Nauticam NA-D7200 Underwater Housing for Nikon D7200 & D7100 DSLR Cameras

Nauticam NA-D7200 Underwater Housing for Nikon D7200 & D7100 DSLR Cameras

Nauticam has announced the release of the NA-D7200, the newest aluminum underwater camera housing for the Nikon D7200. This housing marks an incredible degree of refinement, derived from a long list of housings for Nikon SLR's.

The Nikon D7200
The D7200 is now the king of the Nikon APS-C world, and is a worthy heir to that throne. Nikon has perfected the sports/enthusiast cropped sensor camera, and this is it. For the underwater photographer, there are two key features that distinguish the D7200 from it's predecessor, the D7100:

Focus Performance: The D7200 features an upgrade to the focus system; 51 AF points (the central 15 of which are cross-type), sensitive to -3EV (the D7100's were limited to -2EV)

Buffer: One of the few complaints about the D7100 was the buffer size. At 6fps continuous shooting, it did not take long to fill the buffer, which then relegates the shot-to-shot speed to how fast the SD card can write. The D7200 features a larger buffer, allowing 18 14-bit RAW files, 27 12-bit RAW files or over 100 jpgs before filling. Combine that with a speedy SD card, and the camera will fire at will in even the most intense shooting encounters.

Other more subtle improvements await the new owner of the D7200... for example, the ISO button now automatically activates the info screen, reducing the number of button pushes needed to change ISO. The camera also follows in the footsteps of the D810 by supporting exposure compensation using auto ISO in manual mode.

One other key thing to keep in mind about the D7200 is that it supports the older screw drive lenses. While this might not seem like a big deal, it is key for underwater shooters wanting to use the Tokina 10-17mm fisheye zoom lens.

Of course, the D7200 doesn't stop there - it is loaded with features that make the camera a joy to use, like 1080/60p video, WiFi with NFC, flat picture style, and as a nice surprise, more shots on a battery than before.

Nikon D7200 Features

• 24.2MP CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter
• Multi-CAM 3500DX II 51-point AF system, all sensitive to -3EV
• 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor, used for 3D subject tracking in AF-C
• ISO 100-25,600, with ISO 51,200 and 102,400 black and white modes
• 6 fps shooting (7 fps in 1.3x crop mode) with increased buffer depth
• 1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed
• 3.2", 1.2M dot RGBW LCD display
• 1080/60p video (1.3x crop only) with clean output over HDMI
• Flat Picture Control
• Dual SD card slots
• Wi-Fi with NFC
• Magnesium alloy weather-sealed body

Nauticam NA-D7200
The NA-D7200 is the latest in a series of housings for the Nikon D7000, D7100, and now D7200 cameras, beginning with the original NA-D7000 housing release in 2010. In fact, this is the 5th housing in this series, not to mention some rolling enhancements along the way. This all adds up to an incredibly refined housing, ideally suited for taking the D7200 into the underwater world.

Some may ask, why even make a special housing for the D7200? After all, the D7200 and the D7100 share the same physical measurements, and the D7200 works fine in the NA-D7100 housing. The answer is simple... Nauticam will continue to innovate and continue to refine housing designs. It is what we do.

The NA-D7200 includes the latest innovations of the Nauticam housing line, including overall weight reduction (15% lighter than original D7100 housing) which makes getting the rig neutrally buoyant very easy, improved (again) ergonomics, and the famous Nauticam Vacuum Check System electronics included. The housing also includes a new Fn key lever and updated camera tray lock.

Skipping a Generation
The D7200 is a great upgrade from the D7100, if for nothing else than the larger buffer and the faster and more accurate autofocus. But for those "generation skippers" still shooting the D7000 (or the D90!), this is a huge step up in terms of performance and image quality.

For those still waiting for Nikon to release a follow on to the D300s, this is your camera. DPReview.com put it this way:

"For a long time, Nikon shooters have been awaiting the arrival of a D400, or some kind of replacement for the D300S. We think that camera is the D7200. It offers the same continuous shooting performance as the D300S (but now at 24MP) while adding a significantly better AF system and 60p video recording."

The Nauticam Port Locking Lever has become an icon; so easy to use yet more secure than lesser methods of attaching ports. No twisting required, just push & lock. Worry less about the port attachment, and focus on getting great images.

Patented Multi Controller Pad, located within easy reach of the right thumb, virtually recreates the Nikon D7200 multi selector allowing full multidirectional use of this powerful tool, including diagonals. No other manufacturer has it.

Nauticam's Rubberized Handles are another iconic feature of this housing. A comfortable, secure grip that reduces hand fatigue and helps stabilize the shot.

Nauticam Locking Housing Latches mean secure yet easy access to changing batteries or memory cards. Why break your knuckles trying to open a housing?

Lenses are the key to getting great images. The most both glass and acrylic ports available for any underwater camera housing, along with locking port extensions, means the most lenses supported.

Feature Checklist

• Unsurpassed build quality, designed by award winning engineering team
• Produced utilizing the most modern manufacturing technology available
• Ergonomically placed controls with size, shape, and color differentiation
• Access to all key camera controls
• All controls clearly labeled
• Patented two stage shutter release, precise feel over half/full press
• Patented Port Locking System
• Patent pending Multi Controller pad
• Lens release button
• Easy to operate locking housing latches
• Rubberized ergonomic grips
• Quick release camera mounting plate
• Optical strobe connectors for fiber optic flash triggering
• 2x M16 accessory holes for HDMI, hydrophone, or vacuum valve
• Single M14 accessory hole for electrical sync cable bulkhead
• Integrated vacuum monitoring and leak detection circuit (valve optional)
• Vacuum reset button in port mount for quick lens changes
• Dual 1" (25mm) strobe mounting balls included as standard equipment
• 1/4-20 tripod mounting holes
• Dual 10mm threaded accessory mounting points
• .66x optical glass pickup finder
• Magnifying 180 and 45 viewfinders available optionally
• 100m Depth Rating

Nauticam Vacuum Check System
The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is available with NA-D200 as standard equipment. Combined with an optional vacuum valve, this monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe to dive status of the housing. The operator can, at a glance, instantly see the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple 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 NA-D7200 ships with a 3rd bulkhead port specifically for installing optional vacuum valves, leaving the user two other bulkhead ports for HDMI, sync cables and other accessories.

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 180_ enlarging viewfinder and a 45_ 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.

Details and Specifications

• Depth Rating: 100m
• Dimensions: 343mm W x 186mm H x 132mm D
• Weight: 2.82kg , 2.74kg without ball mounts