News

After Nikon acquired high-end cinema camera maker RED in 2024, it was only a matter of time before we would see the first fruit of that exciting purchase. Finally arriving towards the end of last year, the ZR seems to have impressed videographers with its partially-stacked 24.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor (borrowed from the Z6 III) and the ability to shoot uncropped 6K/60p video in the R3D NE1 RAW file format with 15+ stops of dynamic range—and, of course, using RED’s famed color science.

Underwater shooters aren’t being left out either, with a growing number of housings hitting the market in recent months—the latest being from Aquatica. Coincidentally, the venerable Canadian brand has also changed hands recently (with company founder Blake Stoughton handing the business over to new owner Mathieu Roussel last year), and the AZr housing is the first product sporting their new logo.

Brand refresh aside, the housing for the Nikon ZR offers all the good stuff we’ve come to expect from Aquatica: machined aluminum with a tough powder coating, controls ergonomically arranged around built-in handles, and Surveyor Vacuum System included as standard. Z-mount lenses as well as F-mount lenses (via the FTZ adapter) are supported, and there’s a lens release for both mounts. Importantly for a cinema camera, the housing includes a large 23.75mm (0.950") HDMI bulkhead for attaching external monitors or monitor/recorders. (Keep in mind, Aquatica make their own 5HD monitor.)

Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the Aquatica AZr housing is priced at $3,995.
 

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

PRODUCT INFORMATION

AZr Housing for the Nikon ZR Camera!

In our never-ending quest to offer the latest and greatest equipment to underwater photographers and videographers, Aquatica is proud to introduce the AZr housing for the Nikon ZR Mirrorless camera. Building on Aquatica’s reputation for premium quality at an accessible price, the AZr combines refined ergonomics and total control accessibility with the legendary ruggedness of our all-aluminum construction and distinctive hard coating. Note that this housing comes with the wet alarm and vacuum system installed.

ABOUT THE CAMERA – Nikon ZR

Designed as a fast, high-resolution hybrid camera, the Nikon ZR brings cutting-edge performance to demanding underwater shooters:

• High-resolution FX-format sensor for exceptional detail and dynamic range
• Next-generation stacked architecture for ultra-fast readout and reduced rolling shutter
• Blazing-fast hybrid AF with dense frame coverage and advanced subject detection
• AI-based tracking for fish, divers, and fast-moving subjects – ideal for action scenes
• High-speed continuous shooting for capturing peak behavior and split-second moments
• 4K and higher-than-4K recording options for cinematic underwater video
• 10-bit internal recording and flat profiles for advanced color grading
• Instant Photo/Video switching with separate custom settings for each mode
• High-resolution EVF with blackout-free view for precise tracking
• Tilting rear LCD for flexible framing in tight shooting positions

Underwater sharpness through speed

The ZR’s AF system is engineered for speed and intelligence. Its deep-learning subject detection and high-density AF coverage deliver confident focus even in low contrast, backscatter, and blue-water conditions. Schooling fish, fast-moving pelagics, or macro subjects that won’t stay still are locked on quickly and held in focus shot after shot, dramatically improving the sharpness and keeper rate of your underwater images.

True hybrid performance – Photo to Video in a heartbeat

The Nikon ZR allows you to keep dedicated settings for photos and video. Combined with the AZr housing’s direct access to the Photo/Video controls, this means you can jump from high-resolution stills to smooth, high-frame-rate video with a single motion, without digging through menus. Capture the perfect still, then roll into video as the action continues, maximizing every encounter.
 

ABOUT THE HOUSING – Aquatica AZr

As with all Aquatica housings, the AZr is CNC-machined from 6061 T6 aluminum, then treated with a MIL-A-8625 anodized coating and finished with a baked-on, super-tough powder coat. All control shafts and push buttons are crafted from T304 stainless steel. This housing is built to take a beating and keep going, dive after dive.

• Optimized for speed and control: The AZr layout puts AF-ON, joystick, and key focus controls exactly under your fingers, allowing you to select AF points, lock focus, and track subjects without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
• Instant Photo/Video switching: A dedicated, glove-friendly control gives direct access to the ZR’s Photo/Video mode, so you can transition between stills and video without removing your hand from the grip.
• Support for Z-mount and adapted lenses: The housing supports the latest Z-mount lenses as well as F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter. The adapter can be removed from the camera without removing the camera from the housing, and there is a lens release for both F and Z mounts.
• Full access to camera functions: As usual with Aquatica, all critical camera controls are brought out to the housing, ensuring you can take full advantage of the Nikon ZR’s capabilities underwater.

All housing controls are spring-loaded and self-centering where needed. Simply install the mounting tray on the camera and slide the assembly on the stainless-steel guide rails. It couldn’t be simpler or more secure.

To protect your investment, the Surveyor Vacuum System (valve and pump) is included as standard equipment with all AZr housings. This vacuum system provides an extra layer of security: if air is not seeping into the housing, water will not either. A quick pre-dive vacuum check gives you peace of mind before every descent.

Specifications (Preliminary)

• Model: Aquatica AZr Housing for Nikon ZR #30001
• Composition: Aerospace-grade 6061 T6 aluminum with MIL-A-8625 anodized coating, finished with baked-on, abrasion-resistant powder coat. Control shafts and push buttons in T304 stainless steel.
• HDMI: Large 23.75 mm (0.950″) HDMI bulkhead opening for external monitor options
• Depth Rating: 90 m / 300 ft standard
• Weight (w/o handles): Approx. 2 kg / 4.5 lb
• Dimensions (w/o handles): Approx. 204 mm x 267 mm x 170 mm (8.3” x 10.5” x 6.7”)
• Port System: Compatible with all Aquatica DSLR-sized bayonet-mount ports

Supported Accessories

• Full line of Delta 3 Arm System
• 5HD Monitor
• Aquatica Close-Up Kit
• Aquatica Housing Lanyard Kit

With the Nikon ZR + Aquatica AZr combination, you get a fast, intelligent camera and a rugged, precision-engineered housing that together deliver lightning-quick focus, crisp underwater sharpness, and seamless Photo/Video versatility—ready for whatever the ocean brings.

What’s Included

• Aquatica AZr Housing
• Camera saddle
• FTZ adapter saddle
• Surveyor Wet Alarm and Vacuum System
• Handle grips (2) with screws (2)
• Spare housing seal O-ring
• CR 2032 coin cell battery (for Surveyor)
• Aquatica O-ring lubricant container
• Vacuum pump