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Nauticam announces housing for Nikon D850

by adamhanlon

Nauticam has announced their housing for the Nikon D850 SLR camera. The NA-D850 ships with a manual opto-electrical converter and there is an optional TTL version. The control layout features a redesigned AF mode lever and there is a double thumb lever accessing playback and Fn2 assignable controls.

The NA-D850 will ship from 17 October, priced at $3,800 in the U.S.A.

Press release

Introducing NA-D850

45.7 Megapixels at 7 Frames Per Second

Nauticam NA-D850, Model Number 17222
Shipping October 16, 2017

Nauticam is pleased to unveil NA-D850, the latest release in the world’s finest line of underwater camera housings. Nauticam is the market leader in ergonomics, build quality, and reliability. Built on a foundation of innovative product design and modern manufacturing technology, NA-D850 is the ultimate accessory for the exciting new Nikon D850 camera.

The Nikon D850

The new Nikon D850 combines a stunning amount of resolution - 45.7 mega pixels — with the blazing fast autofocus also found in Nikon’s professional D5 camera. In the past the highest resolution Nikon bodies traded continuous shooting speed for mega pixel count, but thankfully that is no longer the case. Upgraded processing allows the D850 to fire at an impressive 7 frames per second, and a large 51 shot Raw buffer provides ample runway for fast action capture.

The D850 also inherits the ISO64 base sensitivity from D810. High ISO performance in low light usually gets all the attention, but this extremely low ISO level was key to the excellent sunball capture capability of the D810 camera. The D850 promises more of the same in higher resolution.

The Multi-CAM 20K focus system has 153 focus points (99 cross-type sensors), and works in conjunction with a 180k pixel RGB metering sensor. This metering sensor drives the advanced Nikon exposure system, and is also used to provide scene data for 3D focus tracking, improving accuracy.

A new .75x Magnification optical viewfinder is the largest found on any Nikon SLR camera, providing a clear, bright view for framing and focus. Electronic viewfinders and large LCD screens simply can’t match the precision of an optical viewfinder.

The D850 offers 4K video capture from the entire sensor width at up to 30 frames per second. This is a key development from Nikon for the motion capture world. Previous offerings have cropped the sensor significantly when capturing 4K, changing the field of view of the attached lens significantly. 4K from the full sensor is extremely convenient, and key for wide angle video.

Nikon D850 Key Features:

The Nauticam NA-D850 Underwater Housing

Innovation, ergonomics, and reliability are the hallmarks of the Nauticam brand. Every new housing design is carefully crafted based on feedback from Nauticam users around the globe. Feedback gained from the knowledge and experience of Nauticam owners results in every new housing design being better than the last.

Key camera controls are placed within an easy reach from the ergonomic, rubberized handles. An incredible amount of design resources go into crafting this layout, but that effort pays off with unmatched ease of use. Controls on the housing are placed exactly where they should be for easiest access in water, regardless of the camera layout.

External Flash Triggering

The NA-D850 uses the same integrated LED flash triggering system found in NA-D5 and NA-D500. This low profile housing mounted circuit board is convenient, easy to use, and reliable.

This optical flash trigger can fire at the full 7 fps of the camera, making it the ideal solution for the rapid fire fast action shooting that the D850 is so well suited for. Optical systems, with fiber optic cables linking the external flashes to the housing, are far more reliable than any electrical sync cable system. There are no connections to flood, or fragile wires to break, and nearly every popular underwater strobe supports optical triggering.

The LED trigger circuitboard is mounted directly to the front of the housing, and connected to the camera with a hotshoe cable. This new system is more powerful than the hotshoe mounted LED triggers used in the past, and is compatible with all currently available optically triggered flashes! Powered by two CR2032 batteries, battery life is measured in the tens of thousands of flashes, driven by incredibly efficient electronics. With good batteries, we expect 3-5 years of service, up to 50,000 exposures.

Users of legacy flashes without optical triggering are able to add accessory Nikonos (26074) or Ikelite (26075) style bulkheads for electrical flash sync. These bulkheads plug into the LED trigger board for clean cable routing, and reliable connection.

Accessory TTL Converter

NA-D850 is also compatible with the Nauticam TTL Converter (26308). A user installable upgrade, the converter provides accurate automatic TTL flash exposure with a number of popular flashes, and offers both optical and electrical strobe triggering in a single unit!

Optical triggering, using LEDs integrated into the board and fiber optic cables, works well with modern flashes like Inon Z-240, Sea & Sea YS-D2, and more. Electrical triggering supports Ikelite DS- and Sea & Sea YS-250 strobes connected via an electrical sync cord.

Unmatched Ergonomics

The right grip is mission control for the D850 camera, accessing many of the frequently used camera functions. Oversized levers are identifiable by feel, allowing tactile operation while framing with the optical viewfinder. The most frequently accessed fingertip controls (Shutter Release, Main Command Dial, and Sub Command Dial, Video Record, and AF-ON) are located here. ISO, the primary exposure control used by DSLR video shooters, is accessed by a convenient thumb lever under the right grip. INFO, useful for calling up the camera settings on the 3.2” rear color LCD, is placed at the right thumb.

A “pinky lever,” placed just under the front sub-command dial, accesses the Fn1 and Pv button. These can be linked to a number of assignable functions.

The new AF-Mode Lever is a significant improvement, and one based on feedback from Nauticam customers in the field. Nikon AF Area modes have become so powerful that shooters are regularly switching between 3D Tracking, Auto Area AF, and Single Area modes. The AF-Mode lever is now easily located by feel from the left handle. A separate AF-M lever is positioned above this lever, and identifiable by feel.

A double thumb lever accesses playback and the assignable Fn2 Button.

Extensive Customization for a Tailored Ergonomic Experience

The Nikon D850 camera in a Nauticam NA-D850 housing offers four assignable pushbuttons (AF-ON, Fn1, Fn2, and Pv) that can all be accessed from the housing handles.

These custom functions can be overwhelming at first, but the creative options they unlock can be incredibly valuable in the field. In short, these assignable buttons mean less time digging through camera menus to change camera functions, and more time capturing the scene as it unfolds. There isn’t a right way configure these systems. Every photographer and shooting scenario has unique demands. Some ideas are listed below:

Key Features

Patented Port Locking System

Unveiled on the very first Nauticam DSLR housing in 2009, this locking lever has become a signature of the Nauticam brand. No twisting or threading action is required to mount a port, and even the largest dome locks securely in place with this lever. Nauticam also offers locking port extension rings, meaning a dome will never twist.

Housing Locking Latches

The industry’s easiest to use housing closure system, requiring very little hand strength to close, secures the housing back in place. The latches are safely locked, but easy to open for a quick battery or memory card change.

Multi Controller Pad

Located within easy reach of the right thumb, virtually recreates the Nikon D850 multi selector allowing full multidirectional use of this powerful too. No other manufacturer has it, and with 55 user selectable focus points to choose from, photographers need it.

Integrated Vacuum Monitoring and Leak Detection

Circuitry included as standard equipment provides constant monitoring of water tight integrity when combined with an optional Nauticam M16 Vacuum Valve II (PN 25625).

Vacuum Reset Button in Port Mount

A simple vacuum reset pushbutton placed in the port mount allows the vacuum system to be calibrated and initialized from the housing front. Ideal for quick lens swaps!

Stainless Steel Handle Brackets

Stiffening handle brackets are included with the housing. These brackets eliminate any flex or wobble when using big strobes, and provide multiple attachment points for lanyards, a hand strap, and other accessories.

Ergonomic Rubberized Grips

Another legendary Nauticam feature, these rubberized grips have been used every Nauticam DSLR housing release. Their ergonomic shape and soft rubberized coating prevents hand fatigue, even on long dives.

Clear Control Labeling

All camera controls are clearly labeled, allowing easy identification.

Integrated Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System

The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is shipped with NA-D850 as standard equipment. Combined with an accessory vacuum valve (PN 25625), this monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color coded LED lighting system lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak detection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur.

The Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.

Ease of Use

No system is easier to assemble or break down. The camera drops into the housing with a quick release camera tray. The camera tray has an extending bracket that allows the AF-M selector to be easily positioned to match the camera. No controls need to be preset, as housing functions for dials and switches align automatically (on/off, af-m, still photo/video). The large 120mm housing port opening allows even the largest popular pro Nikon wide angle lens (14-24 /2.8G) to be used, and the camera can even be mounted in the housing with this large lens attached.

Viewfinders

The standard optical glass viewfinder is very good and travel friendly, but many photographers prefer the ease of a magnified viewfinder with adjustable diopter. Nauticam produces a “straight” 180º enlarging viewfinder and a 45º angled enlarging viewfinder to enhance the ease of close quarters work often associated with macro shooting. Both viewfinders have high quality optics, and allow bright viewing of the entire image. A patented external dioptric adjustment allows personal adjustment to a sharp-as-a-tack standard underwater and viewfinder changes can be executed in less than 30 seconds without using tools. Exceptional composition and focus accuracy have never been more accessible.

Premium Professional Optics

Experienced shooters know a camera is only as good as the lens in front of it, and the same is true when choosing optics for an underwater camera system. Four optically coated glass dome ports (250mm, 230mm, 180mm, and 140mm diameters) and a series of acrylic ports support popular lenses from Nikon, Sigma, and Tokina. Port configurations are extensively tested at Nauticam to determine the ideal extension ring length for best performance.

For macro and super macro shooting, the Nauticam Super Macro Converter is a revolutionary accessory. This is an entirely in house design, optimized for use in water. The water contact correction offers the highest overall sharpness, free from chromatic aberration and purple fringing, with reproduction ratios exceeding 2:1 when used with a Nikon AF-S 105mm /2.8 VR Lens.

Build Quality

Nauticam build quality is simply unmatched, using cutting edge product design and modern, innovative manufacturing techniques that result in service-free reliability. A bit like a fine Swiss time piece, the complexity under the hood results in a trouble free user experience that just works, and keeps working for years to come.

Recommended Accessories

Magnifying Viewfinders

Optical and Electrical TTL Converter

Other Accessories

Details and Specifications

Depth Rating: 100m
Weight: 3.07 kg
Dimensions: 360mm x 195mm x 135mm (W x H x D)
Model Number: 17222
USA Retail Price: $3800
Available October 17, 2017

More information is available from Nauticam

About Nauticam:

Nauticam is the world’s leading manufacturer of innovative, ergonomic imaging solutions. Founded in 2009 by Edward Lai, an underwater photographer with two decades of experience making precision injection molds, Nauticam has continued to raise the bar with every new model release. Nauticam’s goal is to provide the absolute best user experience possible. Dealer inquiries are welcome!

Please email for inquiries