Rental - Nauticam Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Housing
Product Overview:
- Available daily or weekly
- We can ship throughout North America
- Ports, strobes and zoom gears available
- Support for Olympus 9-18mm, Panasonic 8mm Fisheye, Olympus 60mm macro and several prime lens options are available.
- Rental includes housing, o-ring grease and choice of lens port.
Video Review:
Olympus Underwater Settings
Read our comprehensive Olympus underwater settings guide.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Camera:
The camera has refinements large and small, from an additional stop of performance of the 5 axis stabilization to a fully articulated LCD; the "II" is an impressive update. Little touches include a lockable mode dial and two additional programmable buttons. Olympus clearly listened to users when it made the Super Control Panel on by default (no more hunting in the menu to try to enable this). The camera also now allows the info screens to be customized, such as the histogram, level and highlight/shadow warnings that can be shown together. Long exposure fans will like the LiveTime feature - realtime long exposure shooting - very cool.
Improved Viewfinder and Video Frame Rates:
For underwater photographers, the biggest improvement is a serious upgrade to the electronic viewfinder, which now sports a 2.36m dot LCD (same dot count as the revered E-M1). It is hard to shoot what you can't see, and the upgraded EVF goes a long way towards improving vision, especially when paired with a Nauticam enhanced viewfinder.
For the videographer, the E-M5 II significantly upgrades the frame rate (60 fps) and bitrate (77 Mbps), with both ALL-I and IBP recording modes. It is the first Olympus to offer focus peaking while shooting video, and gains a microphone socket. The video here can take advantage of the in-camera image stabilization, allowing for smoother handheld video clips.
The headline feature of the "II" is the new Multi-Shot Hi Res Photo Mode. This new feature allows the camera to capture a 40 Megapixel image using the 16 Megapixel sensor. Black magic? Sorcery? No, but it is a pretty cool use of technology. What Olympus has done here is take advantage of the in camera stabilization mechanism to move the sensor while the camera records the image 8 times. These 8 exposure and melded together into a single 40 Megapixel image, producing a higher resolution result with less noise. These multiple exposures take time, so this trick does not work for moving subjects or for handheld shots. This feature is unlikely to appeal to the underwater photographer, but it is certainly interesting.
Nauticam NA-EM5II Housing:
More than just good looking, this is a rugged housing, ready to tackle thousands of hours of underwater abuse. Crafted from solid aircraft aluminum, the housing can reach depths of 100m with ease. The effortless (but secure) single rotating housing latch opens the housing back. The camera drops in easily, with no controls needing to be preset. The rear mounted housing o-ring makes maintenance simple. Dual fiber optic sync ports are standard and take advantage of the supplied Olympus accessory flash. To make the most of the E-M5’s excellent electronic view finder (EVF), Nauticam has crafted an optional rear acrylic display window that includes a mount for installation of Nauticam’s acclaimed 45º and 180º magnified view finders, providing the ultimate in composition and focus ability. Stiffening handle brackets are included with the housing, providing a solid “wobble free” attachment when using Nauticam Flexitray (PN 71207) and Easitray (PN 71206) with heavy lighting systems. Multiple lanyard attachment points are included in the brackets
Excellent Ergonomics and Controls:
Like all Nauticam housings, particular attention is paid to ergonomics. Buttons and dials are easy to access, with minimal reach required. The Olympus Main and Sub dials are easily accessed by thumb or forefinger with no need to release grip on the housing while adjusting aperture and shutter speed. The important Fn1 and Fn2 buttons are just as easy to reach and can be programmed for a multitude of functions. A few of the useful settings are AF Lock, One-touch White Balance, Manual Focus, ISO and Exposure Compensation. Switching between LV and the EVF is a snap and a quick press of the Info button can show or hide Olympus’ new LV Super Control Panel on the OLED screen for quick access to many critical settings. The mode dial can easily be turned through the typical P, A, S, M, Movie mode and some “easy shooting modes”. Controls need to offer a proper “feel” and Nauticam’s patented two-stage lever shutter release allows for natural, precise focus and shutter release activation. Every one of the features on the new NA-EM5 is engineered to the same exacting tolerances of Nauticam’s now famous line of DSLR housings. That quality will surely be reflected in every picture taken with this remarkably powerful imaging system.
One of the hallmarks of Nauticam housings has always been the secure Locking Port Release system, unique in that it utilizes an internal bayonet system. Nauticam's SLR housings have always featured a red locking lever that has become the symbol of Nauticam innovation. This iconic control has come to the mirrorless world, making port changes easy, faster and just as secure. No wrestling, no twisting, no misalignment - just seat and lock.
Sample Photos:
Take Advantage of Bluewater Photo's Exclusive Rental Rebate Program:
For a limited time only, we're thrilled to offer you a remarkable opportunity. Purchase a brand-new, similar system within 7 days of returning your rental, and we'll credit the ENTIRE rental cost towards your purchase! It's like getting your rental for free when you upgrade to owning your own equipment.
But that's not all! Even if you decide to take a little more time before making a decision, we've got you covered. Purchase within 6 months of returning your rental, and you'll receive a generous 50% rebate of the value of your rental towards your new purchase. It's our way of rewarding your loyalty and making sure you can't resist upgrading to your very own system.
Finally, enjoy FREE 3-Day shipping on your rental purchase. Expedited shipping can be quoted upon request.
Don't forget to cover your purchase with Bluewater’s Damage Protection!
For only 10% of the rental cost, Bluewater’s Damage Protection will cover any accidental damage to the rented equipment as long as the customer can return it to us. This does not cover loss or theft. Furthermore, if an item needs to be repaired or replaced as a result of damage incurred during the rental, the customer's liability is limited to 10% of the replacement cost of the covered equipment. This assurance ensures that you are safeguarded against unexpected financial burdens stemming from unforeseen mishaps. To qualify for the limited liability, please note all damaged items must be returned to us. If Bluewater’s Damage Protection is not added, the customer will be held responsible for the entire cost of any repair, damage or loss sustained during the rental period.
Terms of Service:
Bluewater Photo has examined, tested and confirms the equipment rented is in good working order and condition. All port and lens surfaces have also been thoroughly inspected and their condition is noted. Upon pickup, the Customer acknowledges the equipment is in good working order and accepts the rental condition as is. In the event equipment is shipped to the Customer, Customer failure to notify Bluewater Photo of any defects or problems with the equipment within 24 hours of receipt shall be conclusively deemed as acknowledgment that all equipment has passed customer approval and is in good working order. The Customer agrees to keep and maintain all of the rental equipment in good condition and assumes full responsibility for all the equipment and supplies until the all rented items are returned. The Customer agrees not to remove, cover, alter or deface any tags, serial numbers or nameplates on the equipment. To prevent damage, Customer agrees to test the housing underwater prior to use with camera and lens equipment. If o-ring sealed compartments are opened, Customer agrees to take appropriate care to avoid water droplets from entering and further agrees to carefully inspect, clean, and service any o-ring involved, as well as the corresponding sealing surfaces. Upon completion of each dive, Customer agrees to rinse all equipment in fresh water, protect the equipment from any impact, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and/or high temperature, and take precaution of any other circumstance that could damage the rented equipment. In the event of any loss or damage to the rented equipment regardless of the reason, the Customer agrees to fully cover the cost of the repairs and/or the replacement value as determined by the manufacturer’s list price at the time of said loss. Bluewater Photo is not liable for the Customer's personal gear used inside any the rented equipment. Customer agrees to return all equipment to Bluewater Photo in the same condition as when it was received. Bluewater Photo will inspect the equipment immediately upon return. If the equipment's condition is damaged beyond the normal wear and tear – i.e. excessive scratches, nicks, cracks, etc. – Bluewater Photo reserves the right to assess additional fees to the Customer. These fees will be communicated and payment should be rendered within 48 hours to avoid additional penalties. Customer authorizes Bluewater Photo to place a security hold on their credit card for the full value of the rented items. This hold will be released upon return.
