The newest member of the Canon DSLR lineup boasts an impressive number of advanced features at a price that is more in line with an entry level camera. Depending on where you are located, this camera is known as the Canon Digital Rebel T2i (North America), Kiss X4 Digital (Japan) or the Canon EOS 550D (worldwide). With its 18 megapixel sensor and 1080p HD video with manual control, some pundits have called it a baby 7D.

Call it what you will, this camera is now ready to go exploring the underwater world! We are proud to announce the imminent arrival of the NA-550D housing for Canon 550D/T2i. The NA-550D housing inherits the renowned piano keys from NA-7D housing, patented Nauticam port locking system, comfortable rubberized handles, and innovative ergonomic access to key camera controls. New features include locking housing latches, lens release lever, a fingertip ISO paddle, and access to the camera’s playback button from the left handle.

In keeping with the Nauticam philosophy, the NA-550D housing continues to innovate while building on previous success. Notable examples are the AV+/- switch, new fingertip paddle on the top of the housing to allow easy access to ISO control, a unique rocker lever for easy access to the star (*) and focus point selector buttons, and a piano key for accessing the quick control button.
The playback button is moved out to a lever on the left side of the housing accessed from the handle by the user’s thumb. All of these controls are designed to allow the underwater photographer complete access to the camera’s important functions without removing their hands from the handles. AV +/- is a pushbutton on the back of the camera body that must be held down while rotating a command wheel to change F-Stop in Manual Exposure Mode. The Nauticam AV +/- switch brings this control to the right side of the housing, easily accessed from the handle. This two position switch has a position for adjusting f-stop, and a position for adjusting shutter speed, eliminating the press and hold or long reaches required by other housings. The fingertip ISO paddle is designed with video shooters in mind, allowing quick exposure changes from the handle.

Another innovative ergonomic advancement is Nauticam’s new two stage shutter release lever. This mechanical lever greatly enhances tactile feel of the half press and full press positions of the shutter release button, allowing precise focus control, and less accidental shutter actuation.

New, easy to use locking latches eliminate the stainless steel latches used previously. This new closure method reduces overall size and is easier to operate. These locking latches are easy to close with minimal hand strength required, and protected from accidental opening by a locking detent. A lens release button is offered as standard equipment, allowing lens changes while a zoom gear is attached without opening the housing back.

NA-550D housing is the smallest housing in the Nauticam lineup, which should appeal to anyone concerned with the large size of some DSLR housings. This housing can still accommodate the same accessories as all other Nauticam housings, allowing use of an extensive line of lenses, ports, port adapters, lens gears, and viewfinders.

Nauticam 550D, open

T2i video, Nauticam NA-550D housing from Christopher Parsons on Vimeo.

Based off of the design of the Gates HF S11 Underwater Housing, Gates Underwater Products (San Diego, CA) has released a new underwater video housing designed to fit the Canon HF S200, HF S20 and HF S21 High Definition Video Cameras. Aptly named the Gates HF S21 Underwater Housing, this camera housing utilizes the same innovative design where the camera’s remote control is slid into the housing, there by allowing FULL camera access via a push button panel on the top of the housing.

The Gates HF S21 underwater video housing is now IN STOCK at H2O Photo Pros! Set up, assembly and operation is the same as for the Gates HF S11 housing, therefore the custom H2O Photo Pros assembly videos will guide you along in the assembly process of your new video system.

Here is a sample video shot with the Canon HF S21 camcorder in the Gates HF S21 Underwater video housing.

Gates HF S21 Sample Video from Mike Luzansky on Vimeo.

Joe Holley will remain the Head of Operations of Marine Visions. The current contact
information will remain the same, and all Marine Visions websites will remain
operational (www.marinevisions.com, www.gatesvideohousings.com,
www.aquaticacamerahousings.com ).

Mike Luzansky, owner of H2O Photo Pros comments, “We are very pleased to welcome
Joe Holley and Marine Visions to the H2O Photo Pros family. With our new merger, our
customers, both stateside and abroad will enjoy expanded hours of operation, larger
inventory, and more knowledgeable and friendly staff to assist their underwater imaging
needs.”

H2O Photo Pros and Marine Visions are dealers for more than 80 manufacturers,
including, but not limited to the following: Gates, Aquatica, Light and Motion,
Nauticam, Inon, Sea & Sea, Fisheye, Ikelite, Think Tank Photo, Pelican, Equinox,
Ultralight (ULCS), Amphibico, G-Technology, Olympus, Canon, and many more. From
consumers to Hollywood productions, we have everything you need for underwater
imaging and editing.

Contact information for both companies are as follows:

H2O Photo Pros
(949) 752-7077
Email: info@h2ophotopros.com
H2O Photo Pros can be visited at the following websites: (www.h2ophotopros.com,
www.gatesunderwaterhousings.com, www.nauticamunderwaterhousings.com )

Marine Visions
(832) 221-0940
Email: sales@marinevisions.com
Marine Visions can be visited at the following websites: (www.marinevisions.com,
www.gatesvideohousings.com, www.aquaticacamerahousings.com)

We look forward to servicing your underwater imaging needs.

Best regards,

Mike Luzansky and Joe Holley of H2O Photo Pros/Marine Visions