Aquatica a7r II Housing Announced

October 29, 2015

Aquatica has announced their housing for the much-discussed Sony a7r II and a7S II mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (yes, they use the same housing!). The a7r II sets the new standard for mirrorless cameras, producing 42MP images on a full frame sensor with excellent dynamic range, great high ISO performance (new backlit sensor technology) and 4K video resolution in-camera or to external monitor.

Bluewater Photo has published a detailed Sony a7r II Review for Underwater Photo & Video on their site.

The Sony a7S II camera is very similar to the a7r II, however instead of a huge megapixel count it is simply a beast of a camera for low light performance. The 12.2MP Exmor CMOS sensor has larger pixels for low noise at high ISOs. This is great news for underwater video shooters.

The new Aquatica housing is designed to let divers take full advantage of the a7r II and a7R II photo and video capabilities. One highlight is access to the rear rotary dial, which can be used to control ISO, white balance, shutter speed, aperture, etc). Another is the ability to use a magnifying viewfinder or attach a sunshade for LCD viewing, plus the usual HDMI bulkhead options for external monitors. Full details are in the press release below.

USA MSRP:  $2,699

Availability:  Please contact Bluewater Photo for details.

Purchase the Aquatica Sony a7r II Housing from Bluewater Photo

PRESS RELEASE

Press release: Montreal October 26, 2015

ANNOUNCING THE AQUATICA A7r II HOUSING

This new Aquatica A7r II housing is designed specifically for the Sony a7R II camera, with 42mp still image and 4K video possibilities, an unequalled level of low light performance and a newly release set of high performance optics, this camera is one, if not the best, cameras to bring underwater for imaging purpose.

WHAT’S IN THE SONY® a7R II CAMERA?

The a7R II is the first camera with a full frame sensor to benefit from the back illuminated technology. This incredible advance in electronic science leads directly to previously unheard of, level of performance in low light situation and high ISO setting.

Mirrorless design make do without the mechanical complexity and bulkiness of traditional DSLR cameras, instead relying on electronic viewfinder or LCD viewing, some of the perks of the Sony® Aa7R II are:

• It can alternate from still to video record mode directly, without the need to switch, rotate or flip a lever to go from one shooting mode to the other.

• Doing away with the mirror mechanism makes for a slimmer body design, yet, the camera maintain a solid quality of feel and handling and the body has a great layout of controls for the underwater photographer with a large choice of customizable buttons. Most functions can be reassigned, including focus operations of the camera to the rear AF-ON button. Shutter speed adjustment, aperture value (both have independent controls) and the ISO setting is quickly accessed using the rear control wheel.

• The Sony® lens round-up has dramatically improved recently, and can be expanded by using a Sony® FE to Canon® EF lens mount converter to access a multitude of Canon® EF mount lenses.

• The Sony® a7R II is premiering the recording of 4K 30p video footage straight on the internal memory card or stream uncompressed 4:2:2 8-bit signal via HDMI, or actually do both simultaneously, it also does in-camera recording of full frame 4K  video footage, using the full width of its sensor. It has the incredible 5 Axis sensor shift image stabilization of its predecessor, the A7 II, so be prepared for super high quality images coming out of the water with this camera.

THE AQUATICA A7r II HOUSING

The constant progression of digital technology is apparent in this Sony a7R II, and as they say, never say never, only a few years ago, it was thought that the DSLR as we know it, would reign has undisputed master of the underwater realm, then mirrorless camera started showing up, mostly relegated to the entry type of photographer, as of now, with this amazing camera, we can safely say that there is an heir to the throne.

THE CONTROLS LAYOUT

Aquatica patiently studied the Sony Alpha 7 camera line-up carefully selecting the features that set it apart from other system. We then ergonomically placed the vital controls where they were most needed, right at your fingers tips. At the core of this housing design, is over 30 years of expertise in this field, pushing us forward in incorporating new ideas, concept and technological advances to these constantly evolving imaging tools.

THE REAR ROTARY DIAL OR HOW TO QUICKLY GET TO THE ISO

Expert in the field have moaned the absence, on existing housings for this camera, of accessibility to the rear rotary dial. Given all the interesting functions (Shutter speed, aperture, and white balance and especially ISO) that can be assigned to this back wheel control, it was imperative that an easy and ergonomically located control be designed. Aquatica’s design department came up with a quick and logical way to reach it and this exclusive rear rotary dial is now accessible via a knurled control knob located within easy reach of the photographer thumb. 

The SET button is accessed via an extender, engaging the desired value is quickly and efficiently done without the need to remove your hand from the grip, or for that matter, your eye from the view finder.

The custom function buttons C1 and C2 locations are optimized, C1 being extended so has to be right at your fingers tips. Aquatica is well aware that no matter what amount of customizing a camera can offer, if these options are not easily accessed, they might as well not be available, success is often delimited by one reaction time in adapting to a specific situation, and we have invested many hours in designing this ultimate imaging tool that the Aquatica A7r II housing is.

HANDLING THE HOUSING THE BEST GRIPS IN THE INDUSTRY

Handling is made with a pair of grips that have become the bench mark in comfort since their introduction a quarter of a century ago, these grips are a perfect example of Aquatica philosophy, change should be implemented to improve a products, and not for the sake of novelty, when grips are as perfect as these are, leave them alone! Our grips are light, sturdy and form fitting, they contribute to making your underwater photography experience, more pleasing and comfortable. Mounting points on top of them allows strobes arms, such as those from our Delta 3 line, to be mounted securely, freeing the top of the housing from unnecessary clutter.

STROBE CONNECTIVITY

The Aquatica A7r II offers the best available options on the market for connecting strobes with dual optical ports which includes the LED strobe trigger relay, or a choice of either wired dual Nikonos or single Ikelite connectors. No matter which strobe option you select, you can be assured that there is no hidden cost or supplementary accessory required to be fully operational since all options retail at the same price and includes all components required to connect your strobe(s).

The LED Strobe trigger relay, which is included with the optical version of this housing, is powered by two popular “off the shelf” CR 2450 batteries, averaging 4,000 to 5,000 burst of light, the trigger slide into the hot shoe of the camera like any other hot shoe accessory would. The 20079-OPT version of the housing is ready to accept standard optical fiber sync cable commonly found on the market, there is no need for special proprietary or custom type cord, the optical fiber cord supplied by the strobes manufacturers are ready to use as is.

The 20079-NK versions is set up with time proven Nikonos bulkheads connectors, the same found on all our current Aquatica DSLR housings, it is a well-established standard, which has been the back bone of strobe technology for decades and still, by far, the most distributed type of strobe connectors in the whole underwater photography industry, every strobe manufacturer offering then as a mean of connection. The Aquatica A7r II housing comes, not with one, but two of these connectors installed. These connectors, as well as the optical ones are easy to replace in the field, should one decide to alternate between way of triggering their strobes, no special tools are required, and the operation is done in minutes.

Also available is the 20079-KM version. Since many hard working underwater professional photographers prefer using Ikelite strobes and connectors for their ruggedness and reliability. Aquatica has made a point to have this housing version available equipped with an Ikelite strobe connector.

VIEWING OPTIONS

Viewing is done with either our standard Galileo type eye piece or through the rear LCD screen. Shooting close up at sea floor level is much easier when viewing with the rear LCD screen, while viewing through the view finder is ideal for bright sunny condition that may affect viewing the rear LCD screen.

Additionally our two optional finders, the Aqua View 45o and 180o finders can be attached in less than a minute, they provide enhanced viewing of the camera view finder and when coupled with the Sony excellent focus peak option, will be sure to results in razor sharp focusing performances.

An optional LCD sunshade is also available to improve viewing when using the rear LCD screen for shooting.

PORT SELECTION

While the Sony® a7R II camera itself is diminutive in size, it is nevertheless a full frame sensor and the choices of optics are accordingly sized for the task. Rather than introducing yet another line of ports and extension, Aquatica opted to use its excellent line up of existing port for the DSLR line of housings, simply put, there is no need for special dedicated ports or adapter to benefit from the most appealing lenses mentioned earlier for this camera, it also means owners of any current Aquatica DSLR system can migrate their ports, extension and view finders straight to the Aquatica A7r II housing.

Ports are a vital part of the optical formula of any underwater photographic system, we, at Aquatica, have one of the most comprehensive selection available. Our flexible modular system of extension rings, dome and flat ports is ready to face the challenge of constantly evolving lenses coming out on the market. The irreproachable optical quality of these ports have long made them the choice of demanding professionals from around the world.

Wide angle imaging requirement can be addressed with dome of 4”/100mm, 6”/150mm, 8”/200mm and 9.25”/230mm, from ultra wide angle close up situation to top quality over/under images, our dome ports have you covered

Macro imaging needs can be fulfilled using one of three flat ports available, two are designed for AF operation, one being a slimmer version and the third one, and one, the AF/MF version, is equipped with a knob on its side so critically focusing in manual becomes possible, and if big is not big enough! Then all three of these ports are ready to accept our acclaimed close up wet diopter lenses.

 Tying the port system together are a set of ten extension rings, ranging in length from .65”/16.5mm to 3.82”/97.5mm. Port extension are important, as they help optimizing the performance of wide angle lens when properly placed and offer added flexibility in the range of lenses usable behind a specific dome port. When used behind a flat port, they add the necessarily length when using longer focal length, tele converter, dry diopter, extension tube  or other accessories that may contribute to added magnification.

SAFETY FEATURES

The Aquatica A7r II comes standard with our own Surveyor moisture and vacuum monitoring sensor circuit installed at the factory, the housing can be ordered with the optional pressure extracting valve and pump installed at the factory. The visual and audio signal will attract your attention should any of the O-ring becomes damaged or hindered by sand, hair or any foreign objects that would compromise the sealing integrity of the housing. All that is required are a few simple steps for your peace of mind and knowledge that your equipment is safely protected from the environment.

Securing of the housing is done with time proven stainless steel latches with safety tab, these are non-gimmicky, their solid track record shows that they are not failure prone, will not jam up or corrode over time. A large variety of scientific and military departments use theses for securing their valuables assets and equipment for a good reason. Their simple and efficient design makes them reliable, they are a reflection of Aquatica’s commitment to rely on time proven technology.

HOW IT’S MADE

At the core of the design is the shell, made of 6061 T6 aluminum, the same routinely used in aerospace technology. Known for its high resistance to corrosion, this material is then anodized to a MIL-A-8625 Type 2, Class 2 speciation, then covered with a tough as nail, black Polyester powder coating, certified to A.A.M.A 2603-98 specification, which is then baked on at high temperature. This kind of protection is not superfluous, as evidently shown on Aquatica housings having logged over 3,000 immersion and which are still on active duty, day after days.

Controls shafts and push buttons are Type 304 stainless steel, another metal commonly used by the aerospace industry, it is controlled to be free of the iron contaminants that degrade quality and integrity of the metal, such as often found on the less stringent type 316, which, unfortunately, is too often used in this industry.

The housing shell, has two entry point for connecting strobes plus three others for adapting various accessories. There is a large size one on the left hand side that can be adapted for a 16mm or 1/2” diameter, ideal for connecting a monitor, behind it is a standard 1/2” diameter one and to its right, a standard 1/2” hole is provided for the optional Surveyor pressure valve.

MAIN FEATURES OF THE AQUATICA A7r II HOUSDING

• Well established and proven system of port, extension and accessories to attend to your personal lenses preferences.

• Quick and simple installation of enhanced viewfinders, no special tool required

• The best selection of strobes connectors on the market. No additional cost involved, no matter the options selected.

o   Dual Nikonos bulkheads

o   Optical fiber with flash trigger included

o   Ikelite single bulkhead

• The best ergonomic, hands on the grip controls placement, including access to the all-important rear control rotary dial.

• All controls accessible in all dive conditions, cold or warm, gloves or not.

• Secure port locking system and easy access lens release button.

• The most comfortable and sturdy hand grips of the industry.

• Precise camera mounting via a quick release camera tray.

• Three (3) entry point for accessories such as HDMI monitors, Hydrophone, remote control or vacuum monitoring system.

• Eight (8) threaded standard ¼”-20 holes on top, bottom and grips for mounting brackets, arm, tripods or other accessories.

• Depth rating options of 90m or 130m depth at no extra charges.

• Time proven manufacturing process using state of the art tooling, and the best material available for years of enjoyable service. 

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Further Reading

• Sony a7r II Review for Underwater Photo & Video

• Aquatica Panasonic GH4 Housing Overview

• Aquatica Develops Dome Port for Micro 4/3 Camera Housings