The Lumix GH4 is a photo camera that is particularly appreciated by underwater videographers. Nauticam recognises this with its NA-GH4 housing. ISO is the key to video exposure, and this new control makes changing the ISO very quick and easy, essentially redirecting that control back to the right thumb. The knob is in exactly the right place, ideal for quick access but not easy to press accidentally.
Another important concern for video - white balance - is achieved with another control that is redirected for maximum ease of use. A push lever, accessible with the right thumb, engages the white balance button.
The GH4 has 5 programmable custom functions, all placed for easy accessibility. The GH4's combination lever and AFS/AFC/Manual + AF/AE Lock button are divided into two separate controls, allowing the AF On function to be available for "Thumb Focus". The GH4 enables autofocus via this button even when the lever is set to Manual Focus, which means that switching between Thumb Focus and Half-Push Focus can be done instantly.
One of the programmable functions (typically Fn5) is used to switch between electronic viewfinder and OLED panels. For underwater photographers who decide they don't need to switch, the Fn5 can be reprogrammed for other functions, such as photo style, video capture quality, VFR, peaking or any of dozens of other functions.
The NA-GH4 comes standard with the integrated electronics of the Nauticam vacuum system. By default, this serves as an audible and visual leak detector, but with a Nauticam M14 Vacuum Valve, (p/n# 25611), it becomes a vacuum control system that confirms watertight integrity before, during and after the dive - which means safety.
Magnifying optical viewfinder
Take advantage of the GH4's electronic viewfinder. An optional LCD window (NA17751), which includes the viewfinder retaining ring, is required to attach the Nauticam's 45º or 180º magnifying viewfinder to the NA-GH4. For NA-GH3 owners, this is the same window used for this housing.
External monitor and storage medium
Videographers will want to consider an external monitor or recorder. The monitor makes recording much easier in some scenarios, allowing the user to position the monitor for better viewing when the housing is in a tight position or at a difficult viewing angle.
Nauticam produces a housing for the Atomos Shogun that enables 4K 4:2:2:2 10bit recording. The GH4 is capable of 4K 4:2:2:2 10bit output via HDMI 1.4.
Flash control
With the NA-GH4 and a variety of optically fired flashes, reliable automatic flash exposure is possible. The Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea&Sea YS-01 and YS-D1 flashes provide automated lighting and reproduce the camera's built-in flash with a proportionally higher intensity using the built-in fibre optic bulkheads.
The optional flash trigger for Panasonic (NA26305) is compatible with the NA-GH4 housing and enables fast manual flash triggering via fibre optics without draining the camera's battery.
Arm Attachment: |
1-inch ballhead |
Body Material: |
aluminum |
Camera System: |
Mirrorless (MIL) |
Camera manufacturer: |
Panasonic |
Strobe connector: |
optical Sea&Sea |
Tripod connection: |
Thread ¼ |
portsystem: |
N85 |