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Since many people ask us what type of photography equipment do we use for surface and underwater photography, we decided to create this section and describe what equipment we currently use to create our images. When we started seriously photographing the ocean realm in 1989 we used a variety of 35mm type cameras for surface photography and the Nikonos V for our underwater photography. Today we have totally converted to digital as shown below.

Surface Equipment
Digital - Nikon D200, 35mm - Nikon F100 & N90

Underwater Equipment
Digital Systems - Nikon D200 w/Aquatica Housing (super wide angle AF 12-24Mmm, macro 60mm)
35mm Systems - Nikonos V (macro extension tubes, close-up kit, 35mm/20mm/15mm lenses)

Camera & Housing Information
Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera Nikon Digital Camera Lenses Aquatica Underwater Housing Sea & Sea YS-110 Underwater Strobe Sea & Sea Underwater TTL Converter III (Nikon)	Ultralight Strobe Arms Pro Series CompactFlash Cards Available Books, Music & Videos, Cameras Travel Storage & Viewer Systems Other Travel Storage Systems

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Nikon D200 Digital Camera

We choose the Nikon D200 Digital SLR Camera because of its precision-engineering, high performance and it had all the features we were looking for in this class of camera. The D200 employs a 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor, which captures images with remarkable resolution and clarity, and its sophisticated 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II system ensures ideal exposures while an advanced Nikon image processing engine renders images with superb clarity and smooth color gradations.

The D200 reacts with lighting speed, powering-up in a mere 0.15 seconds, and firing in an imperceptible 50 millisecond shutter release lag time. It can shoot five frames per second with a drastically shortened viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds between shots. Its large, bright viewfinder offers 0.94x magnification for comfortable and precise composition while a 2.5 inch LCD screen provides ultra-wide 170° viewing angle from all directions. With an 11-area Autofocus system, robust control of Nikon's i-TTL Creative Lighting System and advanced Wi-Fi image-transmission options, the D200 is a perfect fit for the type of photography we expect to shoot. Enlarge Image

Camera Information & Links
Nikon USA | Nikon D200 Camera | Specifications (pdf) | Nikon Color Brochure (pdf) | dpreview Camera Review

Note: Always refer back to the Nikon site for the most current information about this camera.
Images and specification information courtesy: Nikon

Nikon Digital Camera Lenses

Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF DX AF-S Autofocus Lens - The Nikon Zoom Super Wide will serve as our primary wide-angle lens for underwater photography and can be used for surface photography as well. Its superior design enables a combination of wider angle-of-view with optical characteristics that are optimized for Nikon digital SLR camera sensors. It comes with a 2x Zoom ratio and variable angle-of-view from 99 degrees at 12mm to 61 degrees at 24mm. Comparable to that of an 18-36mm lens on 35mm size sensor format. Nikon designed this lens so that it produces a smaller image circle (the size of the image that is projected by the lens on to the sensor) enabling smaller lens diameter, and optimal image quality from center-to-edge-to-corner on the image. It has the exclusive Silent Wave Motor which enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation.

Other key features include; 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, 3 aspherical lens element for low distortion, Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance, M/A mode that enables instant switching from autofocus to manual with virtually no time lag even during AF servo operation, Nikon D-type design that provides precise distance information for flash and ambient light exposure processes, and has a rounded diaphragm to make out-of-focus elements appear more natural. Since this is a DX Nikkor lens, its design is exclusively for use with Nikon Digital SLR models. Enlarge Image | Specifications (pdf)

Nikon Normal Macro 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor Autofocus Lens - The Nikon 60mm Macro will be our primary lens used for underwater macro photography and can be used for surface photography as well. This lens provides an exceptional range for all types of applications and provides high-quality performance both near and far focusing distances. Its Close-Range Correction System ensures high resolution from infinity to close-ups down to 8 3/4 inches (life-size - 1:1 reproduction ratio). One of the key features of why we choose the Nikon 60mm Macro was because it's the most compact Nikon Micro-Nikkor lens for portrait, copy work, and field close-up applications.

It also comes with an A/M (Automatic-Manual) switch which enables quick changing from autofocus to manual focus. Other macro photographers have chosen to use the Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor which provides extra working distance for elusive subjects and is another great choice. Enlarge Image | Specifications (pdf)

Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle-Telephoto AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II Autofocus Lens - For the price, this lens is a great all purpose surface lens that offers a broad 18-200mm focal range for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 lens in 35mm format). With its 11x zoom coverage, photographers will see the benefit from this perfect compact and lightweight, one lens solution. This lens features the improved VR II (Vibration Reduction) system that allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. The VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 4 stops faster (instead of 3 stops with the former VR system). Remember, DX lenses are exclusively designed for use with Digital SLR cameras with the smaller APS-C size chip; equivalent focal length in 35mm terms is 27-300mm

Other key features include; 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass and 3 aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast, built-in A/M (Automatic-Manual) switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (Lock mechanism provided), Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet AF, Internal Focusing (IF) design which means that the filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming, and enables the use of circular polarizing filters, rounded diaphragm (7 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range, and comes with a Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (provided) which greatly reduces stray light. Enlarge Image | Specifications (pdf)

Lens Information & Links
Nikon USA | Nikon Lens Product Listing | All Nikon DX Lens Spec Sheet (pdf)
Note: Always refer back to the Nikon site for the most current information about these lenses.
Images and specification information courtesy: Nikon

Aquatica Underwater Housing

The Aquatica AD200 housing is a full function enclosure specially designed for the Nikon D200 Digital camera. The custom saddle mounting/locking system tray allows for easy sliding of the D200 body on two solid housing rods. There is no misalignment of the body inside the housing which makes the camera rock solid once its locked and mounted in place. Spring loaded push-button contacts, precision-engineered levers and knobs make for flawless and smooth changes to all of the primary camera control settings. The Aquatica A200 ports, extension rings, and lens gears are compatible with all other bayonet mount Aquatica housings. Because of the large port opening on this bayonet style housing, the enclosure can accept most lenses, even those with a very large diameter, like the AF MICRO-NIKKOR 105MM f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR lens. Zoom Housing Image - Front | Rear

Features
Enter Button AE/AF Lock Button Flash Sync Mode Button Quality Button White Balance Button Delete Button Bracket Button	Playback Button Menu Button Thumbnail Button Protect Button ISO Button Lens Release Button AF-On Button	Mode Button Metering Selector Exposure Compensation Button Main Command Dial Sub Command Dial On/Off Light Switch M/S/C Selector
Specifications
Depth Rating: 300 feet (90 meters) Size: 9" x 6 3/8" x 5 1/4" (22.9 x 16.2 x 13.4 cm) Weight: 6 lbs. (3.3 kg)
Precision cast aluminum body is fully anodized to military specifications and coated with a polyurethane powder paint and clear coat. Accurately Balanced Ergonomic Design - all controls are within easy reach.

Consumer Information
All high end photographic equipment, including underwater DSLR housings, are complex devices. While the equipment we have been using has enabled us to produce high quality images, there are some technical issues that we have experienced. Below are some of the issues we have been experiencing with the sync circuit assembly (hot-shoe connector and the bulkhead port wiring harness).

Issue 1: When using the Sea & Sea Underwater TTL Converter II or III (Nikon) - The original and replacement "hot-shoe" connectors (on Aquatica AD200 housing) had a defective pin that was too long and did not retract correctly into the hot-shoe connector. This defective pin caused the strobe to fire incorrectly or not at all (when connected to the TTL configured bulkhead port).

Fix: We decided to contact Backscatter and Sub Aquatic Camera to discuss the problem. The decision was to have them install a special modified version of the sync circuit assembly into our Aquatica AD200 housings. Below is what we had them install:

1. Install the following replacement hot-shoe connecter: Heavy-duty component used in the Subal underwater housing.
2. Install a small strain relief on the wiring harness to relieve the pressure and strain on the bottom of the bulkhead connectors.
3. Install a blocking diode into the wiring harness to prevent the strobe from randomly firing.
4. Click here to view image of the special modified version of the sync circuit assembly.

Issue 2: Lens ports may get inadvertently bumped which can break the o-ring seal between the port and the housing, especially the large dome port. This in turn can allow water to enter and flood the inside of your housing.

Fix: Add a lens port lock - Some new housing may have it already installed. If not, you can order it from your local underwater camera repair shop assuming your Aquatica housing has the mounting holes already installed. View lens port lock installed in an Aquatica AD200 housing.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: When the port lock is engaged, you may not be able to get our fingers inside and unlock certain lens ports if a camera is mounted and you are using a lens with a gear-ring installed! See our work-around below:

1. Make sure your lens port is fully turned clock-wise (when looking from the front) to relieve any pressure on the lens port locking pin.
2. Open your housing and unlock your camera tray. Pull it back carefully to gain access to the port lock release lever.
3. Use a modified medium size tie-wrap to hook the small silver port lock release lever. How to modify the tie-wrap: (a) remove the center locking clip with a small razor, (b) bend the head at a 45 degree angle.
4. Once the release lever is hooked, pull back slowly and down to unlock the lens port. It helps to practice this procedure with the lens (w/gear-ring) off your camera.

Issue 3: Some older housings have the metering selector decals swapped.

Fix: Aquatica may provide new self-stick decals to put over the old ones or just make a mental note that the "spot" and "Center-weighted" decals are swapped.

Housing Information & Links
Aquatica AD200 Operating Manual (pdf) | Aquatica AD200 Lens Chart (pdf) | Housing Information (pdf)
Aquatica Homepage | Aquatica AD200 Accessories | Aquatica Housing Photo Gallery

Note: Always refer back to the Aquatica site for the most current information about this housing.
Images and specification information courtesy: Aquatica

Sea & Sea YS-110 Underwater Strobe

When YS-110 strobe is connected via a fiber-optic cable to a compact digital camera with TTL metering, the YS-110 strobe offers DS-TTL (Digital Slave Through-the-Lens) light adjustment. DS-TTL follows the camera’s TTL-adjusted flash for automatically accurate flash photography. You can use two YS-110 strobes for creative effects with subtle light balance. For example, you can set one strobe to DS-TTL mode and the second strobe to manual mode. The YS-110’s mode compensation function provides a light level control dial for just the right balance of light.

The YS-110 also provides full manual control that sets flash intensity that is independent of the camera. The 12-step manual control provides a finely graded variety of light settings up to a powerful maximum setting of guide number 22. Three xenon tubes positioned in the strobe provide a flat balance all the way across a circular beam angle of 105° (with diffuser), with even and consistent light that will satisfy even finicky professionals.

The YS-110 contains a high-luminosity white LED target light located in the center of its front face. The target light turns on with a convenient button press on the strobe’s rear panel, and turns off automatically when the YS-110 flashes. You can connect the strobe to digital SLR cameras and film cameras using the same cables that connect conventional YS-series strobes. You can also connect the strobe to compact digital cameras using a fiber-optic cable.
The YS-110 is a versatile strobe designed for almost any use.

Enlarge Image | Side & Front View | Specifications (pdf)
Note: Always refer back to the Sea & Sea site for the most current information.
Images and specification information courtesy: Sea & Sea

Sea & Sea Underwater TTL Converter III (Nikon)

This converter is equipped with a built-in TTL PCB that connects a Nikon digital SLR with SEA&SEA YS-Series strobes and uses the camera’s TTL flash adjustment to control the amount of light put out by the strobe. The converter allows quick switching underwater between TTL mode and manual mode from outside the camera. You can use the TTL correction dial after checking the results of a shot in the LCD monitor to adjust the amount of strobe light for the next shot. Because the converter comes with two separate strobe connectors, you can use advanced automatic TTL flash adjustment with two strobes.

Specifications
Construction: Main body: Polycarbonate
Mounting plate: Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy.
Controls: TTL mode / manual switch / TTL light adjustment dial (from +1 to -1 in 1/3 increments)
Battery: CR2 lithium battery (included)
Strobe-side connector: 5-pin Sync Cord/N, Camera-side connector: Type-N sync cord (5-pin connector)
Depth rating: 60m / 200ft
Dimensions (WxHxD): 68x90x75mm / 2.8x3.6x3inch
Weight: Approx. 320g / 11.2oz (including CR2 battery)
Light adjustment recognition: Nikon method (TTL flash adjustment)

Compatible housings
Sea & Sea: DX-S5Pro, DX-D200, DX-D80, DX-D70/70s & DX-D50 (with customized connector)
Aquatica: AD200, AD100, AD70/70s

Consumer Information

1. Important Notice for Users of the TTL Converter III for Nikon (2008/07/10 - pdf)
2. TTL Converter not firing strobe correctly or not at all

Additional Information & Links
Specifications (pdf) | TTL Converter Compatibility List | Example: How the converter is mounted

Note: Always refer back to the Sea & Sea site for the most current information.
Images and specification information courtesy: Sea & Sea

Ultralight Strobe Arms

We decided to use the Ultralight Control System to attach our strobes to the Aquatica AD200 housing. The Ultralight arm generally consists of two arms segments and three clamps giving you the greatest flexibility. At times, we may only use just one arm segment and two clamps. The o-ring in the balls of the arms, base adapters, and strobe adapters eliminates the metal to metal contact. This allows a much more linear clamping force, allowing us to control the arm movement when used with small or large strobes even in varying current conditions. The ball size of our arms and adapters is 1" or 25mm. Enlarge Image

Additional Information & Links
Arm Segments & Clamps | Strobe Adapters | Trays and Base Adapters
Note: Always refer back to the Ultralight Control Systems site for the most current information.
Images and specification information courtesy: Ultralight

Professional Series CompactFlash Cards

• Traveling with CompactFlash or Memory Cards

Lexar 16GB Professional Series 300X UDMA CompactFlash Card - Purchase
We are currently using the Lexar 16 GB 300x UDMA CP Flash Card which is professionally designed for high performance and has superior reliability. The 300X read & write speeds are designed to speed up image capture times by taking advantage of a Digital SLR camera's high-speed processor. This card provides support for high-resolution UDMA-enabled DSLR cameras, and delivers blazing-fast download speeds from card to computer (45MB/sec) when paired with a UDMA reader. Other Pro Series CP Flashcards are listed below.

Pro Series CP FlashCard Links
Lexar Professional Series CompactFlash Cards | Lexar Homepage
SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash cards | SanDisk Homepage
Kingston Pro CompactFlash Cards | Hoodman Pro CompactFlash Cards

Lexar Professional UDMA Dual-Slot USB Reader - Purchase
High-Speed Reader for Pro Photographers

• High-speed File Transfer
• Compact, Portable Design
• Reads UDMA CompactFlash (CF), Standard CF, Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), and SD Cards
• Folds Closed to Protect Card Slots

Note: Always refer back to the manufacture or distributor for the most current information about these products.

Glossary

• CompactFlash (CF) - The CompactFlash (CF) card was developed by SanDisk in 1994 that uses flash memory to store data on a very small card. The CF card is the most widely used digital memory format and isused by most current digital cameras. CompactFlash cards are now available in sizes up to 8 Gigabytes, larger than any other currently-available format.
• Memory Card - A memory card (sometimes called a flash memory card or a storage card) is a small storage medium used to store data such as text, pictures, audio, and video, for use on small, portable or remote computing devices. Most of the current products use flash memory, although other technologies are being developed. The CompactFlash (CF) card is an example of a memory card.
• Flash Memory - Flash memory (sometimes called "flash RAM") is a type of constantly-powered nonvolatile memory that can be erased and reprogrammed in units of memory called blocks.
• Nonvolatile Memory - Nonvolatile memory is a general term for all forms of solid state (no moving parts) memory that do not need to have their memory contents periodically refreshed.
• Megabyte - A megabyte (MB) is a unit of data used to describe the size of digital images and the capacity of a digital memory card. Memory cards are available in sizes ranging from 8MB to 2 Gigabytes (a Gigabyte is the equivalent of 1,024MB). 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes; 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes
• Megapixel - A measure of resolution that reflects the ability of a digital camera to record detail. The more megapixels a camera has, the more detail its images can contain and the more they can be enlarged without losing clarity.

Available Books, Videos & Cameras

Sealife 5MP DC500 Underwater Digital Camera w/3X Optical Zoom GREAT Underwater Beginner Camera! Product Description: Immerse yourself! Digital photography leaps from land to sea, in the sea that is. The acclaimed SL150 is a high-resolution 5 megapixel digital-camera that has a special rubber armoured body that lets you take it underwater up to 200 feet deep. And take great pictures too! The new SeaLife DC500 features a new "Shark Mode" for faster and sharper pictures of moving objects underwater and in sports photography on land. The Shark Mode is activated by simply pushing the camera's OK button which focuses on the intended subject.

The camera will now remember that focus range and take sharp pictures with virtually no shutter lag. Underwater, in diving or snorkeling, everything moves, the diver as well as sea creatures are in constant movement. In addition to the Shark Mode, the automatic Sea exposure mode will shorten the exposure time underwater for sharper pictures. In addition to the Shark Mode, the automatic Sea exposure mode will shorten the exposure time underwater for sharper pictures. So now when you feel like diving into photography you can actually dive down and do it. And, when on land, get great pictures too! - additional image of camera

Product Features (camera specs) - Where to Buy

• 12X Zoom - 3X optical plus 4X digital zoom
• Ergonomic rubber-armored housing, rated to 200ft (60m)
• Land & Sea Exposure Modes for vivid colors
• 5 mp CCD for quality resolution
• NEW "Shark Mode " for sharper pictures and virtually no shutter lag
• Auto focus to 2.3" / 6cm
• Rechargeable lithium battery for extra battery life
• Large 2" LCD Display
• Pocket-size removable inner camera
• Expandable with SeaLife flashes and Wide Angle Lens
• Video with sound

Other Available Cameras and Accessories

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