.

###Press release.
##Housing for Panasonic GH3.
**Innovation Underwater.**

Nauticam is pleased to announce the latest release in its line of precision crafted camera housings, the NA-GH3 for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 (GH3 for short). The GH3 is not only the flagship Micro Four Thirds (m4/3) format camera from Panasonic, but it is one of the most capable video cameras ever in it's class, with certain features rivaling or even exceeding some high end video cameras that can cost an order of magnitude more.

Nauticam is the undisputed leader in the m4/3 and other mirrorless interchangeable lens camera underwater housing market, with more camera models and more lens models supported than any other manufacturer. With the NA-GH3, Nauticam demonstrates it's continuing commitment to the mirrorless market.

###The NA-GH3 Housing.
The NA-GH3 was designed by underwater photographers to maximize control of the camera to facilitate the creative process for both still shooting and video, all in a rugged housing machined from solid aluminum and depth rated to 100 meters. All Nauticam housings are designed for ease of use and maintenance and the NA-GH3 builds on this solid foundation. The groundbreaking features of previous housings are present such as the effortless (but secure) single rotating housing latch and the patented port latching system. A rear mounted housing o-ring makes maintenance easier than ever, while a threaded bulkhead port allows for an HDMI or electrical strobe synch bulkhead installation – advanced features often omitted by other housing manufacturers. Dual fiber optic synch ports are standard and take advantage of the GH3 popup flash. To make the most of the GH3’s excellent EVF, Nauticam has crafted an optional rear acrylic display window (p/n 17751) that encompasses a mount for installation of Nauticam’s acclaimed 45º and 180º magnified view finders for the ultimate in composition and focus ability.

Port changes are easy using the Patented Nauticam Locking Port Release. No wrestling, no twisting, no misalignment - just seat and lock. Lens changes are also easily accomplished without removing the camera from the housing using the lens release button logically accessed on the housing front. Optional handles on the Nauticam Flexitray are generously contoured with a durable over-mold process of comfortable non-slip rubber.

The Panasonic GH3 has a very large number of external controls/buttons, so designing a housing that manages all of these controls in a way that is logical, easy to use and adds to the user experience is quite a challenge. As has become the norm, the Nauticam design team has not only taken on the challenge but has succeeded in producing an ergonomic housing that bring all of that control to the users fingertips. The GH3 has a touchscreen interface that is not supported underwater; however, Nauticam has carefully evaluated the functionality of the external controls to ensure that all functions needed underwater can be accessed by the well placed housing controls.

###The Panasonic GH3 Camera.
Some cameras are great, and some have greatness thrust upon them. The Panasonic GH2 was more of a case of the latter; it was a very good camera, but it gained much in terms of performance and notoriety when a group of enthusiasts developed a "hack" or modified firmware for the camera that greatly increased it's video bitrate. The result was a camera that became a cult-like favorite for independent filmmakers who wanted high image quality on a budget. To their credit, Panasonic recognized this and made sure to incorporate a high data rate as well as other new video features into the camera. The result is the excellent Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3, or GH3 for short.

For video shooters, there is a long list of important features that the GH3 provides, starting with a data rate of up to 70mbps. Of current SLR and consumer cameras, only the Canon 5D Mark III and 1D series produce a higher bit rate. The GH3 can shoot in full 1080p at 60fps, something the 5DIII cannot do, even with the latest firmware upgrade. The size of the m4/3 sensor is a distinct advantage for underwater shooting as well - it is large enough to capture high image quality with relatively little noise, yet small enough to get more depth of field than an APS-C or full frame sensor. More depth of field is useful for underwater shooting where focus is often difficult. Macro shooters will find it much easier to get life-size reproductions or beyond using the m4/3 sensor, and the deeper depth of field means more of the subject will be in focus. The m4/3 sensor also means that lenses are typically smaller than their full frame counterparts.

"*At the time of writing no other camera at a similar price point offers so much for video shooters and filmmakers. Whilst the Nikon D5200 / D7100 and Canon 5D Mark III perform better in low light, neither have the range of video features and frame rates the GH3 offers for $1299 - nor quite the crispness of detail at 1080p. The mirrorless mount is also an advantage for video on the GH3 as it allows a wider range of lenses to be used and an active electronic viewfinder whilst recording*." Andrew Red - EOSHD

###Panasonic GH3 Key Features:
* 16MP Live MOS sensor with three-core Venus 7 FHD engine.
* Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing (dust and splash proof).
* ISO 200-12800 (extended range of ISO 125-25600).
* 6 fps continuous shooting.
* AF speed of 0.07 seconds.
* 1.7 million dot equiv. 16:9 ratio OLED viewfinder (873 x 500 pixels).
* 614k dot 3" OLED rear screen (640 x 480 pixels).
* Full HD 60p/50p video with 30p/25p option.
* MOV (h.264), MP4 and AVCHD formats.
* Video bit rates of 50Mbps in IPB and 72Mbps in All-I compression modes.
* Timecode support in MOV(H.264) and AVCHD formats.

###Lens Support.
The quality of an image is only as good as the glass it was captured with, and Nauticam firmly believes that every lens that makes sense to be used underwater should be supported. Nauticam's lineup of ports, together with Zen Underwater dome ports is the most complete and extensive in the industry. Nauticam carefully evaluates new lenses, and is often first to market with support when a new lens is offered. Nauticam is the only manufacturer to fully support the Olympus 12-50mm lens to take advantage of it's macro mode. The new Panasonic 12-35mm lens is supported as well as reliable choices like the Panasonic 8mm, the Panasonic 7-14mm, the Olympus 9-18, Panasonic 45mm macro, Olympus 60mm macro, and all of the 14-42mm lenses from both Panasonic and Olympus.

###Viewfinders.
A high resolution camera like the Panasonic GH3 demands perfect focus for optimal results. Fortunately, Nauticam has developed the most user-friendly interchangeable precision viewfinders in the world. The standard optical glass viewfinder is very good and travel friendly, but many photographers prefer the ease of a magnified viewfinder with adjustable diopter. Nauticam produces a “straight” 180º enlarging viewfinder and a 45º angled enlarging viewfinder to enhance the ease of close quarters work often associated with macro shooting. Both viewfinders have high quality optics allow viewing of the entire image. A patented external dioptric adjustment allows personal adjustment to a sharp-as-a-tack standard underwater and viewfinder changes can be executed in less than 30 seconds without using tools. Exceptional composition and focus accuracy have never been more accessible.

###Accessories.
Nauticam’s NA-DP4 housing for the Small HD DP4 Monitor can take video performance to another level by rendering the video image in a position more amenable to the shooter. The monitor housing easily mounts to the top of the NA-GH3 and utilizes the optional HDMI Bulkhead for true HDMI connectivity. Utilizing DP4 features like Focus Peaking, Focus Assist, False Color, 1:1 Mapping and more, this larger monitor vastly improves composition, focus capability and exposure.

Optional accessories available for the NA-GH3:
* 180º Enhancing Viewfinder.
* 45º Enhanching Viewfinder.
* Complete line of ports for all major lenses.
* Locking port extension rings, 20mm and 30mm.
* Monitor Housing for SmallHD DP4 Monitor.
* Fiber optic cables for Inon and Sea & Sea.
* Flexitray with left handle, right handle.
* Flexitray W - wider version of Flexitray with tripod attachment holes.
* Hand strap (2 sizes).
* Full line of mounting accessories for lighting, including mount balls, strobe adapters, arms, clamps, and specialty items.
* Multiple styles of lanyards.
* Lens holders, including flip-up.
* Focus and Zoom gears for many Panasonic and Olympus lenses.

###The Bottom Line.
The Panasonic GH3 is a video enthusiasts dream camera, offering unmatched video features and quality, while still offering excellent still camera functionality. The GH3 with the NA-GH3 is the perfect partnership for the independent filmmaker to document the world underwater.

###Specifications:

* Depth Rating: 100m.
* Weight: 1.4kg.
* Dimensions (with handles mounted): 207mm x 152mm x 121mm.

Model Number: 17707.
USA Retail Price: $2250.
Estimated Shipping Date: May 27, 2013.
More information is available from [Nauticam USA](http://www.nauticamusa.com).
[USA Dealer List](http://www.nauticamusa.com/nauticam-dealers).

Contact Nauticam USA:
Chris Parsons
Nauticam USA
2303 N. Andrews Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: 954-489-8678
[Web](http://www.nauticamusa.com) [Email](mailto:innovation@nauticamusa.com).

About Nauticam USA:
Nauticam USA is the exclusive wholesale distributor of Nauticam products in the North American Market. Nauticam USA’s warehouse and service center is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Our staff of underwater photography experts strives to provide the best customer support and after sale service available. Dealer inquiries are welcome!

Please [email](http://enquiry@nauticam.com) for dealer enquiries Outside of North & South America.

International Dealer Listing is available on the Nauticam International [website](http://nauticam.com/dealer.htm).

Tagged: gh3, nauticam, news

Red Sea moon jelly gallery

Abi Mullens — 2013-05-14T18:19:23+00:00

Red Sea moon jelly gallery