Underwater Photography and Videography, News, Forums, Trips, Photo Contests :: Wetpixel.com

Issue 48 of X-Ray Magazine is now available to download. The May 2012 edition features articles about Komodo Island by Wetpixel Moderator Abi Smigel Mullens and Andrey Bizyukin, Frank Wirth writes about the hunting strategies of the Orcas of Valdes and Andy Murch talks about the sharks of French Polynesia.

In addition, Nuno Sá shares his experiences of Madeira, Peter Symes on Island Biogeography and Lawson Wood shares hints and tricks for underwater photography at night.

Renowned underwater photographer and videographer Norbert Wu gives his thoughts about the Atlantis MKI video light system. He notes that underwater filmmakers have longed for a lightweight, portable lighting solution that has a powerful, wide beam. He compares the lights to the Light and Motion SOLA 2000 lights and gives his thoughts on the use of video lights in shallow water and under bright conditions.

Wetpixel is also currently reviewing the Keldan LUNA 4V and Mangrove VC-4L6 video lights and will publish a comprehensive review soon.

As of this morning, Adobe has started shipping the boxed and download versions of Creative Suite 6 (CS6). It seems as if the Creative Cloud launch, also advertised for today as been delayed until 11 May. In addition, free trials are available for all CS6 products. These are fully featured and will work alongside existing installations of previous versions, but will expire once the trial period has ended. ProDesignTools has published a comprehensive guide to what is new and changed within CS6.

Adobe has also added full details including pricing and upgrade paths on its website.

Neville Coleman, marine naturalist, photographer and conservationist, has passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2012.  Neville was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2007 for his many achievements in the marine world, including being the discoverer of numerous species of marine life which were also named after him, like the Chromodoris Colemani.  Neville was also one of the most published authors of marine life, having written some 65 books.  His passion for the sea and life will be sorely missed.  We @ Wetpixel would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Neville.

Aditech has released a new type IV Mangrove housing MVHS-L and MVSH-XL for the Sony camcorders HDR-CX570/580/730/740/760, HDR-PJ260/580/710/760 and HDR-XR260 camcorders. The housing features the LANC control system that gives access to a 12-key control that operates all camcorder functions (such as manual WB, aperture and shutter time, zoom and many others) using the electronic touch screen control. The housing features a back 3.5" monitor that allows a direct view of the camcorder´s monitor.

The MVHS-L retails at €1.546,61, and the MVHS-XL at €1.572,03. Both versions of the housing are available now.

Underwater.kr are organizing an underwater shootout competition to be hosted by NAD-Lembeh, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia from 8-15 December 2012. The total prize purse is over $35,000 and includes cash, diving gear and underwater photography equipment. Underwater.kr are also offering a chance to win a place in the shootout by entering an online competition. The shootout is open to anyone, from anywhere!

Please see the Underwater.kr site for contest rules or to register.

Wetpixel Associate Editor Alex Mustard has been able to obtain an early D4 camera, and has spent the past two weeks shooting with it in very challenging condition in Iceland and Scotland. As he states, the D4 is a pro body designed for professionals on assignment, and hence it makes sense to test the camera in very challenging conditions.

His review will be presented in 5 sections with each new section being added daily. The sections will be: (1) Introduction, (2) Camera and housing overview, (3) ISO, image quality and shooting FX, (4) Autofocus and shooting experience (macro and wide, stills and video), (5) Comparisons with other cameras and conclusion.

The California Department of Fish and Game is in the process of developing a Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the California spiny lobster which is fished both recreationally and commercially in southern California. They are seeking volunteers who are non-consumptive recreationalists (e.g. underwater photographers and videographers) for the committee. The committee members will attend 2-3 meetings each in the next three years to assist in the development of the FMP with their advice, feedback and recommendations. A number of fishery participants have applied, but finding individuals who enjoy the ocean’s resources without harvesting has proven challenging.

The Dept. of Fish and Game has extended the date to receive applications for the Lobster Advisory Committee to May 11, 2012. For more information, and/or to apply online, please visit the Dept. of Fish and Game website.

Wetpixel is running a macro workshop to Lembeh in October 2013. The trip will be led by Alex Mustard, and will not only provide fantastic photo opportunities for the participants, but they will also have the chance to learn, improve and discuss their images with Alex. It will be based at the luxurious Lembeh Resort and the timing has been chosen to coincide with an especially critter rich time of the year in Lembeh, with plentiful encounters with ghostpipefish, hairy frogfish and octopus likely.

Spaces on the trip are deliberately limited to allow for more teaching contact time with each individual. Dan Baldocchi is handling the booking, so if you are interested, please email him soon for more information or to book a space.

The 2012 Cairns Underwater Film and Photo Competition is now calling for entries. The competition, part of the Cairns Underwater Festival, features entry categories including: Wide-angle nature, macro, diver in harmony with the reef, creative, young photographer, compact wide-angle and compact macro. In addition, there is an entry category for short films. The festival is volunteer-run and donates the proceeds of the vent to local environmental charities.

For full details please see the Cairns Underwater Film Festival site and the deadline for entries is 25th July 2012.