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

NASA has published a stunning van Gogh "inspired" timelapse visualization of ocean surface currents around the world from June 2005 through December 2007 on YouTube. This visualization was produced using a computational model called Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean, Phase II (ECCO2). This attempts to model the oceans and sea ice to increasingly accurate resolutions that begin to allow modeling of ocean eddies and other narrow-current systems which transport heat and carbon in the oceans. Although it simulates ocean flows at all depths, this visualization shows only the surface currents.

Dpreview.com has published an in-depth review of the Nikon D800. and D800e. The 29 page article discusses the features of the new camera, and compares them to both the preceding Nikon models and the new Canon 5D MkIII. It also features large numbers of test shots using the new cameras. Their conclusion shows that the folks at dpreview.com are very impressed with the new camera and they award it their "Gold Award". They do strike a cautionary note though:

".....if you're truly after 36MP performance, be prepared to do some work. Flawless technique, fast shutter speeds and top-shelf equipment (particularly lenses and a tripod) along with a low ISO are requirements not options."

Wetpixel has taken delivery of a D800 and the housing is awaiting customs clearance as we write. It should be "wet" in the next day or so, when we will start to put it through its underwater paces. The results will be posted both here and in the forums, so please keep checking back for updates.

Due to late cancellations, we now have two spaces available for the Wetpixel Ultimate Whale Sharks expedition. The trip is without doubt the best opportunity you will have to see large aggregations of whale sharks, with sightings last year of groups of over 300. The spaces are both in the first week of the trip, from 30 July to 5 August, and is based at Isla Mujeres, Cancun. Mexico. Wetpixel Associate Editor Alex Mustard will be leading the trip.

This trip has been sold out for some time, so we expect that these spaces will fill very quickly. Please contact Dan Baldocchi very soon for more information or to book.

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.