AQUATICA'S NEW HOUSING FOR KODAK'S NIKON BASED 14 MP CAMERAS

I would like to thank Norma and Blake from Aquatica for their courtesy and professional service. I have been corresponding with them since early last spring when a housing for Kodak's Pro 14 megapixel cameras was just in the "maybe" stage. I started using one of these cameras in April of 2003. The Kodak Pro 14n was the first digital 35mm type SLR with the potential to capture more image information than could film(shooting raw files, of course). The image quality rivaled that of images I had produced scanning my 4x5 transparencies on a high-end scanner. I wanted to get this camera under the water!

I commend Aquatica for having the courage to invest in the design and manufacture of this housing. The market for a $5000 camera body is relatively small. But, I am sure glad that they did. My prototype housing came just a few weeks ago and we immediately headed for the ocean.

Aquatica's underwater housing for Kodak's current professional series of Nikon based digital cameras is constructed out of cast and machined aluminium. It will endure severe abuse! I unwillingly beat my housing repeatly against the rocks at Nubble Light Cove in York, Maine when I exited a dive in the crawl position on a rough day. I was greatly relieved to discover that the only damage was a few scratches in the paint. We have a lot of rough days on the New England coast during the winter months. I'm happy to know that this Aquatica housing will be able to stand up, even when I cannot.

The camera is secured into front half of the housing using a tripod screw. The two halves of the housing are then assembled together using two strong, locking clasps. The port bayonets into the housing in a very positive fashion.

The two metal handles have deep finger notches, comfortable to hold both with and without gloves. The handles also provide secure mounting points for two strobes. Even with 5mm kelvar gloves on, my right hand can operate the shutter release and the lens aperture control without moving off of the handle. Being able to quickly change the lens f/stop is very important to me as I shoot most of the time with two Ikelite DS-125 strobes set on manual.

The left hand can easily manipulate the large manual focus control from the on handle position. I have not actually used this control as I employ auto focus with all of my lenses. The camera's MSC focus switch is also easily accessed by the left hand as is the lense release button. The latter is a great time saver because lenses may be interchanged above water through the port opening without removing the camera from the housing. A nice touch.

The camera's software is accessed by means of 14 well made and well spaced push buttons. Again, easy to use even with heavy gloves on. There is not a control to change the metering pattern, but that is not something I would change during the shooting session, anyway. A camera on-off switch is missing, at least on my prototype. This is not a problem with the latest Kodak Pro SLR/n which has very good power management. I use an older Pro 14nx that continues to draw power when the power switch is on, even if the camera is not in use. I can easily get through a dive without running out of power, but I always replace the battery with a fresh one before the next dive, just to be safe. The camera has to be removed from the housing to replace the battery-a bit inconvenient. The newer camera could last through several dives depending on how much it is used.

The viewfinder on Aquatica's housing allows for full frame viewing with a low volume mask. I can see the entire scene as well as the camera settings. The camera monitor is easily read through the clear housing back. This is great for both composition and exposure confirmation. I program my camera to display a histogram immediately after every shot. When capturing raw files, the image histogram is the most accurate and precise "exposure meter" available. A high-end digital camera's sensor array has the potential of capturing more usable image information than can film, but the exposure must be placed precisely, ie., give as much exposure as possible without blowing out the highlights. The image density, contrast and white balance is then established using a good raw converter such as the excellent one contained in Adobe's Photoshop CS.

The design of this Aquatica housing for Kodak's professional 14 megapixel Nikon series cameras is very well thought out and executed. The housing and camera are a joy to use, and capable of producing underwater images with more detail than ever before. Thank you, Aquatica.

Arthur

Thanks for the report and welcome aboard from a fellow New Hampshirite. Granite and barnicles do take there toll on a housings finish, don't they.

Hi Arthur and welcome again to Wetpixel,

If you have some underwater samples PLEASE post them. I will hopefully be posting the Wetpixel review of this setup with updated viewfinder soon.

Cheers

James

..."updated viewfinder"...

!!!!!!!!

Do tell! Is this like the SeaLux/Subal "Grand" or "GS" or whatever viewfinder?

All the best, James

No James, not yet. What it is is a different positioning for the viewfinder optics to get them closer to the camera viewfinder window. Arthur's housing, and the one I tried out at DEMA had it a bit far back, making the viewfinder image smaller than it needed to be.

I'm hoping that with this new position, the viewfinder will be at least as good as the D100 and S2 housings. We'll see, I should get mine tomorrow (fingers crossed).

Cheers

James

I see. Obviously I had high hopes! Drat.

Thanks for the quick reply!

All the best, James

:arrow:

I am new to this forum and as I feel that it is very Aquatica friendly I expect to receive some flak for this post. But as a previous owner of a SLRn I have experience with the prototype housing that Aquatica was testing for this camera.

While the camera is super high quality, with several limitations such as slow start up and a fairly long delay before the image shows in the LCD, I had high hopes for this camera / housing como.

After testing the Aquatica housing i felt that, by comparison to other housings I have used : Sea & Sea, L&M, Nexus, and Subal...the design of the Aquatica, especially for a camera with a $4500 price point, was quite inferior.

Two main example come to mind:

1) The housing does not have a removable camera tray as the other major housings do. I find this to be a major inconvenience when installing and removing the camera from the housing.

2) In order to install the camera it is necessary to remove the lens, especially macro lens with focus or zoom gears. The internal mechanism of the Aquatica is designed in such a way that they block easy positioning of the camera in the housing. So with the lens off, you mount the camera on the non removable tray and then it is necessary to remove the front port in order to install the lens. This is necessary EVERY time you wish to remove the camera from the housing.

If you change batteries frequently then this will be required each time. Also with digital, any time you remove the lens from the camera the image sensor is subjected to possible dust and dirt contamination.

Aquatica's overall construction is not nearly has good as all of the other housings I have tried except Ikelite, which I don't even place on my list of recommended housings.

Bottom line: While Aquatica should be commended for producing a housing for a camera that is unlikely to generate of lot of Sales in the underwater market ( as it really is a studio oriented camera) I think they simply used their old methods or production and design and did not look carefully at what a high end camera like this requires in a housing.

After my experience with this housing, I sold me SLRn and will upgrade my current system to either a Nikon D2X or a Canon 1DSMkII. In its current configuration I cannot recommend the Aquatica...even at this good price point...you will get what you pay for.

Just my 2cents

I have never used a SLRn or an Aquatica housing, but your criticism seems a bit harsh to me.

First, as far as I am aware the SLRn is actually quite good for UW shooting - where we are not usually bothered with high ISO noise and are prepared to shoot RAW so that we can optimise our white balance after shooting.

Generally, I leave my camera in my housing for the entire dive trip - assuming I can download pictures (remove card) and change batteries. If the Aquatica allows this - then the lack of a removeable tray is not so signif. But if the aquatica does not allow this then I agree it is a bit of a chore - but as underwater photographers we must remember that DCS tables stop us shooting all day, so there usually is time for camera fettling!

Furthermore I am always changing lenses - dive to dive - so I would not be upset that I had to remove the lens to mount the camera. On my Subal I have to do this too when I am using a chunky lens.

I think most people would agree with you that a 1DSMKII is a better camera than a SLRn (the D2X is not out yet, so hard to comment) but the price of an upgrade from a SLRn with Nikon glass to the Canon and new housing is fairly steep. But if you got good money back for your SLRn - that will help. Certainly both these cameras will give more housing options.

Alex

My final point (which is general and not meant personally, really) is that in underwater photography - good photographic technique is probably the best way to improve image quality - and I think that at times we can concentrate too much on chasing the latest and greatest kit, when a look at our own photography might be a faster (and cheaper) way to improve.

Do you have a business relationship with Aquatica?

Folks,

I don't think one users comments, even negative, should be discounted as each user will either love or hate a particluar set-up. I personally disagree with the Doc on Ikelite housings, especially since many PROs shoot photos with them all the time....

All I'm saying is if there are design criticisms from actual users that will hopefully be heard by the manufacturers and incorporated into designs when feasible they're valuable. I certainly don't think the Aquatica folks (or any manufacturer) wants to make a product that's hard to use It's usually pretty easy to find some faults with any product!

Finally, a "fun jab" at James as he's been unhappy while changing a few lenses on Ikelite's SLR-DC housing. Those limited ones which require the removal of the port, gears, etc. to replace batteries or memory cards..... Seems like you'll be doing this on your Aquatica SLR/N housing, dude I can offer "speedy Swiss Army knife" screwdriver blade training in exchange for longboard surfing lessons next time I'm in Texas

YMMV,

David Haas

Hi Dave,

I most certainly will NOT be doing that. I specifically asked that until Aquatica redesigns the M-S-C machinery that they leave it off of my housing. That means speedy camera in-out for me.

I agree with all that has been posted in this thread so far.

Firstly, that the original prototype Kodak housing was not up to Aquatica's professional standards.

Second, that the Doc's post was unduly harsh as he was obviously disappointed with the prototype. (and that's OK). Kasey, keep in mind that these prototypes were only sent out to industry types and dealers, so Doc's one of those.

Third, I totally agree that there is no comparison between the Aquatica Kodak setup and a Seacam 1DsMkII. The Aquatica setup will cost you roughly $2,500 for the housing and ports and $4,000 for the camera - that's $6,500. The Seacam will cost you roughly $9,000 for the housing and ports and another $8,000 for the camera.

That's comparing a $6,500 Setup to a $17,000 Setup. If those two setups WERE equal, then I would have to start sending people off to the looney bin left and right for buying the more expensive gear...

In any case, if Aquatica gets the bugs worked out of the prototype (and that's what we're talking about here, not a production housing yet) to the point where it is at least as good as my old S2 housing, then I will be one very happy camper. I'll let you know.

Cheers

James

PS, don't worry Dave, you can still have the surfing lessons.

I would like to respond to drhudson's post. The Kodak Pro camera is certainly not designed as a sports or news camera, but it is an oversimplification to classify it as a "studio" camera. I have used it in the field for well over a year shooting every thing from dry desert landscapes to tiny, slimey creepy crawlies. I have been extremely happy with its performance. The Canon 1 DS Mark II is certainly a higher performance camera in some areas, but you are also paying $3000 more for it. If you need the features of the Canon, as you say, you get what you pay for. If you don't need thoes features, you are wasting your money.

I would have the same comments about the Aquatica housing. It does an excellent job for a housing in its price range. It satisfies my needs and more-well worth te price.

I don't have any affiliation with Aquatica other than a deep appreciation of their courtesy and professionalism.

Arthur

Hi Folks,

I wanted to share this shot of an Arcadian Hermit Crab that I took at Nubble Light, York, Maine last Thursday, using Aquatica's prototype Kodak Pro housing. The water temperature was 39 F - I lasted 45 minutes in a 7mm Farmer John - visability well less than ten feet, and a lot of surge at 20 feet deep where I shot this little fellow(about the size of the end of my thumb).

I was using a Nikon AF 60mm Micro Nikkor 1:28D in auto focus mode. I had one hand on the camera, and one hand holding on to a rock to keep me from being pushed around too much. The camera lift bag that I described in an earlier post balanced the Aquatica housing and two Ikelite DS-125 strobes perfectly so that I was able to shoot with one hand. The raw file was processed in Adobe Photoshop CS.

I hope the water is warmer where you are.

Arthur

"I personally disagree with the Doc on Ikelite housings, especially since many PROs shoot photos with them all the time...."

Greetings David,

I find this an interesting comment. Which PROs shoot Ikelite housings all the time? Nothing against Ikelite housings, but I'd think PROs would gravitate toward higher end housings... Don

Interesting little post this one.

Don't know the Kodak housing but i do own the Aquatica D70 housing. I had also heard from another Kodak 14 user that he didn't like the housing because of the lens changability issues. HOwever, as he let Blake know, i am sure this will be changed for the mass market edition.

I do not have that problem with D70 housing, lens changes are a breeze in housing with the 60 or the 18-70. Haven't tried the 12-24 yet.

As for the camera tray issue, personally i prefer the in housing mount as opposed to the seperate tray. One less screw to unscrew when taking the camera out for land shots. Sure i have to take the camera out to change the battery but that is just one finger screw, not a problem.

Also, i do not have to take the tray off to change the battery, as there is no tray!

My last housing had the seperate tray and it made the camera a lot heavier etc for quick shots on land during surface intervals (just call me lazy for not wanting to take the tray off and risking losing that screw) Plus i had to take the tray off to change batteries...

I think Aquatica did a great job on the D70 housing and am sure they will work out the bugs for the mass market edition of the Kodak housing. That is the best thing about our specialized market, the consumers have a lot to say in design of such products due to the fact we are such a small market.

As David says though, someone will still nitpick something...

As for the Ikelite and pros, i personally know of several Pros who use them, and yes i do know them as i have worked in the scuba industry full time on liveaboards and land based for years in the Pacific and so therefore get to meet a lot of the top guys/girls in our field. I will not take the liberty to state their names as that is not my business (perhaps check out the Ikelite website as they are probably on there) but trust me some of the very top echelon, myself included with my N90 even if i say so myself, use Ikelite. Nothing wrong with it if it holds the water out is there??? And believe you me there is no more popular strobe with the pros than Ikelite!

And yes Arthur the water is a lot warmer where i am!!!! Sorry but couldn't help myself on that one....

Mike

39 degrees? Water temp's only 30 degrees here.

Oh, you mean Fahrenheit...

I took one of my personal favorite photos to date with the Aquatica Kodak housing just last week:

It's an uncropped 14 megapixel image....not bad for the "black sheep" of professional DSLR's.

Of course it's hard to tell from a 400 x 600 web-sized image, so here's a 100% crop:

Cheers

James

Am I the only one that finds it odd that the slrn/14n housings are considered "prototypes?" I don't expect that Aquatica will find a mass market for the Kodak, so I think that it would be more accurate to consider these custom housings than prototypes.

Great shot James, but nothing your S2 couldn't capture...

Aquatica casts their housings, though. If they were CNC machined then it would be easier to call them custom. As is, Aquatica has to make a significant development commitment to any product and a small production run may be enough for them to consider it a success.

The Kodak is incredibly sharp out of the camera and provides tremendous detail. No 6MP camera competes with it in that respect. How good is good enough is another argument.

Hi,

As an engineer, I consider any design that hasn't gone into production to be a prototype. Since Aquatica is still changing the design of the Kodak housing, according to prototype user feedback, I'd say it is a prototype.

The files that come out of the Kodak are 4500 x 3000 - a lot more than the 6-9 megapixels you can get out of the Fuji. Put it this way, when you crop a vertical out of the kodak it is 3000 x 2000 - in otherwords, it makes a 6 megapixel file!!! The lack of the anti-aliasing filter is also very pronounced - this is the sharpest digital camera I've ever used and I've used the D60, D100, S2pro, and Kodak Proslrn.

Cheers

James