The Canon 7D Mark II, With the 7D Mark II, Canon has reconfirmed its commitment to the APS-C sensor, which is welcome news for discerning photographers who value the APS-C sensor size and its benefits for underwater use. This is a performance camera in every sense of the term… blazing fast 10 frames per second, exceptionally fast phase detection fast autofocus, dual pixel video autofocus, 60fps video and much more.
The camera features a 20MP CMOS sensor and has dual DIGIC 6 image processors. The result of using this fast and modern processor is the ability to shoot at 10 frames per second in continuous drive mode, as well as capture HD video (IPB, ALL-I, or Light IPB) at 59.94 fps.
The autofocus system gets a upgrade: 65 AF points (all “cross-type”) together with an updated set of options for subject types, subject tracking and more. Video autofocus is an updated version of the Dual Pixel CMOS system that was introduced with the Canon 70D. The dual pixel approach proved itself useful for underwater shooters with the 70D, allowing for both simple focus tracking or more advanced techniques like focus pulls.
Also of interest to underwater photographers, the 7D Mark II Auto ISO is now programmable and allows for exposure compensation when shooting in manual. This is a valuable feature for underwater videographers as it allows control over over shutter speed and aperture, yet will automatically adjust ISO smoothly as the scene changes from from dark to light.
The NA-7DMKII Housing
It Is clearly true that the NA-7DMKII is an improvement over the original NA-7D housing, but Nauticam has come so astonishingly far in the last 5 years that this really is not a useful comparison. The NA-7D was an important housing for Nauticam (see the sidebar about that), but Nauticam SLR housings have advanced considerably. Take for example the housing latches. The NA-7D was the last Nauticam housing to use the "old school" stainless steel buckle style latches. The NA-7DMKII takes advantage of the simple yet secure locking latches that have since become famous. These latches are more secure, effortless to close, and eliminate the knuckle busting snap of the old buckles. The NA-7DMKII represents the ideal example of current Nauticam housing design.
Nauticam's patented Port Locking Lever is as simple to operate as ever, enabling easy port changes without twisting or excessive force. A vacuum reset button inside the port mount also allows the vacuum system to be quickly reset from the port mount making quick lens changes a snap. These touches further reduce the stress of proper gear preparation and allow more time for diving.
A new dual function lever under the right handle brings ISO and M Fn (used for AF area pattern) out to the fingertips of the user. Nauticam's signature multi selector pad, found on the Nikon line and NA-70D, provides easy access to all 65 focus points and the ability to move on the diagonals without stair stepping. All of the core functions needed to operate the camera are at the users fingertips, and available by feel.
The NA-7DMKII is the most refined Nauticam SLR housing to date. Every camera function is made easier by careful thought and design, aided by input from photographers who will actually use this camera. The housing borrows the best from recent housings like the NA-D810 and the NA-5DMKIII, and incorporates new enhancements to key exposure controls for both video and still photo users.
New to the Nauticam housings for Canon SLR's, the NA-7DMKII will feature a lever to activate or deactivate the camera's popup flash. While this task can be accomplished in the Canon menus, it is easier and faster to disable or enable flash with this lever.
Canon 7D Mk II Key Features
20 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor with Dual Pixel AF Technology
10 fps continuous shooting with autofocus
65 point autofocus, all cross type sensors
150,000 RGB + IR pixel metering sensor
Dual Digic 6 processors
Enhanced environmental sealing
Dual memory card slots, one CF and one SD
Built in GPS
Larger capacity LP-E6N Battery
1920 x 1080 High Definition Video at up to 60 fps
Clean 4:2:2 Video Over HDMI for use with external recorders
NA-7DMKII Feature Checklist
Unsurpassed build quality, designed by an award winning engineering team, and 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 system, allowing precise feel over half press and 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
Dual M16 accessory holes for electrical bulkhead, HDMI, hydrophone, or vacuum valve installation
Single M16 accessory hole for vacuum valve installation
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
Integrated Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System.
The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is available with NA-7DMKII 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. 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-7DMKII 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.
Recommended Accessories
180º Enhancing Viewfinder (32201)
45º Enhancing Viewfinder (32203)
Patent Pending Super Macro Converter (81201), providing 2.3:1 reproduction ration with the popular 100mm Macro Lenses, and 1.7:1 reproduction with Canon EF-S 60mm Macro
Vacuum Valve (25612)
Complete line of flat and dome ports for all major lenses, available in acrylic and glass
Locking port extension rings from 10mm to 90mm
Monitor/Recorder Housing for Atomos Ninja2 (17902)
Monitor Housing for SmallHD DP4 Monitor (17901)
Fiber optic cables for Inon (26211) and Sea&Sea (26212)
Full line of mounting accessories for lighting, including mount balls, strobe adapters, arms, clamps, and specialty items
Multiple styles of lanyards
Lens holders, including flip-up
Focus and Zoom gears for many Canon, Tokina, and Sigma lenses
Port Adapters for Aquatica, Ikelite, Inon, Nexus M5 & M6, Sea & Sea NX, Seacam, Subal Version 3 & 4, and Zillion
Handle accessories including smaller handles, handle extensions for cold water diving
Optical Flash Trigger for continous shooting without reliance on electrical cables.
Specifications
Depth Rating: 100m
Weight: 2.90 kg (with handles mounted)
Dimensions (with handles mounted): 353 (W) x 191(H) x 124(D)