News

Nauticam Announces NA-G9 Housing for Panasonic Lumix G9

By Joanna Lentini, November 13, 2017 @ 10:00 PM (EST)

Nauticam’s latest release probably has all the other housing manufacturers scratching their heads: Just five days after the announcement of the Panasonic G9, Nauticam has unveiled its housing for the new flagship mirrorless aimed at still photographers. Sharing much of the hardware from the video-centric GH5, the G9 boasts improved autofocus performance, faster continuous AF (20fps using the electronic shutter), and a bigger high-resolution electronic viewfinder.

The NA-G9 housing features Nauticam’s usual attention to ergonomic detail, with important controls designed to be within easy reach of the built-in rubberized handles. In particular, a thumb lever near the right handle activates the all-important AF/AE lock button for shooters who favor back button autofocus.

Like Nauticam’s housing for the GH5, there’s space to optionally fit Panasonic’s DMW-FL70 Flash inside the housing for triggering TTL strobes fiber-optically. Rapid manual triggering is also possible by fitting the optional Nauticam Mini Flash Trigger.

The housing will be available from November 22, and retails for $2650.

See the press release below for more details.

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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 Panasonic'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:

20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor
4K 60p Video Capture at 150Mbps (QFHD)
New 225-point AF system with 0.04 sec lock focus
Dual I.S. 5 Axis 2.0 stabilization offering 6 stops of stabilization
60fps shooting with electronic shutter and AFS
12fps shooting with mechanical shutter and AFS
Dual UHS-II SD Card slots
Lighted top-mounted Status LCD
0.83x Viewfinder

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

180º Enhancing Viewfinder for MIL Housing (32204)
45º Enhancing Viewfinder for MIL Housing (32205)

Flash Triggers and Bulkheads

Mini Flash Trigger for NA-GH5/G9 Housing (26309)
M14 Vacuum Valve II with Pushbutton Release (205624)

Other Accessories

Complete line of flat and dome ports for all major lenses, available in acrylic and glass
Locking port extension rings from 10mm to 90mm
Monitor Housing for SmallHD 502 Monitor (17906)
Large Diameter Multi Core Universal Fiber Optic Cable (26216)
Mounting Ball Set for Tripod Legs (25217)
Full line of mounting accessories for lighting, including mount balls, strobe adapters, arms, clamps, and specialty items
Multiple styles of lanyards
Lens holders, including flip-up
Focus and Zoom gears for many MFT lenses.
Port Adapters for Aquatica, Hugyfot, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5 & M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3 & 4, and Zillion
Handle accessories including smaller handles, handle extensions for cold water diving
Spare Housing O-Ring (90122)