In-Depth Analysis: Underwater Housing Solution for Nikon D7100, Provided by Nauticam
The Nauticam NA-D7100 underwater housing, designed for the Nikon D7100 and D7200 cameras, offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for underwater photographers.
Precise Controls and Durable Build
The housing is ergonomically designed with easy-to-reach controls, providing access to all major camera functions underwater. The front command dial directly under the shutter lever makes aperture changes a breeze, while the Metering Mode lever allows for easy adjustments depending on conditions.
Built with corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, the housing ensures strength and durability under high-pressure underwater environments. It is typically rated to depths of around 100 meters (330 feet), suitable for both recreational and professional diving.
Port System and O-Ring Seals
The housing is compatible with Nauticam's extensive port system, allowing a variety of lenses, including wide-angle and macro options, to be used underwater. A dual O-ring system ensures reliable waterproof sealing, preventing leaks.
Viewfinder, Additional Accessories, and Compatibility
A large, clear flat or domed port provides optimal viewfinder visibility and image quality. The housing also supports external strobes and lights, vacuum leak detection systems, and mounting brackets for enhanced underwater photography setups.
Designed to fit the Nikon D7100 and D7200 perfectly, the housing ensures full functionality without removing the camera from the housing.
Other Key Features
- A sensitive two-stage shutter release makes it easy to gauge half press and provides fine control over shutter release.
- A mode dial for switching between P, M, and A modes easily.
- An ISO paddle at the left thumb for easy access to ISO control.
- A Live View button for easily pushing the red live view button with the right thumb.
- A playback button lever at the left thumb for effortlessly reviewing images.
- A Movie/Still Mode Lever for easily previewing 16:9 aspect ratio for movies.
- A rear command dial for changing shutter speed with the thumb.
- An AF-M Lever for switching to manual focus mid-dive.
- A multi controller pad for instantly changing focus points, even diagonal movement.
- A Leak Detector for diving confidently knowing the housing is watertight.
Accessories and Limitations
The housing provides many accessories for custom configurations, such as a flash pop-up & push-down feature, a Start/Stop Video thumb paddle for reducing camera shake when starting/stopping recording, and a release mode dial for quick access to shooting modes.
However, it's important to note that the housing does not have a TTL option, which limits rapid-fire shooting due to the D7100's on-board flash recycle time. The housing's rear levers have red buttons that can get stuck and need extra work to get moving smoothly after each dive.
Testing and Performance
The housing performed as expected underwater, and the design features listed above were used while adjusting shutter speed, aperture, focal points, ISO, info menus, etc. The housing was tested underwater in Malibu, with 15ft visibility, sunshine, and minimal surge providing great macro shooting conditions.
The housing is light in the water and required 4x of the large Stix floats to balance the rig, compared to the usual 6x for macro. This lightweight design makes the housing easy to operate underwater.
Conclusion
The Nauticam NA-D7100 housing is a high-quality underwater camera housing that offers precise controls, a durable build, and a range of features that distinguish it from competitors. Its compatibility with a wide range of ports provides flexibility for underwater still photography and video, making it an excellent choice for underwater photographers who want to maintain full camera control and protect their DSLR in harsh underwater environments while achieving high-quality images.
For more information and personal questions about the Nauticam NA-D7100 housing, visit Bluewater Photo's Nauticam NA-D7100 housing page.
The Nikon D7100 & 60mm lens used in this review were provided by LensProToGo.com. Brent Durand, the author, is an avid California beach diver, photographer, and writer dedicated to capturing unique underwater, ocean lifestyle, and adventure images. Follow him on Facebook for updates on underwater photography.
