I am thinking a Z8 is the way to go...

[JohnD]

In case my thoughts are of interest or help to anyone deciding on a  new camera, I thought I would share my thoughts:  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am considering moving from a D500 to a mirrorless camera.  My primary reason is the enhanced capabilities of the electronic viewfinder, due to some recent  eyesight issues. Using the LCD on the back of D500 when underwater is frustrating now.   I would like the ability to do pretty much everything through the viewfinder including reviewing shots.  I am also interested in what apepars to be improved focus accuracy and speed.  Otherwise, I am happy with the DX format and the D500 in general and that influences my choices.

Every camera option besides Nikon involves a variety of adapters and extensions and other bits and pieces, and at a minimum I would likely have to purchase a Canon 8-15 and some macro lens to replace what I have now.  There are issues with some of the Nikon brand alternatives, especially in APS-C,  including flash sync speed, viewfinder brightness and clarity and focus speed.  Also, I intend to continue using Nikon for above water photography due to an extensive collection of lenses, so staying in the same system will simplify things some.  But I am not thrilled with the Z50II.

Comparing Nauticam housing sizes, and looking at the Canon R7, Sony A7RV, A7Cii, A6700, Nikon Z50, Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z8, the difference from largest housing to smallest was generally within 1-2 inches in any dimension (L, W, H).  In some cases, the difference was less than 1 inch or so in any given dimension.   

The leading non-Nikon contender is the A7RV.  The Z8 housing is .6” longer, 1.33” wider, and 1.4” taller than the A7RV.  Not a stunning difference.  Yes, I could save size by going to a different housing manufacturer, but I doubt that I would do so.  Staying with Nauticam allows me to keep using my current vacuum valves, handstraps, M10 ball mounts and handles, and saves me from trying to adapt or buy new ports or adapters.  It also allows me to use the Nauticam angled viewfinder

Housing size is a factor for travel, but by the time we add ports, strobes, arms, focus lights, etc., it is hard to really shrink a system without going to M43 or a compact, or perahs the A6700.  I have done the M43 thing before and am happier in a larger format.

When Dave Hicks reminded me that I could always shoot a Nikon Z8 in DX, and I thought about the lenses and ports and zoom rings I already had, and the land-based lenses I intend to keep, it made a lot of sense to stick with Nikon and whether Nikon will ever produce a D500-grade DX mirrorless is unknown.

So, barring any sudden epiphany, I think the way to go for me is a Z8, on which I can use my 8-15 lens in DX mode in the 100 and 140 ports I already have, and even use the Kenko 1.4 if I want.  Or I can use the 8-15 as a fixed 15mm in FX mode in the 140 dome, although I suspect the corners may be iffy.  I will add a WWL-C for use with the 24-50 Z lens and that will be my primary “easy button” for Caribbean wide angle.  I can continue to use my 105 and 60 lenses in the ports I have or upgrade to the Z105 and perhaps use my current port.  I suppose I could alos use my 10-24 and other similar lenses, but I have mostly abandoned traveling with larger domes…just too much hassle.

There is a rumor that Nikon is working on an FTZ adapter that would work with the older “screw drive” lenses and if that happens, it would open up some other fisheye options I have in a drawer, although there may not be much real utility in that.

And Nikon is having a sale.  Comments welcome.

[Dave_Hicks]

You'll be very happy with the Z8! Let me know when you buy a 24-50z lens and I'll send you one of my 3D printed Zoom Gears for the cost of postage, saving you a bundle. I'll even toss in an 8-15 gear if you need one of those too.

[Chris Ross]

just a FYI, you can use your current N120 ports on an Isotta housing by changing the lug ring in most cases, it also has 3 M16 and one M24 port to use you current vacuum valve and other accessories in.  You can purchase an adapter ring to use your Nauticam viewfinder.  You may need to buy two ball adapters for their housing handles. 

 

The housing is slightly smaller, weighs 1kg less approx and close to $2K cheaper at backscatter.  Seems like it might be worth checking out.

[JohnD]

Thank you both for your input.   It was time to fish or cut bait, so the new gear is now en route and in March I will spend some pool time learning the new camera and housing, getting a sense of buoyancy (to be adjusted for seawater later), and so on.