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  • BigPicture Photography Competition 2025 Winners Revealed

    BigPicture Photography Competition 2025 Winners Revealed


    Aquatic Life, Winner: “Octopus Mother” by Kat Zhou

     

    The California Academy of Sciences has unveiled the winners of its BigPicture photography competition, which celebrates stunning images from the natural world. Now in its 12th year, the competition is judged by a panel of nature and conservation photography experts, which is chaired by wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas. The Grand Prize Winner is “Lemur’s Tough Life” by Donglin Zhou, a Chinese wildlife photographer known for her nature documentaries.

    Meanwhile, in the “Aquatic Life” category, it was DPG Photographer of the Week Kat Zhou who clinched the top award with her mind-blowing shot of a Caribbean reef octopus guarding her eggs at Florida’s Blue Heron Bridge (which also featured in her POTW portfolio). Various DPGers were also finalists in the “Aquatic Life” category as well as other categories, including “Art of Nature” and “Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora.”

    Big congratulations to all the winners and runners-up in this year’s contest. Don’t forget that the 2nd Underwater Awards Australasia imaging competition is accepting submissions—so make sure you get your entries in soon and claim your share of the spectacular $70,000 prize pool!

     

    Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora, Finalist: “Acacia” by Talia Greis

     

    Art of Nature, Finalist: “Ghost of the Reef” by Simon Biddie

     

    Aquatic Life, Finalist: “Yin Yang” by Melanie Müller

     

    Aquatic Life, Finalist: “Dystopian Seas” by Angel Fitor

     

    Aquatic Life, Finalist: “Theatre of War” by Talia Greis

     

    Aquatic Life, Finalist: “Into the World of Dreams” by Hitomi Tsuchiya

     

    Aquatic Life, Finalist: “Mudskipping” by Georgina Steytler





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  • Marelux Announces MX-R5II Housing for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II

    Marelux Announces MX-R5II Housing for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II


    Marelux has released its underwater housing for the new Canon EOS R5 Mark II. The second-gen pro-level full-frame mirrorless camera features a back-illuminated, stacked 45MP sensor, shoots up to 30fps using its electronic shutter, and records 8K/60p RAW video internally.

    Aiming to take full advantage of the R5II’s capabilities, Marelux’s anodized aluminum alloy housing features an ergonomic design with controls arranged around the built-in handles. A quick-release baseplate allows the camera to be easily inserted with precision and removed again. Dual locking levers ensure the housing is safely closed, while ports and extension rings are secured in place using another locking lever. The housing ships with a vacuum detection and moisture alarm system.

    The housing is compatible with various novel accessories, including the Flashfuel FF2100, which combines a flash trigger and a power bank (for charging the camera as well as powering the flash trigger); and the Remote Shutter Module, which allows you to control the shutter remotely using the Marelux Artemis 4500 RMT video light.

    The MX-R5II housing has an MSRP of $3,398 and can be ordered directly from the Marelux website.

     


    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    MX-R5II Housing for Canon EOS R5II Mirrorless Digital Camera

    INTRODUCTION

    Marelux housing has the industry leading design that’s not only more compact than other brands but also more simplified in mechanical structure to make it easy to assemble. With 125mm port diameter, the biggest in the market, users can easily install and uninstall cameras with large lens through the housing.

    Marelux housing is built using uniquely anodized aluminum alloy which provides superb scratch resistance, sea water erosion durability as well as the attractive options of various surface colors. The housings maintain a perfect balance between sturdy body and lightweight. It has the best-in-class ergonomics with all the camera controls readily available at your fingertips including AF-ON and Q Menu.

    Marelux housing can be connected to other innovative products made by Marelux, such as 180-degree Smart Viewfinder etc., making diving and underwater photography easier, safer and more enjoyable.

    FEATURES

     









     

    Flashfuel FF2100 (Manual Flash Trigger + 2100mAh Power Bank Combo)


    • Patented Design: Tailored for underwater photography and high-speed shooting, combining flash triggering and camera power supply in a single compact device.

    • Ultra-durable Trigger Performance: Powered by a single CR123A 3V lithium battery, it can handle up to 300,000 flash triggers before replacement.

    • Robust USB-C Power Output: Integrates a 2100mAh rechargeable battery, offering up to 30W output (5–20V), capable of powering your camera directly.
     

    Remote Shutter Module


    • With an invention patent, the Remote Shutter Module is designed to enhance underwater photography by providing remote control capabilities to remotely control the camera shutter release via Marelux’s Artemis 4500 RMT Light (42703). It features an effective receiving distance of 10 meters and an optical signal receiving angle of 140 degrees, allowing for flexible positioning and reliable performance.
     

    Dual Locking System


    • Requires little effort to lock it in place, while making it almost impossible to be unlocked by accident, and it will take only a second to open if needed for a battery change.
     

    Manual Flash Trigger


    • The flash trigger can translate the electric signal from the camera into light signal, with an extremely long battery life of 10,000 triggers on only two CR2032 batteries.
     

    Built-in Lock


    • Extension ring and port can be safely locked in place with the built-in locking system on the housing with one simple click.
     

    Sturdy Baseplate


    • A 50kg force is applied to secure the camera with the design of the quick release baseplate, while being extremely convenient to operate.


     


     


    SPECIFICATIONS

    • Material: Anodized Aluminum Alloy

    • Dimensions: 354mm(W) x 187mm(H) x 156mm(D)

    • Weight In Air: 3.52kg

    • Depth Rating: 100m

    • Port Mount: Series 5


    INCLUDED ITEMS

    • 55201 Housing Mounting Ball x 2 

    • 12002 Main Housing O-Ring  x 1

    • 41201 Vacuum Detection/Moisture Alarm with CR2032 battery x 1  

    • 54401 Lubricant x 1 

    • Set of Allen keys x 1

    • 54101 Housing Hard Case x 1


    ACCESSORIES

    • 56201 M16 Vacuum Valve (with Hand Pump) – Pre-installed

    • 41110 Manual Flash Trigger for MX-R5II Housing

    • 41403 Flashfuel FF2100 Manual Flash Trigger and Built-in 2100mAh Power Bank Combo


    Item No.: 21106

    US$3,598.00





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  • Aquatica Unveils Housing for Canon EOS R5 Mark II

    Aquatica Unveils Housing for Canon EOS R5 Mark II


    Aquatica has announced its housing for the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. The second incarnation of the pro-level full-framer sports a new back-illuminated, stacked 45MP sensor, promising much greater readout speeds. The new hardware allows the camera to shoot full-resolution RAW images with AF at 30fps using its electronic shutter as well as record 8K/60p RAW video internally.

    Hewn from aluminum, anodized and baked with tough powder coat paint, Aquatica’s housing features integrated handles, stainless steel push buttons, and compatibility with both native RF and legacy EF lenses (using a mount adapter and extension ring). The housing has a large-bore M24 port supporting HDMI 2.0 output to a recorder/monitor like the Atomos Ninja V+.

    The housing can be ordered in four configurations: (i) with dual Nikonos bulkheads, (ii) with dual optical bulkheads and an LED trigger, (iii) with a single Ikelite bulkhead, and (iv) with Ikelite TTL capability (which requires the separate purchase of Ikelite’s DL5 Canon TTL converter). All versions include Aquatica’s Surveyor vacuum circuitry (pump, valve and sensor) as standard.

    The housing is available for pre-order from retailers such as Backscatter at an MSRP of at $3,400.

     


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


    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    Aquatica AR5 II: 20099

    Price includes your choice of strobe connectors & our complete vacuum, sensor & pump system:

    • Double Nikonos

    • Single Ikelite-Manual

    • Dual Optical-Flash trigger included

    • Ikelite TTL capability

      *Ikelite DL5 external converter required #46074

    We are proud to present one of our latest housings: The AR5II for the Canon EOS R5 MKII Mirrorless camera! Continuing in Aquatica’s reputation for offering premium quality and at affordable prices, the AR5II housing has the finest ergonomics and control accessibility combined with the famed ruggedness of our all aluminum construction and distinctive hard coating.

    THE CAMERA

    The EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera is the multimedia professional’s solution for versatility, image quality, and intelligence. Features:

    • 45MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor

    • DIGIC Accelerator Processing

    • Dual Pixel Intelligent AF, Eye Control

    • 8K 60 Raw/4K 60 SRAW/4K 120 10-Bit Video

    • Up to 30 fps, Pre-Continuous Shoot Mode

    • 76m-Dot EVF with OVF Sim. View Assist

    • 2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD

    • In-Camera Upscaling to 179MP

    • CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots

    • Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 6 Support


    ABOUT THE HOUSING

    As to be expected with all Aquatica housings, it is CNC machined from 6061 T6 Aluminum with a MIL-A-8625 anodized coating and added on top  a baked on, extra tough powder coat paint. All control shafts and push buttons are made from T304 stainless steel. This, as for all our housings, will take a licking and keep going!

    The AR5II housing supports not only the new RF mount lenses but also the EF mount by simply using our new adaptor extension ring #48474. This new adapter can easily be installed and will enable the AR5 housing to function with any previous Canon EF lens and its corresponding extension ring.

    Surveyor monitoring system INCLUDED

    What was previously an optional accessory, we are now including our field proven Surveyor Vacuum System (Pump, valve and sensor) as standard.


    VIEWFINDERS

    The Aquatica AR5 II housing is supplied with our Galileo type eye piece. This high quality and coated optical finder gives a bright and full view of the view finder. For those seeking the ultimate in viewing for still image, the optional Aqua View Finder, available in straight and 45 degrees version, are among the best of the industry, they can easily be installed in a matter of a few minutes by the user. The enlarged and enhanced image provided by the Aqua View Finder (#20054 & 20059) is second to none in clarity; it provides the photographer with tack sharp corner to corner viewing of the camera view finder for composing and critical focusing.

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Part Number:

    • 20099-NK-VC: with double Nikonos bulkheads & complete Surveyor vacuum circuitry

    • 20099-KM-VC: with single Ikelite bulkhead & complete Surveyor vacuum circuitry

    • 20099-OPT-VC: with dual optical bulkheads, LED trigger & complete Surveyor vacuum circuitry

    • 20099-KTTL-VC: with Ikelite TTL capability & complete Surveyor vacccum circuitry

      *Ikelite DL5 External converter required #46074. Purchased separately from Ikelite.

    Composition:  Aerospace grade 6061 T6 Aluminum with MIL-A-8625 Anodized Coating then finished with a baked on, super tough, abrasion resistant powder coat paint.  Control shafts and all push buttons are T304 Stainless Steel

    HDMI: Large 23.75mm (.950 inch) HDMI Bulkhead Opening

    Depth Rating: 90m ~ 300 ft.  Can be upgraded to 130m, ~ 450 ft with our deep spring kit

    Weight: 6.5 lb (2.94kg)

    Dimensions: 9.50” x 7.10” x 5.96” (W x H x D) (241mm x 180mm x 151mm)

    Port System: Compatible with all Aquatica DSLR sized Bayonet Mount Ports


    SUPPORTED ACCESSORIES

    • Aqua View and Aqua View 45 & 180 viewfinders

    • Full line of the Delta 3 Arm System

    • 5HD Monitor

    • Aquatica Close Up Kit

    • Aquatica Housing Lanyard K


    RETAIL PRICE AT ONLY $3,399.00

    For more information, please contact: info@aquatica.ca or call 514-737-9481





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  • Ikelite Releases OM System TG-7 Housing and Ecko Strobe Kits

    Ikelite Releases OM System TG-7 Housing and Ecko Strobe Kits


    Underwater Housing, OM System Tough TG-7 Camera and Ecko Strobes Wide Angle Kit

     

    Following the launch of its Ecko DS and Ecko Fiber strobes, Ikelite has launched two new kits bundling the fiber-optically triggered model. The kits combine the OM System Tough TG-7 camera, housing, one or two strobes, and various accessories.

    The “Wide Angle Kit” (see above) comprises the camera, housing with dome port, Olympus FCON-T02 fisheye lens, tray with dual handles, two Ecko Fiber strobes, strobe arms, and fiber-optic cords—everything you need to shoot a large variety of subjects, from macro to wide angle. The six-inch dome even makes it possible to shoot splits.

    The “Deluxe Kit” (see below) consists of the camera, housing, tray with single handle, Ecko Fiber strobe, strobe arm, and fiber-optic cord. With this housing, Ikelite gives you the option of adding the FCON-T02 lens and dome port later—and, of course, a second strobe if desired.

    Available from Ikelite, the “Wide Angle Kit” currently retails for $2,825, while the “Deluxe Kit” costs $1,645—the former giving you a $160 discount, the latter saving you almost $90. Similar—but more expensive—kits bundling Ikelite’s DS51 II strobe are no longer available, as the DS51 II has been discontinued. The DS160 II and DS162 have also been discontinued—replaced by the new DS165 and RC165.

    Underwater Housing, OM System Tough TG-7 Camera and Ecko Strobe Deluxe Kit

     


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





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  • Nauticam Announces Housing for the Canon PowerShot V1

    Nauticam Announces Housing for the Canon PowerShot V1


    Nauticam has unveiled its latest housing, the NA-CV1, designed to accommodate Canon’s new point-and-shoot, the PowerShot V1, released in February 2025. The compact (aka vlogging) camera features a 22.3-megapixel 1.4-inch sensor (which is similar in size to Micro four Thirds, but with a 3:2 aspect ratio), a DIGIC X image processor, and a fixed zoom lens with a focal length range equivalent to 16–50mm f/2.8–4.5. Boasting Canon’s Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system, the PowerShot V1 can record uncropped 4K/30p video oversampled from 5.7K and achieves 15fps burst shooting with its mechanical shutter.

    For the NA-CV1, Nauticam has opted to use their N50 port system but ship the housing with the N50 3.5-inch acrylic dome port, which allows the full 16–50mm zoom range out of the box. Switching to their N50 Short Port 25 gives users the opportunity to mount various Nauticam water-contact optics, such as the WWL-C (FOV: 130°–71°), WWL-1B (FOV: 130–80º) and SMC/CMC (via Nauticam’s bayonet mount adaptor). Like Nauticam’s other housings for compact cameras, users have the option of adding a tray and handles, an LCD magnifier, and a vacuum valve (via the housing’s M16 port)—the vacuum monitoring and leak detection system is pre-installed.

    The NA-CV1 housing is priced at $2,000 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.


    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    INTRODUCING NA-CV1 FOR CANON POWERSHOT V1 DIGITAL CAMERA

    The Canon PowerShot V1 Camera

    Key Camera Specifications

    • 22.3MP 1.4″ CMOS Sensor

    • 16–50mm Equivalent f/2.8–4.5 Lens

    • Full-Width 4K 30p; 4K 60p with 1.4x Crop

    • 10-bit Recording; Canon Log 3

    • Dual Pixel AF II for PowerShot

    • Optical Stabilization; 3-Stop ND Filter

    • Active Cooling Extends Shooting Times

    The Nauticam NA-CV1 Housing

    NA-CV1 is the latest iteration in a lineup of advanced housings for very capable compact cameras supported by Nauticam. Many features found on professional DSLR systems have been integrated into this system, and the result is an underwater housing that allows the user to harness the full potential of this advanced compact camera in the water.

    The basic functions and ergonomic enhancements that Nauticam users have grown to know and love are incorporated in NA-CV1. 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.

    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 optional accessory M16 Vacuum Valve II (25625) the watertight integrity of the system can be tested before ever entering the water and monitored during every dive.

    Expert product design, modern manufacturing techniques, top quality materials backed by a two-year warranty, and a critical focus on the user experience combine to produce the premier system for Canon Powershot V1.


    The N50 Port System

    The NA-CV1 ships with the N50 3.5″ Acrylic Dome Port that allows the full 16–50mm zoom range, but other ports are available from the N50 system. When combined with the 38703 N50 Short Port 25, you can add on the 83203 WWL-C for a converted FOV of 130 degrees to 71 degrees.  

    What’s in the Box?

    • NA-CV1 housing

    • N50 3.5″ Acrylic Port

    • Spare main housing O-ring (90131)

    • O-ring remover

    • CR2032 battery (for moisture alarm)

    • Lubricant

    • Set of Allen keys

    • Padded Housing Bag

    • Set of handle brackets with shutter release trigger

    Recommended Accessories

    • 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II (Pushbutton Release)

    • 25131 LCD Magnifier attachment Rails

    • 25106 LCD Magnifier with Dioptric Adjustment

    • 71206 Easitray II with left handle (with 2pcs 1/4” screws)

    • 71207 Flexitray II with left handle (with 2pcs 1/4” screws)

    • 71208 Adjustable right handle II (for Easitray II & Flexitray II)

    • 38703 N50 Short Port with Bayonet Mount (To use with WWL-C or WWL-1B)

    • 83203 Wet Wide Lens for Compact Cameras (WWL-C)

    • 83202 Wet Wide Lens 1 (WWL-1B) 130 deg. FOV with compatible 28mm Lenses

    • 83214 Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC

    • 81301 Compact Macro Convertor 1 (CMC-1, 4.5X Magnification)

    • 81302 Compact Macro Convertor 2 (CMC-2, 2.8X Magnification)

    N50 Port Chart

    1. N50 3.5” acrylic dome port, Zoom Range 16–50mm (*The minimun focus distance at Wide 16mm is 25mm, and at Tele 50mm is 530mm)

    2. 38703 N50 Short Port 25 + 83203 WWL-C, Lens FOV 84–46º, Converted FOV 130–71º, Zoom Range 24–50mm (*Slight vignetting at 24mm)

    3. 38703 N50 Short Port 25 + 83202 WWL-1B, Lens FOV 75–46º, Converted FOV 130–80º, Zoom Range 28–50mm

    4. 38703 + 83214 Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC with MFO-1, CMC-2/1

     








    *Test at focal range 50mm Smallest Subject Size Working Distance
    without diopter 105 x 70 mm 175–∞
    with 81501 MFO-1 89 x 59.3 mm 116–1150 mm
    with 81302 CMC-2 48 x 32 mm 55–125 mm
    with 81301 CMC-1 38 x 25.4 mm 37–74 mm

    Technical Specifications

    • Dimensions: 165mm(W) x 139mm(H) x 128mm(D)

    • Weight in Air: TBD

    • Buoyancy in Water: TBD

    • Depth Rating: 100m

    • Port Mount: N50

    • Accessory Ports: Front M16 x 1, M10 x1 on Top





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  • Ikelite Unveils Ecko DS and Ecko Fiber Strobes





    Entry-level strobe offers 50Ws of power, a 140-degree beam when using diffusers, and comes in both fiber-optic and electrical versions



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  • Winners of DIVE Magazine’s Big Shot Portraits Photo Competition

    Winners of DIVE Magazine’s Big Shot Portraits Photo Competition


    Winner – ‘Blenny With Attitude’ by Ralph Paprzycki: A sarcastic fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi) on a night dive at Veterans Park, Redondo Beach, California (Canon EOS R5, Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 lens at 35mm, Ikelite housing, Sea&Sea YS-D3 strobe with snoot; f/8, 1/125s, ISO 500)

     

    DIVE magazine has unveiled the winners of its latest Big Shot underwater photography competition, which had “portraits” as its theme. Ralph Paprzycki was crowned the overall winner for a fierce-looking sarcastic fringehead captured off Redondo Beach, California. Ralph beat 200 or so other entries to claim the top spot.

    The runners-up were equally compelling: Marcia Riederer’s eye of a dwarf minke whale came in second, Rowan Dear’s arresting leafy seadragon was third, and JillAnne McCarty’s charismatic American saltwater crocodile scored fourth. Moreover, the impressive collection of Highly Commended images demonstrated the high quality of the contest’s entries overall.

    Check out all the winners below and head over to DIVE’s website for more on their Big Shot competition.

     

    Second Place – ‘Eye to Eye’ by Marcia Riederer: This encounter happened during a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, in Australia. This curious dwarf minke whale came so close that I could only see her eye, even through my wide-angle lens (Sony A7RV, 16-35mm, Isotta housing; f/6.3, 1/250s, ISO 1000)

     

    Third Place – ‘Portrait of a Dragon’ by Rowan Dear: Having spent several days shooting the leafy sea dragons and their habitat, I decided to switch to the Sony 90mm macro lens for a night dive. While shy at first, this male leafy – who was also carrying eggs – eventually became more comfortable in my presence (Sony A7IV; 90mm macro lens, Red Video Focus Light, INON Z330 strobes; f/18, 1/80s, ISO 320)

     

    Fourth Place – ‘Toothy Grin’ by JillAnne McCarty: This large American saltwater crocodile, in Cuba’s Jardines de la Reina, swam over to see our boat. I slipped into the water and waited with my eye in the viewfinder. As the crocodile came towards me, he suddenly jerked his head and snapped his jaw. I captured the image with his teeth nearly on my camera’s dome port (Nikon D850, Nikon 16-35 mm lens, 240 mm dome port, Nauticam housing, ambient light; f/20, 1/200s, ISO 800)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Playtime’ by Rowan Dear: Taken at Montague Island, Narooma, Australia. This playful sea lion was zipping through the seagrass. It made for a perfect image of contrasting colours showing these playful animals in their environment (Sony A7IV 16-35mm 2.8 lens, INON Z330 strobes; f/8, 1/200s, ISO 320)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘‘Seacow’ by Romeo Bodolai: This dugong was feeding on seagrass at Marsa Shagra in the Egyptian Red Sea (Sony a7R4, Canon 8-15mm fisheye, Nauticam housing, Ikelite strobes; f/10, 1/250s, ISO 100)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Trigger Happy’ by Michael Gallagher: Titan triggerfish are notoriously aggressive around their nests during breeding season, and this one was no exception! I snapped this photograph while hurriedly retreating, and it was not until after the dive that I realised that I had captured the potent beauty of this special fish and its formidable teeth (Canon 5D3, Canon 50mm macro lens, Hugyfot housing, dual Inon Z240 strobes; f/11, 1/125s, ISO 400)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Spotted’ by Michael Gallagher: I encountered this magnificent male parrotfish dozing on the reef during a night dive in Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives (Canon 20D; Canon 60mm macro lens, Ikelite housing, Ikelite DS-125 strobe x1; f/16, 1/100s, ISO 100)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘‘Hair Ball’ by Michael Gallagher: Frogfish must be one of my favourite fish of all time, and this hairy frogfish must be one of my personal favourite underwater sightings (Canon 50D, Tokina 35mm macro lens, Hugyfot housing, Inon Z240 strobe with snoot; f/22, 1/200, ISO 200)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Nobility’ by Imogen Manins: I regularly visited this individual during freediving sessions at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, Port Philipps Bay, Australia. The rocky reef was covered in a lush carpet of green seaweeds of the Caulerpa genus, providing rich feeding rounds for the bigbelly seahorse (Olympus TG6, Backscatter Air Lens, Olympus housing, video light MW4300; f/3.2, 1/160s, ISO 100)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Prince of the Waterfall’ by Romeo Bodelai: Traunfall is a breathtaking waterfall in Austria with excellent visibility (10-15 m) and underwater rock formations, along with plenty of large pike (Sony a7R4, Canon 8-15mm fisheye, Nauticam housing, Ikelite strobes; f/22, 1/2s, ISO 100)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Embedded’ by Christian Horras: At the end of a dive around Anilao, I saw this little blenny and decided to try a different take for a picture. I used a slow shutter speed, a snoot and a little camera movement to create the effect in the picture (Nikon Z8, Nikon 60mm macro lens, Seacam housing, Seacam Seaflash 150D strobes; f/16, 1/10s, ISO 64)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘Playful Calf’ by Vanessa Mignon: Every year, humpback whales travel to Tonga, to mate and give birth. During that time it is possible to swim with them. That day we saw a small fin break the surface, and start swimming in circles, a sign that it was a calf coming up for air while its mother was resting below (Canon 5D Mark IV; Canon 16-35 mm lens, Nauticam housing; f/6.3, 1/160s, ISO 320)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘‘The Pinch’ by Fabi Fregonesi: An anemonefish with a shrimp delicately perched on its head with the anemone as a frame, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia (Canon 5D Mark IV; 100mm Canon lens, Nauticam housing, 2 Inon Z330 strobes; f/18, 1/250s, ISO 100)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘‘Orange Beauty’ by Miguel Ramirez: While diving in Wakatobi, Indonesia, I was lucky enough to see this beautiful and rarely spotted spinecheek anemonefish (Premnas biaculeatus) (Nikon D500; Nikon 85mm lens, Hugyfot housing, Inon Z330 x2; f/25, 1/200s, ISO 100)

     

    Highly Commended – ‘‘Shining Seahorse’ by Stefano Colombo: I had my buddy backlighting while I used a snoot for filling in the front of the seahorse during a muck dive in Tulamen, Bali (Canon EF 5DMKIV; Canon 100mm macro lens, Isotta housing. Inon Z330 strobes, Snooty Snoot; f/13, 1/200s, ISO 320)





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  • Ikelite Unveils DS165 and RC165 Strobes

    Ikelite Unveils DS165 and RC165 Strobes

    Left: DS165. Right: RC165

     

    Ikelite has announced two new additions to its strobe lineup—the DS165 and RC165. And as you probably already noticed, only one of them, the DS165, is triggered the conventional way for Ikelite strobes—electrically. The other, the RC165, is a surprising—but many will say, welcome—departure into the world of fiber-optic triggering. While the U.S. company has offered fiber-optic triggering solutions in the past, these have been in the form of receivers that convert the electrical bulkhead to a fiber-optic connection. This is the first time Ikelite is offering a strobe with fiber-optic connectivity built in.

    In Ikelite’s blog post on the RC165, the company says “this next generation of 165-series strobes is an improved upon and refined version of our famous DS160 II.” The power of the RC165 isn’t explicitly stated, but as an upgrade from the the DS160 II, the new strobe presumably offers the same 160Ws maximum power. Other specs are stated: Ikelite says the RC165 offers a “significantly wider 120º angle of coverage” (without the need for a diffuser), comparing favorably with the 110-degree beam angle with diffuser of the DS160 II. At 5000K, the RC165’s stated color temperature is also a little different to the 4800K color temperature of the DS160 II. Otherwise, the controls on the new strobe are identical to those on the DS160 II: Expect manual control across 10 stops in 1/2-stop increments.

    Left: DS165. Right: RC165

     

    As you’d expect, given Ikelite’s long history as TTL pioneers, it’s the strobe’s TTL capabilities that the company is giving the most emphasis. The RC165 supports TTL operation with compatible OM System, Olympus, and Panasonic cameras when firing the built-in flash in “RC” mode, and with compatible Canon cameras when using Ikelite’s TT5 Canon TTL Transmitter. The TT5 supports switching between TTL and manual strobe exposure using the camera’s flash menu, as well as rear/second curtain sync. Ikelite has promised TTL transmitters for Sony and Nikon systems are coming soon.

    Current compatible Ikelite housings for OM System and Olympus cameras include those for the OM System TG-7, Olympus TG-3/TG-4/TG-5/TG-6 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. Various non-Ikelite housings are also compatible, such as Olympus or Nauticam housings for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II with FL-LM3 flash; Nauticam housings for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark I to Mark IV; and Olympus, Nauticam, Isotta or Recsea housings for the Olympus TG-5, TG-6 or OM System TG-7.

    In its blog post, Ikelite is careful not to overstate the benefits of fiber-optic connections, writing, “Fiber optic cords are not more reliable than electrical cords, but they may be more convenient.” And for anyone who isn’t bothered by the added O-ring maintenance associated with electrical triggering, the company has you covered with the DS165, which has all the same specs as the RC165, except the fiber-optic port is replaced with Ikelite’s conventional electrical bulkhead. Is the “165-series” the first of many to be offered in both fiber-optic and electrical versions? Is Ikelite slowly but surely going fiber-only? Only time will tell!

    Shipping now from retailers such as Backscatter, the RC165 and DS165 are both priced at $995.

     

    Left: DS165. Right: RC165

     

    RC165

     






     

    DS165

     









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  • Nominations Open for the Inaugural ADEX 360 BLU Awards

    Nominations Open for the Inaugural ADEX 360 BLU Awards



    If you were one of the nearly 50,000 attendees at the last Asia Dive Expo in Singapore—or any of the 30 previous editions of the hugely popular dive show—you will already know that ADEX is a must-attend event on the dive calendar. But the next one just got even more interesting, with the announcement of the first ADEX 360 BLU Awards.

    Per the press release (below), the ADEX 360 BLU Awards will honor “outstanding individuals and organisations in the field of diving, innovation, ocean conservation, arts, and more,” with some 46 awards being given out during an evening ceremony on the second day of ADEX 32nd Edition in April 2026. The awards fall into four categories—“Sports & Education,” “Ocean Tourism,” “Arts & Science,” and “Individual Excellence”—and you’ll be pleased to know that “Photographer of the Year” is among them.

    The nomination period is from June 1st to October 1st, 2025, with shortlisted nominees put to public vote between October 10th, 2025 and February 10th, 2026. Check out the press release below to find out more or head over to the ADEX website.

     


    PRESS RELEASE

    ADEX 360 BLU AWARDS 2026

    Honouring Excellence: Celebrating the Industry and Community!

    The ADEX 360 BLU Awards 2026 will honour outstanding individuals and organisations in the field of diving, innovation, ocean conservation, arts, and more. The diverse range of traditional and new award categories will recognise everyone who plays a role in this space, ensuring we celebrate contributions from both the industry and the community. We hope to celebrate leadership, sustainability, and creativity, while supporting marine conservation through a high-impact charity auction.

    As part of the ADEX 32nd Edition Singapore Ocean Week, the longest-running and largest dive show in Asia, the ADEX 360 BLU Awards will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at Suntec Singapore. This ceremony is not only a celebration of excellence but a tribute to the passionate individuals, leaders, and changemakers who are shaping the future of diving and ocean protection.

    Nominations are open to individuals and organisations worldwide and awards will be presented at both Asia and Global levels, with dedicated trophies recognising contributions across the diving world.

    Award categories cover four key pillars, which are:

    • Sports & Education

    • Ocean Tourism

    • Arts & Science

    • Individual Excellence

    Some of the awards include:

    • Diver of the Year – Celebrating a diver whose achievements have significantly advanced diving and marine exploration.

    • Ocean Hero of the Year – Honouring a changemaker whose impact and advocacy have made a real difference for our oceans.

    • Most Certified Dive Centre of the Year – Recognising excellence in dive training and outreach across the region.

    • Photographer of the Year – For imagery that captures the soul of the sea and the urgency to protect it.

    • Best E-Learning Platform of the Year – Acknowledging innovation in accessible, high-quality dive education.

    • Eco-Tourism Dive Resort of the Year – Celebrating leadership in sustainable diving and responsible travel.

    • Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to individuals whose lifelong dedication has shaped the global dive community.

    The nomination period is open from June 1 to October 1, 2025. A shortlisting official committee will announce the Top 10 per sub-category by October 9, 2025, with public voting taking place from October 10, 2025 to February 10, 2026. Final winners will be announced live at the ADEX 360 BLU Awards Ceremony in April 2026.

    To view the full list of award categories and descriptions, visit: www.adex.asia/adex-360-blu-awards

    To submit a nomination, visit: www.adex.asia/adex360-blu-awards-form

    Join us as we recognise those who inspire, protect, innovate, and lead in diving and ocean advocacy. The ADEX 360 BLU Awards 2026 are more than just awards, they are a celebration of our global ocean community.

    ADEX 32nd Edition

    The 32nd edition of the Asia Dive Expo, Asia’s largest and longest-running dive expo, will be held from April 10–12, 2026, at Suntec Singapore, during Singapore Ocean Week to celebrate ocean-related industries, culture, and conservation. ADEX 2026 will be dedicated to the Humphead Wrasse, raising awareness for its protection, and the Blue Revolution – Reduce, Innovate, Reuse: a commitment to promoting sustainability in ocean and diving practices. The show will feature diving innovation, ocean culture, sustainability, and community, from the TEK Asia Conference and underwater arts to tourism, tech, conservation, and beyond.

    Media Contact:

    MIHIRI S KORALA

    mihiri@uw360.asia

    +94 77 770 6009

    ADEX – Asia Dive Expo

    www.adex.asia

     





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  • Announcing the Winners of the 12th United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Contest

    Announcing the Winners of the 12th United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Contest



    The winners of the twelfth annual Photo Competition for United Nations World Oceans Day were announced today surrounding the United Nations World Oceans Day celebration in Nice, France. A panel of world-renowned judges selected winners from thousands of global entries made by both amateur and professional photographers. This year’s competition featured the recurring categories “Big and Small Underwater Faces,” “Underwater Seascapes,” and “Above Water Seascapes.” The category “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us” was newly added in celebration of the 2025 UN World Oceans Day theme sharing the same name. The 2025 winning photographers hail from eight different countries: Rachel Moore, Luis Arpa, Steven Lopez (“Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”); Andrey Nosik, Giacomo Marchione, Lars von Ritter Zahony (“Big and Small Underwater Faces”); Dani Escayola, Gerald Rambert, Pedro Carrillo (“Underwater Seascapes”); Leander Nardin, Nur Tucker, Andrey Nosik (“Above Water Seascapes”).

    Historically hosted at the UN Headquarters in New York, this year’s United Nations World Oceans Day moved overseas, taking place ahead of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which will also be hosted in Nice, France from June 9–13. The winning photographs will be presented live during the United Nations Ocean Conference, during a panel event on 11 June at the Agora in the La Baleine (Green Zone). The winning images will also be displayed in gallery exhibitions at NEO VogelART LAB (Nice) and at The Explorer’s Club (New York) throughout the week.

    The 2025 photo competition was coordinated in collaboration between the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, DPG, Oceanic Global, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Since its inception in 2014, the competition has been curated by underwater and wildlife photographer Ellen Cuylaerts, and judged by a world-renowned panel of judges. Judges for 2025 included: underwater photographer Ipah Uid Lynn (Malaysia), underwater photographer William Tan (Singapore), wildlife photographer Vanessa Mignon (France), and underwater photographer Marcello Di Francesco (Italy).

    The Photo Competition for UN World Oceans Day is a free-and-open public competition that calls on photographers and artists from around the world to communicate the beauty of the ocean and the importance of the respective United Nations World Oceans Day theme each year. All winners and participants in the competition signed a charter of 14 commitments regarding ethics in photography. Winning photos from 2025 as well as from previous years can be viewed via the virtual gallery on www.unworldoceansday.org and on DPG’s World Oceans Day Photo Competition mini-site. (On DPG’s mini-site, you can find extended captions for this year’s winners, which tell the stories behind the images.)

     

    Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us

     

    Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us — Winner by Rachel Moore (USA)

     

    Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us — 2nd Place by Luis Arpa (Spain)

     

    Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us — 3rd Place by Steven Lopez (USA)

     

    Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us — Honorable Mention by Ollie Clarke (UK)

     

    Big and Small Underwater Faces

     

    Big and Small Underwater Faces – Winner by Andrey Nosik (Russia)

     

    Big and Small Underwater Faces — 2nd Place by Giacomo Marchione (Italy)

     

    Big and Small Underwater Faces — 3rd Place by Lars von Ritter Zahony (Germany)

     

    Underwater Seascapes

     

    Underwater Seascapes — Winner by Dani Escayola (Spain)

     

    Underwater Seascapes — 2nd Place by Gerald Rambert (Mauritius)

     

    Underwater Seascapes — 3rd Place by Pedro Carrillo (Spain)

     

    Underwater Seascapes — Honorable Mention by Lars von Ritter Zahony (Germany)

     

    Above Water Seascapes

     

    Above Water Seascapes – Winner by Leander Nardin (Austria)

     

    Above Water Seascapes — 2nd Place by Nur Tucker (UK/Turkey)

     

    Above Water Seascapes — 3rd Place by Andrey Nosik (Russia)

     

    Above Water Seascapes — Honorable Mention by Ken Findlay (South Africa)





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