Nauticam proudly announces the NA-EPL3 Housing, meaning that Olympus E-PL3 shooters now have the option of stepping up to the durability and functionality of an ergonomic and rugged Nauticam aluminum camera housing.
The NA-EPL3 will be showcased at the 2011 Dive Equipment Manufacturers trade show in Orlando, Florida, Nov 2nd – 5th, 2011.
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PL3 builds on the success of Olympus' earlier micro 4/3 PEN series of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras. With a 12 megapixel four-thirds size Live MOS sensor, in-camera image stabilization, tilting LCD, TruePic VI processor, and 1920x1080i 60i AVCHD video, the E-PL3 is a small, lightweight camera capable of shooting high quality stills and video.
E-PL3 further refines the popular E-PL1 and E-PL2 cameras with a 16x9 tilt-flip LCD, clip-on flash, and faster 35-point contrast detection autofocus running at 120hz. The camera takes advantage of a range of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital lenses, plus the excellent Panasonic Lumix G and Leica DG lenses.
E-PL3 supports manual, program, aperture, shutter speed, auto, scene and art exposure modes. Metering is accomplished via a TTL capable Digital ESP 324 zone multi-pattern system. Several white balance modes are available including custom white balance.
Nauticam NA-EPL3 Housing
The NA-EPL3 housing from Nauticam delivers the advanced functionality of the E-PL3 in style and with the ergonomics that people have come to expect from Nauticam.
This is a very compact and lightweight housing, with all of the E-PL3 camera controls available from the ergonomic grip sculpted into the side of the housing. A choice of hand strap and left/right handle means the shooter can customize the housing to meet their specific needs.
The patented locking port release system used in other Nauticam mid-range housings has been incorporated in NA-EPL3, allowing easy and secure port changes. Ports are available for the major lenses that are useful underwater, including the Olympus M.Zuiko 1442mm F3.5‐5.6 II kit lens and the Olympus M.Zuiko ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 wide angle zoom.
The camera is quickly mounted in the housing via a snap in camera tray, and the housing is securely closed with a locking rotary latch. The compact form factor and outstanding low light performance make this a perfect system for technical divers exploring extended range environments.
Ergonomics is one of the areas that all Nauticam housings excel and the Nauticam NA-EPL3 housing is no exception. This housing puts all of the important controls on the camera within easy reach. Shutter Release, Zoom, Movie Record, and the control dials are placed for easy access. The Fn (function) button is placed for easy access with the right thumb allowing shooters to move the autofocus functionality from the shutter release to this button.
New in the EPL3 housing – video record and set button are larger and have a concave face, making them easier to distinguish, further adding the ease of use. Zoom is easily accessed from the left side of the housing. NA-EPL3 also features an audible and visual leak detector and cold shoe accessory mount.
Adding to the Nauticam Port System
Ports are available for Olympus 14-42mm, and Olympus 9-18mm, plus the Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm, the Panasonic Lumix 14mm/2.5, the Panasonic Lumix 8mm Fisheye, Panasonic Lumix 7-14mm, and the Leica 45mm macro,. Zoom gears are available for the zoom lenses listed. The macro port includes a standard 67mm threaded mounting point for adding accessory wet lenses.
Locking Rotary Latch
The housing back is sealed with an easy to operate safety clasp. A safety release button must be pressed in order to begin rotating the clasp, eliminating the chance of accidental opening.
Nauticam Build Quality
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! With EPL3, optical TTL is enhanced even more since EPL3 can perform TTL in manual exposure mode.
Olympus UFL-1 and UFL-2 strobes can be utilized as well. The UFL-2 can be operated via RC control over fiber optic, reducing the power used by the internal flash and thus decreasing recycle time.
Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handles. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for even more mounting options.
Specifications
- Depth Rating: 100m
- Dimensions: 168mm x 138mm x 91mm
- Weight: 1.03kg (2.2 lbs.)
