News

Nauticam is now shipping its housing for the Sony FX5. The newest addition to the FX series of full-frame cinema cameras boasts a 16.6MP stacked full-frame sensor combined with the Bionz XR2, Sony’s latest image processor. As well as up to 5K/60p recording (a first for the FX series), the FX5 is capable of producing 16-bit RAW files with 1,000 times more color data than 12-bit RAWs. Despite sharing a very similar compact box-style form factor to the FX3, the new camera features a bigger 3.5-inch rear display—up from 3 inches on the FX3.

Like Nauticam’s housings for other full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras, the NA-FX5 housing is built around the N100 port system and follows the company’s Mission Control concept, with dials, levers and buttons ergonomically arranged around integrated handles. As usual, you get Nauticam’s vacuum check and leak detection system as standard.

Using the housing’s M24 bulkhead, you can hook up Nauticam’s Atomos Ninja V or new Ninja TX monitor housing via HDMI 2.0 or Nauticam’s G7 and T7 UltraBright monitors via HDMI 1.4. As you’d expect, the housing is compatible with the company’s full range of water-contact optics, from the SMC-3 and MFO-3 to the WACP-1B, WACP-C and WWL-1B.

The NA-FX5 has an MSRP of $4,700 and is available now from retailers such as Backscatter.
 

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

PRESS RELEASE

INTRODUCING NAUTICAM NA-FX5

SONY FX5 FULL-FRAME CINEMA CAMERA

The FX5 sits at the top of Sony's compact Cinema Line. The fully-stacked sensor reads out fast enough to hold rolling shutter in check at high frame rates, and the BIONZ XR2 engine with its dedicated AI processing unit drives human pose estimation autofocus that stays locked on a diver or a moving animal rather than hunting for a face that is behind a regulator. Three base ISOs of 800, 4000 and 12800 mean the camera can be matched to available light rather than fighting it, which matters as much on a dim wall at 30m as it does on a sunlit reef top.

Key Camera Specs

• Full-frame fully-stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor with BIONZ XR2 engine and dedicated AI processing unit
• 15+ stops of dynamic range in S-Log3, with base ISOs of 800, 4000 and 12800
• Dual Gain Shooting mode, a first for the FX series
• 3:2 Open Gate full-pixel readout, plus 17:9, 16:9 and Super 35mm scan modes
• Internal 16-bit X-OCN RAW recording, including the new X-OCN C1 and C2 codecs
• 5K up to 60 fps, 4K up to 120 fps, FHD up to 240 fps
• AI human pose estimation autofocus with Real-time Tracking
• 5-axis optical in-body stabilization with roll correction range approximately double that of the FX3

THE NAUTICAM NA-FX5

The NA-FX5 carries forward the control layout, port system and monitoring options proven on the NA-FX3, including Nauticam's patented port locking lever and the rotary housing lock. 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, and it locks securely in place with this lever. Machined from solid aluminum block and hard anodized, the housing is depth rated to 100m and ships with handles and stabilizing brackets pre-installed.

Mission Control

Every control a cinematographer reaches for mid-take is placed within reach of the ergonomic handles, which feature stainless steel stiffening brackets to reduce unwanted movement even when the rig is loaded with large video lights. A REC lever falls under the right thumb on the rear of the housing, and the camera's multi-functional dial is fully exposed including its click function, so iris, ISO, white balance and menu navigation are all handled without breaking grip. Every camera function is accessible from outside the housing with the exception of the front Fn6 and front REC buttons.

The housing body carries twenty 1/4"-20 threaded mounting points and one M10 threaded mounting point, so lights, monitors, action cameras and tripod plates can be added wherever the shot requires them rather than only where a manufacturer decided to put a shoe.

Connectivity

Two accessory ports are located on the front of the housing, an M24 x 1 and an M16 x 1, with a third M16 x 1 port on the rear. The front M24 accepts the Nauticam HDMI 2.0 and 1.4 cable systems for external monitoring, and the rear M16 takes the optional 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II. The remaining M16 port can be fitted with the 26325 USB-C Bulkhead for surface power delivery, which can be run at the same time as an HDMI output.

Premium Professional Optics

Water is an unforgiving optical element, and correcting for it is what Nauticam has spent more than a decade engineering. Nauticam water-contact optics treat the water itself as part of the optical formula rather than something to shoot through, which is how they deliver wide fields of view with corner-to-corner sharpness and close focus performance that a full-frame sensor recording 5K Open Gate will genuinely resolve. Paired with the right Nauticam port or wet optic, the FX5 gives up nothing underwater.

The NA-FX5 uses the N100 Port System, shared by every full-frame Sony mirrorless housing in the Nauticam lineup, so existing Sony shooters cross over without rebuilding their optical kit. The system provides access to Nauticam's full range of professional glass and acrylic dome ports, macro ports, and premium water-contact optics including the WACP series, WWL wide angle wet lenses, the MFO, and the SMC and CMC macro converters. These are conceived using commercial lens-design software to achieve optical quality that conventional ports cannot reach. With the 37305 or 37306 adaptor, the housing also opens onto the N120 port range.

Sony builds superb wide glass, and a lens like the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II performs well behind a Nauticam glass dome port. Some loss of edge sharpness and contrast is an unavoidable limitation of any dome. Nauticam water contact optics maximize sharpness corner to corner while improving contrast and autofocus performance. That advantage matters most on the larger frame area the FX5 uses in Open Gate, where the extreme corners of the sensor are in play on every frame.

Recommended Optical Combinations

• Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G with the WACP-1B — the highest resolving fast zoom available on this format and the first choice when image quality drives the decision. The constant f/2.8 aperture is usable wide open, and the lens drives the FX5's autofocus and subject tracking exceptionally well.

• Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 with the WACP-C — the same water-corrected optical approach in a noticeably more compact and lighter package, for shooters building a rig they have to travel with.

• Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 with the WWL-1B — the most compact water-corrected solution possible, and removable in the water so a single dive can cover wide reef scenes and mid-range subjects without a port change.

On the macro end, the new Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM sets the bar for macro performance on this format, and Nauticam's accessory optics turn it into the most versatile lens in the bag. The MFO-1 improves overall image quality with a slight increase in magnification and meaningfully improves autofocus speed and accuracy. The MFO-3 widens the field of view for fish portraits and larger critters. The SMC-3 delivers the highest magnification in the range for the smallest subjects. All three mount in the water on a flip holder, so a single dive can cover a fish portrait, a nudibranch and a subject barely visible to the naked eye without ever changing a port.

HDMI Output

The FX5 supports both HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 output through the front M24 bulkhead, routed to an external monitor or recorder housing for accurate framing, focus and exposure confirmation on a large, bright display. The HDMI 2.0 system pairs with the Ninja TX and Ninja V monitor housings, while the HDMI 1.4 system supports the Nauticam G7 and T7 UltraBright monitors and the NA-Shinobi II. A USB-C bulkhead for surface power can be run alongside either system.

Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System

The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system ships with the NA-FX5 as standard equipment. Combined with the accessory 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II, 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.

What's In The Box

• NA-FX5 Housing
• Housing Cap
• O-ring remover and lubricant
• 2x Handles with mounting balls
• Panasonic CR-2032 Battery (for moisture alarm and vacuum system)
• Set of Allen Keys
• Padded housing bag and shoulder strap

Housing O-ring: 90136 Housing O-ring (I.D.=155mm, C.S.=2.5mm)

Port System and Adaptors

N100 Port System for Sony E-Mount Camera System

• 37305 N100 to N120 35.5mm Port Adaptor II
• 37306 N100 to N120 25mm Port Adaptor
• 37202 Nikonos Adaptor for NA-A7II/A9/A7RIII

Recommended Accessories

Housing Mounting

• 16701 Top Handle for E2/F/C70/BGH1/BMPCC
• 17959 Housing Mounting Ball with 1/4'' Screws
• 17960 Universal Quadra-Pod Plate for Nauticam Housings
• 17961 Swivel and Tilt Adjustable Monitor Mount System
• 25218 Mounting Ball Set for Tripod (for NA-A9/A7RIII/BMPCC/XT3)
• 25221 M10 Strobe Mounting Ball for Housing
• 25224 M10 Strobe Mounting Ball for Housing (with hole for use with lanyard)
• 15201 Insta360 X5 Housing (housing mount for action camera)
  • 72605 1/4" Male to M10 Male Screw Adapter
  • 72609 Ø37x350 Float Stick Package
  • 72610 Swivel Adaptor with 1/4'' Screws
  • 72612 1/4" Male to 1/4'' Male Disc Adapter

Vacuum Valve

• 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II (Pushbutton Release)

Lanyards

• 25227 27cm Lanyard with Shackles
• 25412 23cm Lanyard with 2 Snap Hooks

Hand Strap

• 36337 Hand Strap for NA-FX5

Surface USB-PD Power Bank

• 26325 USB-C Bulkhead with USB-C Connector
• 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325 (optional, for use with the M24 port)

*Both 26325 and an HDMI output can be used at the same time.

HDMI Output

Required accessories for HDMI 2.0 Cable System

• 25086 M24 adaptor for HDMI 2.0 cable (incl. tightening tool)
• 25703 M24A2R225-M28A1R170 HDMI 2.0 Cable (for NA-FX5 to use with Ninja V housing) (TBD)

Monitor Housing Options

• 16613 Nauticam Atomos Ninja TX Housing for Atomos Ninja TX / TX GO / RAW Monitor
• 17922 Nauticam Atomos Ninja V Housing for Atomos Ninja V 5" 4Kp60 4:2:2 10-bit Recorder/Monitor/Player (excl. HDMI 2.0 cable)
• 17922S Nauticam Atomos Ninja V-S Housing with Atomos AtomX SDI Module (excl. HDMI 2.0 cable)

Required accessories for HDMI 1.4 Cable System

• 25033 Standard HDMI bulkhead with M16 thread (included in the 17927 monitor housing)
• 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325 (in place of the existing 25081)
• 25100 HDMI (D-A) 1.4 Cable in 200mm length (for connection from HDMI bulkhead to camera) (TBD)

Monitor Options

• 16611 Nauticam 7'' G7 UW UltraHD Monitor (4K HDMI, 2K SDI input, excl. cables)
• 16612 Nauticam 7'' T7 UW UltraHD Monitor (HDMI 1.4 input, excl. cables)
• 25047 HDMI (D-D) cable in 800mm length (for connection between HDMI bulkheads, required for use with 16612)
• 17927 NA-Shinobi II Housing for Atomos Shinobi II 5.2" Monitor with HDMI 1.4 input (includes 25033, 25038 and 25100)

Monitor/Tripod Mounting System

• 17951 Nauticam Atomos Shogun Housing Mounting System
• 17952 Nauticam Monitor Housing Mounting Adaptor
• 17954 Tripod Plate for NA-A7S and NA-GH4
• 17960 Universal Quadra-Pod Plate for Nauticam Housings
• 17961 Swivel and Tilt Adjustable Monitor Mount System (compatible with 16612/16613/17927/17922 etc.)

Wet Lenses

Macro

• 81202 Super Macro Convertor 2 (SMC-2, 4x Magnification)
• 81203 Super Macro Convertor 3 (SMC-3, 2.3x Magnification)
• 81301 Compact Macro Convertor 1 (CMC-1, 4.5x Magnification)
• 81302 Compact Macro Convertor 2 (CMC-2, 2.8x Magnification)
• 81501 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 1 (MFO-1)
• 81503 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3 (MFO-3)

Wide Angle

• 83202 Wet Wide Lens 1B (WWL-1B) 130 deg. FOV with compatible 28mm lenses (incl. float collar)
• 83203 Wet Wide Lens Compact (WWL-C) 130 deg. FOV with compatible 24mm lenses
• 85204 0.57x Wide Angle Conversion Port 2 (WACP-2) 140 deg. FOV with compatible 14mm lenses (incl. float collar)
• 85205 N100 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port Compact (WACP-C)
• 85206 N120/N100 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port with Integrated Float Collar and Interchangeable Port Mounting Ring (WACP-1B)
• 85207 N120/N100 Fisheye Conversion Port with Integrated Float Collar (FCP) 170 deg. FOV with compatible 28mm lenses

Macro to Wide Angle

• 86201 Macro to Wide Angle Lens 1 (MWL-1) 150 deg. FOV with full frame 60mm macro lens
• 87303 EMWL Set #3 (incl. focusing unit #3, 150mm relay lens and 3 objective lenses)
• 87203 EMWL Focusing Unit #3 (for Sony FF 90mm)
• 87211 EMWL 150mm Relay Lens
• 87212 EMWL Angled Relay Lens
• 87221 EMWL 60° Objective Lens
• 87222 EMWL 100° Objective Lens
• 87223 EMWL 130° Objective Lens
• 87226 EMWL 160° Objective Lens

Wet Lens Accessories

• 25101 M67 Flip Diopter Holder for M67 Macro Ports
• 25108 M67 Double Flip Holder for M67 Macro Ports
• 25115 M67 Triple Flip Holder for M67 Ports
• 83250 M67 to Bayonet Converter II
• 83251 M77 to Bayonet Converter II
• 83214 Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC
• 86222 Double Flip Holder for MWL-1
• 87501 Flip Holder for EMWL
• 87512 Shade for 130° Objective Lens
• 87513 Shade for 100° Objective Lens
• 87518 Strobe Mounting Brackets for EMWL Relay Lens

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 320mm (W) x 184mm (H) x 124mm (D)
• Weight in air: TBA
• Weight in water: TBA (incl. camera and battery)
• Depth Rating: 100m
• Port Mount: N100
• Accessory Ports: Front M24 x 1 and M16 x 1, rear M16 x 1
• HDMI Support: HDMI 2.0 / 1.4
• Compatible Cameras: Sony FX5

Model Number: 17441
USA Retail Price: $4,700

More information is available from Nauticam at: www.nauticam.com