Gates Underwater Products has announced the imminent release of their housing for the Sony FDR-AX100 4K Handycam Camcorder. The housing features a side window for viewing the camera’s LCD, neutral buoyancy and the ability to add all battery sizes. It is compatible with Gates lens ports.

The housing will be available from June 2014 at a U.S.A. retail price of $3340.

Press release

From Gates Underwater Product’s John Ellerbrock:

Numerous seasoned underwater videographers have commented on the importance a proper underwater kit for motion imaging like the Gates AX100 announced today. This Ultra High Definition platform includes a variety of features not found in photo-centric systems:

• Ports that support the zoom range of the camera:
• Neutral buoyancy and trim;
• Instant auto focus tracking;
• Image stabilization;
• Focus assist (peaking);
• ND Filters;
• White Balance access;
• Dedicated exposure control like Gain / ISO, Shutter Speed and Iris;
• Flip color correction filter;
• Small, compact and travelable.

DSLR’s can acquire remarkable video, but the compromises to get there are lengthy. If you’re serious about underwater motion imaging, consider carefully. And feel free to contact us to discuss further.

Gates Underwater Products announces new AX100 Underwater Housing.

Ultra High Definition motion imaging in a compact traveler.

Poway, CA – 7 May 2014 – Gates Underwater Products, home of the world’s most reliable underwater imaging systems, announces the AX100 underwater housing.

In a long tradition of providing dedicated tools for the underwater motion imaging professional, the AX100 includes many features for such purpose: flip-in color correction filter; instant auto-focus tracking; ND filters; and direct control of exposure, focus and white balance functions.

The AX100 also includes refinements akin to other Gates professional kits like user-friendly controls, adjustable handles for optimal grip position, and improved balance / trim.

The AX100 housing bears many recognizable Gates features:

• Simple, reliable fingertip controls;
• Large side window to see the camera LCD, your big underwater viewfinder;
• Accommodates all camera battery sizes for hours of recording;
• Gates Precision Ports for no compromises image quality;
• A variety of accessories including Carry Handle, Gates Tripod, and more.

Paired with the Sony FDR-AX100 camera, the AX100 offers powerful features in a compact UHD system:

• 2160/30P UHD and 1080/60P HD from a video-optimized CMOS sensor;
• Instant Auto Focus tracking;
• 120fps Slow motion capabilities;
• Steadyshot;
• Focus Assist (Peaking)
• ND Filters
• XAVC and AVCHD recording modes up to 50 Mbps;

The AX100 housing is a Gates through and through: Precision machined aluminum shell, stainless steel hardware, ‘bulletproof’ reliability – all backed by Gates legendary service and 2 year renewable warranty. Durable, reliable, dependable – the hallmark of Gates since 1969.

AX100 Housing Price (Preliminary): $3340 (Housing, GP34A Port).
Supported camera models: Sony FDR-AX100 / HDR-CX900
Availability: June 2014

About Gates: Since 1969, Gates Underwater Products has produced is the worlds most reliable underwater housings. Using ‘bulletproof” machined aluminum, 100% mechanical controls, time-proven design methods, and state-of-the-art manufacturing, Gates housings are built to satisfy the most demanding applications. Commercial divers, imaging professionals, marine researchers, salvage operators and military personnel all turn to Gates for the same reason: our “bulletproof” housings produce results 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That’s why they say: Don’t take a Chance….Take a Gates!