Nauticam has announced the release of the NA-600D housing for the Canon EOS Rebel T3i (600D). It features the standard Nauticam port locking system, locking latches, rubberized handles and access to all camera controls. New features incorporated include a multifunction thumb lever for video record on/off, a programmable AE lock button and specific control extensions moving all controls to within reach of the handles.

The Nauticam NA-600D is available now at a retail price of $2400

Innovative Nauticam NA-600D Housing provides access to all camera controls from the handles, and is shipping now!

Canon EOS Rebel T3i.

The newest member of the Canon SLR lineup boasts an impressive number of advanced features at an entry-level price point. Depending on territory, this camera is known as the Canon Digital Rebel T3i (North America), or Canon EOS 600D (worldwide). The T3i features the same field-proven 18-megapixel sensor and 1080p HD video found in 7D, 60D, and 550D, and a new articulating screen makes high angle and low angle composition possible.

Nauticam NA-600D.

Nauticam is proud to announce the arrival of the NA-600D housing for Canon 600D/T3i. The NA-600D builds on the success of the NA-550D housing with a new design that keeps the best of the 550D housing but adds new design elements to further enhance the functionality and ergonomics.

The NA-600D housing inherits the patented Nauticam port locking system, locking housing latches, comfortable rubberized handles, and innovative ergonomic access to key camera controls. New features include a multifunction thumb lever for accessing Video Start/Stop and programmable AE Lock button (referred to as “*”), and control extensions moving all of the camera’s controls within reach of the right and left handles.

Unmatched Ergonomics.

Nauticam housings are designed with in-water ergonomics in mind, and with NA-600D, Nauticam engineers have again created a system that puts important controls at the fingertips of the user. Entry-level cameras like T3i are more dependent upon the menu system than higher end models for control changes, making it important to relocate many of the camera’s rear pushbuttons to the right handle.

Shutter Release, ISO, *, Video Start/Stop, AV +/-, and the camera’s front command wheel are all accessible via levers or dials under the right handle. Push buttons on the back of the housing access Focus Area Selector, Quick Control Menu, White Balance, Autofocus Mode, Drive, Playback, Delete, and Set. An accessory Zoom Gear Control Knob and push buttons for Menu and Info are available from the left handle.

Another innovative ergonomic advancement is Nauticam’s two-stage shutter release lever. This mechanical lever greatly enhances tactile feel of the half press and full press positions of the shutter release button, allowing precise focus control, and less accidental shutter actuation.

The very successful AV +/- switch is unchanged from 550D. When shooting in manual exposure mode, this lever assigns the function of the command wheel to shutter speed or f-stop, and when in Av or Tv modes enables exposure compensation. The lever is large enough to be operated by feel, allowing the photographer to keep their eye in the viewfinder while operating this function and making exposure changes on the fly. The fingertip ISO lever replaces the 550D ISO paddle, making it easier to change ISO –allowing quick video exposure changes right from the handle.

Continued Innovation.

New, easy to use locking latches eliminate the stainless steel latches used previously. This new closure method reduces overall size and is easier to operate. These locking latches are easy to close with minimal hand strength required, and protected from accidental opening by a locking detent.

A lens release button is offered as standard equipment, allowing lens changes while a zoom gear is attached without opening the housing back.

NA-600D housing is the smallest SLR housing in the Nauticam lineup, which should appeal to anyone concerned with the large size of some SLR housings. This housing can still accommodate the same accessories as all other Nauticam housings, allowing use of an extensive line of lenses, ports, port adapters, lens gears, and viewfinders.

Patented Locking Port Release Lever & Locking Extension Rings.

Nauticam’s acclaimed Patented Locking Port Release Lever is incorporated into the NA-600D housing. Lens ports are inserted straight into the Nauticam mount, eliminating the twisting or threading actions that can extrude dry o-rings. Once seated, the large red port lock lever is engaged, securely locking the port in place. To remove a lens port, the silver unlock button is pressed, the port lever rotated to the outer position, and the port is pulled straight out of the housing.

Nauticam is pleased to offer the industry’s only locking extension ring system as standard equipment, securely fixing large dome ports even when mounted with an extension ring.

Patented Expanded Viewfinders.

Nauticam’s highly acclaimed optional 180º and 45º viewfinders provide a crystal clear life-size view of the camera’s optical viewfinder through a diving mask. The patented external dioptric adjustment allows eye relief to be fine tuned in water. High quality optics eliminate distortion and keep color fringing to an absolute minimum. The edge-to-edge, magnified viewfinder image makes confirming fine focus and checking corner composition an absolute breeze.

Port Adapters for Other Housing Lines.

Nauticam offers a full range of port adapters allowing existing housing owners to use their current ports. This greatly reduces the cost of switching to a Nauticam housing, and brings the benefits of Nauticam Innovation to a wide range of underwater photographers! Port Adapters are available for Aquatica, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5, Nexus M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3, Subal Version 4, and Zillion lens ports.

Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL.

Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with Nauticam housings and a variety of optically fired flashes.  Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, and YS-01 strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate TTL flash performance with no electrical sync cables to flood!  Nikonos, Ikelite, and S6 style flash connectors are available as optional accessories for customers utilizing legacy electrically fired strobe systems.

Rubberized Ergonomic Handles.

Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips. Handles are available in two sizes to accommodate customers with different size hands, and spacers are available with the housing for cold water divers.

Proven Construction Materials.

Nauticam Housings are machined from a solid block of seawater resistant aluminum alloy, then hard anodized making them impervious to corrosion. All hardware is marine grade stainless steel. Acrylic windows protected with a scratch resistant material.

Specifications.

• Depth Rating: 100m.
• Dimensions: 325mm (180 mm without handles) x 158mm x 120mm.
• Weight: 2.5kg.

Standard Features.

• Patented Locking Port Release Lever.
• Sensitive Two Stage Shutter Release Lever.
• Optical Strobe Connectors.
• Rubberized Ergonomic Grips.
• Customizable Accessory Hole (allowing use of optional Nikonos, S6, or Ikelite Strobe Connectors and Hydrophone, Video Out, and Remote Control Connectors).
• Embossed Control Function Labels.
• Quick Release Camera Mounting Shoe.
• Lens Release Button.
• Four Strobe & Accessory Base Mounting Locations.
• Complete Access to All Key Camera Controls.
• .66x Optical Pickup Finder (Enhanced 180º and 45º Viewfinders with External Diopter Adjustment Optional).
• Audible & Visual Leak Alarm.

USA Retail Price, $2400 Estimated Shipping Date, August 31, 2011

International Dealer Listing on the Nauticam website.