Drew Wong has posted part one of his report on the Wetpixel Ocean Safari (aka Sardine Run) 2010. The run is still posing more question than answers for the scientific community, and it’s increasing popularity is creating problems. Drew expresses his concerns about the proliferation of new operators with limited experience, and notes that there have been at least 3 injuries on divers caused by sharks during the run over the years.

Drew also lays claim to the dubious honor of being the first diver to have been mistaken as a sardine by a diving gannet!

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Chris Palmer’s book: “Shooting in the Wild” is about the ethics of the wildlife filmmaking business and the drawing of proper boundaries, and as such has a real impact on still nature photography as well. As nature films and TV shows proliferate and become profitable, there is little external regulation of what is ethically allowable. The advent of a culture that seeks instant gratification and demands sensationalism and risk taking as a part of entertainment, has encouraged unscrupulous film editors to bend (and increasingly break) the rules that might suggest that the animals and environment’s well-being is paramount. Chris Palmer’s mission with this book is to attempt to challenge this. Palmer is a veteran film producer and educator, with twenty-five years of experience and over 300 hours of original programming in a rapidly changing industry.

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The Wetpixel July 2010 JASA sharks and Dolphins trip led by Alex Mustard has now ended, and full coverage, including images, is now being posted on the forum.

Despite some rough weather, and Jim Abernethy’s absence, the trip has once again produced some outstanding images.

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Panasonic has announced the imminent release of a 3D interchangeable lens for the LUMIX G series micro four thirds system. Previously, 3D shooting has only been possible by either using a panorama system or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs. The new lens features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses, which can be processed by a 3D image processing system. This claims to allow easier handling and produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects.

Panasonic plans to have the lens available for sale before the end of 2010.

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Wetpixel’s Alex Mustard reviews Leak Insure, a product designed to help protect our cameras at times of peril and shares his experience of the dreaded f-word: FLOOD!

Leak Insure sachets look similar to standard silica gel packets, but combine both the properties of a desiccant with that of a sponge, soaking up minor leaks (up to 400 times their weight in water), buying us more time to save delicate electronics.

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