NA-A7

The Sony A7 and A7R Cameras

Sony surprised the camera world 4 years ago by packing an APS-C sized sensor into a very small camera body. That camera was called NEX-5, and it helped usher in the age of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Now they have done it again by packing a full frame sensor in a body that is only slightly larger than the popular NEX-7.

There is so much to be said about the A7 and A7R that it would take many pages to cover, but for underwater shooters, there are some key features that make these cameras stand out. The full frame sensor and very high image quality are just the beginning. The fast and accurate autofocus of the A7, the high pixel count of the A7R (though A7 is no slouch at 24 megapixels), bright, high resolution XGA OLED EVF, and 60p HD video will appeal to discerning u/w image makers.

Key A7/A7R Camera Specifications

• 24.3 MP (36.3 and No OLPF for A7R) full-frame CMOS sensor with OLPF
• E-mount with support for FE, E, and A-mount lenses (with adapter)
• Bionz X image processor
• Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points
• Sealed alloy and composite body
• Multi-Interface Shoe
• XGA (1024x768) electronic viewfinder
• Diffraction correction technology
• Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; uncompressed HDMI output

The Nauticam NA-A7 Underwater Housing

The new housing for the A7 delivers on the promise of the A7: Full frame camera - small package. A new port system was designed for this camera... the SLR port opening was too large, meaning that the housing would be too large, and the existing mirrorless system port opening is too small for some of the lenses expected in the new Sony FE lens lineup. So, a new line of intermediate size ports is required and is being delivered with this housing.

The housing and new port line would not be complete with the patented Locking Port Release system, which, like it does on other Nauticam housings, utilizes a unique internal bayonet system that locks the port securely without twisting or misalignment. The iconic red lever is easy to operate and lets the shooter know immediately that the port is securely locked in place. The user friendly housing latches are here as well, making this housing exceptionally easy to put together.

The patent pending EVF/LCD switch allows a quick way to alternate between using the large bright LCD display or the high resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF). The housing ships with a standard .66x viewfinder for the EVF, which is easily swapped out for either of the two Nauticam enhanced viewfinders.

The NA-A7 includes a pre-installed Nikonos style 5-pin bulkhead with universal hotshoe connection (x and ground connection only) installed, enabling manual control of the most commonly available strobes, such as the Inon Z-240 or Sea&Sea YS-D1. Strobe firing can also be achieved optically with the Nauticam flash trigger.

Despite the small size, this is a very easy housing to operate, even with gloves on. Every control is placed where a underwater shooter wants it - after all, the design team are underwater photographers themselves and strive to make every Nauticam housing the most ergonomic available. Each control, whether it is to change aperture or shutter speed, access the autofocus lock, change ISO, or even play back, is given consideration to minimize movement and make shooting easier.