Nauticam Panasonic LX100 Underwater Housing NA-LX100

Nauticam NA-LX100 Underwater Housing for Panasonic LX-100 Compact Camera



Housing for Panasonic LX-100
The NA-LX100
Nauticam today announces the imminent availability of the NA-LX100, the new housing for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. This rig offers the discerning underwater image maker access to the advanced capabilities of the LX100 camera, which despite it's size, pack a significant wallop in terms of functionality. Video shooters should take special notice here - this system joins the Nauticam family of 4K capable video cameras. The NA-LX100 is ready to capture amazing Ultra HD video, whether it be in a pool, a stream or at 100m depth.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
Camera manufacturers continue to pack larger sensors and more competent image processing into compact cameras. The LX100 is an exciting example of just that, with perhaps more solid features per square inch than any other camera on the market. For starters, there is a true Four Thirds sensor, cleverly used to support the multiple aspect ratio creative option on the camera. Then there is the very fast lens (f1.7 at the wide end, and f/2.8 zoomed), with a very useful 24mm - 75mm equivalent range. Using the equivalent aperture comparison technique, this lens is on average at least a stop faster than Canon G7X and G1XII, Fujifilm X30, Sony RX100II and RX100III, and the Panasonic LX7, across the entire focal length. This graphic from DPReview illustrates the point.

But the biggest new feature here is 4K video. Panasonic has managed to squeeze 100Mbps 4K video into this compact camera. And unlike that ubiquitous POV camera, the u/w videographer gets control over things like the FOV (zoom), aperture, shutter speed, white balance, gain, photo style (contrast, saturation, noise reduction, sharpnes). Panasonic understands video, and it shows in this camera.

The LX100 is also interesting in how it manages aperture and shutter speed controls. With both of these, the dial is a click stop type, so for example, aperture can be set by looking at the dial itself, rather than or in addition to looking at the monitor. Instead of having a mode dial, the user simply choose a specific aperture, or sets the aperture to auto. Shutter speed is done similarly. This is actually a very elegant way of controlling exposure... rather than having to switch modes, the user simply decides whether he or she wants to use auto or manual aperture, manual shutter speed (or ISO for that matter).

Nauticam NA-LX100
Nauticam first "supported" the LX series with the LX5 in early 2011, recognizing the image quality and capabilities of this compact system. The housing for the LX7 followed suit in 2013. The NA-LX100 benefits from this lineage, and is the most refined of the LX housings to date. This is a compact underwater housing designed to allow the user to harness the full potential of advanced compact camera in water.

All of the basic functions and ergonomic enhancements that Nauticam users have grown to know and love are incorporated in NA-LX100. The housing is machined from a solid block of aluminum, then hard anodized to seal out corrosive salt water. It is closed via a simple, yet secure locking rotary latch. The right side of the housing is sculpted to fit the palm of the user's hand, and Nauticam's two-stage shutter release lever provides clear differentiation between the half press and full press shutter release positions. All functions are clearly labeled, and an M16 accessory socket allows an optional vacuum valve to be installed.

The LX100 camera presents some unique challenges to the housing designer - the aperture ring, aspect ratio dial, and on/off switch, in particular. Although this necessitates pre-setting these three controls when inserting or removing the camera, this housing does provide the user complete and very ergonomic control over these vital functions, even going so far as to label the stops/positions for all three controls.

The NA-LX100, like the NA-G7X released earlier this month, features the new Nauticam interchangeable port system for compact cameras with long throw lenses. Called the "N50" mount, it allows optical solutions to be precisely dialed in for maximum performance in water. Ports are attached via a bayonet fitting, and locked securely in place.

Zoom lever lock.
The zoom lever is placed for easy access allowing the video maker smooth zooms. A locking ring prevents over zoom when using the short port.

Handle bracket.
This housing also includes handle brackets for use with the optional Flexitray or Easitray, providing additional stability - important when shooting high resolution video.

The Nauticam leak alarm and vacuum monitoring system is installed as standard equipment. This system provides an audible and visual alert to any water entry in the housing, and when combined with an accessory M16 Vacuum Valve (#25612) the water tight integrity of the system can be tested before ever entering the water and monitored during every dive.

The NA-LX100 is the most rugged, ergonomic, and well designed option to take this powerful, yet compact camera underwater.

Is This the End of the Mini-Camcorder for Underwater Video?
For years, the small camcorder was the preferred way for many people to capture underwater video, but that has changed. With the advent of SLR, mirrorless, and now compact cameras that can shoot high quality video, there has been a seismic shift away from the camcorder. Now, with the LX100, a small and inexpensive beast of a video camera that can autofocus as well as most camcorders, the need for the expensive and bulky dedicated video recorder setup may indeed be over.

NA-LX100 Feature Checklist

• Secure, easy to use locking latch
• Ergonomic controls with size, shape and color differentiation
• All camera controls accessible
• All controls clearly labeled
• Popup flash lever
• Dual fiber optic bulkhead
• Integrated leak detector and optional vacuum check
• Cold shoe mount
• Interchangeable port mount
• Standard port offers full zoom through
• 1/4-20 tripod or tray mounting holes
• Sculpted, sensitive shutter release
• M16 bulkhead port for vacuum valve
• Zoom Lock
• Handle brackets for Added Stability

The New N50 Port System
Because of the specific camera and lens function of the Panasonic LX100, a special port system is required to fully realize the potential of accessory wide angle lenses underwater.

The NA-LX100 "standard" port, supplied with the housing, allows full zoom through and is wide enough to be shot with the lens at full wide with no vignetting. An optional flip mounting attachment (25107 M67 Flip Diopter Holder for NA-LX100 Standard Port) allows use of standard accessory macro lenses. This port is ideal for mid-range fish portraiture style shooting, close-up, and macro with add on wet-lenses.

N50 Port System for NA-LX100, showing standard port, short port, and dome port.
A dome port solution is also available, restoring the in-air field of view of the lens with some zoom through possible. This is a lightweight configuration that offers a surprisingly wide angle of coverage. This port is called N50 3.5" Acrylic Dome Port (#38702).

NA-LX100 shown with optional N50 3.5" Acrylic Dome Port
An optional N50 Short Port with M67 Thread for Wide Angle Lenses (#38701) is also available, offering precise placement of wide wet-lenses very close to the camera's lens at its wide angle zoom position. Zoom through is not available with this port, but it does offer the widest coverage possible with minimal vignetting for wide angle photography. Testing indicates that the Inon UWL-H100 (either in the m67 mount or the LD mount) is an ideal wide angle lens for the NA-LX100.

Nauticam Vacuum Check System
Amazingly, the engineers at Nauticam managed to squeeze in the Nauticam vacuum monitoring and leak detection electronics. By default, it serves as an audible and visual leak detector, but add a Nauticam M16 Vacuum Valve, (p/n 25612) and it becomes a vacuum check system. The vacuum monitoring system provides early warning for any problem with watertight integrity - which means peace of mind when shooting underwater.

Details and Specifications

• Depth Rating: 100m
• Dimension: 180mm (W) x 128mm (H) x 140mm (D)
• Weight: 1.2kg

Panasonic LUMIX LX100 Camera and Nauticam NA-LX100 Underwater Housing Installation from Backscatter on Vimeo.