Nauticam announced underwater housing for the Nikon 1 V1 camera that can incorporate the external SB-N5 flash unit. The price is $1650, shipping will start at the end of January, 2012. More sample images can be found here.
Nauticam proudly announces the NA-V1 housing for Nikon’s new and revolutionary line of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras.
From the Nikon press release:
The new Nikon 1 system is a completely original concept, engineered specifically to strike the ultimate balance of performance, intuitive simplicity and portability to chronicle life like never before.
Nauticam is once again the leader in the mirror-less interchangeable world for underwater photographers by bringing the first V1 housing to market. With this housing, Nikon shooters will use the V1 to chronicle life under the sea.
Nikon V1
The eagerly awaited Nikon 1 System is in some ways Nikon’s answer to the mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras created by its rivals like the m4/3 and NEX. Nikon takes a slightly different path, focusing on ease of use and responsiveness. The system features a brand new and unique sensor format dubbed “CX” and a corresponding line of new NIKKOR lenses called Nikon 1 Mount. Nikon V1, along with lesser sibling J1, is Nikon’s first camera in this line.
V1 features a 10MP CMOS sensor, with choice of 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio, a 3” 921K dot LCD display, XSPEED 3TM dual core processor and a crisp 1440K dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). V1 takes advantage of both an electronic and mechanical shutter system. An optional external flash unit (SB-N5 Speedlight) provides legendary Nikon automatic flash exposure compensation (TTL). Importantly for underwater shooters, the V1 can record RAW mode and offers manual shooting, and manual focus.
The big news for this camera for underwater shooters is the focus system. The camera offers best of both worlds – contrast and phase detection autofocus. Phase detection is the same technique used by SLR cameras to achieve very fast autofocus. Using up to 73 AF points, the autofocus system offers multiple options to achieve impressive autofocus performance, including continuous autofocus tracking. This kind of autofocus performance, combined with the deep depth of field afforded by the CX sensor, mean the end of out of focus shots.
Edward Lai, Nauticam CEO, had this to say about the autofocus performance of the V1 after using it underwater: “What amazed me was the speed and accuracy of the AF system. Coupled with the small lenses the camera really focused lightning fast. And the 10 fps with AF between each shot can be extreme useful”.
The Nikon V1 is capable of extremely fast continuous shooting speed; 5fps in normal mode, 10fps or 30fps with electronic shutter and up to 60fps with fixed AF. V1 has an intriguing mode that takes advantage of this high speed shooting called “Smart Photo Selector” that take a burst of photos at an amazing 30fps and then keeps only the sharpest, best 5 shots of that group. Imagine using that for ambient light shooting of fast moving animals or people.
The new NIKKOR 1 System lenses include image stabilization and silent motor for quit autofocus and zoom during movie shooting.
The V1 also shoots 1080p 30fps HD video using the H.264/MPEG4 format. Motion snapshot mode means capturing photos at 60 frames per second. Other modes include slow motion video at up to 1200fps. V1 even allows you to capture a high quality still image while recording 1080p HD video.
Nauticam NA-V1 Housing
Nauticam delivers the new NA-V1 housing, incorporating some of the best features of earlier Nauticam offerings. The NA-V1 also features the type of innovations people have come to expect from Nauticam, including a clever patent pending switch to make using both the EVF and the LCD possible. V1 shooters not only can take their new camera along for underwater exploration, but they can do so with the rugged, ergonomic, and stylish NauticamNA-V1 housing.
This is a very compact and lightweight housing, with all of the key V1 camera controls available from the ergonomic grip sculpted into the side of the housing. A choice of hand strap and left/right handle means the shooter can customize the housing to meet their specific needs.
The same Nauticam patented mini locking port release system used with other Nauticam mid-range housings has been incorporated, allowing easy and secure port changes. Initially, two lenses, the Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/2.5-5.6 and the Nikkor 10mm f/2 are supported. Given the cameras deep depth of field and fast focus, macro shooting is ideal with this setup, and the 10-30mm is supported via the Macro Port 45 (part #36135). Nauticam is now shipping a flip macro close-up lens holder (part #25101) that attaches to the 67mm threads on the Macro Port 45, and is deal for shooting macro with the V1. Zoom is supported on the 10-30mm with an optional zoom gear.
For wide angle, the 10mm lens is supported with a choice of 2 ports, a 3.5” dome (part #36131) and a flat port called N10 Pancake Port (part #36151), which optionally supports use of the FIX UWL-04 Wet Conversion.
The housing body is raised to incorporate the optional external flash unit (SB-N5 Speedlight). By placing the strobe higher above the lens, it is possible to get good results without an external flash – ideal for shooters who want an all-in-one system. An optional snap on diffuser (part #36321) will be offered to facilitate this type of shooting.
The sculpted NA-V1 housing fits the V1 camera perfectly – the camera is quickly mounted in the housing via a snap in camera tray, and the housing is securely closed with a locking rotary latch.
Nauticam housings are designed with ergonomics in mind, and this housing puts all of the important controls on the camera within easy reach. The shutter release is sculpted into the housing itself, landing the right index perfectly on the button. A four-way controller with set button is easily reached from the right. Video record and set button are larger and have a concave face, making them easier to distinguish, further adding the ease of use. Zoom is easily accessed from the left side of the housing.
NA-V1 also features an audible and visual leak detector and cold shoe accessory mount.
Locking Rotary Latch
The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate safety clasp. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening.
Nauticam Build Quality
Only the finest materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes are used to make Nauticam housings. The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.
Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles
Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips. The soft feel and ergonomic design make the housing easy to grip and minimize hand fatigue on long dives. Both single and double handle configurations are available for complete customization, and each handle can be adjusted laterally allowing the user to dial in perfect fit. A hand strap is also available for those wishing an even smaller profile.
Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL
Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with Nauticam housings and a variety of optically fired flashes. Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, and YS-01 strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity. This system yields accurate TTL flash performance with no electrical sync cables to flood!
Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handles or a single strobe mounting ball point on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for even more mounting options.
Specifications
