Wetpixel

Aquatica releases D7200 compatibility notice

by adamhanlon

Aquatica has issued a press release clarifying the company’s position regarding the compatibility of their AD7100 housing for use with the Nikon D7200. It states that the AD7100 is fully compatible with the newer camera and that Aquatica do not plan to offer a new housing for the D7200.

The existing housing has been renamed as the AD7200/7100 and it has been reduced in price to $2,995.00 in the U.S.A.

Press release:

Compatibility of Nikon D7200 with existing Aquatica AD7100 housing for the Nikon D7100 camera

The Aquatica team is pleased to inform you that since the Aquatica AD7200/7100 housing is a perfect fit for the new bench mark in digital photography, the Nikon D7200, it is readily available for shipping.

Nikon recently introduced an updated version of the venerable D7100. The D7200 using the same body and build quality but featuring some internal changes, which includes a faster processor, a larger buffer for continuous shooting, improved low light autofocus performance and a battery life capacity that has improved more than 15%. Featuring a 24.2MP CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, pulling the best result in resolution. With an ISO range of 100-25600, an improved autofocus system that can now focus down to -3ev.

Of special interest to us, underwater photographers, are the following improvements: A large viewfinder with 100% coverage, and given that most of us shoot in RAW mode, so will the improved capacity of the buffer. Video in crop mode is 1080/60p, and combined with the low light capacity of the sensor, the outstanding choice of DX lenses and extended life management of the battery.

The D7200 follows in the footstep of the award winning Nikon D7100, which was introduced in 2013, and to everyone’s delight, Nikon didn’t change the physical design or build quality of the D7200, The improvements that Nikon has added have made the D7200 into a very potent imaging tool sure to have a positive impact in underwater photography.

With a new improved sensor, plenty of pixels to spare, a broad dynamic range, better focusing and buffer performance, the D7200 has to be one of the top contender in cropped sensors cameras. The DX format is ideally suited for underwater photography, and the D7200, is the only current camera in Nikon’s lineup that can autofocus with screw motor driven lenses. The selection of lenses for the DX format is just unparalleled, it ranges from full 180 degrees fisheyes to radical macro lenses. The shorter focal length used on DX format sensor means better depth of field, improved corner performance with hemispherical dome port, and just plain bang for bucks, when shooting macro lenses.

The Aquatica housing:

Given that the original Aquatica AD7100 did not require any reengineering to accept the Nikon D7200 camera, Aquatica has opted to pass along the saving made on R&D to the consumer by reducing the retail price to $ 2,995 USD, a drop of $ 365 USD from its previous retail price. This housing did not need to lose weight, as at 2.75kg, it is still one of the lightest housings available for this camera, it already has features and ergonomics that are beyond reproach, and its comfortable grips have delighted underwater photographers for the last 30 years plus.

Direct access to the FN button, which Aquatica initially introduced for the first time on an underwater housing a few years ago, on the cutting edges AD800 housing, is done via an easy to reach and unique design push button that is conveniently located on the rear of the housing. The multitude of custom functions that can be attributed to the Fn button, sure made it worthy of attention of our design team at the time, and is one of the many reasons why Aquatica is at the forefront of innovative designs.

Here is a quick round up of the featured roles this Fn buttons can be attributed:

Bulkhead connections

Aquatica has long offered a comprehensive selection of easily interchangeable strobe connectors. The 20073-NK has two of the classic 5 pins Nikonos connectors and the 20073-KT is supplied with a time proven 5 pins Ikelite connector. Both version are ready to accept currently available TTL converter, S-TTL is also available with the 20073-OPT through optical connectivity with either of the supplied Sea & Sea and Inon type adapters. Lastly the 20073-HYB offers both a classic Nikonos and optical connector, giving this AD7200/7100 housing access to a vast strobes selection. Bulkheads are easily replaceable in the field without having to resort to specialized tools.

This precision imaging tool is the product of a time proven lineage of underwater camera housing. You can rest assured that, with over 30 years of expertise in this field, each and every aspect of the housing’s ergonomics was studied, and that logical, and intuitive, access to the controls was carefully implemented. This housing is a firm statement to the constant evolution of our knowledge and the collaboration with the many professional’s image makers from around the world, who work and consult with us on a regular basis.

The Aquatica AD7200/7100, like all of our housings, benefits from the finest material available in the metallurgic industry. It is carefully crafted from aircraft grade aluminum and graced with the finest grade of stainless steel for its multiple controls. Every Aquatica housing is machined on the latest 5 axis computer assisted machines. It then undergoes a protective anodizing process to the stringent North American Military Specifications. For further protection, a baked on powder coating paint is applied, this coating is as tough as nail tough. Furthermore, corrosion inhibiting, zinc anodes are supplied as standard equipment. This extra level of protection does make a huge difference as can be seen on some Aquatica housings that even with over 1,500 dives on them, still look as fresh as the day they came out of the box. This housing is made for the hard working professional in mind, one who truly understands reliability in the field.

The AD7200/7100 housing features a quick release camera tray; it smoothly and precisely positions the camera in the housing and is easily disengaged by a simple push on a tab, it incorporates a linkage for transmitting mechanical input of the Fn button from the rear to the front. It is a simple procedure to remove the camera from the back while keeping a lens and zoom gear attached.

A pair of mechanically sound stainless steel safety latches, time proven over decades of intensive use, hold the housing securely together. These latches will not suffer the ravages of sand and corrosion.

Controls: All video controls are designed for easy reach and smooth operation. Whether it is for video or for still images the serious side of this housing operation is apparent from the get go.

The AF-L/AE-L button access is provided with a lever right under the users thumb. Menus buttons are angled to provide better access for your left hand. The AD7200/7100 also uses the new 4xxxx generation lens gears system with a smaller housing pinion gear and a larger lens gear, resulting in a smoother action while zooming, a must when zooming while shooting a video sequence.

The AD7200/7100 has the same standard 90m/300ft depth rating as all our other housings and can be upgraded to a130m/425ft depth rating. Knurled knobs and oversized controls translate in easy operation no matter what the situation is. Anyone familiar with our climate knows that being built in Canada also means that all housings from Aquatica are born and bred in one of the world most rugged diving environment. Bottom line, if it works in our local conditions, it will work everywhere else! 

Seen on the right is a view of the business side of the Aquatica AD7200/7100, clearly showing its serious nature.

On the left hand, the buttons and mode selector control are angled and positioned for quicker access to the various functions. On the right hand the record lever has been relocated closer to your index. The Live View toggle remains within easy reach. The multi controller pad found on the Nikon D7100 is made accessible with a simple and proven design and its SET button has been oversized. All push buttons are of high quality Type 304 stainless steel, the same used in the aerospace industry; these will not break or rust. Their smooth operation and position gives the photographer a very intuitive and normal feel to the housing.

The AD7200/7100 retain our popular molded grips; the same reference in comfort for the last 30 years. They are lightweight, sturdy, are made of one piece and cannot come unglued, fall apart or corrode. Both grips have mounting holes ready to accept our popular TLC Delta 3 system of strobe arms as well as most current strobes and lighting arms out on the market. An extra mounting point for a focus/video light or other accessories is on top of the housing and three additional mounting points are provided under the housing for various brackets, support or tripods.

Viewfinders:

Aquatica housings are supplied with our own exceptional Galileo type eye piece. This high quality and coated optical finder gives a bright and full view of the view finder. For those seeking the ultimate in viewing for still image, the optional Aqua View Finder, available in straight 180 and 45 degrees version, are among the best of the industry. They can easily be installed in a matter of a few minutes by the user. The enlarged and enhanced image of the Aqua View Finders are second to none in clarity; they provides the photographer with tack sharp corner to corner viewing of the camera view finder for composing and critical focusing

Ports & Optics:

The D7200/7100 is supported by one of the most established and comprehensive port and accessories system of the industry. This port system has been a stable platform for over 20 years and remains one of the most reliable and used designs on the market. Aquatica has a deep understanding of underwater optics and its range of ports, extension rings and accessories reflects that knowledge. All manufactured and designed by ourselves, our ports will cover from the most radical circular fisheye to the most extravagant macro configuration.

The philosophy:

What made Aquatica housing so popular over the years certainly has not been lost on this housing! Every effort was made to give you an underwater imaging system that can be tailored to your needs. The AD7200/7100 is a rugged and reliable housing, one that will adapt to your needs and will last for the longest time with a minimum of care.

Proudly made in Canada by a team of dedicated professional, Aquatica has been manufacturing underwater photographic equipment since 1982, it is renowned for the quality and ruggedness of its housing as well as the optical quality of its ports, and is constantly striving to offer innovation, reliability and precision to the demanding image makers of today. Its products are distributed by a network of selected, respected and knowledgeable dealers throughout the world.

Retail prices starting at just $2,995.00 USD

SPECIFICATIONS:

The Aquatica AD 7100 is a compact and lightweight housing:

For more information and availability, please contact your dealer or email Aquatica.

3025 De Baene
Montreal
Qc
Canada
H4S 1K8
Tel.: 514-737-9481
Fax: 514-737-7685