Because so many Wetpixel users have modified their housings in various ways, we’ve created a new DIY - Do It Yourself forum category. You may want to use it to ask James about the time he drilled a hole in his housing—with predictable results upon his next dive.
Digideep today announce their first European Open digital shootout. The event is being held in Sweden, with diving in the clear waters around the Weather Islands and runs from the 22nd - 25th September 2005. Digideep are providing a selection of optional test equipment and there are prizes on offer for the best images from Green Force, Hugyfot and Dyk Magazine.
August and September always seem popular months for underwater photographers to head to the ocean and create some great new images. This year seems no exception, and Wetpixel’s Photo and Gallery Showcase is very active at the moment. It is a great place to get inspired by other members’ photography, to check out the photo opportunities in places you are thinking about visiting, or to post your own images and get feedback from your peers. Check it out today!
Wetpixel Co-Admin, Alex Mustard, announces that his new Magic Filter is now available. This filter is designed to allow photographers to produce colourful ambient light images without the use of flash. The Filter is effective between the surface and 50ft (0-15m). The Magic Filter is designed specifically for DSLR cameras and is manufactured as an optical quality gel filter compatible with the front or rear filter holders on popular DSLR lenses for underwater photography. I would also like to thank the members of Wetpixel who have supported and encouraged us to share this product with the underwater photography community.
DP Review today officially revealed the highly anticipated Canon EOS 5D digital SLR camera, fitted with a 12.8 Megapixel high resolution full 35mm frame sized CMOS sensor. This camera is an important addition to the Canon range for underwater photographers because it is the first, at a sub-1DS price, to provide full 180 degree coverage with popular fisheye lenses. It also has a larger and improved image review LCD, capable of both luminance and RGB histograms, compared with the Canon 20D. One downside for underwater photographers is that it is bigger than the 20D and will not fit straight into any existing housings. The race is on to see which housing manufacurers will be first to support this camera.
Are you ever confused by the torrent of jargon that digital photographers spout? Well Ming Thein has come to your rescue with the latest version of his Dictionary of modern photographic technical terms. There are definitions on everything from Acuity to Zoom! I am glad to see that Underwater Photography is in there too!
The World Festival of Underwater Images, held in Antibes, France, is regarded by many as the most important competition for underwater photographers and the deadline - 15th September 2005 - is fast approaching. Pleasingly, the Festival does not differentiate digital photographers into their own category and instead welcomes them to compete against other photographers irrespective of the type of equipment used. Let’s hope for more Wetpixel success this year to add to the Website Award that Eric won for this site in 2003. Visit the Antibes Festival website for rules and more information.
Wetpixel is widely known and respected as the prime location for helpful and accurate information on all aspects of digital underwater photography. Yet from time to time the members do like to indulge in a bit of wild speculation - and with strong rumours of two new DLRs from Canon and Nikon, its that time of year again! Both the hypothetical Canon 5D and Nikon D200 seem well suited to underwater photography and, in typical pocket battleship style, will probably have many high-spec features packed into their small bodies. So come in and join the fun. Remember the more “predictions” you make the more chance you have of being proved right!
There has been much merriment in the forums since Wetpixel member Motionsync spotted actress Jessica Alba posing with an Ikelite digital housing in a production photo from the new diving adventure film Into The Blue. Clearly Ikelite is the first choice housing for Hollywood’s underwater photographers! Ike himself expressed surprise that the membership had even noticed the housing, given the fact that Ms Alba looks rather better in her wetsuit than the average Wetpixelite!
Wetpixel has today reached 4000 registered Forum members. Wetpixel topped 1000 members in May 2003, 2000 members in March 2004, 3000 members in December 2004 and now 4000 members in August 2005. Wetpixel members have written almost 60,000 posts packed with information, images tips and techniques on digital photography underwater in our forums. Our 4000th member ats who is also known as Aravind from India.