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Nauticam releases housing for Sony NEX-5R

Nauticam has announced the release of their housing for the Sony NEX-5R EVIL camera. The NA-NEX5R shares many of the features of its predecessor, as well as those of other EVIL housings in the Nauticam range. The new control dial on the NEX-5R is accessed on the housing via the left-hand thumb. This can give manual control of aperture and shutter speed. In addition the camera’s new programmable function (Fn) button can be accessed and hence used for manual while balance or focus mode control. Nauticam have re-designed their sealing o ring for this housing, and also modified the camera tray.

The NA-NEX5R housing is shipping now.

Press Release.

Nauticam NA-NEX5R Innovation Underwater

Nauticam is extremely pleased to present the newest addition to Nauticam’s extensive array of housings for the world’s finest mirrorless camera systems – the NA-NEX5R. As the dominant force in mirrorless interchangeable lens camera housings, Nauticam continues to bring professional quality engineering to this increasingly demanding and popular segment of the photographic community. The NA-NEX5R should prove to be every bit as potent a tool as its extremely successful predecessor: the NA-NEX5N.

Sony NEX-5R.

The NEX series of cameras have been wildly successful since their introduction with good reason. Sensor size, resolution and image quality are all squarely in the DSLR realm and the video specs have always been superb. The 16 megapixel NEX-5R demonstrates Sony’s evolution as a camera manufacturer as they continue to improve on already good products in response to enthusiast demand. The end users are the winner in this process as the top-notch image quality of the NEX-5N is preserved with some useful improvements added to the functionality of the camera.

The most notable physical change on the NEX-5R is a new control dial and programmable function button the top of the body. The control dial allows direct control of aperture, shutter speed or other functions depending on the camera’s exposure mode - greatly aiding settings adjustment. The function button allows the shooter to select between autofocus modes, metering modes, white balance, AF/MF, picture effects and can be programmed with numerous other possibilities. The LCD touch screen provides and exceptionally easy interface on land.

More improvements are hidden inside where the NEX-5R serves up a new Fast Hybrid AF: a sophisticated combination of phase detection and contrast detection that promises superior performance when used with compatible lenses. Also debuting on the NEX-5R is built in WIFI and the ability to utilize Sony’s PlayMemories Camera Apps. This growing list of apps includes useful options like “Bracket Pro”, “Time Lapse” and “Smart Remote Control” - allowing a smart phone to function as remote viewfinder and release. The new NEX-5R may be the Sony’s least expensive NEX camera, but it is a lot more than “entry level”.

Nauticam NA-NEX5R.

Nauticam is the recognized leader in underwater housings for compact mirrorless cameras and has produced more aluminum NEX housings than all other manufacturers combined. Nauticam continues to evolve the NEX housing design with a myriad of refinements present on the new NA-NEX5R. Designed by photographers to maximize the functionality of everything underwater photography demands, the new NA-NEX5R exceeds expectations in virtually every regard.

All Nauticam housings are designed for ease of use and maintenance and the NA-NEX5R builds on this solid foundation. The industry leading features of previous housings are present such as the effortless (but secure) single rotating housing latch, rugged machined aluminum case, 100 meter depth rating and the patented port locking system. A new rear mounted housing o-ring makes maintenance easier than ever and a re-engineered camera tray makes installation a snap. Of course dual fiber optic synch ports are standard and take advantage of the supplied Sony accessory flash.

Like all Nauticams, the NA-NEX5R is engineered for optimal ergonomics. Every control is designed for easy access while maintaining hand position. The Sony control wheel and new control dial are easily accessed by thumb for DSLR-like control of aperture and shutter settings in manual mode. The new function (Fn) button is immediately adjacent to the patented two stage shutter release for rapid activation of settings like focus modes and white balance function. The redesigned playback and record buttons are easy and intuitive. The Sony accessory flash can still activated and deactivated during a dive with a simple lever. Video shooters will appreciate the dedicated ISO button located close to the right thumb. Most importantly, Nauticam delivers all this friendly functionality in a housing built to same rugged standard as their top-of-the-line professional DSLR housings. A powerful system at a modest price - the NA-NEX5R is ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Ports for every Need.

Nauticam has the most extensive line of compact ports in the business. Port changes are easy and reliable with the Nauticam patented locking port release system used in all their mirrorless camera housings. Ports are available for the major Sony lenses that are useful underwater, including the Sony 18-55mm, 30mm macro, 16m pancake, 16mm pancake + FE adapter, and the 16mm pancake + WA adapter. Nauticam will also be supporting the new Sony 10-18mm WA zoom and other underwater appropriate lenses as they become available. An exciting option for some photographers is the Nauticam E Mount Nikonos U/W Nikkor Lens Adapter. This is a unique port adapter that allows NEX users to take advantage of the legendary Nikonos optics from the 15mm wide angle to the 80mm with extension tubes for super macro.

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 and providing an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles.

The optional Nauticam Flexitray provides a lightweight, compact mounting solution for strobe arms and the NA-NEX5R housing. 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, YS-01 and YS-D1 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:

Model Number:  17406
Estimated Shipping Date: Now Shipping (December 14, 2012)
More information is available from Nauticam USA online.
USA Dealer List.

Contact Nauticam USA:
Chris Parsons
Nauticam USA
2303 N. Andrews Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: 954-489-8678
Web Email.

For dealer enquiries outside of North & South America please email.
International dealer listing on the Nauticam international site.