Nauticam NA-XZ1 underwater housing for Olympus XZ-1

Nauticam announced a new underwater housing NA-XZ1 for Olympus XZ-1. The housing is rated up to 100 meters and it will cost $950. Expected shipping date is May 16th, 2011.

More images and full press release:

Nauticam NA-XZ1 Housing for Olympus XZ-1

Nauticam proudly announces the NA-XZ1 Housing for Olympus XZ-1. Following on the heels of the successful Panasonic LX5 from Nauticam, the XZ-1 is Nauticam’s second entry into the advanced compact camera world. Like the LX5, this camera and housing package offers complete control and image quality traditionally only available from much larger SLR systems with the ease of use expected of a compact system.

Olympus XZ-1

Olympus has a fine history in the underwater imaging world, and many of today’s photographers started with one of their earlier enthusiast cameras, such as the C-4040 or C-5050. The new XZ-1 Olympus builds on that history.  The bright f/1.8 28mm lens, dual control dials, TruePic V processor and HD video capability make XZ-1 ready to capture great images underwater. The 10MP sensor in the XZ-1 is a high sensitivity 1/1.63" CCD, and is one of the largest sensors available in a compact camera.

Two of the most important features in any camera for underwater photography are the ability to capture images in RAW format as well as manual control over f-stop and shutter speed.  Both functions are available with XZ-1.  XZ-1 also allows automatic flash exposure (TTL Flash) in Manual exposure mode, a feature missing from Canon G and S Series cameras.

Controls are simple but well though out, with familiar push buttons for quick access to functions like macro mode, flash mode, etc.  Dual control rings (one on the camera back, one around the lens) immediately access frequently used manual settings like ISO, F-Stop, and Shutter Speed.  With a dedicated movie start/stop button recording 720P / 30fps video clips is only a pushbutton away.

“The XZ-1 control interface is among the best I’ve used in a compact system.  All key controls are easily accessed by pushbuttons and control dials, allowing quick camera settings changes.  All important functions can be accessed in seconds through the underwater housing, allowing me to keep up with the action”.  –Chris Parsons

Nauticam NA-XZ1 Housing

A compact camera with this much functionality demands a rugged yet compact housing, and the Nauticam engineers have delivered with an aluminum housing offering all of that functionality to the underwater shooter. The Nauticam NA-XZ1 housing (part number #17801) puts the power of the XZ-1 camera into the palm of your hand, and your BCD pocket.

The compact housing fits the XZ-1 camera like a glove.  No controls need to be preset when installing the camera in the housing - simply drop it in.  The housing is securely closed with a locking rotary latch.  The compact form factor, ease of use, excellent image quality and P&S functionality make this a perfect system for everyone from new u/w shooters to pros that want a camera that will fit into their BCD pocket.

Ergonomics is one of the areas that all Nauticam housings excel and the Nauticam NA-XZ1 housing is no exception. This housing puts all of the important controls on the camera within easy reach.  Shutter Release, Zoom, Movie Record, and both control dials are placed for easy access.

Nauticam’s super sensitive shutter release allows precise feel of half press and full press.  This highly tactile control allows focus to be pre set easily when shooting behavior shots.  The camera has no appreciable shutter lag after acquiring a focus lock.

Some competing housings omit important functions like flash popup and the rear control dial.  Nauticam believes these functions are essential to easy operation of the camera, and has made these controls standard equipment.

Locking Rotary Latch

The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate rotary latch that securely locks in place. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening.

Nauticam Build Quality

This isn’t your typical plastic point and shoot housing! 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. The flat port is optically coated glass.  The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  The soft feel and ergonomic 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 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.  Optical TTL even works in manual exposure mode with XZ-1!

The NA-XZ1 features a removable optical mount, allowing the user to easily switch between shooting with a strobe or shooting with built-in flash.  The housing features a lever to pop up the internal flash, preventing an accidental dive with no strobes if the control is not preset.

Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handles or a single strobe mounting ball point on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount ideally suited for focus lights.

External Wet Lens Support

The XZ-1 features a 28mm equivalent lens when zoomed to full wide angle. The NA-XZ1 front port is a standard 67mm thread which can accept wide angle or close up accessory wet lenses.

Specifications

Standard Features

Optional Accessories

Model Number:  17801

USA Retail Price: $950

Estimated Shipping Date: May 16, 2011

About Nauticam USA:

Nauticam USA is the exclusive wholesale distributor of Nauticam products in the North American Market.  Nauticam USA’s warehouse and service center is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Our staff of underwater photography experts strives to provide the best customer support and after sale service available.  Dealer inquiries are welcome!


 

 

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