Nikon D780 Underwater Housing by Nauticam

The Nikon D780 brings many of the technological advancements in autofocus, live-view shooting and video performance from the Z series mirrorless cameras to a full-frame DSLR.  A true hybrid shooter, the D780 employs a full-frame BSI 24.5MP sensor to create still images with incredible detail and dynamic range as well as to produce UHD 4K video from the full sensor width.  Autofocus and metering enhancements as well as video output over HDMI options allow the D780 to excel in both video and still applications.

THE NIKON D780 DSLR CAMERA

While the Nikon D850 dominates the high-megapixel end of the Nikon DSLR lineup and the D5 delivers unparalleled dynamic range and low-light capability the D780 is a blend of both with a splash of Z-series mirrorless hybrid-shooting capability thrown in.  The D780 is built around a 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor powered by the newest EXPEED 6 image processor.  The lower pixel density, as compared to its D850 sibling, means increased low-light sensitivity and higher dynamic range.  Being a Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensor also brings greater color resolution capability.  The D780 also borrows heavily from Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras to refine its live-view and video shooting experiences.  Overall, the D780 is a high-powered hybrid shooter for those not looking to move into the mirrorless space, yet wanting more of the flexibility these systems offer.  

Key Camera Specs

• 24.5MP BSI CMOS Sensor
• Dual Gain ISO System
• ISO Range of 100-51,200 (expandable to 204,800)
• UHD 4K 30p Video
• 10-bit UHD 4K output over HDMI with N-Log or HLG
• On-sensor 273-point AF System for Live View and Video Shooting

The D780 has an even greater ISO range than the D850 and features a dual-gain readout system.  The dual-gain configuration allows the D780 to maximize dynamic range at lower ISO values while prioritizing noise-reduction at higher ISO values.  This capability is driven by the new EXPEED 6 processor, allowing faster pixel readout speed.  This increased speed also translated to improved video performance with the ability to record UHD 4K video at up to 30p using the full sensor width.  

Autofocus on the D780 has received advancements over the D750, not only in still image capture via the optical viewfinder but also in live-view and video capture modes.  The D780 uses the on-sensor phase-detection system seen on Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras which employs 273 AF-points that cover  ~90% of the frame to achieve fast and accurate autofocus during live-view shooting at up to -6EV (in Low-Light mode, or -4 in standard mode).  This live-view autofocus system also carries over to video mode, supercharging the D780's video capabilities.  The autofocus speed while video/live-view shooting can also be tuned using an 11-point scale and an AF-F mode allows the autofocus to function continuously without a half-press of the shutter button, similar to AF-C in video mode.

The D780 can also output 10-bit UHD 4K at 30p over HDMI.  The output signal can take advantage of two different gamma curves, N-Log, which maximizes dynamic range for post-processing or the more viewer-ready HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma).  Combined with an external recorder, this capability allows maximum potential extraction from the D780's sensor.  Internal recording is UHD 4K at up to 30p.  Users can decide whether to carry over still shooting settings to video or set them independently.  If image stabilization is required, the D780 can employ electronic image stabilization using a slight 1.1x crop.

THE NAUTICAM NA-D780 UNDERWATER HOUSING

The NA-D780 underwater housing follows suit with Nauticam's drive for innovation.  Every new housing design is carefully crafted based on feedback from Nauticam users around the globe. Feedback gained from the knowledge and experience of Nauticam owners results in every new housing design being better than the last.

Nauticam engineers are obsessed with functionality and this is evident in the location of essential controls. Regardless of where the control is located on the camera, the Nauticam housing puts them where you need them to be underwater. For those switching between photo and video modes, an easily reachable switch is located on the right rear of the housing. The right side double thumb lever, easily reached from the right handle features access to the AF-on and Record buttons respectively. Between the double thumb lever and the multi-stage shutter release is an ISO lever allowing quick changes to sensitivity.

The left double thumb lever accesses the Info and Playback controls. The Zoom In and Zoom Out controls are located on the the left side of the housing to a location familiar to Nauticam housing users.

Front and rear control dials are readily accessible by the familiar large knurled dials at the right handle. The ergonomic housing handles are rubberized and feature stainless steel stiffening brackets to ensure a stable platform when using large strobes or video lights attached to the pre-installed 1" mounting balls.

FLASH TRIGGERING

The NA-D780 comes with Nauticam's self powered manual flash trigger preinstalled. The flash trigger plugs into the hot-shoe of the camera and uses LED lights recessed into each of the two optical bulkheads to trigger supported underwater flashes when used with the correct fiber optic connection. The flash trigger is powered by coin cell batteries that provide thousands of flashes per battery. The flash trigger can be upgraded to support TTL triggering (PN 26308 TTL Converter for Nikon).

INTEGRATED VACUUM CHECK AND LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM

The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is shipped with NA-D780 as standard equipment. Combined with an accessory M16 vacuum valve (PN 25625), this monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color 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 Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.

PREMIUM PROFESSIONAL OPTICS

Optical performance is just as necessary as camera performance and this becomes even more critical given the challenges of filming underwater. The Nauticam NA-D780 uses the same N120 Port System as the previous Nikon DSLRs which makes for a seamless transition for those upgrading.  While this system provides exceptional optical-glass and flat port solutions for a wide variety of F Mount lenses, the real power of the D780 can be realized using Nauticam's Water Contact Optics. This lineup of dry and wet lenses are conceived using commercial lens-design software to achieve truly unparalleled underwater image quality both for stills and video in both macro and wide-angle situations. The WACP-1 and WACP-2 achieve ultra-wide 130º fields-of-view with reduced distortion over conventional optics while featuring ~0" minimum focus distances, zoom through capabilities and unbeatable corner sharpness at even wide-open apertures such as F5.6. The SMC-1 and SMC-2 macro wet-optics, when used with the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR macro lens provide 2x and 4x magnification respectively and the SMC-1 actually provides a resulting image with increased contrast and sharpness than the 105mm lens itself can achieve in air without a magnifier.