Nikon Z7 / Z6 underwater housing (V) by Nauticam

Underwater photographers rely on the diversity of the environment to push their art to its limits, and not just underwater. With the introduction of the Nikon Z7 and Z6, the full-frame mirrorless camera market has important new competitors to push the segment even further.

Nikon's first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Z7 and Z6 offer underwater photographers the same legendary Nikon sensors with the versatility of an electronic viewfinder and the more compact form factor of a mirrorless system. The NA-Z7V supports both the Z6 and Z7 models and features the larger M28 bulkhead that supports HDMI 2.0 connections required for the Atomos Ninja V recorder/monitor.

The Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras

For many full-frame Nikon photographers, the appeal of a mirrorless camera was tempered by the thought of having to invest in and master a new system by switching to another ecosystem like Sony. For those who were waiting for a mirrorless system that utilises Nikon's image processing technology and ergonomics, the wait is over. The Z6 and Z7 cameras have an identical body, differing only in features - an ideal feature when it comes to housing the camera for underwater use.

Both camera bodies are built around the new Z-mount. With an incredibly large mount diameter of 55 mm (17% larger than F-mount) and a very short flange distance, the Z-mount offers a maximum aperture of F0.95. While the current selection of Z-mount lenses is limited, almost the entire range of F-mount lenses can be used with the optional FTZ adapter. When using the adapter, lenses without VR also benefit from the in-camera stabilisation. VR and Z-mount lenses get 5-axis stabilisation, while non-VR F-mount lenses have 3-axis stabilisation.

There is also a special e-VR (electronic VR) that combines optical and electronic stabilisation for video recording. Both the Z6 and Z7 can internally record UHD 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080 HD at up to 120 frames per second at 144 Mbps. Recording utilises the full width of the sensor and both cameras are capable of outputting UHD 4K in 10-bit N-log via HDMI, supporting start/stop control.

The electronic OLED viewfinder (EVF) of the Z6 and Z7 offers 100% image coverage at Quad VGA resolution (3.69 million dots). When triggering external flashes, both cameras have a 1/200 X-Sync shutter speed.

Nikon Z7 Camera

The Z7 has a high-resolution 45.7MP FX-format sensor that allows shooting at up to 9 FPS. The Z7 offers a wide ISO range of 64-25,600 and autofocus is achieved with 493 on-sensor AF points covering 90% of the frame. The camera intelligently switches between contrast and phase detection points to achieve precise focusing regardless of lighting conditions.

Main features of the camera:

• 45.7MP FX format sensor without OLPF
• Continuous shooting at 9 FPS
• 64-25,600 ISO range
• UHD 4K 30p recording without FOV crop
• 10bit UHD 4K N-log output via HDMI with start/stop support
• 5-axis VR stabilisation (with Z-lenses)
• 8K time-lapse with exposure smoothing
• CF Express ready (currently supports XQD)

Nikon Z6 Camera

The Z6 is equipped with a 24.5 MP FX-format sensor that allows continuous shooting at up to 12 FPS and an ISO range of 100-51,200. Videos are recorded internally at up to UHD 4K 30p without cropping the field of view. 273 on-sensor focus points cover 90% of the subject and the Z 6 intelligently switches between contrast and phase detection points to ensure precise autofocus.

Main features of the camera:

• 24.5MP FX-format sensor with OLPF
• 12 FPS continuous shooting
• ISO range 100-51,200
• UHD 4K 30p recording without FOV crop
• 10bit N-log UHD 4K output via HDMI with start/stop support
• 5-axis VR stabilisation (with Z-mount lenses)
• 4K time-lapse
• CF Express ready (currently only XQD)

The Nauticam NA-Z7V underwater housing

Nauticam has produced a variety of housings for Nikon DSLR cameras and is not new to the mirrorless format. Nauticam has developed housings for full-frame, APS-C and MFT mirrorless cameras from various camera manufacturers. The NA-Z7V, just like Nikon's Z6/7 cameras, is an evolutionary step in underwater housings that seamlessly combine the Nikon F-mount and the new Z-mount in one housing.

F- and Z-mount support

The Nauticam NA-Z7V body not only allows the use of the new Z-mount Nikon glass, but also F-mount lenses with the Nikon FTZ adapter. This is crucial as the new Z-mount lenses will be phased in over the next few years. The Nauticam NA-Z7V body has two lens release buttons suitable for either F- or Z-mount lenses. When switching between F-mount and Z-mount lenses, the camera must be removed from the housing to remove the adapter. If you are using the F- or Z-mount system, use the appropriate lens release button to change the lens without removing the camera from the body. A vacuum reset switch is also located under the tray so that the back of the housing does not need to be opened when changing lenses or adapters.

Intelligent operation

Nauticam's engineers are obsessed with functionality, which is evident in the placement of the essential controls.  Regardless of where the controls are located on the camera, the Nauticam housing puts them where you need them underwater.  For those switching between photo and video modes, there is an easy-to-reach switch on the right rear of the housing.  The right double thumb lever, easily reached from the right grip, gives access to the AF-on or Record button.  Between the double thumb lever and the multi-step shutter release is an ISO lever that allows quick changes in sensitivity.