Product Announcement

INON INC. releases two new ZD Front Mask on August 5, 2025,: the ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2, designed to fit the official Dive Case for Insta360 Ace Pro2, and the ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro, made specifically for the official Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case.   Attaching the INON ZD Front Mask allows the use of the underwater semi-fisheye conversion lens UFL-GR140 ZD (*1) which can deliver wide and quality view with its  large-aperture optics across more wide-angle FOV settings on Ace p

Please note: a further update to the firmware files was released on 31 July. Pro Max firmware is now v2.17 - the version from the previous day was 2.15. Retra have announced updates to firmware on a number of their strobes. Pro Max II to v3.1 Pro Max to v2.17 Prime+ to v2.4 Pure to v2.4 The updates include bug fixes and performance improvements. Full details are set out in the usual App Store update pages.

Canon has released new major firmware for the EOS R5 Mark II for the second time in a week. This update fixes an issue where video could not be recorded correctly when using a memory card larger than 2TB with the [Pre-recording] setting enabled. This firmware (Version 1.1.1) includes fixes for the following issues identified in Version 1.1.0: 1. Fixes an issue where video could not be recorded correctly when using a memory card larger than 2TB with the [Pre-recording] setting enabled. This fir

A firmware update is available from the Nikon Download Center/Centre for the Nikon Z6III. This is an update to v1.11 from v 1.10. As far as I can see, the update, in keeping with a dot.xx version, is minor and no super-dooper new features are involved. The link is here: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/564.html

Adobe have announced an update to version 14.4 to Lightroom Amongst the new features the Adobe website explains: Reflection Removal on Desktop Shooting through a window or glass door? Use Reflections Removal to eliminate glare and surface reflections from your image, leaving behind a clean, crisp final photo. You can even adjust the Quality setting to control your final resolution—great for balancing speed and precision. People Removal Crowded backgrounds? The new People Removal feature autom

Nikon have announced a firmware update to v3.0 for the Nikon Z8. Pixel shift, importing Custom Picture Controls and improvements to focus-limiter controls are amongst the new features. Full details are available here: https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/products/firmware/z8-firmware-3.00

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

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

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 maint

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

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

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 sam

Firmware Update for Sony A7sIII and Sony A7CII / A7CR https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7sm3/downloads Sony A7III https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7cm2/software/00301105 Sony A7CR and Sony A7CII

Sony released a firmware update for three cameras: A1 - A1II and A9III More details here: https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-released-a-new-firmware-update-for-the-sony-a1ii-a1-and-a9iii/

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

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 jus

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

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 w

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.

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 su

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

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 a

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.....    

Retra have just announced a firmware upgrade to a number of their strobes.   Firmware update 2.2 is available for the Pro Max, Prime+ and Pure (4th generation) and firmware update 4.2 for Pro X and Prime X (3rd generation models)   Retras announcement explains that:    Both updates include the following improvements:   Enhanced optical sensing when using inefficient fiber optic cables Resolution of a rare issue with an unresponsive mode dial

Canon has officially announced the EOS R1, a 24MP Stacked CMOS sensor mirrorless camera designed for professional sports and photojournalism.   Key Specifications:     24.2MP stacked CMOS sensor 100% AF coverage with cross-type sensors Up to 40fps blackout-free shooting (JPEG+Raw) Pre-capture for photo and video (1/2 sec. for photos, 3 or 5 sec. for video) Eye-controlled AF with enhanced eye detection Activity AF mode trained for spe