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Waterpixels at the UK's Royal Photographic Society

Maria , our very own Compact Camera Specialist, will be hosting an online “Getting Started in Underwater Photography” event with the Royal Photographic Society on Wednesday 16 July from 1800 hrs to 2000 hrs.

Maria will be sharing her experience over the past three years of shooting exclusively with smartphones, compact cameras, Insta 360s and Go Pros and promises to help inspire beginners capture their own vision to create award-winning content.  Her presentation will delve into the many different options of accessory lenses and lights from various manufacturers with the aim of helping people choose the best system for their needs.

Tickets are £35 for Non-Members or £26 for RPS Members which includes a free copy of Maria’s eBook “Getting Started in Underwater Photography” and free online ongoing support via Zoom or at her studio in Swanage.

Details are on the Royal Photographic Society’s website at

https://events.rps.org/en/4LrdQ66/rps-getting-started-in-underwater-photography-with-maria-munn-jul-2025-5a2NN29HgnF/overview

So if you're around London, come and support one of the team and enjoy what Maria has to offer.



TimG

Scopolamine motion sickness patches - FDA

A member who is a physician (thanks @DocTock ) has passed on a warning from the Federal Drug Administration about the effect of Scopolamine motion sickness patches used under certain conditions.

If you’re a user, you might like to read this link

https://waterpixels.net/index.php?app=core&module=system&controller=redirect&url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-adds-warning-about-serious-risk-heat-related-complications-antinausea-patch-transderm-scop&key=a8758139d8c7b733e9cdd78fc4f7f8b7f2f61bcebf7f6faac9903308d718186b&email=1&type=notification_new_private_message
TimG

Critter Spotters in Vanuatu

Waterpixels is always happy to help promote the activities of our own members.

Husband and wife team, John Warmington (johnvila) and Sandra Kaye, have set up Critter Spotters in Vanuatu which they describe as a "Photographer-Friendly Retreat".

Here's what they have to say:

"We’re John Warmington and Sandra Kaye, a husband-and-wife team with over 40 years of dive experience between us, and a combined 26 years of living here in Vanuatu. Together, we’ve built Critter Spotter, a dive offering created for underwater photographers and thoughtful divers — and Karma Waters, a private villa just steps from the reef we call home.
This isn’t a large scale commercial operation or a packaged tour. It’s a personal invitation to dive the way we dive — slowly, with care, with curiosity, and with space to stay as long as the subject needs.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐮 ----  𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞?

Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific, east of Australia and north of New Zealand — a chain of volcanic islands with rich marine life, warm waters, and minimal dive traffic.
If you can get to Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji, you’re just one short flight away. Direct connections from Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, and Nadi make it surprisingly easy — especially compared to many Indo-Pacific destinations.
We’re based on Efate, just 45 minutes from the international airport, in the calm, sheltered waters of Havannah Harbour — a site known for its gentle conditions and exceptional macro biodiversity.

𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 – 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞

Karma Waters is a newly constructed private, one-bedroom, self-contained villa set among tropical gardens with ocean views and direct access to the reef. It’s ideal for dive couples or photography buddies who want flexibility and privacy without compromise. The king bed can be split to two singles for travelling buddies and in addition to your own comfy timber deck with water views you will have access to a large covered deck right on the waters edge, a luxurious day bed and lounges overlook the water. Grab a kayak and go exploring for yourself.
We also offer on-site massage, yoga, or pilates sessions and can host your own private lifestyle workshop.
You’re welcome to self-cater at your own pace, or just relax and let the water set the rhythm. There are dining spots close or private catering ca be arranged. 
➡️ If your group is more than two, we can comfortably cater for up to four divers. While the villa remains best suited for couples or pairs, we’re happy to help arrange nearby accommodation for extra guests without compromising the experience.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨-𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡, 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞
Our reef is one of those places that rewards repeat dives and patient eyes. Whether you're looking for frogfish, mantis shrimp, nudibranchs, moray eels  — or simply just love long cruisy dives you'll have the space and time you need to make it memorable. 
We offer dives right from the villa, just go down the steps! It’s your choice --- we will introduce you to the area on arrival with a few guided dives and then it’s up to you – guided or unguided. Lets us know how many tanks you need! Our 5 metre diver friendly boat is surveyed and ready for adventure on request. 
We limit our numbers for a reason — so that you never feel rushed or overlooked.  We don’t do schedules - dive when you're ready, linger as long as you want, your experience is the priority. 
We don’t teach – we dive and cater to certified divers only. Maximum of 4 divers.
We all know the worry about weight limits and travel – we can ease that burden – all dive gear is available for hire plus we can cater to photographers with: GoPro, TG7 or Nikon D500 / Nauticam set ups on site, ready to hire. 

𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

John has spent the last decade developing his underwater photography through patience, passion, and deep familiarity with local marine life. He’s happy to share insights, offer camera advice, or help you troubleshoot a setup — casually, in-water, or over a post-dive photo chat. If you want more --- Workshops are available on request, whether you're just starting out or want a focused photo session.
Sandy, a qualified divemaster and accomplished videographer, is especially intuitive with guests newer to diving, and is always ready to help spot subjects, keep an eye on conditions, or simply ensure your dive feels safe and supported.
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠
We’ve called Vanuatu home for years — and it shows in how we host. From cultural tips to hidden snorkelling spots, we make it our mission to ensure every guest walks away with more than just good photos — but a truly memorable experience. 
We share what we love in a way that’s real, relaxed, , no crowds, no rush and  tailored to you!

Ready to Learn More?
📍 www.critterspotter.com
📩 Email: [email protected]
📷 Follow us: @critterspotter
If you're looking for a quieter, slower kind of dive trip — with time to shoot, space to think, genuine rest and relaxation, and a reef that still surprises us after hundreds of dives — we’d love to welcome you to Havannah Harbour.
See you underwater,

John & Sandy
Critter Spotter | Karma Waters | Vanuatu"







TimG

Adobe Lightroom 14.4 Update

Adobe have announced an update to version 14.4 to Lightroom

Amongst the new features the Adobe website explains:

Reflection Removal on Desktop
Shooting through a window or glass door? Use Reflections Removal to eliminate glare and surface reflections from your image, leaving behind a clean, crisp final photo. You can even adjust the Quality setting to control your final resolution—great for balancing speed and precision.

People Removal
Crowded backgrounds? The new People Removal feature automatically detects and removes extra or unwanted people from your shot. Whether you're on the desktop or mobile app, it's easy to clean up your photo so your main subject shines.

View and Update AI Edit Settings
Stay in control of your edits. Now, when you apply AI-powered tools like Denoise, Remove, or Lens Blur, an AI Edit Status icon will show up. If anything changes that might affect your results, the icon turns yellow so you'll know it's time to reapply or tweak your settings. It's an easy way to keep your edits looking their best with no guesswork needed.

Tether Capture with Fujifilm Cameras
Lightroom Classic now has native support for tethered capture using Fujifilm cameras.

Performance Improvements
Enjoy faster, smoother, and more accurate performance across tools and adjustments, making interactive editing feel quicker and more responsive. Key improvements include improvements in Crop Rotation, Brush, and linear gradient in the Masking panel.
TimG

Diving with the Weefine 3000 CCW Ring Light

I have long fascinated with shooting ring lights underwater starting with the Inon Quadflash, through the various Athena modifications to Sea and Sea strobe heads, continuing to the Saga fiber optic rings and now to the Weefine 3000. The Weefine 3000 is the latest version of the LED lights made by Kraken and Weefine. The Weefine 3000 CCW


Weefine 3000 CCW Ring Light

It's similar to the earlier 3000 lumen LED modules but has adjustable color temperature and a 3000-lumen burst (strobe) mode. It also has a super closeup mode that can shoot subjects as close as 25 mm (1 inch) from the strobe. It is powered by a protected, 26650, 5000 mAh Li battery. The battery can be charged via a built-in USB-C port.
One very neat thing about the light is that it allows for a very small, compact system underwater. No arms necessary, just the camera/housing/port and a single fiber optic cable. The light is shown below on an AOI housing for the OM-1 camera.


AOI housing for the OM-1 camera with the Weefine 3000 CCW Ring Light

The ring light can attach to any port with a 67 mm thread and can be rotated for any angle once attached. One nice feature (or bug) is that when you are using the light in the strobe mode, it remains on at low power to act as a focus light. During the day it was not terribly necessary but worked fine at night, although you will also need some kind of dive light to find your way. My wife said it was very easy to find me in or small group, just look for the circular dive light.

How well did it work? Better than I had anticipated. Years ago, I had the Kraken version of this light, and it was fine; this version with improved ergonomics (no multiple button pushes) worked great.
Here is a nice little clown (Triopha catalinae) from a dive in local Southern California waters before the Raja/Triton Bay trip on the Wellenreng.


This was shot at 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 200 using the Olympus 30 macro lens on an OM-1 in an AOI housing. Certainly, enough light to illuminate the subject, I slightly reduced the shot exposure by 0.1 to increase the contrast a bit.


For other local subjects, such as this anemone it also worked well. This one was shot at f/5.6, 1/160 sec and ISO 200.



I shot with the light quite a bit on our trip to Raja/Triton Bay. Here is a nice little Goniobranchus coi, shot with the Panasonic 45 lens, f/6.3, 1/160 sec, ISO 400. I was very close; you can see the out of focus gills. 



I love Christmas tree worms, here is one from Triton Bay. Same lens, 1/250, f/7.1.



Here is a crinoid shrimp, same settings.



I shot a lot of tiny things, but also a bunch of anemone fish. Here is a Clarke in an orange anemone. f/14, 1/250, ISO 400.

Overall, the light worked well for the things I was shooting, it of course is completely useless for anything more than 250 mm (10 inches) away. The color temperature is fine but shooting in raw lets me adjust as needed.
A friend used the light as a video light for a TG7 with a 52 mm to 67 mm adapter and said that for most nudibranchs the light was much easier to use than independent lights on arms.
I wish it had more power, a 6000-lumen burst mode for this type of light would be awesome, but the current version is adequate for micro 4/3 shooters and awesome for the smaller sensor cameras like the TG series.
bvanant

Isotta RED64 Underwater Strobe

Isotta are an iconic, trusted name in underwater imagery built on experience and excellent customer service who have made beautiful sturdy underwater housings over the years for all kinds of camera models from Go Pros and Insta 360 Ace Pros to Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony.  They offer advanced, high quality products which respond to modern needs, remaining true to the passion and innovation which Egidio Isotta started from his own dream back in 1967 in Italy.

They have recently released their RED64 Underwater Strobe in the same Iconic red anodised aluminium body for which Isotta is world-renowned.



It features (to name a few) the following:

Two connections:  1 fibre optic and an S6
Power 230 Watt
Guide Number 22 underwater with ISO 100
300 Flashes per full power charge
Colour Temperature:  5400 K
10 stop adjustments for Flash Power
HSS for Sony, Canon and Nikon
Both Full and Half Power on white plus red focus light
Double o-ring seals on all buttons and removable parts

It is unique in that even it's flash compartment is completely waterproof even with the battery compartment open and as with all Isotta products, has the option to customise it with your logo or name.



Finally it has a:

Working Depth at 100 metres
Weight in water 230 grams
Weight in air 1500 grams
It measures 195 mm x 173 mm x 100 mm.

Dive on into their website at www.isotecnic.it for more information.
Maria Munn

Sea Frogs NIKON Z6 III Aluminium Housing

Sea Frogs has officially released its new Z6-III aluminum alloy housing, designed specifically for Nikon’s latest Z6 III full-frame mirrorless camera.
Continuing Sea Frogs’ tradition of precision craftsmanship and technological innovation, this new housing offers reliable underwater photography support for both professional photographers and diving enthusiasts—further pushing the boundaries of creative exploration.

Key Features: Professional Protection and User-Friendly Design

Aviation-Grade Aluminum Alloy Construction
The Z6-III housing is built from high-strength aluminum alloy, striking a balance between lightweight design and exceptional compressive strength.
It performs reliably in demanding environments, supporting underwater use at depths of up to 100 meters.
Its excellent corrosion resistance makes it ideal for use in seawater, freshwater, and extreme outdoor conditions.

Optimized Button Layout
Tailored to match the Nikon Z6 III’s control logic, all buttons and dials are engineered with specialized technology to ensure seamless operation underwater—just like on land.

Modular Expansion Interface
Includes a top-mounted M28 interface reserved for external monitor connectivity.

Optical-Grade Glass Ports and Safety Design
Equipped with ultra-clear, optical-grade dome and flat ports designed to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, ensuring maximum image sharpness and color fidelity underwater.
The O-ring sealing system and pressure balance valve effectively prevent deformation due to leakage or pressure differentials, ensuring long-term durability and performance.



Davide DB

Retra Flash Pro Max II

Retra have announced the launch of the new Retra Flash Pro Max II, which they describe as their most advanced professional strobe to date.

"Built on five generations of innovation and field-proven performance, the Pro Max II redefines what’s possible in underwater lighting—delivering Li-ion-level performance using safe and widely available NiMh batteries."

"With an impressive 190Ws of flash power, the Pro Max II produces 65% more actual light output compared to its predecessor—all while maintaining the same compact size and weight. This significant leap in brightness is achieved through a redesigned reflector, optimized power handling, and an improved triggering system that channels more energy into light rather than heat.
Whether you're shooting fast-paced action or intricate macro scenes, you’ll appreciate the 25% faster recycle times and the ability to shoot up to 2000 flashes at 25% power using the 8×AA configuration. It even supports continuous shooting up to 60 frames per second on low power settings."

Full details can be found here:

Retra UWT
Retra Flash Pro Max II
The Retra Flash Pro Max II is our fifth-generation professional underwater strobe, engineered to push the boundaries of lighting performance. Delivering 65% more light output, 25% faster recycle ti...
TimG

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 - The First 8K AI Powered Action Cam

If someone mentions the word Action Cam for underwater use, who else would automatically think of either Go Pro or the Osmo dpi range?

This week I've been learning about Insta 360’s Ace Pro 2 and I have to say, I’ve been completely blown away by it’s specs.



Not only does it boast an incredible Leica Summarit lens to set a completely new and unrivalled benchmark for action camera image quality (a whopping 50 MP), it has an F2.6 aperture to capture more light and reduce noise plus a 2.5” flip touchscreen plus many more incredible options to get super creative with your content.

It has an elite 1/1.3” 8K sensor with 13.5 stops of dynamic range plus support for 4K 60 fps Active HDR and 8K 30 fps video.  It also has a 5 mm AI chip for further processing and powerful performance.  It promises to bring smoother, crisper 8k footage with incredible clarity , even in low light conditions, backed up by it’s renowned Flowstate Image Stabilisation and PureVideo software.

It’s precise underwater colour technology ensures vibrant, true-to-life footage. It has outstanding white balance capabilities, boasts an incredible 157 degree field-of-view and is waterproof to 12 ms/39 ft.

Leica has a long history of producing some of the best optics in the world, and I'm loving seeing the underwater images captured with this little gem of a camera.

Has anyone got one?  We’d love to see your images and hear your stories.
Maria Munn

Panasonic Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE: A Deep Dive for Hybrid Shooters

Panasonic has made a significant announcement for hybrid photographers and videographers with the launch of its new full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Lumix S1 II and Lumix S1 IIe. Both models are engineered to cater to the demanding needs of creators who seamlessly switch between capturing high-quality stills and professional-grade video.



Lumix S1 II: Pushing Boundaries with a Partially-Stacked Sensor

The flagship Lumix S1 II marks a milestone for Panasonic, introducing the company's first partially-stacked CMOS sensor. This 24.1-megapixel full-frame sensor significantly boosts read-out speeds, enabling impressive capabilities. Videographers will appreciate the ability to record 6K30p open-gate video, offering greater flexibility in post-production. For still photographers, the S1 II delivers with a remarkable 70 frames per second continuous, blackout-free shooting experience.

Key features of the Lumix S1 II include:

24.1MP Full-Frame Partially Stacked CMOS Sensor
Open Gate 6K 30p Video Recording
5.1K 60p Open Gate Recording
8.0-stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization Technology
Phase Hybrid Autofocus with AI Detection

Lumix S1 IIe: Streamlined Power for Creative Professionals

The Lumix S1 IIe offers a more streamlined package while retaining many of the advanced tools found in its sibling. It is built around a 24.2-megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. This model also supports Open Gate 6K 30p video recording, ensuring high-resolution video capture. Photographers will benefit from features like 96MP high-resolution handheld stills and the inclusion of Photo Styles and Real-Time LUT application.

Key features of the Lumix S1 IIE include:

24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
Open Gate 6K 30p Video Recording
96MP High-Resolution Handheld Stills
Phase Hybrid Autofocus with AI Detection
Photo Styles and Real Time LUT

Shared Strengths and Availability

Both the Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE share a robust set of features designed for professional use. These include:
Dual card slots for versatile media management.
A high-resolution tilting/free-angle LCD screen for flexible monitoring.
A durable body built to withstand demanding shooting environments.
The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is set to retail for $3,197.99 USD, while the Lumix S1 IIe will be available at a price point of $2,497.99 USD. These new additions to the Lumix S-series lineup signal Panasonic's continued commitment to providing powerful and versatile tools for the modern hybrid shooter.





Davide DB

Sealife Releases New Sport Diver S Smartphone Housing

SeaLife have recently released their new S Smartphone Housing which is compatible with all iPhone models and some Android models (the Ultra is compatible with almost all Androids).  It is slightly smaller both externally (16%), internally (27%) and is also 16% lighter than it’s popular Ultra model weighing in at 24 oz/680 grams compared to 808 grams. It has the same easy-to-use buttons and large shutter release making it a complete breeze to use when wearing thick gloves.




It includes the same visible Moisture and Pressure Change Leak Alerts but these are not audible like the Ultra and it has a maximum depth of 30 metres compared to the Ultra’s 40 metres.  A red filter is an optional extra with this starter kit but a light weight travel pouch is included.  It has 3 accessory mounts compared to the Ultra’s 7 to connect to any tray with standard tripod threads and is of course compatible with all of SeaLife’s Flex-Connect Trays.

The same popular settings are available via the free SportDiver App available on both Apple and Google Play Stores:

Adjust Zoom
Exposure (EV)
Auto/Manual Focus
White Balance
Tint
Lens Selection
RAW and JPEG shooting options
Video Stabilization
Movie Mode



SeaLife also offers a 52 mm 0.7 x wide angle lens, plus a wide angle dome lens which increases the shooting angle by 43%, allowing for a closer photography distance and improved edge sharpness.  These attach directly to their lens adaptor which can be used with the Sportdiver S Housing, allowing all lenses from their range and other brands with 52 mm or 67 mm threads to be mounted directly to expand both macro and wide-angle creativity.  Step-up rings can also be used for other sized lenses.



This image is of the SeaLife SportDiver Ultra Version using the Dome Lens

It is also offers more bounce for the ounce with a lower price tag of $299.95, making it a more affordable option for starters in underwater photography using their smartphone.   I loved using my SportDiver housing when it was first released and this is sure to be another popular addition to the SeaLife family.

For more information visit www.sealife-cameras.com

Maria Munn

Waterpixels Compact Systems Specialist

Waterpixels is delighted to announce that Maria Munn has joined the team as our Compact Systems Specialist.

For many years Maria has taught and specialised in producing amazing images using compact systems especially the Canon G series. She’s been looking too at action cameras and housed smartphone systems and has posted some really helpful guides and reviews.

A more detailed resume for Maria is on our About page. We’re sure members will welcome warmly her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Great to have you with us, Maria.
TimG

Nikon Z9 Firmware Update - to 5.20

Nikon have announced a firmware update to the Z9.

According to the Nikon firmware website, version 5.20 brings the following:

Added support for “NX Field*”, a remote shooting system for corporate users.
* Visit the “NPS” website for overview and user’s manual of NX Field.
Nikon Professional Services (NPS) (English)
Note: “NX Field” app for smart devices may not be available in some countries and regions.
• Renamed d14 [Display on during burst] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Fixed the following issues:
- Pressing the playback button after repeatedly shooting bursts would in rare cases corrupt the display of all images.
- In rare circumstances, optimal exposure could not be achieved during burst shooting after changing the exposure in mode M.
- In synchronized release, pressing the shutter-release button of the master camera halfway initiated autofocus on the remote camera with the following setting selected.
▸ [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > a6 [AF activation] > [AF-ON only]
TimG

Nikon & RED: A New Era for Hybrid and High-End Filmmaking

When Nikon acquired a controlling stake in RED Digital Cinema in early 2023, the industry took notice. For photographers and filmmakers alike, this wasn't just another corporate merger—it signaled Nikon's serious commitment to professional cinema production and a strategic evolution beyond still photography.
 
Strategic Integration and Immediate Benefits
 
The integration has moved quickly. RED has already released cinema cameras featuring Nikon's Z-mount, creating a native pathway for Nikon glass to reach professional cinema environments without adapters. This compatibility breakthrough offers significant workflow advantages for creators invested in both ecosystems.
The technical advantages of the Z-mount make this integration particularly powerful. With its 55mm diameter and minimal 16mm flange distance, the Z-mount delivers exceptional optical flexibility, supporting everything from ultra-fast apertures to edge-to-edge sharpness across varying sensor sizes. For RED's cinema application, this mount architecture provides future-proofed optical performance while simplifying lens choices for filmmakers.
 
Image credit: Nikon.com
 
Nikon's Video Evolution
 
Z9 vs Z8 - image credits: cined.com
 
Concurrent with the RED acquisition, Nikon has dramatically expanded the video capabilities in its flagship cameras. The Z8 and Z9 now incorporate features previously exclusive to dedicated cinema cameras:
 
Internal 12-bit RAW recording ProRes and N-RAW codec support Advanced log profiles Professional monitoring tools (waveforms, vectors) Timecode synchronization  
N-RAW and R3D: Complementary Codecs
 
Since the acquisition of Red, Nikon has two Raw codecs in house. Rather than competing internally, Nikon's N-RAW and RED's REDCODE (R3D) formats serve distinct purposes within the expanded ecosystem:
 
N-RAW targets hybrid creators and solo operators with its efficiency-focused design. The 12-bit compressed RAW format balances high-quality acquisition with manageable file sizes, making it ideal for documentary filmmakers and content creators who need cinema-quality results without complex external recording setups.
 
REDCODE RAW (R3D) maintains its position as the industry-standard cinema codec, optimized for controlled production environments and post-heavy workflows. Its established integration with DaVinci Resolve and REDCINE-X makes it the preferred choice for high-end production houses REDCINE-X is a free, professional-grade software application provided by RED Digital Cinema. In addition, Adobe has announced that it will support the N-Raw codec within its video editing software Premiere Pro.
 
The Future Landscape
 
This strategic alliance is redefining Nikon's identity in the visual content creation space. By bridging the gap between hybrid creators and cinema professionals, Nikon is positioning itself as a comprehensive imaging solutions provider. The RED acquisition doesn't represent a casual expansion into video—it's a fundamental repositioning that leverages RED's cinema expertise alongside Nikon's optical and sensor technology.
For working professionals, this integration promises future innovations that blend RED's cinema heritage with Nikon's technological prowess, potentially creating entirely new categories of imaging tools designed for modern visual storytelling across all formats.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Davide DB

Nikon's N-RAW video format will be supported in Adobe Premiere Pro

Nikon announced the Z5 II mirrorless camera last night, but in addition to that announcement was another exciting update for Nikon videographers. The company revealed that Adobe will finally offer support for Nikon's N-Raw video format in Premiere Pro. N-Raw is Nikon's proprietary 12-bit Raw video format. It supports Rec2020 color gamut and allows users to adjust white balance in post-production, much like what's possible with Raw photo files. As a result, it provides more flexibility during the editing process. Despite that extra data for editing purposes, it also produces smaller file sizes compared to Apple ProRes Raw. It's ideal for those who need editing flexibility while saving space on memory cards and hard drives. The only other options for editing N-Raw files are DaVinci Resolve and RedCine-X Pro, so it is great to see Adobe getting on board. While support for N-Raw in Premiere Pro is certainly welcome news, users will have to wait until "the end of 2025." Nikon didn't provide more specifics than that, simply saying it will come with an updated version of Premiere Pro coming later this year.
 
Here the Nikon full press release:
 
https://www.nikon-asia.com/articles/nikon-n-raw-video-format-will-be-supported-in-adobe-video-editing-software-premiere-pro
 
 
Davide DB

Lightroom And Metadata for Underwater Images

Managing underwater photography collections can be overwhelming, but with Adobe Lightroom's robust metadata features, organization becomes seamless. On his blog, Mike Jones outlines a systematic approach to metadata management, emphasizing the importance of consistent practices to enhance searchability and gain deeper insights into marine environments.
 
Key steps include:
 
Rating: Assigning ratings to evaluate image quality. Keywords: Applying terms to describe the environment and subjects. Title: Using a consistent format for easy grouping. Species: Recording both common and scientific names. Category: Grouping similar species under broader classifications. GPS: Adding precise coordinates to document the exact location of each shot.  
Implementing these practices transforms your photo library into a valuable dataset, capturing snapshots of time, place, biodiversity, and behavior.
For a comprehensive guide, visit Mike Jones's blog:
 
https://mikejonesdive.com/lightroom-metadata
Davide DB

Weefine WF101 Ring Light 3000 Version 2

Weefine have just released a new ring light, the WF101 Ringlight 3000 Version 2 to compliment their existing WF105 Ring Light 3000 CCW but what are the differences between the two and why would you prefer to use one over an external strobe?
 

 
 
Ring Lights are particularly useful in macro underwater photography, providing shadow-free illumination when a subject is close to the lens (the WF105 Ring Light provides 1000 lumens of light allowing users to shoot at just a 25 mm distance from their subject), super ideal for lighting tiny subjects, particularly if they are in an area difficult to illuminate evenly with an external strobe.  They are a fabulous smaller, lighter (just 470 or 480 grms above water/245 arms underwater), more economical option for those macro lovers starting out in underwater photography who don’t want or need to invest in a larger, heavier strobe.
 

Images @ Pauline Wong and Ken Thongpila
 
Both versions provide a 90 degree beam angle with a continuous 1800 lumens of light for 45 minutes and 3000 lumens for 12 hrs of strobe use.  As mentioned above the WF105 is a Super Close Ring Light providing 1000 lumens allowing for softer lighting, making it ideal for super close subjects.  Both have a built-in strobe port offering a Strobe Mode with a specialised optical fibre cable.  The newer version WF101, also provides extra options of blue and red light aside from white light (5500k), whereas the WF105 offers the possibility of adjusting the colour temperature (3500-8000k) to allow extra colour precision.  It also has 19 brightness options via an adjustment knob compared to 4 with the newer WF101 V2 via a push button which also boasts 4 choices of power levels - 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%.
 

 
Battery wise, the WF105 offers the extra option of USB-C charging, with both offering 3 colours to indicate battery power, making it easy to see if a quick boost is needed between dives.
 
Finally both are depth rated to 100 ms/330ft and offer the ability to be used with lenses of both a 52 mm and 67 mm lens thread.
 
To sum up, Ring Lights are a fabulous way for a beginner to get started capturing their favourite macro subjects as the light will never need repositioning, giving your subject a flattering soft glow and can lessen the risk of backscatter in your images.
 
Visit www.weefine.com for more information.
Maria Munn

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