Amphibico has released details of their Pocket Buddy housing for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. It provides full access to all camera controls accessible, from the housing’s grips which are angled at 15°. Aquatica will also be offering a battery pack for extended use underwater, as well as a vacuum leak detection system and multiple handle and light mounting options.

The housing’s will be shipping in April at a U.S.A. retail price of $1699.

Press release

Amphibico is proud to announce its new addition to a super compact line of underwater cinema camera housings. The first Pocket Buddy will house, The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Given this camera’s large Super 16 size sensor and its super wide dynamic range of 13 stops it will truly create a cinematic film look to your underwater imaging. This incredibly compact, highly modular camera uses an active Micro Four Thirds lens mount which allows use of commonly available and an excellent range of low cost Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma. With full electronic control of the lens, you can simply point and set your Iris (aperture) and focus on the fly. Its ability to record high quality Pro Res 422(HQ) and Cinema DNG RAW file formats in full HD 1920 x 1080 make’s it just to perfection.

The housing is built with the same high quality solid aluminum construction as our previous pro line of housings, no compromise was taken to create the New Pocket Buddy ® line from Amphibico. Keeping in mind total ergonomics and underwater balance, its super compact design system makes the unit extremely user friendly underwater. Our engineers worked very diligently on its design, keeping in mind size, weight, balance allowing easy and complete access to all key camcorder functions; it will give users the ability to create the best possible underwater imaging.

Key Features

Solid Construction

Precision machined from a solid block of marine grade aluminum giving endless durability. Black anodized for corrosion protection and a layer of tuff military grade polyurethane powder coat paint for the outmost durability in harsh sea water.

Full Camera Control

Complete access to your camera while filming underwater. The Pocket Buddy boasts a host of features that is certain to pacify the most passionate of underwater video enthusiast. Key camera controls for record, focus and lens control are placed at a comfortable finger distance from housing grips which are angled at 15° for complete ergonomic underwater filming position. We also positioned an easy to reach lens control knob, to operate either zoom or focus depending on the lens used.

Bayonet Lens Mounting System

Given that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera has an active Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens System, a great variety of current and future lenses from Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma, are compatible.

New Micro 4/3 Aquatica line of ports

The Pocket Buddy housing will also have available an extensive line up of ports, including a 4 inch glass port, 6 inch acrylic port, macro port and various extension ring options.

Extended filming capabilities

Not having to worry about charging the camera after every dive, saves lots of frustration when on location. When using the optional battery pack which easily mounts on top of the camera inside housing will extend camera use up to 2.5 hours on a single charge.

Stable-Wide®

Our new Stable-Wide comfort grip system adding a 15° angle will give the user the most natural and stable underwater balance and easily access to key housing controls for optimal solid filming.

Pistol Grip Action

Understanding the vast variety of shooting scenarios that many video pros and enthusiasts want to achieve, we have integrated a number of mounting possibilities. Including top and bottom mount ¼”-20 tripod screw holes and even going a step further by offering a pistol grip solution for the surfer and single hand shooter.

Easy travel Pocket Buddy®

A super compact Cinema Camera that is truly a breeze for traveling!

SPECIFICATIONS

Rating: 90m/300ft (upgradeable to 130m/425ft).

Dimensions:

Height: (with grips) 5.69” /14.45cm
(without grips) 4.45”/11.3cm
Depth: 4.12”/10.45cm
Width: (with grips) 13.08”/33.25cm
(without grips) 8.23”/21cm
Weight (with grips attached): To be determined

Standard features:

• Quick removal camera tray.
• Hinged rear door design with locking latch
• Ergonomically optimized for diving conditions.
• Oversized knurled controls knobs.
• Sturdy comfortable grips.
• Pistol grip attachment for single handed shooting.
• Extended record lever.
• Port lock mechanism.
• Lens release mechanism.
• Standard high quality acrylic viewing window.
• Moisture sensor alarm with built-in vacuum check circuitry.
• Dual 1/2” auxiliary ports.
• Dual sacrificial anodes (front and rear mounted)

Construction of shell:

• 6061 T6 Marine Grade aluminum.
• Anodized to MILA-8625 (type 2, Class 2 specification).
• Powder coated with certified A.A.M.A. 2603-98 Polyester coating.
• Baked at 177c/350F (specification ASTM D2794).

Control shafts and push pins:

• Type 304 marine grade Stainless steel.
• All shaft double sealed with double O-rings.
• All push pins sealed with quad rings.

Mounting points for light arms, lighting fixtures and/or tripod.

• 6 x ¼”-20 threaded holes on the top.
• 3 x ¼”-20 threaded holes on the bottom.
• 2 x ¼”-20 threaded holes on each hand grip.

Optional accessories.

• SW8 Super Wide Port.
• 4” BK-7 Coated Glass Mini Dome.
• Macro Ports (or 45mm & 60mm lenses)
• Zoom & Focus gears.
• Ports extensions.
• Vacuum Sensor System.
• LCD Sun Shade.
• Auxiliary External Battery Kit.