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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

Emperor Divers joins Waterpixels as one of our supporters

Waterpixels is delighted to report that Emperor Divers have joined our growing lists of industry supporters.
 
Since 1992 Emperor Divers have shared their experience of scuba diving in the Red Sea, Maldives and Indonesia and have  looked after thousands of happy divers – a great many of whom keeping coming back to us year after year.
 
Emperor's focus has always been on providing safe and sustainable diving holidays for everyone. Liveaboards, Resort Diving and PADI Courses are what they do. They cite ‘Must-do’ dive itineraries to include ‘Best of Maldives’ , ‘Red Sea Reefs & Wrecks’ and Indonesia’s ‘Komodo’, ‘Banda Sea’ and ‘Raja Ampat’.
 
Having dived with Emperor many times over several decades, I can heartily recommend them.
TimG

Waterpixels reaches 1000 members

The team at Waterpixels are delighted to announce that our 1000th member, @Grega  joined the Waterpixels community on 15 March.  An especially warm welcome to Grega!
 
Thanks to all those who have signed up since we started in Dec 2023.  We reached our 500th member in February 2024 and have seen a continuous stream of people signing up since then. 
 
We'd like to thank members for continuing to engage so positively and in a great spirit of willingness to share and be helpful.  We're especially delighted that unpleasant exchanges continue to be few and far between, sadly a rarity on an online forum.  It's the contributions to the forum from members and their willingness to share experiences, ideas and advice that has allowed the site to continue growing so positively.   We look forward to everyone's ongoing contributions and to many new members coming onboard.
 
Great to have you all with us!
TimG

Care and Maintenance for a happy camera rig

Like most things, some attention to maintenance is usually a good idea. Underwater camera and cinematography accessories are no different, especially with the use and abuse most of it gets in unforgiving environments. Naturally, the better something is taken care of, the longer it will last, and even though Ultralight Camera Solutions products are virtually indestructible, treating them with respect will keep them in good working order.

For the underwater photographer, after every dive, the best thing to do is thoroughly rinse everything in freshwater, inspect and service it if needed so it is ready to go when needed. For most of us, it's easy to forget and overlook these things that will bite us in the butt later, especially when we decide at the last minute to go diving. Being proactive is always better than being reactive.

To learn more about caring for and maintaining your underwater photography accessories, we have put together some information and videos that you can view at the link.
UltralightCameraSolutions

Go Diving Show 2025, UK - 1st/2nd March 2025

I've finally recovered from the Go Diving Show which was held at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, Uk last weekend and what an incredible show it was.  From showcasing diving equipment, holiday destinations, marine conservation and of course underwater photography over a 10,000 square metre area, there really was something to inspire everyone.
 
Underwater Photographer of the Year is celebrating 60 years and had 30 of it's winning images on display from the entrance and throughout the show to inspire visitors as well as a packed audience to view them on the stage on Saturday afternoon.  Here is Saeed Rashid introducing some of the images.
 
 
Winning Image - Catherine Holme's "Kaleidoscope of Colour" - Brand New Category "Coral Reefs"
 

 
Runner-Up - Jenny Stock's "Gardens of the Caribbean Reef Shark" 
 
 

 
There was also a dedicated Photo - Inspiration Stage with a wide variety of underwater photography talks to inspire.   The hugely talented Jenny Stock concentrated on the "Creativity and Ethics of Photo Manipulation," Simon Rogerson, Editor of SCUBA Magazine shared secrets with the audience of "Photographing Big Animals" and Ellen Cuylaerts enthralled with tales of her past trips and the important of being a DAN member.

 
There were a wide variety of underwater photography specialists exhibiting, some for the first time.
 
DIVEVOLK were popular and stole the hearts of many visitors, with Louis and Kai from DIVEVOLK HQ in China flying in especially to demonstrate their award-winning innovative touchscreen smartphone underwater housings and accessories.  Who else is in love with their new "Dreamy Pink" model?
 
It was great to see Sea & Sea again, who had a variety of strobes on show for both compacts and d-SLRS.
 

 
Orcatorch were also exhibiting, sharing a stand with Sea & Sea.  They were demonstrating their popular D710 Best-Selling Dive Light which delivers 3000 lumens of light in 5 different colour options.  Which one is your favourite?
 

 
The ever popular Dr Alex Tattersall of Underwater Visions/Nauticam UK had his usual stand which he shared with Light Balance who are also retailers for DIVEVOLK.  The popular team of Anne & Phil Metcalfe from Alphamarine Photography were there and Nemo Photo had their first stand at the show.  Nemo Photo are the main distributors for Ikelite as well as offering Marelux and Go Pro products.
 
I'm still buzzing from the show, with the 8 hour drive there and back, it was totally worth it.  A huge well done to Mark and Penney Evans, all the Go Diving Team and of course the Exhibitors for creating such a brilliant atmosphere.  I'm sad at having to wait a whole year to go back.  Who's joining me?
 
 
 
Maria Munn

Retra Firmware update

Retra have announced a firmware update for the Retra Flash Pro Max (to v2.13), Prime+ (to v2.4) and Pure (to v2.4).
 
The update includes bug fixes and a number of performance improvements.
 
The update is available through the usual app download systems.
TimG

Divevolk New Trigger Release - Available in March

Meet Stuart from Atlantis Berlin Wassersport & Mee(h)r who talks us through Divevolk's new Trigger Release which can be added onto their housings to make starting and stopping video recording much easier to help reduce video shake, as well as of course capturing images.
 
Huge thanks to the Atlantis Team for their help.
 
https://www.facebook.com/reel/959890282752812
Maria Munn

Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger

Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger Review & Setup Guide
[Moderators Note: Waterpixels member, James Emery, is the Marketing and Media Manager at Backscatter]
 
The Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger provides super-accurate, automatic flash exposures with Olympus/OM System and Sony cameras using Backscatter strobes. The Olympus/OM System trigger is TTL compatible with the Mini Flash 2 and Hybrid Flash, while the Sony trigger is TTL compatible with the Hybrid Flash. The Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger is more than just a TTL trigger, it also can be used for manual triggering, rapid firing over 30 frames per second, and HSS (high speed sync), all built into a self-contained USB-C rechargeable unit.
 
The Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger has three different models, two universal types for Sony and Olympus/OM System cameras, and one for Nauticam full-frame Sony housings.
 

Watch the video for the key features of the Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger
 

Watch Our Full Review of the Backscatter Smart Control Optical TTL Flash Trigger
 
Smart Control Optical TTL for the Most Accurate Results
Underwater systems utilize different methods to achieve TTL through a camera, housing and strobe, including hardwired TTL, digital optical TTL, and S-TTL (slave or mimic TTL). The Backscatter TTL trigger uses a digital optical system in the form of Smart Control Optical TTL, which is a proprietary TTL system, to achieve accurate results.
 
CLICK HERE TO KEEP READING
James Emery

DEMA 2024

DEMA (The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association) show begins on Tuesday November 19th in Las Vegas. Marelux will have a booth in the imaging section where participants can see and handle the latest equipment including the excellent Apollo III & Apollo S strobes. I used the Apollo S strobes for 65 dives and now over 12,000 images on a recent trip to Bali. I will be in the booth along with Stanley and Bella, we will be happy to answer your questions and demo any equipment of interest. If you are at the show please stop by booth #7125 and say hello.

 
Phil Rudin

Sigma 105mm F/2.8 macro lens

Sony and Panasonic underwater macro photographers shooting full frame should checkout my latest review in UWPMAG.com issue #141. It fully details the Sigma 105mm F/2.8 macro for FE and L-mount cameras. I reviewed the Sony version of the lens using Marelux housing, ports, strobes and Marelux closeup lenses +10, +15 and a +5 including stacking two lenses. If you are looking for a quality macro at a reasonable price or wanting to add to add an additionaly macro lens this may be the lens for you.

Phil Rudin

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