Wetpixel/Under The Jungle Cenote Workshop 2021
Articles
Apple updates Aperture to version 3.1.2
Apple has announced an update for Aperture, bringing the program to version 3.1.2. This aims to improve overall performance, and includes some specific fixes for known issues. These include: Addressing an issue that prevented referenced images from being reconnected in the library, fixing issues that made the computer cease responding whilst using brushes and displaying incorrect white balance values for some images. The fix also upgrades the compatibility of exported XMP Sidecar files with third-party applications.
The update is free for Aperture 3 users; and is available via Software Update or the Apple support site.
Review: GoPro HERO HD LCD BacPac monitor
Steve Douglas presents a review of the GoPro BacPac LCD monitor. In it, he highlights that the GoPro HERO HD camera has opened up new creative opportunities for filmmakers, but this has been frustrated by the difficulties of trying to compose and frame subjects without a viewfinder or monitor. The new monitor can be easily retro-fitted to exisiting GoPro HERO cameras, and is supplied with housing backs that allow the existing underwater housing to be adapted for use with it. Steve concludes:
“With their new LCD BacPac, GoPro has succeeded in fulfilling GoPro owners wishes and married them to a low-cost solution.”
Nauticam releases NA-60D housing for EOS 60D
Nauticam has announced the release of the NA-60D housing for the Canon EOS 60D SLR. The new housing features: New-style locking latches (as on the Nauticam NA-D7000), a lens release lever, an ISO thumb lever, ergonomically placed AF-ON button, two-stage shutter release and an improved rear command dial control.
It will be available from 31 March at a US retail price of $3000.
Bluewater Photo launches monthly photo contest
Bluewater Photo has launched the first of its monthly theme photo contests on Facebook. Images entered will be available for public voting, with the winning images being the ones with the most votes. The competitions are free to enter, and each will have prizes for the winners. All submitted images must have been taken in last year and the each entrant is limited to three entries per contest.
The theme for the first competition is “blue” and the deadline for entries is 31 March.
Ikelite releases housing for Canon EOS 600D
Ikelite has announced the release of a housing for the Canon EOS 600D (Rebel T3i). It is constructed of heavy-duty clear polycarbonate and is rated to 200 feet (60m). It will be slightly negative in fresh water depending on choice of lens port. Controls are provided for every camera function except the diopter adjustment dial with a large zoom control knob that can be reached without removing your hand from the handle. Recording start/stop while in video mode can also be controlled from the handle by the thumb of your right hand. The housing is supplied with the Super-Eye magnifier which enlarges the view of the camera’s viewfinder.
The housing is available to order now, and has a suggested retail price of $1400.
New award-winning films on DiveFilm HD
DiveFilm HD has posted three award-winning short films. Scheldt Estuary, Dutch National Park by Edward Snijders won silver in the Our World Underwater competition this year. It features the amazing life in the estuary, which is near Zeeland, Netherlands. Galapagos: Evolution to Extinction is an award-winning short film by Josh Jensen documenting some of the major environmental and ecological threats to the Galapagos Islands. It includes interviews with local experts from WildAid, Conservation International, and Sea Shepherd. Lastly, Hope by Simon Spear won gold in the Our World underwater competition. In it, humpback whales are depicted as giving hope for our ocean’s future.
All the above films are available as free downloads from the DiveFilm HD page on iTunes.
Sealux releases universal video housing
Sealux has announced the release of the VNT universal housing for Sony, Panasonic, JVC and Canon camcorders. It is designed with a tray that can be adjusted in three axes for different cameras to allow for an optimum set-up with different models. As the camera position relative to lens can be varied, the VNT can be used with macro, wide-angle and fish-eye lenses.
The housing is constructed of CNC machined aluminum and has a depth rating of 90 meters (270 feet). Please contact Sealux for exact camera compatibility. They are accepting orders now and the VNT will retail at 1,987.39 euros.
DX or FX
Borut Furlan presents a comprehensive, illustrated and scientific review of the pros and cons of full versus crop frame sensors for underwater photography. He considers and explains factors including chromatic aberration, dome port theory, field of focus, curvature of field and the use of wide-angle zoom lenses. He also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of both types of sensor for macro photography.