Nauticam has announced the imminent release of their housing for the Canon PowerShot G15 compact camera. The NA-G15 is made of aluminum and gives access to the programmable front and rear command dials as well as the mode and exposure dials. It also has a 67mm thread for attaching wet lenses and, as their press release points out, this gives the option of attaching Inon’s UWL-S100 ZM80 wide conversion lens and/or its additional dome lens unit. Lastly, the housing has fiber optic ports for strobe triggering.

The NA-G15 will be available from 1 March at a US retail price of $1050.

Nauticam NA-G15. Innovation Underwater.

Nauticam is proud to introduce the NA-G15 aluminum camera housing for the latest version of Canon’s iconic G series of compact cameras: The Canon Powershot G15. Once again, Nauticam brings the power of professional quality engineering and cutting edge design to those who enjoy the attributes of compact imaging systems. The NA-G15 should prove to be the ultimate housing for fans of Canon’s compact G15 camera. Both camera and housing are loaded with heavyweight features packaged in a lightweight, rugged and easy to operate system.

Canon Powershot G15.

When Canon introduced the Powershot G series many years ago, it quickly established itself as one of the first compact digital cameras to allow shooting in RAW and to come equipped with fast, high quality zoom lenses. In essence, this line of cameras were designed to be a enthusiast’s camera first and a compact second. The newest G15 is designed that way today and has been greatly improved on several fronts.

The Canon G15 utilizes the same 12.1mp Canon 1/1.7” CMOS sensor and Digic 5 processor as the hugely popular Canon S110 and is a proven performer. While the zoom lens equivalent focal length of 28-140mm with Intelligent Image Stabilization is the same as on the G 12, what really impresses is the fast variable aperture of f/1.8-2.8. This is fast by any camera standard, but remarkable on a compact camera. These kind of apertures open up interesting possibilities in low light conditions and shallow depth of field close ups.

The G15 maintains a lot of direct access controls and a very useable ISO range of 80 to 12,800. A 920k dot PureColor II 3.0” G Screen provides easy viewing, while the latest Canon processor serves up impressive burst rates of 10 fps without flash. Video is a proper 1080p @ 24FPS and 720p @30FPS in H.264 format with mini HDMI out on the camera. G series shooters will be thrilled with the addition of a dedicated movie record button on the G15. Aside from the extra fast lens, the other real headline with the Powershot G15 is a substantial jump in autofocus speed and accuracy. 53% faster according to Canon – that makes the G15 the fastest focusing Canon compact ever and should give fans of this venerable model line another reason to celebrate. No wonder these cameras have had such an avid following both above and below the water.

Nauticam NA-G15 for the Canon Powershot G15.

Nauticam designs and builds aluminum housings for compact cameras with the same uncompromising attention to detail and ergonomics as its DSLR housings. That dedication to excellence shows in every aspect of the NA-G15. The Canon G series represents some of the most popular underwater compact camera systems of all time. Nauticam knew it had to meet the demands of an extremely devoted market segment and is pleased to have exceeded all expectations with this new housing.

All Nauticam products are constantly evolving and improving. Many of the industry leading features found on previous Nauticam housings are clearly evident on the new NA-G15. The comfortable and secure locking rotational latch, rugged machined aluminum case and 100 meter depth rating are now the base line. The rear mounted housing o-ring adopted from recent Nauticams makes maintenance easy and the progressive shutter release provides the best “feel” in the business. Like every Nauticam, the NA G-15 has controls ergonomically placed and clearly labeled just the way Canon does. The NA-G15 takes advantage of Canon’s excellent control set on the G15 and provides an extremely easy interface – even with gloves on. Programmable front and rear command dials are readily available to forefinger and thumb while never releasing grip. The mode dial is quickly accessed at any moment. Manual aperture and shutter speed adjustment is intuitive and thanks to the G15s unique exposure compensation dial – so is EV control.

Video functions are more easily engaged than on the G12 because of the new dedicated record button. Nauticam has provided a flash deployment lever and a window to allow for monitoring Canon’s indicator LEDs showing power, ready to shoot, flash activation status and a “cannot focus” warning. This housing is designed and field-tested to capitalize on the considerable potential from both camera and photographer alike.

Nauticam includes a 67mm port thread for mounting optional wet lenses as standard and they precisely engineer the optical glass port specifications for optimal wide angle accessory lens compatibility. This critical design criterion allows the NA-G15 to be the first Canon G series housing ever to be truly wide-angle wet lens compatible. The new Inon UWL-S100 ZM80 Wide Conversion Lens Is the perfect wide angle companion for the versatile NA-G15 (Inon adapter required) and will provide approximately 100° FOV when the camera lens is zoomed to an 80mm focal length. Even more exciting is the option to add the Inon Dome Lens Unit II for UWLS100 ZM80 for a stunning 150° FOV. Finally a true fisheye option for Canon G series underwater photographers!

Of course a good close up wet lens is always popular with compact macro shooters and the use of Nauticam’s new 67mm Flip Lens Holder makes this type of macro work easier than ever on the NA-G15.

For those underwater photographers who want classic performance, outstanding image quality and world class compact durability: Your housing just arrived – The NA-G15

Nauticam Build Quality

Only the finest materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes are used to make Nauticam housings.  The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water and provides an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

The optional Nauticam Flexitray or Easitray provide a lightweight, compact mounting solution for strobe arms and the NA-G15 housing. Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  The soft feel and comfortable design make the housing easy to grip and minimize hand fatigue on long dives.  Both single and double handle configurations are available for complete customization, and each handle can be adjusted laterally allowing the user to dial in perfect fit. A hand strap is also available for those wishing an even smaller profile.

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

Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with the NA-S110 and a variety of optically fired flashes. The Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, YS-01 and YS-D1strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate automatic TTL flash performance – even in manual mode - with no electrical sync cables to flood! The NA-G15 comes fiber optic ready and accepts standard Sea & Sea style bushing connections. 

Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls secured to the handles of the Nauticam accessory tray systems or a single strobe mounting ball location on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for a focus light or other accessory mounting options.

Specifications:

• Depth Rating:  100m.
• Dimensions:  155mm x 110mm x 106mm.
 
• Weight: .82kg (1.8 lbs.)

Model Number:  17310.
MSRP: US$1050.
Estimated Shipping Date: 1 March 2013.

USA Dealer List.
Dealer Inquiries Outside of North & South America: Email
International Dealer Listing on Nauticam International website.