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Nauticam announces NA-G9 housing

by adamhanlon

Nauticam has announced their new housing for the Panasonic G9 mirrorless camera. It has a geared lever for the shutter release, and the rear AF/AE lock button (which can be assigned to back button AF) also has a lever. Strobe triggering is optical with the optional mini flash trigger from the GH5.

The NA-G9 housing will ship from 22 November, priced at $2,650 in the U.S.A.

Press release

Introducing NA-G9

20.3MP Megapixel Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor
Model Number 17715

Nauticam is pleased to unveil the NA-G9, 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-G9 is the ultimate accessory for the exciting new Panasonic G9 camera.

Nauticam was the first housing manufacturer to support a Panasonic mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and features current housings for the GX8, GX85, GH4, and GH5 along with a variety of ports for Panasonic lenses. With the Lumix G9 Nauticam is once again at the forefront of innovation and cooperation, getting two prototype housings into the hands of Panasonic pro shooters before the camera release for field testing! Nauticam & Panasonic - perfect partners.

The Panasonic Lumix G9

Following hot on the heels of the ground-breaking GH5, Panasonic’s G9 shares many features with its sibling but is squarely aimed at the still photo shooter. The G9 features a 20.3 MP Live MOS sensor and Panaonic’s Dual I.S. 5-axis 2.0 stabilization that allows for up to 6 stops of stabilization. This is combined with ultra-fast (0.04 sec) lock focus, 12fps continuous shooting with AFS and the mechanical shutter or a blazing 60fps AFS and 20fps AFC high-speed burst shooting with the electronic shutter with no blackout, a game changing feature also recently touted by the Sony A9.

The G9 also features a special 80MP RAW capture mode in which the sensor shifts 8 times to capture a massive 40MP or 80MP image that also includes more tonal data as every point in the image gets covered by a red, green and blue pixel during the sensor shift. While only practical for static subjects and when the camera is mounted on a tripod this could translate into underwater use as the Nauticam NA-G9 housing does feature tripod-mounting attachment points integrated into the base of the housing.

An impressive array of focus, stabilization and shooting speed upgrades make the G9 a Lumix that’s squarely aimed at the still shooter looking for the versatility of the Micro Four Thirds standard with many of the benefits of an DSLR in a more compact package and with the convenience of an electronic viewfinder.

Panasonic G9 Key Features:

The Nauticam NA-G9 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. A large, sculpted shutter release lever is placed at the right hand grip for index finger operation, and features a patented geared mechanism that improves sensitivity for tactile feel of half press and full press. To facilitate back-button autofocus, the AF/AE lock button (which can be reassigned to activate AF) is controlled by a thumb lever near the right handle. No other housing comes close to achieving this kind of ergonomic access to these critical controls.

The housing Locking Latch System has received acclaim worldwide for its ease and functionality. These recessed latches are equipped with safety locks, reduce bulk and require minimal physical effort to engage and release. Port changes have never been simpler than utilizing the Patented Nauticam Locking Port Release Lever. No wrestling, no twisting, no misalignment — just seat and lock. Lens changes are also easily accomplished without removing the camera from the housing using the lens release button logically accessed on the housing front.

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. A variety of wide-angle and flat ports are available in the N85 system to accommodate a large portion of the Micro Four Thirds open-standard lenses. Configurations are extensively tested at Nauticam to determine the ideal extension ring length for best performance.

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. 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.

HDMI Output

Take advantage of the HDMI output capability of the G9 with the addition of an HDMI bulkhead. Allows for use with external monitors and recorders such as the NA-502.

Integrated Vacuum Monitoring and Leak Detection

Circuitry included as standard equipment provides constant monitoring of water tight integrity when combined with an optional Nauticam M14 Vacuum Valve II (PN 25624).

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.

Tripod Mounting Balls

Mounting points for three industry standard 1” mounting balls are machined directly into the bottom of to the housing, eliminating the need for accessory brackets to attach tripod legs.

Integrated Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System

The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is shipped with NA-G9 as standard equipment. Combined with an accessory vacuum M14 valve (PN 25624), 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. No controls need to be preset, as housing functions for dials and switches align automatically (on/off, still photo/video).

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

Flash Triggers and Bulkheads

Other Accessories

Details and Specifications

Depth Rating: 100m
Weight: 2.45kg
Dimensions: 331mm x 184mm x 128mm (W x H x D)
Vacuum Sensor Battery: CR2032
Model Number: 17715
USA Retail Price: $2650
Available: November 22, 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.