News

AOI has announced its new housing for the Sony a7 Mark IV—the latest version of the Japanese company’s entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. The Mark IV is built around a 33MP BSI-CMOS sensor and the Bionz XR processing engine, offering 10fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking and 4K/30p 10-bit 4:2:2 video with no crop. The UH-A7IV housing represents exciting new territory for AOI, which has previously only supported Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and OM System, and makes sense given the newly released UIS-P1 strobe offering compatibility with Sony TTL.

The new housing is clearly designed to offer a compelling alternative to sophisticated but pricey aluminum housings or polycarbonate housings with only basic functionality. Controls are ergonomically positioned around integrated handles, there’s a built-in vacuum check and moisture detection system, and the non-proprietary AX port system means that ports and extensions for a variety of lenses are readily available. The housing features two fiber-optic ports and ships with an LED flash trigger supporting manual mode and Sony TTL (TTL, HSS TTL) with AOI’s UIS-P1 strobe as well as Backscatter’s Hybrid Flash.

A unique feature that sets the housing apart is the “Smart Multi Control Device,” which allows the user to switch between manual and TTL flash modes and features a miniature display that offers useful at-a-glance information about the flash modes and from the water depth monitor and the Vacuum Analyzation and Wet Detection System (VWS). The device uses a built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery that takes 90 minutes to charge and allows for 18 hours of continuous operation.

Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the AOI UH-A7IV is priced at $1,400.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRESS RELEASE

New AOI UH-A7IV, Harnessing the Alpha Advantage Filling the Gap

For many users, the biggest hurdle in underwater photography is the extravagant cost of underwater housings for high-performance cameras, often priced at two to three times the cost of the cameras themselves. On the other hand, affordable housings available in the market frequently lack the reliability and features that inspire confidence. This leaves users with difficult choices: delay their plans, compromise on their ideal setups, or settle for less-than-optimal systems.

AOI has successfully carved a niche by offering high-performance underwater housings that combine user-friendly design, full functionality, and affordability for OM System cameras. Now, AOI aims to bring the same excitement and value to Sony camera users.

The Sony A7IV, though a few years old, remains a smart choice for many photographers. Known for its versatility, the camera boasts a high-resolution sensor, fast and reliable autofocus, and excellent dynamic range—all at a reasonable price in the full frame mirrorless segment. These qualities made it one of the most popular full-frame mirrorless cameras on the market, and it continues to hold its own against newer competitors.

Introducing the NEW AOI UH-A7IV Underwater Housing

The new AOI UH-A7IV underwater housing bridges the gap in the market for Sony A7IV users who find current options either too expensive, too basic, or both.

Accessing the Alpha Advantage

Camera manufacturers invest heavily in innovation, crafting modern cameras to meet diverse user needs. AOI’s design philosophy complements this vision by ensuring that its underwater housings are more than just waterproof enclosures—they are extensions of the cameras themselves.

The 3C’s of AOI’s design philosophy—Creative, Compatible, and Consumer-Centric—shine in the UH-A7IV.

Creative

• Rechargeable Smart Multi Control Device with Mini Display: Clear instructions and status updates for various operations, including flash modes (manual and TTL), depth mode, VWS mode, alerts, control device battery status and depth indicator. To improve reliability and connectivity between the camera’s hot shoe and the housing’s Control Device, AOI has upgraded a cable-less connector.

• Sony TTL and HSS Compatibility: Seamless integration with the AOI UIS-P1 strobe and Backscatter’s Hybrid Flash.

• Improved VWS: The Vacuum Analyzation and Wet Detection System now incorporates an over-ride mechanism, to ensure proper vacuum sealing is conducted to prevent errors.

• Built-in Ergonomic Handles: Easy access to buttons and effortless handling.

Compatibility

• Non-Proprietary Port System: By utilizing a popular port system, a wide range of ports and extensions for different lenses are readily available.

• Standardized Mounts: Compatible with aftermarket and AOI accessories including plug type ports for fiber optic connectivity.

• Service-Friendly Design: Uniform buttons and O-rings simplify maintenance.

Consumer-Centric

• Full Camera Functionality: Provides access to all key camera features.

• Affordable Pricing: Lowers the barrier to entry for underwater photography for a full frame mirrorless camera.

• User-Focused Engineering: Lightweight, travel-friendly, and easy to maintain.

Crafting an underwater housing is both an art and a science. AOI’s UH-A7IV embodies this harmony, balancing the capabilities of the Sony A7IV with the practical needs of photographers. The result is one of the most complete and user-friendly housings AOI has ever produced.