Nauticam Announces D7100 Housing

The NA-D7100 is a shining example of one of the best housings on the market today.

By Travis Ball

April 29, 2013

Nauticam just added a new housing to its extensive catalog, this time for the Nikon D7100.  The NA-D7100 was modeled on the successful D7000 and D600 housings, and was built specifically for the newly released Nikon D7100.  Read more about Nauticam's new housing and details on lens support and supporting accessories.

Nauticam D7100 Press Release:

The NA-D7100 Housing

Nauticam pioneered numerous engineering breakthroughs in previous housings that now come standard on the NA-D7100. The patented housing Locking Latch System has received acclaim worldwide for its ease and functionality. These recessed latches are equipped with safety locks, reduce bulk and require minimal physical effort to engage and release. Port changes have never been simpler than utilizing the Patented Nauticam Locking Port Release. No wrestling, no twisting, no misalignment - just seat and lock. Lens changes are also easily accomplished without removing the camera from the housing using the lens release button logically accessed on the housing front. The lightweight, rugged Nauticam handles are generously contoured with a durable over-mold process of comfortable non-slip rubber. 

Key NA-D7100 Features:

Nauticam housings are the finest, most ergonomic, most usable camera housings on the market today, and the NA-D7100 is a shining example of that. Every control is well thoughtout, every button, lever and switch considered not in terms of what is easier for the designer, but what is right for the shooter. One example is the patent pending Multi Controller Pad that is located within easy reach of the right thumb. The device virtually recreates the Nikon multi selector on the back of the NA-D7100 housing allowing full multidirectional use of this powerful tool, and no other manufacturer has it. 

NA-D7100 Controls (advantages/usage underwater):

• Sensitive two stage shutter release (easy to gauge half press; gives fine control over the shutter release)
• AE-L AF-L Lever (strategically placed for easy thumb focus or thumb focus lock)
• Front Command Dial directly under shutter release (change aperture effortlessly)
• Rear Command Dial at top of housing (change shutter speed without removing hand from grips)
• Multi Controller Pad controls the multi-selector (instantly change focus points, even diagonally)
• Manual Zoom/Focus Knob (zoom/focus the lens without a reach) 
• ISO Paddle at left thumb (ISO has become a key control, especially for video)
• Flash popup (popup flash and control over flash compensation)
• Flash down (instant switching between flash and ambient)
• Playback button lever at left thumb (makes reviewing images easy)
• Release mode dial (switch to continuous for fast shooting)
• Info Button (easily accessed with right thumb to view camera settings on the main LCD)
• Mode dial (switch from P to A to M modes easily)
• Trash, Menu, WB/?, Qual/+, Info Push Buttons (all available easily with left thumb)
• Movie/Still mode lever (accurately preview the 16x9 aspect ratio for movies)
• Live view (flip to live view easily with the right thumb)
• Start/stop video on thumb paddle (start video without inducing camera shake)
• AF-M Lever (switch to manual focus for non manual focus override lenses)
• Exposure compensation on right thumb lever (change exposure compensation quickly)
• Metering mode (easily change to spot for manual blue water metering)
• On/off (no need to preset camera)

The Nikon D7100 Camera

Nikon declares the D7100 to be the current  "DX format Flagship" and has designed the D7100 to take every advantage of the DX format. The D7100 is a major step up from the popular D7000, and should prove to be every bit as successful. The DX format is important for underwater shooters as it provides high quality/high performance shooting while being easier to shoot and less demanding in regard to lenses than full frame cameras. 

Per Nikon's D7100 Press Release: “Solidifying Nikon’s ongoing commitment to the DX-format D-SLR customer, the innovative D7100 provides new ways for photographers to capture their creative vision with incredible detail and precision, whether through still images or HD videos,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “The D7100 blends the best creative features with advanced-level functionality to give the enthusiast exactly what they want– and that’s a great shooting experience before, during and after capture, from shooting to sharing.”

Nikon D7100 Key Features (and notes for underwater shooters):

• 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor (excellent resolution)
• No optical low pass filter (even more resolution and sharpness)
• Still shooting at 6 fps, 7fps at 1.3 crop mode (for when the pod of dolphins shows up)
• ISO 100-25,600
• Nikon F-Mount with focus motor (support for lenses like the Tokina 10-17mm)
• 3.2" 1.2 mdot TFT-LCD (wide viewing angle, easy to see in bright sun)
• 12 white balance presets 
• Custom and "spot" white balance (spot white balance will make it easier to get accurate WB underwater)
• 51 focus points, phase detect and contrast detect (faster, more accurate focus than D7000)
• 2 SD/SDHC/SDXC slots
• Built-in popup flash (can use fiber optic to get accurate TTL with Inon/Sea&Sea strobes)
• Up to 1/320th second flash sync (great for shooting high contrast scenes like sun-balls)
• Video with 1080p at 30fps, 1080i at 60fps, MPEG-4 or H.264 format (1080 30p, significant improvement over the D7000)

Lens Support

The quality of an image is only as good as the glass it was captured with, and Nauticam firmly belives that every lens that makes sense to be used underwater should be supported. Nauticam's lineup of ports, together with Zen Underwater dome ports is the most complete and extensive in the industry. Nauticam carefully evaluates new lenses, and is often first to market with support when a new lens is offered. Nauticam also provides the industry’s only locking extension rings in every size potentially required, thus preventing port slippage when using extension rings. Nauticam additionally offers a full range of port adapters allowing existing housing owners to use their current ports, reducing the cost of switching to a Nauticam housing. Port Adapters are available for Aquatica, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5 & M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3 & 4, and Zillion lens ports.

Examples of supported lenses for D7100:

• Nikon 60mm macro 
• Nikon 105VR macro 
• Nikon 10-24mm
• Tokina 10-17mm fisheye zoom
• Tokina 10-17mm fisheye zoom with Kenko 1.4x TC
• Sigma 17-70mm
• Sigma 15mm fisheye
• Nikon 10.5mm fisheye
• Nikon 18-55mm
• Nikon 24-85mm
• Nikon 12-24mm
• Nikon 16mm fisheye
• Sigma 8-16mm
• and more....

Viewfinders

A high resolution camera like the Nikon D7100 demands perfect focus for optimal results. Fortunately, Nauticam has developed the most user-friendly interchangeable precision viewfinders in the world. The standard optical glass viewfinder is very goodand travel friendly, but many photographers prefer the ease of a magnified viewfinder with adjustable diopter. Nauticam produces a “straight” 180º enlarging viewfinder and a 45º angled enlarging viewfinder to enhance the ease of close quarters work often associated with macro shooting. Both viewfinders have high quality optics allow viewing of the entire image. A patented external dioptric adjustment allows personal adjustment to a sharp-as-a-tack standard underwater and viewfinder changes can be executed in less than 30 seconds without using tools. Exceptional composition and focus accuracy have never been more accessible.

Accessories

Nauticam’s NA-DP4 housing for the Small HD DP4 Monitor can take video performance to another level by rendering the video image in a position more amenable to the shooter. The monitor housing easily mounts to the top of the NA-D7100 and utilizes the optional HDMI Bulkhead for true HDMI connectivity. Utilizing DP4 features like Focus Peaking, Focus Assist, False Color, 1:1 Mapping and more, this larger monitor vastly improves composition, focus capability and exposure.

Optional accessories available for the NA-D7100:

• 180º Enhancing Viewfinder
• 45º Enhanching Viewfinder
• Complete line of ports for all major lenses
• Locking port extension rings from 10mm to 70mm
• Monitor Housing for SmallHD DP4 Monitor
• Fiber optic cables for Inon and Sea&Sea
• Full line of mounting accessories for lighting, including mount balls, strobe adapters, arms, clamps, and specialty items
• Multiple styles of lanyards
• Lens holders, including flip-up 
• Focus and Zoom gears for many Nikon, Tokina, and Sigma lenses
• Port Adapters for Aquatica, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5 & M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3 & 4, and Zillion
• Handle accessories including smaller handles, handle extensions for cold water diving

The Bottom Line

The Nikon D7100 represents the highest resolving and most capable Nikon DX camera to date, and the Nauticam NA-D7100 is ready to take it to new depths with the most ergonomic, best designed housing in the world. Find out for yourself why so many people have made the switch to Nauticam. 

Specifications

• Depth Rating:  100m
• Weight: 3.3kg
• Dimensions (with handles mounted): 350mm x 190mm x 135mm

Model Number:  17211

USA Retail Price: $3200

Estimated Shipping Date: May 5, 2013

More information is available from Nauticam USA at:

http://www.nauticamusa.com

About Nauticam USA:

Nauticam USA is the exclusive wholesale distributor of Nauticam products in the North American Market.  Nauticam USA’s warehouse and service center is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Our staff of underwater photography experts strives to provide the best customer support and after sale service available.  Dealer inquiries are welcome!

Further Reading

• Nikon D7100 Camera Review and Features

• 5 Critters You Must See in the Indo-Pacific

• Story Behind the Shot: Melibe leonina Nudibranchs

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!