Nauticam has announced the release of the NA-60D housing for the Canon EOS 60D SLR. The new housing features: New-style locking latches (as on the Nauticam NA-D7000), a lens release lever, an ISO thumb lever, ergonomically placed AF-ON button, two-stage shutter release and an improved rear command dial control.

It will be available from 31 March at a US retail price of $3000.

Nauticam NA-60D:

Nauticam proudly announces the NA-60D, the newest addition to the Nauticam family of innovative, ergonomic, high-quality camera housings. Come see the new NA-60D housing at the Beneath the Sea Show, March 25-27 in Seacaucus, NJ and the London International Dive Show (LIDS) 26-27 March.

The NA-60D builds on previous Nauticam success and is packed with features including new style locking latches, lens release lever and ISO thumb lever, patented two stage shutter release, and an improved rear command dial control.

Canon 60D:

The new Canon 60D continues the ever evolving tradition of the Canon x0D enthusiast lineup, following in the footsteps of the successful 50D. With it?s 18 megapixel sensor, 5.3 fps shooting, new 3:2 high-resolution articulated LCD, DIGIC 4 processor and fast 9 point autofocus, 60D is a highly capable camera. 60D also features the same TTL full aperture metering sensor and same video resolution modes as the more Canon 7D in a less expensive body.

Nauticam Opens the Underwater World to the 60D Shooter:

Rated to a depth of 100m, the new NA-D60 is a rugged aluminum housing that continues the Nauticam tradition of ergonomic controls and innovative thinking.

The NA-60D housing inherits numerous innovations from earlier Nauticam housings like the easy-to-use-yet-secure locking latches from the NA-D7000 housing, ergonomically placed AF-ON, button and the patented Nauticam port locking system. As with all Nauticam housings, comfortable rubberized handles, and innovative ergonomic access to key camera controls are standard.

Unmatched Ergonomics:

In keeping with Nauticam philosophy, the NA-60D housing continues to improve new products while building on previous successes and innovations. Notable examples are the newly redesigned rear command dial control, and a unique thumb switch for ISO a critical control that video shooters demand.

Each control for critical camera functions is designed to allow the underwater photographer unfettered access without removing their hands from the handles. New black control buttons are easier to operate and easier on the fingertips.

An audible/visual moisture detector which places the visual indicator at the level of the eye is standard on the NA-60D.

Continued Innovation:

Another innovative advancement is Nauticams patented two-stage shutter release lever. This mechanical lever greatly enhances tactile feel of the half-press and full-press positions of the camera shutter release button, allowing precise focus control, and fewer accidental shutter actuations.

New, easy to use locking latches are easy to close with only minimal hand strength required, and are protected from accidental opening by a locking indent. This new closure method is not only easier to operate, but reduces the overall size of the housing.

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

Patented Locking Port Release Lever & Locking Extension Rings:

The acclaimed patented Nauticam Locking Port Release is incorporated into the NA-60D housing. Lens ports are inserted straight into the port 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 outboard position, and the port is pulled straight out of the housing.

Nauticam also features the industries only locking extension ring system as standard equipment, securely fixing large dome ports even when mounted with an extension ring.

NA-60D supports all of the key underwater lenses available for Canon SLR?s, like the Canon EF-S 60mm macro, the Canon EF 100mm 2.8/L macro, the Canon 10-22mm, Sigma 17-70mm, and the Tokina 10-17mm. Since NA-60D is compatible with the same accessories as all Nauticam SLR housings, it supports use of an extensive line of ports, port adapters, lens gears, accessory mounts and viewfinders.

Patented Expanded Viewfinder:

The optional Nauticam accessory viewfinder provides a crystal clear life-size view of the cameras optical viewfinder through a diving mask. The patented external dioptric adjustment allows eye relief to be fine tuned in water. The 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, reducing the cost of switching to a Nauticam housing. 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:

A variety of optically fired underwater strobes yield reliable, totally automatic flash exposures via fiber optic cables with Nauticam housings.ˇ 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 and secure 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 (with handles mounted): 335mm x 168mm x 134mm (13.1in x 6.6in x 5.3in).
• Weight: Under 2.53kg (5.6lb.).

Standard Features:

• Patented Locking Port Release Lever.
• Sensitive Two Stage Shutter Release Lever.
• Optical Strobe Connectors.
• Rubberized Ergonomic Grips.
• Customizable Accessory Port (allowing use of optional Nikonos, S6, or Ikelite Strobe Connectors, Hydrophone, Video Out, or 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 180 deg Viewfinder with External Diopter Adjustment Optional).

USA Retail Price, $3,000.

Estimated Shipping Date, March 31, 2011.

More information is available from Nauticam USA.