Davide DB

Did you notice the evolution of Chinese lens brands? They are releasing more autofocus versions recently. Their expansion seems to follow a two phase industrial strategy. First, companies like TTArtisan, 7Artisans and Meike entered the market with low cost manual lenses. These lenses were made of metal and glass and used standard optical designs. This move helped them become known, reduce buyer hesitation and build a customer base. Later, they reinvested their profits in electronics development. The shift to autofocus was helped by the availability of cheap Asian STM motors and the opening of communication protocols by companies like Sony and Fujifilm. In closed systems, they improved their reverse engineering techniques. Another key element was adding USB C ports directly on the lenses. This system allows them to improve tracking algorithms with firmware updates after the launch. Today the market position of these brands is rising. Advanced lines like the Viltrox Pro series or the new Sirui AF lenses offer performance and sharpness that compete with historical third party makers like Sigma and Tamron, but at a lower cost. The simultaneous evolution of Chinese brands depends on the organization in industrial districts and a shared supply chain. Companies concentrated in the same geographical areas buy standardized components, such as STM motors, from the same third party manufacturers. Physical closeness and the continuous movement of engineers between different factories help a fast circulation of skills and mechanical solutions. Since hardware is now accessible to all brands, the real competition has moved to software development to optimize autofocus algorithms.

Here we go https://www.l-rumors.com/first-images-of-three-new-laowa-lenses-including-their-first-autofocus-zoom/

Amazing Photos! I like a lot the first one. The sea squirt color is incredible.

On a lighter note, This guy doesn't need a rinse tank 🤣 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXEJuNWDhaL/?igsh=MXVvc2oyY2ZmandjMg==

It should be ok now

Hi Dave, let me check Ciao

Welcome aboard! We hope you enjoy the forum! Ciao

First of all: All underwater scooters are subject to torque effect. According to the law of action and reaction, as the propeller spins in a certain direction, an equal and opposite force is generated that causes the vehicle body to rotate on its axis in the opposite direction. In technical models like Suex, this rotation is compensated for by positioning internal weights asymmetrically or by using directional fins to straighten the water flow. This allows the scooter to remain stable during use, preventing strain on the diver's arms. When the motor is running the strategically placed internal weights counteract the torque and naturally stabilize the scooter with the control handle at the 12 o'clock position. So, if you mount your neutrally buoyant camera aligned with the handle the DPV will automatically rotate to keep the camera at the top as soon as you engage the motor. While stationary the camera mass might cause it to roll to the bottom but during motion the torque compensation does the balancing work for you and requires zero effort to keep the setup upright. TL;DR Just make the camera rig neutrally buoyant and put it aligned with the scooter handle. You will see that even when stationary the effort to keep it at 12 o'clock is basically zero. Ciao

I used open gate 4:3 several times with my GH5 and WWL. It works and it gives you some extra features in post, i.e. In macro static shot you can add a fake panning or just reframe. If available, I suggest to add the 16:9 reference frame on the display.

Hi Jiibby, Welcome aboard. We hope you like the forum Ciao

You could almost film a frog fish eating, almost.

I agree with you that in this era of hardcore DIY, there will be someone printing gears and extensions for ports already on the market. I can already hear the sound of @Dave_Hicks printer 😃 Maybe there will even be some Chinese manufacturer already working on something industrial. But is it worth it? And at what cost? We are entering luxury Weefine/AOI housing territory. Honestly, it seems like overkill to me. You end up with the price of a real Mirrorless kit but with only disadvantages: fixed focus, everything automatic. Look at the photos @bvanant takes with his OM and AOI housing 😉 Besides, I don't see all these lenses being suitable underwater. The GPM1 ILS has a crop factor between 2.7 and 3. Even the Pana fisheye would probably have a narrower AOW than the Canon 8-15 and 2x teleconverter that everyone is talking about here. Other lenses are even worse. A Pana 12mm becomes at least a 30mm. Good luck! Maybe close focus and macro... MF of course. Then again, I would be curious to see some interesting crazy project, but what I meant is that we are moving away from the target point-and-shoot customer. And if I have to deal with a pricey rig as big as a mirrorless with no economic or usability advantages, I don't see the point. Happy to be proven wrong. On the other hand, for underwater use, the iterations of the classic GoPro are very interesting. This ILS might make sense for fun use in land shots and for use as a crash cam in cinema. Ciao

Just a plain old cam band

Terrific post Dave! Pinned.

Thanks to everyone for the offer of help. Chris was the fastest and the result is perfect. It's not like they were some amazing photos. Just simple illustrative frames. Let's hope it was worth the effort. Thanks again