Nauticam has more experience creating underwater housings for compact
mirrorless cameras than any other manufacturer in the world. As the
Olympus OM-D E-M5 represents a new standard of performance in the
popular m4/3 format, Nauticam sought to create a housing that would
exploit this new level of capability to the fullest. Designed by
underwater photographers to maximize the essential features most
important in these specialized circumstances, the new NA-EM5 meets and
exceeds expectations in virtually every regard.
All Nauticam
housings are designed for ease of use and maintenance and the NA-EM5
builds on this solid foundation. The groundbreaking features of previous
housings are present such as the effortless (but secure) single
rotating housing latch, rugged machined aluminum case, 100 meter depth
rating and the patented port latching system. A new rear mounted housing
o-ring makes maintenance easier than ever, while a threaded bulkhead
port allows for an HDMI or electrical strobe synch bulkhead installation
– advanced features often omitted by mirrorless housing manufacturers.
Of course dual fiber optic synch ports are standard and take advantage
of the supplied Olympus accessory flash. To make the most of the E-M5’s
excellent EVF, Nauticam has crafted an optional rear acrylic display
window that encompasses a mount for installation of Nauticam’s acclaimed
45º and 180º magnified view finders for the ultimate in composition and
focus ability.
All controls on the NA-EM5 are engineered for
optimal ergonomics. The Olympus Main and Sub dials are easily reached by
thumb or forefinger with no need to release grip on the housing while
adjusting aperture and shutter speed. The important Fn1 and Fn2 buttons
are just as easy to reach and can be programmed for a multitude of
functions. A few of the useful settings are AF Lock, One-touch White
Balance, Manual Focus, ISO and Exposure Compensation. Switching between
LV and the EVF is a snap and a quick press of the Info button can show
or hide Olympus’ new LV super control panel on the OLED screen for quick
access to many critical settings. The mode dial can easily be turned
through the typical P, A, S, M, Movie mode and some “easy shooting
modes”. Controls need to offer a proper “feel” and Nauticam’s patented
two-stage lever shutter release allows for natural, precise focus and
shutter release activation. Every one of the features on the new NA-EM5
is engineered to the same exacting tolerances of Nauticam’s now famous
line of DSLR housings. That quality will surely be reflected in every
picture taken with this remarkably powerful imaging system.
Ports for every NeedA
big part of the Micro Four Thirds format’s popularity is a great lens
selection for both topside and underwater. Nauticam manufactures an
extensive line of compact ports to accommodate many of the best lenses
for m4/3. Lenses that are particularly well suited for underwater use
include the Panasonic 8mm fisheye, Panasonic 7-14mm, Olympus 9-18mm,
Panasonic 14mm, Olympus 14-42, Panasonic 14-42mm, Panasonic 45mm macro,
60mm macro (upcoming), new Olympus 12-50 w/ macro (Supported by a
special new Nauticam port for power zoom and macro switch).
Nauticam Build QualityOnly
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 providing an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large
acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant
coating.
Light and Accessory Mounting, Trays and HandlesThe
optional Nauticam Flexitray provides a lightweight, compact mounting
solution for strobe arms and the NA-EM5 housing. 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.
Nauticam offers a full range of
mounting hardware arms, clamps, strobe adapters, and other specialized
accessories. Mounting options on the NA-GX1 include mounting balls or
t-plates on the tray handles, mounting on the housing, and an accessory
cold shoe on the housing. There are myriad ways to mount just about any
light or other accessory.
Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTLReliable
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, YS-01 and YS-D1strobes 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! Electronic sync
cables will also supported via an optional bulkhead for Nikonos style
connectors.
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 for
even more mounting options.
