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Boot 2025

The annual German "Boot" show took place on 18-26 January. I visited on 25 January to see what might be new in the dive and underwater photography world and met up with other Waterpixelers.
 
I was also tasked with tracking down the new unicorn of the underwater photography world, the Inon Z-xxx
 
Boot is a massive show spread over 13 exhibition halls. It wouldn't be hard to spend a few million euros there - assuming you had them in the first place. Diving was maybe one and a half a halls with displays of wetsuits (lots of weird camouflage suits - what is that all about?) and posters showing muscled combat scuba divers, fast-roping from helicopters carrying waterproofed weapons. I'm yet to see one of one of my dive trips but who knows. Quite a few rebreather stands around as well plus the usual suspects, Scubapro, Cressi, SSI, PADI.  Lots of resorts: Raja Ampat, Lembeh, Egypt etc etc. And, as always, a few sellers of the critical doo-dads that we all need: clips, hooks, fancy tags etc etc.
 
Slightly disappointingly there wasn't so much to see from an u/w photo perspective: Nauticam, Seacam, Easydive and Divevolk either had a small stand or shared one with a distributor but that was pretty much it. Nauticam had their housing for the Nikon Z6III which, I thought , surprisingly big for such a small camera body. But, no, sorry, not a sniff of an Inon Z-xxx.
 
It was very good though to meet up with three other members, Maria, Hans and Chris. 
 
One thing I did notice which might be of interest was the growing number of dive propulsion vehicles (DPVs) including some very cool tiny ones. 
 
I'm off to the Dutch dive show next Saturday and will report back from there too.
 
 

 
 
 





TimG
TimG

Capturing Wide Angle Wonders with Your Olympus TG

Without a doubt the Olympus TG Tough range have revolutionised the world of underwater photography for both snorkelers and divers in recent years, making incredible results achievable for the beginner as well as giving a vast variety of options to expand creativity.
 
But with so many options for accessory lenses and makes available, what should you be looking for if you want to start adding a creative wider angle to your images.
                      
This festive period I was super busy helping answer some of the popular questions that I see on other forums so I've put this together in the hope that it might help someone else too.
 
So let’s start as a snorkeller.  Is a housing really needed?  Personally I’d always suggest one, even if it’s just to have that extra security measure and of course remember that you will need one to add on extra wide angle lenses at a later date.  Not only have I seen them flood in the water for no apparent reason but it’s all too easy in the excitement of getting in the water to accidentally not close the battery door or overlook a tiny pesky hair trapped in the seal.  When you’re travelling to unique, once in a lifetime destinations, it’s always better to be safe.
 

 
Then there’s the option for snorkelers to add on an Olympus FCON-TO2 (which is also waterproof) directly to the Olympus TG range via an adaptor, CLA-TO1, with just one easy click.  This will give you a wider field-of-view than the camera’s own 25 mm one and is great if you are using the camera above water too for wide landscape images.  It’s great for small reef scenes, but for larger subjects such as this seal above, a wider field-of-view is needed to fit more of it in.  It also struggles with above and below shots.
 
                     
But if you use an Ikelite Housing with a dome port for your Olympus TG, you can simply just pop the camera and the FCON-TO2 lens into the housing, giving it a much wider field of view so you CAN capture much wider scenes, achieve split-level shots too and create a perfect snells window effect when framing a
subject above you.
 
The Pros are:-
 
the edges of the image are sharp and there’s no vignetting the system stays light (just over 1 lb for the whole unit) compared to adding on a wide-angle lens directly to the front of a different housing which can make the housing tip forwards and downwards, even with a tray to help balance it.
 
The Drawbacks are:
 
keep an eye out for black corners to your image as the dome shade may interfere with the overall result and if this happens, simply remove it.  
Did you know that with this set-up you can actually zoom through the lens to achieve sharp close-up images too?  Check out Ikelite’s website or direct link here to see how it performs underwater:
 
https://www.ikelite.com/products/dome-port-for-olympus-fcon-t02-lens-and-adapter-kit?pr_prod_strat=pinned&pr_rec_id=ec369bea4&pr_rec_pid=3943133118533&pr_ref_pid=11527790933&pr_seq=uniform
 
 
                 
 
So let’s look at other wide-angle lens choices.   A super popular choice with many starting out is Backscatter’s M52 Air Lens or AOI’s Underwater 0.75x Wide-Angle Air Lens (weighing 20 grams underwater/160 gms on land) which give an 81 degree angle of coverage, sharp corners, is light and easily screws into a 52 mm threaded mount.   It works perfectly to restore the camera’s  topside field-of-view underwater and at the same time will restore your image’s colour, sharpness and clarity by reducing the water column, therefore allowing you to get closer to your subject.  It has an Anti-Reflection Coating too.  You can also zoom through this lens to take full advantage of the TG’s Microscope Mode.   An extra super useful touch is that you can attach the lens to your housing via a lanyard (a very thoughtful touch which is included with your purchase) which will keep your lens safe when you are underwater.
 
It’s a great lens for turtles, large fish like groupers, divers and small reefscapes.
 

 
I loved using this lens when I had the chance to photograph blue sharks off the coast of Cornwall with my Olympus TG-6  It produced detailed results as you can see here, but I really needed a wider field-of-view to be able to capture the whole body of the shark to be able to have a sharp result throughout the image.

 
So do you really need to go any wider and why?  For all those cave, wreck and super wide reefscape scenes with or without a modelling diver, this is where a wider angled wet lens really shines to capture both dramatic and creative images.  There are a few makes to choose from such as Kraken, Weefine, INON, AOI and of course Backscatter!
 
Let’s look firstly at Backscatter’s M52 120 degree Wide Angle Lens
 
           
 
Backscatter have done a sterling job to design and innovate wide-angle lenses especially designed for the Olympus TG series and this lens is fabulous for those dreaming of capturing those captivating wider angled scenes.  Like the Air Lens, it delivers sharp corners, there’s no vignetting (where little black areas appear in the corners of your image), has an Anti-Reflection Coating and you can zoom through the lens for those all important close-up shots, making it perfect for capturing Close Focus Wide Angle Images.
 

 
Want to go Ultra Wide to capture even more of those wreck, pier or scenic cave shots?  Weefine has designed a super wide conversion lens (depth rated to 60 ms) which offers an incredible 150 degrees at 24 mm and easily screws into an Olympus TG housing’s 52 mm thread mount.  It also comes with an adaptor for 67 mm thread mounts.  Just be careful as the weight of the lens is heavier than the others (690 gms in the air/255 gms underwater).  It has a multi-layer BBAR coating for anti-reflection and optical clarity.  It has an optical grade polycarbonate dome which is easy to repair if needed.  Again you can zoom through this lens if needed.  A super wide lens is incredible useful for close-focus wide angle images, allowing me to get much closer to my subject and with the use of just one strobe placed over the middle of my housing, I could illuminate the above subject. 
 
          
 
Kraken has also its own KRL-02 52 mm Wide Wet Lens which offers a 145 degree at 24 mm.  It has also been designed with a 52 mm thread, also has a multi-layer BBAR coating for anti-reflection and optical clarity purposes.  It also has the capability to zoom through the lens for a tighter frame.
 
Just be aware that vignetting (black edges to the corners of your image) may still occur with different housings and lens combinations.  If you notice this, just simply zoom slightly until the effect disappears.
 

 
So there you have it, an introduction to the wonderful world of wide-angle creativity.   Wide-angle has been my calling in the world of underwater photography and there's nothing more that excites me than creating a unique scene which captures guests' attention and creates a conversation to encourage them to explore our underwater world too.
 
Warm Seas,
 
 
Maria 
 

Maria Munn
Maria Munn

Sealife SportDiver Ultra versus DiveVolk Seatouch 4 MAX - Who's the King of the Smartphone Housings?

There's absolutely no doubt that smartphones are an incredible, cost-effective way to get started in underwater photography.  There’s nothing more exciting than being able to view and upload your images to social media as soon as you finish your dive, on a safety-stop or even whilst snorkelling .
 
Did I say started?  Let me take that back, as it is so easy to get addicted to using one, that you may just want to ditch your usual camera in favour of it.  Of course there are advantages and disadvantages of choosing a smartphone over a camera, but for ease-of-use and for a complete beginner, they are a total game changer.
 
So with so many different housings available for your phone, so I thought I’d share some views on two of the most popular housings Divevolk versus Sealife.  I’ll cover other popular housings like those made by Kraken and Oceanic soon.
 
Sealife SportDiver Ultra Smartphone Housing - Depth Rating 40 metres/130 ft - $349
 

 
Both compact and sturdy (ideal for where I am in the UK), this housing is how I fell in love with shooting with my own iPhone and has been voted as Scubalab Tester’s Choice for 2024.
 
The SportDiver Ultra housing is a heavy duty housing (808 grams) and is made of polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminium and optical grade glass.  It will take all iPhones from iPhone 8 through to 15 Pro Max as well as most Android models.  Just made sure that you review the Sportdiver compatibility and fit guide.  It has it’s own SportDiver App which connects to your phone through Bluetooth Low Energy 5 wireless technology, using the phone camera’s technology which is native to each camera.  The housing itself is powered by two AAA batteries which last over 50 hours of continuous use.  It is almost neutrally buoyant and Sealife also make a Gear Retractor which is a stainless steel snap clip which attaches to your BCD to keep it extra safe when it’s not in use.
 
Let’s look at what the Sport Diver housing offers:-
 
It has a generous shutter button at the top of the housing and four easy-to-use buttons on the back, making access to the different settings easy to use, especially when you are shooting in colder water with gloves. It has the ability to change the ISO, Exposure Value, White Balance, Adjust Zoom, Tint, Lens Selection plus the ability to shoot in both JPEG and RAW, making it ideal if heavy editing is your passion afterwards.  Video stabilisation is also available on certain phone models. It is equipped with dual Leak Alarms which include a moisture alarm and a vacuum pressure alarm, alerting the user with on-screen warnings.  This alarm will even notify you on the surface if it detects even a drop of water in it and trust me, you will definitely hear it! It also as a Vacuum System with a pump to create more security for your system. It has a very sturdy build which is suited for more challenging conditions.  It also has a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs which securely hold the smartphone in place and add shock-protection. Automatically comes with a removable red filter (with a safety tether) to restore natural colours in tropical water and a sturdy travel case so you can get started immediately.  Both magenta and yellow filters are also available. Interior fogging and condensation are prevented by using “Moisture Muncher” capsules. Looking to get creative?  A 52 & 67 mm thread adapter is available for both macro and wide angle lenses.  At present there is just one wide angle dome lens available (which is positively buoyant and has a safety lanyard) increasing the phone len’s field-of-view by 40%. The housing features seven 1/4-20 tripod mounts to mount any light or light tray with standard tripod threads such as Sealife’s range of Sea Dragon underwater photo/video lights. Your phone can be taken out from the back door to charge. The Playback Mode shows full size photos and videos with a vertical thumbnail strip, making it easy to locate your images.  Files are also saved automatically to your phone’s camera roll.  
The downsides are:
 
It needs to be used with the Sealife App for it to work, so all of the functions aren’t accessible such as the highest quality video setting available in newer iPhones.  Some of your phone settings may not be available through the App, so it’s important to check both the App and Play store for SportDiver App updates. A manual vacuum pump (included in the set-up) is needed.  
You can read more about all the different options available via Sealife's website here:-
 
https://www.sealife-cameras.com/product/sportdiver-ultra-smartphone-housing/
 
 
DIVEVOLK - Seatouch 4 MAX - Depth Rating 60 metres/196 feet - $239
 

It’s safe to say that Divevolk have taken the smartphone underwater photography market by storm by introducing the first ever fully integrated touch screen which makes all of your favourite apps and functions easily accessible underwater at an affordable price as well as offering the widest range of add-on lenses.  Trust me, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to which one to start with!  You can even communicate with your dive buddy underwater via writing apps, make an emergency call at the surface if needed as well as record GPS co-ordinates.   You can even have your own Fish ID Guide with you whilst you’re diving, making identification an absolute breeze.
 
The Divevolk housing is much lighter (375 gms), made of plastic and stainless steel, supporting any smartphone.  Simply pop your phone in a customised adapter and slide it into the housing through a narrow opening and close the housing door which has a built-in compression ring.  You’re then all good to go.
 
So let’s look at what it offers the user:-
 
All functions are easily accessible via the touchscreen, even with wetsuit gloves.  And yes, the touchscreen is tougher than it looks with a special 3-layer sealing gasket to keep the housing secure.  For those colder water temperatures, this innovative company have even invented a special finger cot to pop on over your drysuit glove. It may not have a vacuum pump but it does have a pressure balance system to keep it safe from leaks. If film making is your passion, this housing is the only one to give you a choice to shoot at the highest resolution that your phone can offer. It can also be used as an external monitor for your d-SLR or Mirrorless camera.  It has developed a wi-fi transmitter which can be placed in-between your housing and your phone where the signal is transferred.  Divevolk is the only manufacturer to offer this option. Incredible underwater content can easily be achieved using the variety of add-on lenses which Divevolk offer.  From both red and magenta filters to a 15 + close-up lens, plus both wide angle and dome lens options make this an unbeatable system to get started with and grow your creativity.  
The downsides are:
 
Take added care to protect the membrane when travelling. If you are using a tray with two handles, be aware that you will need to remove the housing from the tray first before being able to remove your phone from it’s side door.  Alternatively you can purchase Divevolk’s own tray which allows it to swivel and you can then remove it easily.  
DIVEVOLK Platinum - Depth Rating 262 ft/80 metres - $399
 

This recently launched housing has been specifically built for newer and thicker smartphones and has a much more sturdy finish.  It has the following upgrades:-
 
It is made of aluminium alloy which makes the casing more resistant to corrosion.  It also makes it look very stylish. An upgraded sealing system, making the housing feel more resistant to leaks. The touchscreen is easier to operate with gloves and offers a smoother response than previous models. It comes with an integrated expansion clamp which attaches directly to the case with 1/4 inch threaded holes at the bottom.  
For more information on Divevolk, visit their website here:-
 
https://www.divevolkdiving.com/en-gb/collections/seatouch-4-max-kit
 
Finally, don’t forget to utilise a wireless charger if possible to reduce the risk of moisture entering your housing.  Regardless of which one you choose, you sure are guaranteed a whole new underwater photography world opening up in front of you.
 
I’ve absolutely loved shooting with my phone the past couple of years for ease-of-use and the simplicity and how I can create my content for social media in a nano-second after getting out of the water.
 
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, experiences and seeing your images 🙂
 
Maria
 
 
 
 
 




 
Maria Munn
Maria Munn

Diving trip report in the Philippines from 16/11/2024 to 10/12/2024

During our first stay in the Philippines, just after COVID, we skipped Moalboal. At the time, it was still "complicated" to change islands.
For this trip I studied an Anilao – Romblon combo but it seemed relatively complicated to me... I gave up. Good for us with the typhoons, we would have been stuck for a few days.
 
Anyway, we went back to Cebu again, with Moalboal and its sardines as our first stop.
 
For the rest of the season we chose safety by returning to the Thalatta Resort south of Dauin in Negros Oriental. It was also an opportunity to re-test this hotel, following the change of ownership.
 
For the third place, another safe bet, the Island View Beachfront Resort and its Anda Scuba Diving club.  Resort at the top of our possibilities with the "real" rates and not the promotional ones we had in 2022.  FYI, if you are a "returning guest" there is a small discount... but also by making a "long stay" from 7 or 8 nights. This helped us a lot, without these discounts, we would not have gone back for so long. So if you go, stay at least a week.
 
I tried to minimize the trips but we will have done close to 600 km by car and boat.
 


 
The route, once again it will be with Singapore Air that we will fly, still departing from Zurich. ZRH -> SIN 12 hours (return more than 13 hours) and a little less than 4 hours from SIN to CEBU.
I always enjoy this long night on the plane where you can land, especially since on the way there and back you arrive in the early morning.
 
Some go through Turkey when I look at the schedules, no thanks, especially if it's to earn only a few euros on the flight and then it's a hassle when arriving in Cebu at 2 a.m.
 
For us, it was an arrival in Cebu around 3 p.m., everything went quickly and without the slightest problem. Provided that you have thought carefully before leaving to fill in the online form on the Philippine website in order to obtain a QR code that will be requested on arrival. This form, on the other hand... uh... A real hassle to fill, I had to start over a good dozen times... bugs galore. So avoid doing this at the last minute, you risk having surprises.
 
It's a long journey, especially if you still count the journey to Zurich the day before the flight. 44 hours door-to-door on the outward journey and 56 hours from the departure of Anda for the return.

 
 Here we are at the exit of the airport and our driver is waiting to take us to Moalboal at the Cebu Seaview Resort. This will be the most difficult part of the journey. Almost 3 hours of winding roads with part of the night. But we arrive without any problem at the first stage of our journey where we will dive for 4 days.
 

 

 
A quick dinner, before assembling the photo and video equipment... tomorrow the dive starts at 8 o'clock. With the 7-hour difference in winter between France and the Philippines, we will have to set the alarm clock... But it will not be useful, only too happy to be back in the warm waters of the Golden Triangle.
 
In the morning, a little check of the papers (certifications and insurance) and of course the small form with liability waiver, in short, classic.
 
Everything is very well organized, the tank are rigged on land by the divers but transported on the bankas by the many crew members and guides/instructors.
 
 

 

 

 
Once everything is installed on the banka, the signal is given to join the boat. A small staircase to go down and then, depending on the tide, a small walk in the water to reach the access staircase to the banka.
 
 

 
I strongly advise to wear booties, if possible with good thick soles, your feet will thank you. Here as in the other places where we dived, pebbles, corals and especially sea urchins can be formidable when accessing the boat.
 
The first dive will be in Pescador, a small island in front of Moalboal, renowned for being surrounded by a teeming life. A few years ago there was a large sardine bar that had taken up residence there... We won't see the slightest of them, just a lot of fish. Nice dive to start our stay.
 
After the dive, it's back to the center, everyone disembarks, there's something to make coffee or tea... but nothing to nibble on while waiting for the 2nd departure.  
 
Cebu Seaview being located more or less in the middle of the Moalboal coast we will do the dives less than 15 minutes away from sailing and just a little more for Pescador which we will do 3 times in 4 days. The conditions were not great so we only did the west side but nature is well done, it was different each time.
 

 
In the afternoon there is a 3rd dive and it is possible to do night dives. We will not do it.
 
 

 
 On the second day we change guides that we will keep for the remaining 3 days. Not bad... I would say better than the first one who was an employee of the center while Cino was a freelancer. A guide with a bottle... A pleasure to dive with him. We will always leave first and will often, if not always, avoid "traffic jams" and "jacuzzis".

It is therefore with him that we will make "the Sardines". 
 
Sardines... They migrated for an unknown reason a few dozen meters from the coast. This is where they are visible to divers but also to snorkelers. The number of boats on the surface made me fear the "worst", I could already see myself having to elbow my way underwater, a bit like Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives.
 
Cino jumped us into the water first and "traced" directly to the north... small shock... "But where is he going?" and then magic sardines... sardines everywhere... thousands, sorry millions, impressive.

We were the only ones for the first few minutes. Then a few divers joined us but at no time was there a crowd, really great. An experiment to be done at least once... We did it again 2 days later without any regrets.
It's not easy to convey the atmosphere in photos, I did the best I could. It's up to you to judge.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 
The dive center is not the "family" type, it's closer to the factory... but very well organized, where it is good to dive. We did 11 dives in 4 days and were happy to go to see something else.
 
The hotel is comfortable, nothing to say, nickel, quiet and the a la carte restaurant is very good. It's not on the level of the next ones but excellent for the price.
 
 

 
 
 

 
Very good mention for the bar. The cocktails are very well dosed... (I suspect the bartender reversed the dose of rum with that of orange juice...  ) It was really not worth having 2 drinks to sleep well.
 

 
 
As is often the case with great encounters during these few days, there are no regrets about having passed through Moalboal... Sardines undoubtedly deserve the destination to be bet on a "ToDo", even if bubble factories are numerous here.
 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
After 5 nights it is the departure for the Negros Oriental.
 
The transfer is arranged at my request by the Thalatta Dive Resort.  A taxi picks us up at 8 am and after about 2 hours 30 minutes we arrive at a small port where small fast shuttles go back and forth between the islands of Cebu and Negros.
The crossing is done in less than 30 minutes.
 
Remember to have Pesos (PHP) in order to pay porters and luggage tax on arrival. The whole thing cost us a few hundred PHP (1 € = +/- 60 PHP).
 
Upon arrival, a driver is waiting for us to take us in less than an hour to the Thalatta. We will arrive in the early afternoon and will be able to sit quietly and enjoy the pool before the return of the divers who spent the day with 3 dives at Apo Island.
 
When we arrived, we met "our" guide Nadi with whom we had dived 2 years ago. He no longer dives. Alex, the new owner of Thalatta Resort, asked Nadi to take over the reins of the diving club. He now manages the entire small team and the maintenance of the diving center.
 
We will dive with Oien during the 7 days. He is now the most experienced guide. He was trained by Nadi. We had already dived with him during Nadi's "day off" in August 2022.
 
He is very good and has gone out of his way to show us as much as possible....
 
 
Ouch that's where it starts to get stuck.
 
 
The season is really not ideal, not too much life, few nudibranchs, shrimps and others. It's nature and you have to accept it. We are "just" a few weeks, even days before the gradual return of the little beasts.

Nature... hmmm that includes the weather. Not really at the top of the wind coming from the north-east and some clouds. But overall it was very nice. A little frustrated at having been able to fly very little with the drone.
 
 

 
Big frustration on the day of departure with flat seas.... 
 
And to think that 2 days before, on the way back from the last dive, my wife, while jumping from the Banka "at the wrong" time, sprained her ankle... It is therefore with a crutch that she will leave the Thalatta.
Thanks to the carpenter, who quickly made him something to move around without putting too much strain on his foot.
Thanks also to the masseuse who worked a miracle. Our physiotherapists should learn from this... More than an hour of massage to relieve pain and try to unravel problems and restore mobility.
 
Back to diving.
After the first day where we did a double dive trip to the south (Basak) and then in the afternoon a House Reef for the two of us, we left for Apo and three dives on the second.
 
The crossing is slightly hectic but it goes well with the very comfortable banka.
 
 

 
First dive on the bow of Apo.. hmmm but where have the fish gone? The place is still beautiful with soft corals everywhere, a few turtles but very few fish. The next 2 dives will be the same.

Frustration, disappointment and sadness. After a little discussion, it seems that the locals are fishing in the "marine park"... 
Two days later the 2 bankas are scheduled for Apo... we will have a short day of rest. That's how much we were marked by this first outing in Apo.
 
On the way back from the banka (yes there was only one that went out, the group that had booked the second one cancelled at the last minute  ) those who dived there were delighted... obviously there was life...  But it was the first time... or we had fallen on a very bad day. We will have to go back to find out for sure.
 
A day doing nothing feels good but it's so long .
 
We will continue by diving on the coast of Dauin to the north and south and for me a little "night dive" on the "House Reef"... and on the last day a single dive on the HR with a very sporty but then very sporty launch and return. 
 
The photographic harvest was less, as was the quality and variety of the subjects. It's nature, you have to know how to accept it.
 
A small overview of the result.
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
More here
 
 The Thalatta Resort, for those who know it, it's always the same.
 
You feel good there, you should say: always so good. The restaurant is always good, as is the staff of the whole hotel who are very attentive, helpful and smiling.
 
No regrets about coming back.
 
The changes now:
 
Alex, the new owner, obviously has plans not to change anything... i.e. to keep this family atmosphere. Keeping the same concept of what Patrick has built. But there is an important point, he intends to do better...
 
To improve the Thalata little by little, in small steps and I don't doubt for a moment that he will succeed. He started by redoing the inflation installation

 

 
New compressors, and nitrox per membrane... The best of the best, a very good start.
 
On the hotel side, renovation work is being carried out everywhere. Small things like the restaurant toilets, the new fresco and different layouts tested. Everywhere, gardeners are replanting new plants to further embellish the setting. I like it. At the bar, installation of shade sails so that you can sit there during the day.
 
I'm curious to see how it will evolve in a few months.
 
Anyway, you can go quietly, you won't be disappointed, the Thalatta Resort is a place made for divers. If you stop by the Paris Dive Show, there should be a booth with the Thalatta. Alex should be there with the former owner Patrick.
 
We will go there to say hello to them.
 
There is a difference between Patrick and Alex.... Patrick didn't dive, Alex, yes and he's not a beginner.... I believe that there will be positive surprises in the future on the diving side.
 
Small downside... As a child, the prices of the dives have increased slightly.
 
After 2 stays of 10 and 8 nights I will not hesitate for a moment to go back but at another time when there is more life... why not spend Christmas 2025 there... the whole team is well on its way to make the atmosphere there, with the decoration and a nice "Christmas menu"... I almost placed an order .
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 Let's move on to the 3rd part of our stay.
 
Once again we made the choice to go back where we would be sure not to be disappointed. 
Yes, yes I know maybe we should go elsewhere to be more adventurous... Of course not. I totally assume this choice to return in order to enjoy even more and a little differently.
 
We appreciate finding what we loved, in order to savor the place once again.  If possible, we do a small combination of safe bets with "experimentation". The next trip will again be in this style 2/3 of novelty and to finish 1/3 back...
 
But let's get back to this trip which ends in an hour with our landing in Zurich.
 
Anda in the south-east of the island of Bohol is a remote place, it is the price to pay to find the calm... almost 3 hours drive from Tagbilaran without counting the 2 hour crossing by speedboat from Dumaguete.
 
We will arrive at nightfall... very tired but happy to find the Island View Beachfront Resort  that we had found magical the first time. Peter the owner has made small improvements such as terraces on the front of the cabanas bungalows.
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Sorry for posting all this pictures but it is such a lovely place. 
 
 The restaurant, the "Old Plantation" is always at the top, the reference in Anda, and guests from other hotels come there to treat themselves.
 
We had a great time...
 
Too much maybe the scale won't like it, I'm afraid.
 
After a visit to the room, we meet at the bar, Hubert the boss of Anda Scuba Diving whom we did not know yet since he was in France during our 1st visit. There is also Olivier who is in his third season here. Zack, with whom we had dived in 2022, has returned to France.
 
Nice contact and appointment for the next day before 8 am for the paperwork and our first dive.

After a restful night, we are at the club with "Captain Thomas" still in place, but now there is still Jason, a young Filipino, who takes care of the inflation and supports Thomas in all the preparations on the boat. He looks serious and during our stay he passed his Open Water. Hubert intends to train him to become a guide, and thus expand the team.
 
The boat...
It was replaced by a larger one but kept the same flat bottom philosophy in order to be able to sail in a few centimeters of water and be able to approach the beach at low tide.
I find it really very good, comfortable, the edge is very wide, you are well seated and equipped with the block, it can be placed stable on it while waiting for the launch.
 

 

 
 
The service is top-notch, and the security system is at the forefront. Only downside, yes I know I'm a born complainer there are only S80s.... But Hubert is well aware that it will be necessary to invest in some S100 in order to make heavy consumers feel comfortable and safe. I managed but I admit that I was a bit frustrated to often stay a little higher, just to keep the hour of diving... on the other hand I never used my reserve on fins which came out regularly with 100 bar... I let her enjoy her dives without playing parasite, attached to the rescue.
 
Underwater, the same as elsewhere, less life and always the same reasons given. Not really the season, and in addition the water being particularly hot it seems to accentuate the phenomenon.
 
In the end, the water lost 1 to 2 °C, going from 30 to sometimes 28 on the last day. There were quite a few turtles 2 years ago... But this year we have moved to a whole new level. There are many more of them and they are less shy. I think we are slowly approaching the "level" of Bunaken. Awesome.
 
 
 Unlike Dauin, we had a very calm sea being protected from the wind by the big island of Bohol. Very well.
 
We enjoyed ourselves even if, as already said, I regret a little lack of life. But the last 2 days, there was starting to be a little more to see. According to Hubert, the high season is fast approaching,
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
More to watch here
 
On the diving side, as well as on the hotel and restaurant side, no regrets about having gone back to dive in Anda and as for the Thalatta I can only recommend the address.
 
If the opportunity arises, we will return without the slightest hesitation.
It's a good way to end a stay, with a little more upscale services.
 
Depending on the return flight, it is necessary to leave a day earlier and spend a night not too far from the airport. This was our case. We made it simple by going to the Waterfront right next to the airport. Decent room, big and beautiful pool but on the restaurant side there is better. I regretted not having dinner while having a simple meal in the domestic flight airport lobby right in front of the hotel.

In Singapore, the work is now complete. There weren't too many people I found, at least that's my impression. Singapore Air nothing to say, the economy class is not bad and when you see the comfort that those who fly in business class can have... I understand why this company is always so well ranked.
 
Here we are back in Europe and tomorrow work resumes. The 7-hour time difference is really complicated on the way back, on the way there it goes very well.
Who knows why
 
 
Nice little trip of more than 3 weeks including the trips.

But small frustrations due to a lack of life, yes, yes I'm jaded, there's no need to remind myself of that. Just like the weather which was not at the top of the best and which could have led to even more serious consequences for my partner's ankle. We were hot on this one. In the end, I dived a little less than expected with only 47 dives distributed like this: Maolboal: 11, Dauin: 16 and Anda: 20
 
On average, they had 1 hour, a maximum depth of 34m and only 3 dives of more than 30.  A hiccup with a 38-minute dive because a member of the group was at 40 bar after 35 minutes of diving
 
Now I'm going to get ready for the next trip which will be soon and to a mythical destination for divers, Raja Ampat with a short week in Lembeh on the way back, a destination just as famous for its Muck Dive.
 
Thanks for reading.  I publish the report in french and used the automatic translate module of Microsoft Word.
I hope this stay comprehensible and you enjoy my report.

Feel free to ask if you have question. Comment are also welcome.
 
Hugues
 
 
CaolIla
CaolIla

Getting Started in Underwater Photography with a Smaller Compact System

Underwater Photography conjures up a vast array of subjects to capture, from the tiniest animals on the planet measuring just the size of a grain of rice to the largest creatures which have ever lived in our incredible blue planet.
 
But starting out as a complete beginner with such a huge choice of different compact camera systems to choose from and accessories, where on earth do you start to ensure that you come back from your trip of a lifetime with fabulous eye-catching images.
 
Compact cameras have evolved hugely from when I pioneered the first ever dedicated courses for them back in 2005, but the essentials I always ask on the forums I participate in are:
 
What are your dream images to photograph?
Where are you going?
How much do you want to change your settings?
What is your budget?
 
It’s honestly that simple to make sure that you choose the right equipment.  I remember seeing on one forum that a lady going to Fiji was recommended an Olympus TG6 for it’s macro capabilities.  Being the passionate shark stalker and wide-angle reef scene passionate that I am, I just had to butt on in and suggest that a wide-angle lens was an absolute must to capture those jaw dropping reef scenes that Fiji is so famous for, as well as those sharks.  Yes the macro life is absolutely incredible too, but it’s so important to KNOW your destination, RESEARCH the subjects which you are going to have the opportunity to capture and have a budget in mind to start with.  How can you go to such an incredible, jaw-dropping, life changing destination and NOT come home with all of the incredible images that both you and your camera deserve?
 
Then there’s the question, do you need a camera with full manual controls or not?  Again, it all depends on what you want to achieve, but I’ll never forget my course guest Daniel Norwood, now Editor of DivePhotoGuide winning the British Society of Underwater Photographer’s Best Beginner Competition with a compact camera which had NO manual controls.  The Runner-Up  (27 points behind) was the then Chairman with a d-SLR system.  It just goes to prove that it honestly is all about how YOU drive the camera, how YOU create an image, and that you CAN still create award-winning, breathtaking imagery with older compact cameras too.  I have a huge variety of all kinds of images taken during my 20 year career gracing the walls of my gallery here in the UK.  And guess what, no-one can tell the difference as to which one was taken with a d-SLR, Mirrorless, Compact, Go Pro or my Phone.
 
So let’s dive on in and look at some answers to common questions I often see to get you started on your own journey.
 
Do You Need the Latest Model of Compact Camera?
 
Absolutely not, I loved shooting with my Olympus TG4 before upgrading to a TG6 model.  If an older model will give you more “bang for your buck” and enable you to purchase additional lights or lenses so that you can achieve your dream images, then it’s totally cool to go down this route.
 
Which is the Best Compact Camera for a Beginner?
 
All of them!  Yes honestly!  It all depends what you are looking for and how much effort you want to put into changing different settings when you are underwater.  I even absolutely loved using my Sealife DC-2000 camera and in the right scenarios would deliver incredibly sharp, punchy images even here in the UK with minimum effort and fuss.
 
So do you need full manual controls to take incredible images when starting out?  Absolutely not!  Yes, full manual controls allow you to get more creative, but they are not the be all to creating fabulous images that you will fall in love with.  I love the Olympus TG range for simplicity and for the jaw-dropping close-up images which it creates from the tiniest creatures by just using it’s “Microscope Mode.”  It doesn’t have full manual mode, but you can still achieve black backgrounds to your close-up subjects by adjusting some in-camera settings.  You can add-on wide-angle lenses, lights or even use a torch to start your creative journey.
 
Can I Really Capture Great Stills Using a Go Pro?
 
Holy moly, yes, yes, yes!  I’ve fallen in love with my Go Pro this summer and all the additional lenses and accessories which you can add to it.  From Backscatter’s MacroMate Mini which neatly fits on the front of a Go Pro housing to achieve razor sharp macro images to their incredible (how much am I in love with this lens) Action Cam Sharp Wide Lens Pro which gives a whopping 140 degree field-of-view.  It also allows the Go Pro to focus much closer to your subject to give you real nice close-focus wide-angle images.  Simply add on some small video lights to bring extra lushness, colour and depth to your imagery, I love my MARES EOS 10LRW Video Light Set-Up for lightness, compactness and brilliant results, and you are set to go.
 
What About Using My Phone Underwater?
 
Can you guess what I’m going to say?  Yep I absolutely ADORE using my phone underwater as well.  It also will give you excellent results, and it really is all about what you want to achieve our of your underwater imagery.  For me, what sets it apart from the rest is that your images are there as soon as you finish your dive, ready to upload to the world without the need to download them first.  I have been using a Sealife Housing and I love being able to change different settings via the Sealife App such as ISOs, Exposure Values and I can even shoot in RAW.  Being able to change my exposure value was crucial to achieve these reflections at Ginnie Springs in Florida.
 
Finally what about Insta 360?
 
Insta 360 is definitely all the rage at the moment, and definitely so for a very good reason.  You will not have seen anything quite like it anywhere and the results will leave you spellbound.  That is as long as you are using it in settings which actually suit it’s capabilities, such as huge wrecks, large reef scenes and giant cave systems.  Oh and make sure you have heaps of ambient light around you to get the best results.  Trust me it really is awesome, but you will need to take extra care with the lens as it scratches easily.    Sadly you can’t add any extra lights onto it due to the way that it has been designed, but trust me, it is jawsome.
 
I could honestly write about all of them forever, but thought it best to stop here so that you can go grab a coffee.  At the end of the day, they all take superb images, but you need to make sure that you are in the best possible conditions to make the most out of each device.  I’ll write more to explain each set-up individually very soon.
 
Until then, feel free to reach out and ask me any questions.  Helping is my middle name so just reach out if you’d like some help.
 
Look forward to seeing you all very soon.
 
 
Maria
 
 





Maria Munn
Maria Munn

Nikon D500 firmware upgrade!

Incredible though it may seem, Nikon have just announced a firmware upgrade to that much-loved Nikon D500.
 
The new version, 1.40: 
Changed the default password displayed on the connection menu after all the camera's settings were reset. The upgrade is available here:   https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/544.html
TimG
TimG

Nikon Z9 firmware update to v5.1

A new Nikon firmware update is available to v5.10
 
Nikon lists the changes as:
 

Note: The changes listed below under “Video Recording” and “Controls” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.
Note: Due to the addition of new menu items, some Custom Settings menu items have been renumbered.
■ Video Recording
• Hi-Res Zoom is now available when the image area is set to “DX”. • Added a [Power/Hi-Res Zoom collab]* item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of g10. • Added a [Shutter mode] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of g13. • Added [Zebra pattern color] to g15 [Zebra pattern] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. • Added options for customizing the brightness information display to g18 [Brightness information display] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. * This feature may be available with NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lenses (as of November 2024).
■ Controls
• Added [Save and load power zoom position]* to f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. • Added a [Zoom ring control (PZ lens)]* item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of f10. • Custom Settings f12 and g9 in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] is now [Assign power zoom]. In addition, [Power zoom speed] has been divided into two items: [Power zoom speed (zoom buttons)] and [Power zoom speed (zoom switch)]*. • The following items can now be saved and loaded using [Save/load menu settings] in the [SETUP MENU]: - [Location data (built-in)] > [Record location data] in the setup menu - [Retouch] > [Customize retouch options] in the playback “i” menu (from “C” firmware version 5.00). * This feature may be available with NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lenses (as of November 2024).
■ Other Changes
• Added [Power zoom speed (zoom buttons)] to the roles assignable to the “i” menu via [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > f1 and g1 [Customize <i> menu]. • Fixed the following issues: - The camera would sometimes stop responding if the [C30] high-speed frame capture + option was selected for [Release mode] and the shutter-release button was pressed halfway shortly after zooming in the monitor shooting display (live view). - Pressing the AF-ON button did not end the zoomed-in display in manual focus when: ▸ The AF-ON button was set to either [AF-ON] or [AF-area mode + AF-ON], and ▸ [ON] was selected for d19 or g17 [Half-press to cancel zoom (MF)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. - The viewfinder and monitor shooting displays (live view) sometimes caused overexposures when the standby timer had expired and reactivated. - In rare circumstances, photos would be overexposed when taken using [Recall shooting functions (hold)] assigned to a custom control. - Buffer capacity sometimes dropped with some CFexpress memory cards. - In rare circumstances, the camera would stop responding or the viewfinder and monitor shooting displays (live view) would be corrupted after burst photography when: ▸ [ON] was selected for [Photo flicker reduction] in [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU]. - RAW videos recorded under the following conditions would appear too bright when played back with compatible computer software. ▸ Either [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)] or [ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV)] was selected for [Video file type] and [SDR] for [Tone mode]. ▸ ISO 100 or below was selected for [ISO sensitivity settings]. - In slow network speed environments, the camera would be slower to respond when zoomed in or out on photos while uploading to the FTP server if: ▸ [ON] was selected for [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] > [Auto upload] in [NETWORK MENU], or ▸ An option other than [Off] was selected for [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] > [Upload in HEIF format] in [NETWORK MENU].
TimG
TimG

Keldan at DEMA 2024

At their DEMA booth, Keldan showed their new tiny RC2 wireless remote control. Designed for minimal size and weight. Range up to 2-3m. It is compatible with all KELDAN remote controllable lights.
 

 

 
Keldan have also updated their 4X light. The new version 4XR has impressive 11000lm with a small form factor and can be operated with their wireless remote controllers. 
 

 
Keldan wants to thank Hergen Spalink for his excellent presentation about the benefits when using KELDAN Ambient lights.
 

Davide DB
Davide DB

Retra Maxi - The Most Powerful Underwater Strobe and Video Light

Introducing the Retra Maxi: The Ultimate Underwater Strobe and Video Light Combo
The Retra Maxi sets a new standard in underwater photography, combining a GN46 strobe with an optional 6000 lumen ultra-wide video light. Perfect for both stills and video, it offers unmatched performance for photographers and videographers looking to elevate their work.

Incredible Strobe Power and Performance
The Retra Maxi features a GN46 strobe, providing excellent light output for distant subjects. With its 110º beam and 5800K color temperature, it delivers precise and balanced light. The optional wide-angle diffuser expands the beam to 160º and reduces the color temperature to 4500K, perfect for wider scenes.

Unmatched Speed and Efficiency
With sub-2-second recycle times and over 550 full-power shots, the Retra Maxi ensures you won’t miss a moment. It also provides up to 1 hour of full-power video light output, giving you exceptional endurance for long dives.

Customization and Compatibility at Your Fingertips
Customize settings via the Retra UWT app, including HSS, TTL, and manual modes. The Retra Maxi is also fully compatible with all Retra Flash accessories, such as diffusers, macro rings, and the LSD Optical Snoot, allowing for flexible setups.

Durability and Design for the Toughest Conditions
The Retra Maxi features dual O-ring seals and a sealed battery compartment for protection against water damage. The LED-illuminated back panel ensures easy readability during night dives, and the strobe is powered by two 21700, 6000mAh batteries for long-lasting performance.

Pre-Order Now and Secure Your Retra Maxi
Pre-order the Retra Maxi now at $799 (excluding local taxes) before the December 4th deadline. Shipping is expected in early 2025, with more details coming in end of December 2024. Don’t miss your chance to secure the Retra Maxi and revolutionise your underwater lighting setup!
 
https://www.retra-uwt.com/products/retra-maxi
Oskar - Retra UWT
Oskar - Retra UWT

The New Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe

We’re excited to announce the Retra Maxi Underwater Strobe, the perfect blend of performance and value, designed for those entering the world of underwater photography. With the renowned quality and reliability you expect from Retra, the Retra Maxi is tailored to make superior lighting more accessible to a wider audience.
 
This new addition to the Retra family complements our existing high-end models, offering an entry point to the exceptional performance you know and trust from Retra.
 
Pre-orders open on November 27th at an exclusive price of $799 — a special offer to make world-class underwater lighting more accessible, without compromising on the signature Retra performance.
 
Be the first to know when the Retra Maxi is officially available and secure yours before the limited pre-order runs out, sign up for the newsletter here: https://www.retra-uwt.com/pages/retra-maxi-underwater-strobe
Oskar - Retra UWT
Oskar - Retra UWT

Shooting a Snoot

Shooting a Snoot
 
Underwater photography is an absorbing form of photography. For some, it’s a technical issue of capturing fish portraits. For others an art form about capturing the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. 
Whichever you aim for, it presents unique challenges. Everything moves: you, the water, and the subject.  Photography is all about capturing and controlling light. In the underwater world lighting and highlighting the subject is often impacted by either a too-busy background or particulate in the water. 
One way of tackling these two issues is by using a snoot.
 
What is a Snoot?
 
 A snoot is a specialized photographic accessory to control and direct the light. Look upon it as a spotlight. In underwater photography, a snoot is particularly valuable for focusing light on a specific subject and can create dramatic and captivating images. 
 
How Does a Snoot Work?
 
 A snoot essentially acts as a funnel for light. It fits over a strobe or flash, and, depending on the design, its opening can be adjusted to control the width of the beam of light emitted. By narrowing the beam, a snoot allows you to highlight specific areas or subjects in your underwater scene while leaving the surroundings in relative darkness.
Sounds simple? Keep reading……
 
Advantages of Using a Snoot
 
Selective Illumination:  one of the primary benefits of using a snoot is the ability to illuminate a subject selectively. This can draw attention to specific details, textures, or creatures in your underwater composition – and avoid a distracting background or elements. In effect it helps create “neutral space” so that the subject is either enhanced by its background – or a distracting background can be made to disappear.

Reduced Backscatter: backscatter, caused by suspended particles in the water, is a common issue in underwater photography. By concentrating light with a snoot, you can minimize the spread of light and subsequently reduce backscatter, resulting in clearer and more vibrant images. A snoot makes an ideal companion when photographing in water with poor visibility.
 
Creative Lighting Effects: Snoots enable the photographer to experiment with unique and artistic lighting effects. By controlling the shape and intensity of the light beam, you can create striking shadows, highlights, and even produce silhouettes for a more dramatic visual impact. Down or back lighting with a snoot can produce amazing images.

Enhanced Macro Photography: in macro photography, precision and control over lighting are paramount. A snoot is particularly useful for highlighting intricate details in small subjects like nudibranchs, seahorses, or tiny crustaceans.

Build Your Own Snoot
 
Because it seems such a simple device, many of us experiment by making a snoot using plumbing piping. Sadly this seldom works and, when it does, tends to be more through good luck than judgment. 
The main problem derives from the difficulty of ensuring the output from the snoot really is lighting the required area. If your strobe has a focussing light you can try having this switched on and see if the light beam will travel down the home-made snoot and illuminate the subject. If it does, great, but this does not guarantee that when the strobe is fired it will illuminate the same space. Odd though it may seem, the positioning of the strobe tube(s) in relation to the focussing light can have quite an impact on snoot accuracy. 
Home-made snoots, whilst a fun construction project, can be incredibly frustrating in use.
 
Buying a Snoot
 
When the balance of a homemade snoot tips from being fun to intensely annoying, it could be time to invest in a manufactured one. There are a good few on the market ranging from the simple (about $90), to the complex and expensive (about $500).
A current (Oct 2023) Google search reveals a number of options:
·      10Bar Snoot
·      DivePro M10 SuperMacro Snoot Light and MP30 Snoot Light
·      Inon Snoot Set (possibly the simplest)
·      Kraken Sports Hydra Optical Snoot
·      Marelux  SOFT (possibly the most sophisticated)
·      Retra LSD
·      Reefnet Fibre Optic Snoot
·      Sea&Sea Snoot
Many of them have the means to alter the snoot’s “aperture” – so narrowing the light beam to a smaller and smaller diameter. The Marelux SOFT uses a sophisticated variable aperture system; the Retra LSD uses a simple mask system which slots into the snoot.

 
But the Problem is Not Quite Solved 
 
As I set out earlier, the shape and positioning of the strobe flash tubes in relation to the aiming light can result in the two light sources not necessarily illuminating the same area. This can remain the case even with a factory-built snoot. Generally, the best results come from a strobe with a circular flash tube (rather than straight tubes) with the aiming light in the middle. 
From my own experience, a combination of an Inon Z240 and the Retra LSD had maybe a 20% success rate. Switching to a Retra Pro strobe with its circular flash tube and central aiming light and the LSD had me well into the 90%.
 
Setup
 
 If your housing is setup – as most are – with the main controls and shutter release on your right hand, attach the snoot to the strobe on the left ideally with two strobe arms to maximize flexibility. Once in the water and preparing to shoot, slacken off slightly the clamps so that the strobe/snoot can be moved easily with your left hand but is not floppy.
A snoot will affect exposure and usually requires more strobe light than perhaps you might expect. The narrower the beam, the more light you need to illuminate the subject. I’d suggest 1-2 stops. If you are getting lots of black images, try boosting the exposure either by increasing the strobe output or by increasing the ISO. Assuming there is little movement in the subject, with my DX-based D500 and a 60mm or 105mm lens I usually shoot at about 1/125, f16 and ISO 200. If that doesn’t work, do check that your strobe/snoot is actually lighting the subject!
 
Tips for Using a Snoot in Underwater Photography
 
Learning to use a snoot takes time and patience – not unusual for any aspect of underwater photography.
1. Practice in Controlled Environments: Before venturing into the open water, spend time experimenting with your snoot in a pool or controlled underwater setting. This will help you become familiar with its operation and understand how it affects your shots.
 2. Master Beam Control: Learn how to adjust the snoot's opening to control the size and shape of the light beam. This skill is crucial for achieving the desired lighting effects.
 3. Positioning is Key: Proper placement of the snoot relative to your subject is essential. Experiment with different angles and distances to find the optimal position for highlighting your subject.
 4. Combine with Other Lighting Techniques: Don't rely solely on the snoot. Combine it with other lighting techniques, such as ambient light, to create dynamic and visually engaging compositions.
 5. Be Patient and Persistent: Achieving the perfect shot with a snoot may require time and persistence. Take multiple shots, adjusting the snoot's settings as needed, until you capture the desired result.
 
Finally
 
Incorporating a snoot into your underwater photography toolkit can have a dramatic effect on your images, allowing you to control and manipulate light creatively and with impact. With practice and experimentation, you'll unlock a new realm of artistic possibilities beneath the waves. Happy snooting!

 
 
 
 
TimG
TimG

DIY Fibre Optic cables - Easy!

DIY Fibre Optic cables
 
Like most members, when I bought my first system that used fibre optic cables, I paid for the ones that the dealers sell.
Reading various articles about fibre optics, I realised later that they were relatively easy to make and that DIY cables could cost a fraction of shop-bought. I gave it a go.
 
I thought it worth a write-up here on Waterpixels. And yes, they are really easy to make and are cheap.
 
The Cable
 
The best fibre I have found for strobe cables is called 613-core Fused Multi-core Simplex Cable, Polyethylene Jacket- MCQ-1000.  Bit of a mouthful!
A meter will cost about $7.50 and that should make at least two cables. A couple of years ago we coordinated an order between a group of forum members and bought 86 metres (!) from Industrial Fiber Optics in Tempe, Arizona. It was a bit of a shock when it arrived on a huge cable drum!
 
Cutting
 
The 613-core fibre is easy to cut using a sharp, box cutter-style blade (a Stanley knife to we Brits). Don’t be tempted (as I did to start with) to use a pair of scissors as that is likely to result in not quite a clean 90-degree angle. Although this will probably work fine for Manual initiation, TTL needs more accuracy and a scissor-cut can impact on the cable’s transmission quality for TTL purposes.
You can buy purpose-built fibre optic cable cutters but unless you are going into mass production, they are not really necessary.
 
Curling
 
If you really insist on having curly cables, cut to length and then curl the cable on a pencil and dip in hot water for a while. I found though that my shop-bought curly ones were a pain and lead to strained and tugged cables. Go with straight and feed them through the strobe arms.
 
Fittings
 
Various plugs (or “bushes”) are available for either or both ends of the cable. Inon make a double hole plug - available from Divervision for $1.95. Howshot make an “Adapter L bush” for the massive cost of $3.95. I use an Inon plug at the strobe end and a Howshot at the housing end.
None of these fittings need any complicated assembly, glue, heat, soldering or magic. Simply push the cable into a hole.  In the case of the Howshots, poke, bend and tighten a screw. Truly not rocket science.
 
In conclusion
 
I made a bunch of cables, they have done hundreds of dives and work like a charm.
One of the really neat things about DIY cables is that you can have any length you want - including creating an extra long one for off-housing work. If by chance they break, just recut at the break  - or just cut a new one.
The cost of a complete cable, less than $10. The sense of achievement, priceless.
Give it a go!
 
 




TimG
TimG

Misool, the quintessence of Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat is universally known as "The Heart of Coral Triangle”, for its unrivaled wealth, including: 540 hard coral species (more than 75% of the world's coral species); 60 types of crayfish; 1,070 types of reef fish; 699 types of mollusks. Also on land, Raja Ampat has incredible diversities: over 874 plant species that 9 are endemic and 6 are protected species, of which 360 species are trees. Also there are 114 species of herpetofauna with 5 species of which are endemic and 5 other species are protected. There are also 47 species of mammals, of which 1 is endemic and 3 is protected. And lastly, there are 274 bird species with 6 species of which are endemic and 8 species are also included in the protected category. This mega-biodiversity and various types of endemic flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere in the world.
For that reason, 66% of Raja Ampat's terrestrial area is a Nature Reserve or Conservation Area, and  5 Regional Water Conservation Areas or KKPDs cover an area of 1,125,940 hectares.
The epitome of Raja Ampat's beauty is found in the Misool area, which, due to its distance from the more frequented areas, and the very strict management policy of the marine park, allows marine life to continue to thrive.
 
I’ve visited Raja Ampat 3 times, and every time I go back I feel that, unlike many other places I have visited, the marine life here doesn’t seem to suffer the anthropic pressure, a sign that environmental protection and public awareness are working extensively.
 
The heart-shaped lagoon of KARAWAPOP Geosite  
The last time I visited Misool, I was on a cruise aboard the Gaia Love vessel, after a long crossing from Ternate (Halmahera), which I have already talked about in a previous article.
The first stop in the Misool area was at Pele island. We dove sites as Pele’s Playground, Kaleidosoope and Toblerone, all with wonderful corals and pelagic life. I was amazed by the colors of Kaleidoscope, and I understood why this site was named like that.
 
The Gaia Love at sunset, moored in the Pele area   

 
 

 

 
 
Moving east from Pele, we arrive in the Fiabacet/Warakaraket area, near the Misool eco resort. Here we can find some of the most iconic dive spots in Misool, such as Nudi rock, Magic Mountain, Boo Windows, Four Kings, just to name a few! The abundance of life and color in these areas is absolutely astonishing. 
 

 

 

 

 
We stayed in the area for the rest of the cruise, being able to count on an infinite number of fantastic dive sites in a very short distance. My favorites were, once again, Boo Windows and Four Kings. 

 

 

 

 
Between the spectacular cliffs of Boo and the pinnacles of 4 Kings every encounter is possible, even with our beloved winged friends, the Mantas. Here we had the privilege of swimming in very close contact with a majestic oceanic manta that stayed with us for almost the entire dive, making some laps and then coming back to greet us.
 
 

Finally, after 11 days of fantastic diving, we set sail for our port of disembarkation, Sorong. I must say with a lot of melancholy, since these places enter your soul and you never want to leave them.
 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 
 
Conclusions.
 
My experience on this cruise, which started in Ternate and ended in Sorong, touching the most beautiful places in Halmahera and Misool, was absolutely extraordinary.
 

 
I have to thank all the staff of Gaia Love who made sure that every moment of the crossing was unforgettable, starting from the top-quality food, to the diving guides who were always very attentive and who always made us feel safe and protected. I would also like to thank the officers on board who were always able to manage all the moments of the cruise with the highest professionalism.
As for the photographic equipment, for those who are curious, I recommend reading the previous article where I detailed everything.
See you next time!
 
Pietro Cremone
 
 
 
 

pcremone
pcremone

Ocean Art 2024 Underwater Photo Contest Accepting Entries! 📸

The Ocean Art 2024 Underwater Photography Competition is NOW Accepting Entries!
The Underwater Photography Guide is proud to announce that we are accepting entries for the 13th Annual Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition! Ocean Art is one of the world's largest and most prestigious underwater photo competitions. This year’s competition features over $60,000 in prizes from many returning sponsors. The competition attracts amateur to pro photographers across the globe. Fourteen categories ensure all photo disciplines and cameras compete fairly, while the 50+ winning images create a portfolio of the best underwater photos of the year. Entries must be submitted before the deadline of November 30th, 2024 (23:59 PST). Winners will be announced January, 2025!  

 
 

14
CATEGORIES
60,000+
USD WORTH OF PRIZES
16+
SPONSORS
 
 
 
 
THIS YEAR'S CATEGORIES
We can't wait to see the incredible photography our amazing community of underwater photographers brings forth!
 
WIDE-ANGLE 
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MARINE LIFE BEHAVIOR
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PORTRAIT
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 UNDERWATER DIGITAL ART
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BLACK & WHITE
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BLACKWATER
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NUDIBRANCH
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COMPACT MACRO
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COMPACT
WIDE-ANGLE
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COMPACT BEHAVIOR
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UNDERWATER
CONSERVATION
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UNDERWATER FASHION
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MEET OUR SPONSORS
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OCEAN ART IN THE PRESS
Every year over 200 global media outlets cover the winners of the Ocean Art competition!

 
RichN
RichN

INON Compatibility with GoPro HERO13 BLACK

INON is pleased to announce that existing INON accessories for HERO12 Black are confirmed compatible with HERO13 Black when housed in its genuine dive housing (Protective Housing).
Existing INON lenses including UFL-G140SD, UCL-G165II SD, UCL-G100 SD, UCL-G55 SD are usable for HERO13 Black as well at the same condition for HERO12 Black.
 

 
INON Action Camera Wet Lenses Usage Tips
 
INON " SD Front Mask for HERO9 " or " M67 Filter Adapter for HERO9 " doesn't create vignetting underwater even using 8:7 aspect ratio or HyperView which delivers footage in 16:9 aspect ratio by using the full 8:7 sensor (vignetting will be observed on land.). When using INON " UFL-G140 SD " " UCL-G165II SD " " UCL-G100 SD " " UCL-G55 SD ", shoot in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio as vignetting will occur in 8:7 or HyperView mode.  When using INON UFL-G140 SD lens on HERO13 Black and shooting in 4K 9:16 or 1080p 9:16, the lens hood appears in a clip. Remove the lens hood or use 4:3 or 16:9 shooting mode.  
 Always set camera's Field of View (FOV)/Digital Lenses to [WIDE]. Using [Linear] or [Narrow] won't bring optimal performance of this lens.
  When using with HERO11 Black/HERO12 Black/HERO13 Black, shoot in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio as vignetting will occur in 8:7 or HyperView mode.
  When shooting 4K 9:16 or 1080p 9:16 with HERO12/HERO13, the lens hood tips will appear in a clip. Remove the lens hood or use 4:3 or 16:9 shooting mode. 
  [SuperView™] mode is not recommended. The SuperView™ mode stretches both ends of the image inside the camera to fit into a 16:9 aspect ratio from originally obtained 4:3 aspect ratio image by the camera sensor. Since the edges of the frame are stretched horizontally, attaching a wide-angle lens further stretches the edges of the frame, resulting in an unnatural image.
  Set the camera's image stabilization (HyperSmooth) to [Standard], [High], or [On].  Setting to [Off] will cause vignetting in image corners, and [Boost] will crop the image significantly.
  The FOV/Digital Lenses setting [Wide] in Photo mode causes vignetting in image corners. 
  Since this lens provides ultra wide angle of view, it is recommended to set Spot Meter to [ON] when using external lighting source (LED flashlight etc.). Setting Spot Meter to [OFF] may have washout if the external lighting device aims center of the frame.  
Davide DB
Davide DB

Once It Was All Countryside Here

Text and images: Davide De Benedictis - Claudio Valerio
Cover photo: Marco Bartolomucci
 
If we told you how long we've been diving, you'd immediately know how old we are. We'd just tell you that we've been diving for a long time and that our passion for the sea has always been a part of us.
We've spent most of our time in the Mediterranean, and by diving year-round, we've seen the gradual changes in the sea we love the most.
A while back, we observed some novice divers during our decompression stop and wondered what it was like for them exploring the seafloor. Are they aware of the changes they're witnessing, or are they unwitting victims of shifting baseline syndrome?
 
Unfortunately, this is what we've been observing for years in the Mediterranean during the summer: a carpet of mucilage in the first few meters of depth.
 
 
 
The video text is based on Greta Thunberg's famous speech at the Youth4Climate event in Milan in 2021. This speech, with its great impact and appealing style, has been used in lots of different contexts. However, to my knowledge, it hasn't been used in relation to the marine world.
When we were editing the images, we thought of the old saying "Once it was all countryside here", which makes you think about the past in a nostalgic way. But even the most overused clichés have a grain of truth.
To paraphrase the cliché, we could say that "Once it was all sargassum and Cystoseira here". These seaweeds, which are common in the Mediterranean, were an important part of the marine ecosystem. There were large groups of Sargassum and Cystoseira, which alternated with Posidonia oceanica bushes and seafloors covered with calcareous algae (maerl). Some of the algae were the size of a fist. The bottoms were also decorated with white gorgonians, which are typical of these shallow waters.
Today, although these species are still present, many of them are difficult to observe and suffer from a thick layer of mucilage covering them. This is now so common during the summer months that only those with long diving experience, or observing the seabed in winter, can tell the difference.
 
When we showed these images to  a non-diving audience, even though we had a marine biologist explain them, they were still pretty skeptical until we showed them exactly the same places filmed  in winter and spring before temperature rises. Then they finally understood what we were talking about:
 
 
 
 
These two short videos show how challenging it is to communicate the changes taking place in the oceans. The warming waters and human activities are affecting underwater ecosystems just as much as they are affecting land ecosystems. But underwater, the problem is even more pronounced. There's a lack of historical data, which makes it tough to grasp how marine environments are changing (again, it's the shifting baseline syndrome). Plus, our direct experience of the underwater world is limited.
Everyone can see the effects of fires in the Amazon rainforest on the news or watch the urban landscape change from the car window. But what's going on underwater?
This is why it's so important to communicate the importance of marine ecosystem conservation in a clear and urgent way. This is the challenge we're up against.
 
Given the lack of inspiration in our recreational diving, we've been wondering if there's somewhere where these changes haven't happened yet. It's probably the so-called "mesophotic zone or twilight zone", which is the bathymetric range in the Mediterranean from fifty to one hundred and twenty meters deep. As depth increases in this zone, plant life gradually makes way for animal life due to the decreasing levels of light. Recently, this zone has become really important for studying how climate and human activities are affecting our oceans. It's a completely undiscovered world that could be home to species that could be valuable resources for addressing problems related to global warming and overfishing in the surface marine zone.
The trailer on our Underwater Italy channel gives you a sneak peek of the mesophotic seafloor of the Mediterranean.
 
 
 
A while back, whenever we talked about our passion for deep diving, the response was always the same: "Why go to the trouble of going deep when there's so much to see here on the surface?" And then, of course, there was the inevitable warning about the dangers of deep diving.
How could they be blamed for that? Back then, going beyond the limits of recreational diving was all about deep air and not much else. As it turns out, today in the Mediterranean, we can only observe intact ecosystems through deep diving, and the tools of technical diving allow us to do so in reasonable safety.
 
However, even in these environments, things are changing. For years, we've been seeing signs of suffering in marine animal forests, even in the shallowest parts of the "mesophotic zone". This shows that the effects of climate change are constantly evolving.
Here's an example of what's happening to some of the seabed in the Tuscan archipelago, between 50 and 70 meters deep.
 
 
 
 
It seems that the damage is not only proportional to depth, but probably also depends on other factors such as currents and the morphology of the seabed. To get a full understanding of this phenomenon, further scientific studies will be needed. As divers, our role is simply to observe.
 
It's crucial that we keep an eye on these changes in marine ecosystems and keep documentation up to date. Every observation and piece of research helps us to understand our underwater environment better. It's essential that we pay attention and put in the effort to adapt our conservation strategies so that we can meet the challenges that climate change poses. It's an ongoing process, but it's vital to preserve the wonders of the sea for future generations.
 
Davide DB
Davide DB

Nauticam Housing for the Nikon Z6 III

Nauticam has introduced its underwater housing for the new Nikon Z6 III. This third-generation midrange full-frame mirrorless camera is the first of its kind to feature a “partially stacked CMOS sensor.” This innovation offers many of the advantages of a fully stacked sensor—like faster autofocus, reduced rolling shutter, quicker continuous shooting, and higher frame-rate video capture—while keeping manufacturing costs lower. In fact, the Z6 III's specifications are approaching those of the Z8 and Z9, boasting 14fps burst shooting with the mechanical shutter and video recording capabilities of up to 6K/60p in 12-bit N-RAW and 5.4K/60p ProRes in 10-bit 4:2:2.
As expected, the Nauticam NA-Z6III housing is crafted to fully utilize the Z6 III’s stills and video features. Nauticam’s signature ergonomic design is evident, with all camera controls strategically relocated to the most convenient positions around the integrated handles. The aluminum housing also includes the company’s integrated vacuum check and leak detection system, ensuring peace of mind before diving.
 
Nauticam Housing for the Nikon Z6 III product page: https://www.nauticam.com/products/na-z6iii-housing-for-nikon-z6iii-camera

Davide DB
Davide DB

The underwater wonders of Halmahera

In April 2024, I took a memorable cruise, with the itinerary covering from Halmahera to Sorong, crossing some of the most iconic dive sites in Indonesia.
 
In this article I will cover the first part of the journey, the one from Ternate to Pisang. I will add a second article focusing on the Raja Ampat and Misool area. 
 
I was onboard the beautiful GAIA LOVE vessel, a beautiful modern motor yacht, purpose built to explore the far-reach regions of Indonesia.
 
This was the itinerary: 
 

 
The embarkation point was in Ternate, a city steeped in history. Once a major spice trading center, Ternate still exudes a colonial charm. Ternate Island is known for its historical sites and stunning beaches.
 
Ternate, Al-Munawaroh Mosque, also called it “Masjid Terapung”, or "the floating mosque" because the structure was built by the sea, looking like floating on it.  
The first dives of the trip were in the Halmahera/Jailolo surroundings, and since the first jump I was delighted by the wonderful and pristine reefs of the region. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The highlight of this sites are the big sponges, often covered with white sea cucumbers that give the sponges the effect of a decoration. 
 

Aerial view of one of the Goraici islands  
After Jailolo, we headed to the Goraichi islands, where we stay for 2 days and six dives. The small archipelago of Goraichi lies around 50-kilometres southwest.
 
Another small cay of Goraichi's archipelago  
The locals here have a reputation as environmentalists, and the healthy coral reefs abound with macro marine life, offering fantastic opportunities for photography and night diving. In addition, there are also beautiful coral-covered walls to explore. 
 

 

 
 
Left the Goraichi's, we headed to South Halmahera, where we had another day packed with wonderful reefs and the highlight of a night muck dive in Penambuan. 
 
 

 

 

 
A small village in South Halmahera Then, we left Halmahera, crossing to Pisang.
Pulau Pisang is located around 70-kilometres southwest of Damar Island, where the Halmahera and Ceram seas meet, making it a common stop for liveaboards as they cross to and from Raja Ampat. 
The diving here focuses on a series of underwater ridges that connect the main island to several smaller surrounding islands and feature large pinnacles covered with branching corals. 
 

 

 

I still found wonderful and healty reefs, teeming with life and, apparently, not yet polluted with plastic. 
During all the trip, we had calm seas and good visibility, that granted me the opportunity to get many good shots. 
 
The equipment:
 
For this trip, I used the SONY A7RV, in a Nauticam housing, teamed with the Nikonos RS 13mm, adapted for SONY mirrorless by Isaac Szabo. I am using this fantastic lens since 2014, but with the adaption for Sony, Isaac made a fantastic job, making the lens yet more performing! 
Lighting was granted by SUPE D-pro strobes, with an even and powerul beam that well couples with the great field of view of the RS 13mm. 
 
The Boat:
 
I was onboard the GAIA LOVE, a 40mt. steel motor yacht.
 
The GAIA LOVE in front of Pulau Pisang  
The Gaia Love offers the guest contemporary settings, plenty of space and comfort, and a wonderful experience. I have tried many liveaboards before, but since when I boarded on Gaia I felt like it is a different level from the other boats! As a photographer, I was amazed by the great spaces that are available for the equipment, starting from the gorgeous and climatised camera room, and ending to the personal rinse tank that you havd on the diving deck, just in front of your personal place. 
 

 

 
The experience on board was then completed by delicious gourmet food , and a fantastic crew always ready to pamper the guests.
 
 
The spacious camera room   
Conclusions:
 
The first leg of the trip, covering the Halmahera region, was a great experience for me. It was the first time I dove these waters and I was really amazed for the richness of the reefs and the absolute sense of wilderness, we found maybe a couple of other liveaboards during the journey, and we always were the sole boat diving in any place!
I will cover the second leg of the trip in a next article, please stay tuned.. 
Cheers!
 
Pietro Cremone
 
 
 
 
 
pcremone
pcremone

San Diego Undersea Film Festival 2024

The San Diego Undersea Film Festival has released the screening schedule of films in competition for 2024.
The screenings will be held at Qualcomm Hall (5775 Morehouse Drive) Friday, October 4th (7pm) & Saturday, October 5th (5:30pm) 2024.
Moreover, many of the competition videos will be available for viewing online on October 7.
 
https://www.sdufex.com/2024-festival-schedule
 
 
Davide DB
Davide DB

Adobe Lightroom Update: 13.5

Another update to Adobe Lightroom - to v13.5
 
I loaded it on to my system yesterday and so far, so good (touching wood)
Main updated features appear to be:
 
- Greater HDR support
- Enhancements to Sync Workflow and Edit-in PS
- various bug fixes, and camera and lens support
 
I know there are forum member who grumble about Adobe's commercial practices, but, from the viewpoint of a LR user, this package just gets better and better.....
 
 
 
TimG
TimG

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