Nauticam Housing for Panasonic LX100 Released!

THE NA-LX100

Nauticam today announces the imminent availability of the NA-LX100, the new housing for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. This rig offers the discerning underwater image maker access to the advanced capabilities of the LX100 camera, which despite it’s size, pack a significant wallop in term of functionality. Video shooters should take special notice here – this system joins the Nauticam family of 4K capable video cameras. The NA-LX100 is ready to capture amazing Ultra HD video, whether it be in a pool, a stream or at 100m depth.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

Camera manufacturers continue to pack larger sensors and more competent image processing into compact cameras. The LX100 is an exciting example of just that, with perhaps more solid features per square inch than any other camera on the market. For starters, there is a true Four Thirds sensor, cleverly used to support the multiple aspect ratio creative option on the camera. Then there is the very fast lens (f1.7 at the wide end, and f/2.8 zoomed), with a very useful 24mm – 75mm equivalent range. Using the equivalent aperture comparison technique, this lens is on average at least a stop faster than Canon G7X and G1XII, Fujifilm X30, Sony RX100II and RX100III, and the Panasonic LX7, across the entire focal length. This graphic from DPReview illustrates the point.

But the biggest new feature here is 4K video. Panasonic has managed to squeeze 100Mbps 4K video into this compact camera. And unlike that ubiquitous POV camera, the u/w videographer gets control over things like the FOV (zoom), aperture, shutter speed, white balance, gain, photo style (contrast, saturation, noise reduction, sharpnes). Panasonic understands video, and it shows in this camera.

The LX100 is also interesting in how it manages aperture and shutter speed controls. With both of these, the dial is a click stop type, so for example, aperture can be set by looking at the dial itself, rather than or in addition to looking at the monitor. Instead of having a mode dial, the user simply choose a specific aperture, or sets the aperture to auto. Shutter speed is done similarly. This is actually a very elegant way of controlling exposure… rather than having to switch modes, the user simply decides whether he or she wants to use auto or manual aperture, manual shutter speed (or ISO for that matter).

Nauticam NA-LX100

Nauticam first “supported” the LX series with the LX5 in early 2011, recognizing the image quality and capabilities of this compact system. The housing for the LX7 followed suit in 2013. The NA-LX100 benefits from this lineage, and is the most refined of the LX housings to date. This is a compact underwater housing designed to allow the user to harness the full potential of advanced compact camera in water.

All of the basic functions and ergonomic enhancements that Nauticam users have grown to know and love are incorporated in NA-LX100.  The housing is machined from a solid block of aluminum, then hard anodized to seal out corrosive salt water.  It is closed via a simple, yet secure locking rotary latch. The right side of the housing is sculpted to fit the palm of the user’s hand, and Nauticam’s two-stage shutter release lever provides clear differentiation between the half press and full press shutter release positions.  All functions are clearly labeled, and an m14 accessory socket allows an optional vacuum valve to be installed.

The LX100 camera presents some unique challenges to the housing designer – the aperture ring, aspect ratio dial, and on/off switch, in particular. Although this necessitates pre-setting these three controls when inserting or removing the camera, this housing does provide the user complete and very ergonomic control over these vital functions, even going so far as to label the stops/positions for all three controls.

The NA-LX100, like the NA-G7X released earlier this month, features the new Nauticam interchangeable port system for compact cameras with long throw lenses. Called the “N50” mount, it allows optical solutions to be precisely dialed in for maximum performance in water.  Ports are attached via a bayonet fitting, and locked securely in place.

The zoom lever is placed for easy access allowing the video maker smooth zooms. A locking ring prevents over zoom when using the short port.

This housing also includes handle brackets for use with the optional Flexitray or Easitray, providing additional stability – important when shooting high resolution video.

The Nauticam leak alarm and vacuum monitoring system is installed as standard equipment.  This system provides an audible and visual alert to any water entry in the housing, and when combined with an accessory M16 Vacuum Valve (#25612) the water tight integrity of the system can be tested before ever entering the water and monitored during every dive.

The NA-LX100 is the most rugged, ergonomic, and well designed option to take this powerful, yet compact camera underwater.

Is This the End of the Mini-Camcorder for Underwater Video?

For years, the small camcorder was the preferred way for many people to capture underwater video, but that has changed. With the advent of SLR, mirrorless, and now compact cameras that can shoot high quality video, there has been a seismic shift away from the camcorder. Now, with the LX100, a small and inexpensive beast of a video camera that can autofocus as well as most camcorders, the need for the expensive and bulky dedicated video recorder setup may indeed be over.

Sample video to play on YouTube. Click the resolution button in the lower right to step the resolution up to 2160p (4K).