Sony A7CR Underwater Housings:
Find the Perfect Fit for Your Camera
The Sony A7CR is a new full-frame mirrorless camera that was announced in September 2023. It is the successor to the popular Sony A7C.
The Sony A7CR is a true game-changer in the world of underwater photography, offering a winning combination of image quality, versatility, and portability. By pairing this remarkable camera with the right underwater housing, you can unlock a realm of creative possibilities and capture breathtaking images that truly showcase the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.
Whether you're drawn to the premium craftsmanship of the Nauticam housing, the lightweight and user-friendly Ikelite option, or the innovative features of the Marelux solution, each of these underwater housings has the potential to elevate your A7CR photography to new heights. By carefully considering your needs, preferences, and budget, you can select the perfect housing to complement your underwater adventures.
The below Sony A7CR underwater housings are our recommended housings for taking your camera underwater. Contact us at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com, for all your underwater photo and video needs! We can put together customized packages based on your requirements and offer free online training sessions to get you started.
Sony A7CR Underwater Housings Options
*Excellent Ergonomics, User-friendly, Durable*
When it comes to underwater housing design, Nauticam has long been revered for its exceptional craftsmanship and user-centric approach. The Nauticam Sony A7CR underwater housing is no exception, showcasing the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and meticulous engineering. Machined from high-grade aluminum and meticulously anodized, this housing exudes a rugged durability that can withstand the rigors of the underwater realm.
One of the standout features of the Nauticam A7CR housing is its ergonomic prowess. The thoughtful placement of controls and buttons, strategically positioned for intuitive operation, allows for seamless control over your camera's functions – even when wearing thick diving gloves. The housing's integrated handle system further enhances the overall handling experience, providing a secure and comfortable grip during your underwater adventures.
Complementing its ergonomic design, the Nauticam A7CR housing boasts a pioneering bayonet-style port attachment mechanism. With a simple quarter-turn twist, you can effortlessly attach or detach ports, streamlining your workflow and minimizing downtime between shots. This innovative approach not only saves time but also ensures a secure and reliable lens connection, essential for capturing breathtaking underwater imagery.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Robust Construction: Machined from solid aluminum and hard-anodized, the housing is built to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater and the rigors of underwater environments. This ensures longevity and reliable performance throughout your underwater adventures.
- Ergonomic Design: Featuring an integrated handle system, the NA-A7CII/R prioritizes comfortable handling and intuitive control access, even with thick gloves. Key controls like the shutter release and AF-ON button are strategically positioned for effortless operation.
- Optical Excellence: Nauticam is renowned for its pioneering optical accessories. The NA-A7CII/R supports a comprehensive range of lenses, viewfinders, and accessories, including the exceptionally sharp super macro accessories and high-quality water contact wide-angle lenses (WWL-1B and WACP-1B). This allows you to create a complete imaging system tailored to your specific underwater photography needs.
- Integrated Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System: For enhanced safety and peace of mind, the housing includes a built-in vacuum check and leak detection system. When paired with an optional vacuum valve, this system provides continuous monitoring of the housing's watertight integrity. An easy-to-understand LED system alerts you to any potential issues, ensuring your valuable camera equipment remains safe and dry.
Setting Nauticam Apart:
Nauticam stands out in the underwater housing market due to its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and user experience:
- Unmatched Experience: Nauticam has a long-standing reputation for producing ergonomic and user-friendly housings. The camera effortlessly drops into the housing without requiring any pre-set adjustments, and lens port changes are designed to be seamless and quick.
- Lightweight and Compact: Despite its robust construction, the NA-A7CII/R maintains a relatively lightweight and compact profile, making it easier to handle and travel with.
- Industry-Leading Support: Nauticam has been at the forefront of mirrorless camera support, particularly for Sony E-mount systems. They have consistently provided housings for a wider range of mirrorless cameras than any other manufacturer, demonstrating their dedication to staying ahead of the curve.
*Light, Polycarbonate with Great Ergonomics, User-friendly, Durable*
The Ikelite Sony A7CR underwater housing offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. Crafted from a durable polycarbonate material, this housing is significantly lighter than its aluminum counterparts, making it an ideal choice for traveling photographers who prioritize portability.
The Ikelite A7CR housing's design philosophy is centered around user-friendliness and ease of use. Its innovative Dry Lock Micro (DLM) port system allows for a more compact and streamlined setup, reducing the overall size and weight of your underwater photography kit. This compact design, however, does come with a trade-off – it limits the range of compatible lenses, favoring smaller and more versatile optics over larger, full-frame options.
The innovative vacuum system, combined with Ikelite's pioneering dry lock (DL) port system (also available in a 200DLM/A Port Mount option) and a transparent rear section for easy leak checks, offers an unbeatable defense against potential water damage. With a depth rating of up to 200ft., the 200DL model (or 200DLM/A) enables you to explore underwater depths with confidence, making it the superior choice compared to the Ikelite 50DL model.
Enhancing your underwater photography pursuits, the Ikelite to Canon TTL converter sets a new standard for speed and accuracy among trigger systems. This feature is the driving factor behind the strong preference that many individuals have for Ikelite housings.
Ikelite 200DL
- Versatility: This housing is designed with a larger port system (DL system) to accommodate a wide range of full-frame lenses, giving you flexibility in your underwater photography.
- Enhanced Viewing: It includes a "Super-Eye" magnifying viewfinder to improve the visibility of the camera's electronic viewfinder (EVF) while using a dive mask. It can also be upgraded with straight or 45º magnifying viewfinders for an even better view.
- Connectivity: Supports Ikelite's USB-C bulkhead for charging and data transfer, allowing you to power the camera and download images without removing it from the housing.
Ikelite 200DLM/A
- Compactness: This housing utilizes the DLM port system, making it smaller and lighter than the 200DL. This is ideal for travel and those who prioritize a compact setup.
- Affordability: Generally, the 200DLM/A is a more budget-friendly option compared to the 200DL.
- Simplified Design: It's streamlined for simplicity, omitting features like the EVF viewfinder to minimize size and weight.
Key Differences and Considerations:
- Lens Compatibility: The 200DL supports a broader selection of lenses due to its larger port system. The 200DLM/A, while compact, has limitations on lens compatibility.
- Viewfinder: The 200DL enhances the EVF experience with its magnifying viewfinder options, which are not available in the 200DLM/A.
- Size and Weight: The 200DLM/A prioritizes compactness and lightweight design, making it easier to travel with and maneuver underwater.
- Budget: The 200DLM/A is typically more affordable.
*High-grade aluminum alloy construction with superb ergonomics and built-in safety*
The Marelux Sony A7CR underwater housing combines robust construction with a host of innovative features. Crafted from high-grade aluminum alloy, this housing exudes a sense of durability and reliability that can withstand the rigors of the underwater environment.
One of the standout features of the Marelux A7CR housing is its integrated vacuum system, which allows you to pre-check the housing's seal before each dive. This proactive approach to leak prevention not only safeguards your valuable camera equipment but also provides an added layer of confidence as you venture beneath the surface.
In addition to its robust construction and safety-focused design, the Marelux A7CR housing also boasts an ergonomic layout, with controls and buttons strategically positioned for intuitive operation. The housing's dual locking system further enhances the security of your camera, ensuring a rock-solid connection between the housing and your A7CR.
Complementing its impressive hardware features, the Marelux A7CR housing also supports a comprehensive range of accessories, from ports and viewfinders to strobe triggers. This versatility allows you to customize your underwater photography setup to suit your specific needs, whether you're capturing wide-angle landscapes or intricate macro subjects.
What sets Marelux apart? Their dedication to innovation is evident in this housing. The optional built-in vacuum system allows you to check the housing's seal before you ever dip a toe in the water, providing extra peace of mind and preventing potential disaster. They also offer a comprehensive range of accessories, from ports to strobe triggers, allowing you to customize your setup for any underwater shooting scenario.
Key Features:
- Durable Construction: High-grade aluminum alloy for maximum protection.
- Dual Locking System: Securely seals the camera inside the housing.
- Integrated Port Locking: Ensures a stable and secure lens connection.
- Ergonomic Design: Easy access to all essential camera controls.
- Built-in Vacuum System: Pre-dive leak detection for added safety.
- Wide Range of Accessories: Expand your system for any underwater photography need.
This housing is a serious tool for serious underwater photographers who demand reliability and performance. Marelux has a reputation for quality, and this housing lives up to that expectation.
About the Sony A7CR Mirrorless Camera
Unveiling the Sony a7CR (ILCE-7CR) - a marvel that redefines the limits of photography. Crafted with innovation, this camera boasts a remarkable 61MP full-frame BSI Exmor R CMOS sensor, seamlessly harmonizing with the BIONZ XR image processor and the groundbreaking Sony AI processing unit. These cutting-edge components converge to deliver unparalleled subject recognition autofocus, a feature also found in the esteemed a7R V.
Capturing the essence of movement, the a7CR achieves an impressive 8fps continuous stills shooting with EF/AE, capturing up to 36 raw photos. Experience the versatility of switching between full-frame 60MP photos and APS-C 26MP photos, even while shooting lossless compressed raw.
Autofocus, IBIS, ISO
Experience the future of autofocus technology, as the camera astutely identifies a diverse array of subjects and objects - from human and animal eyes, faces, heads, and bodies, to airplanes, cars, trains, and even insects. The real-time tracking, empowered by a comprehensive 693-points phase-detection autofocus system, encompassing 79% of the sensor, ensures unwavering focus. Sony's pioneering AF technology remains steadfast even in low light conditions (up to EV -4.0 in AF-S).
Embark on a journey of stability with the 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) offering an astounding 7.0-steps compensation. This surpasses the a7C's 5.0-steps and rivals the a7R V's 8.0-steps. Delve into the realm of video creation with enhanced stability through the Active Mode, presenting more controlled and steady clips.
ISO Unleashed
Unlock the spectrum of light with an ISO range spanning from 100 to 32000 (extendable to ISO 50-102400). While the base ISO values remain undisclosed by Sony, it's worth noting that the a7R V boasts a base ISO of 800 in S-Log3.
Mastering the Art of Cinematography
Elevate your videography endeavors with the a7CR, diverging from its predecessors. Capture stunning 4K video at up to 60fps in full-frame mode, adorned with a slight 1.2x crop that maintains full pixel readout with binning. Alternatively, bask in the brilliance of 6.2K oversampling when recording 4K in Super35 format, all presented in 4:2:2 10-bit color. The camera embraces XAVC S-I and XAVC HS codecs, while also accommodating 16-bit external raw video output through the HDMI port, fostering seamless connectivity with Atomos Ninja V and Ninja V+ for impeccable external recording.
Video Profiles and More
The a7CR offers a symphony of colors through diverse video profiles, including S-log3, Creative Look, and S-Cinetone. The Mi-shoe interface facilitates up to 4 channels of audio recording, elevating the auditory dimension of your videos. Explore an array of innovative video features, from in-camera time-lapse creation to auto framing that intuitively adjusts composition based on recognized subjects.
Camera Body and Connectivity
The a7CR exudes elegance with its compact dimensions measuring 124 x 71.1 x 63.4mm and a lightweight design tipping the scales at 525g. Within this sleek frame, discover a 0.39”-type 2.36MP XGA OLED viewfinder with a magnification of x 0.7 and a refresh rate of 60 or 120fps. The magnesium alloy body combines durability with a dust- and moisture-resistant design, complemented by an improved grip and a novel front dial. Atop the EVF, a 3”-type 3:2 vari-angle LCD touchscreen boasting 1MP resolution invites intuitive interaction.
Empowered by a Sony Z battery, the a7CR features a USB-C connector with power delivery, enabling rapid charging (USB 3.1 Gen 2 at speeds of up to 5Gbps). A symphony of audio connectivity unfolds with 3.5mm microphone and headphones jack connectors, accompanied by a UHS-II SD card slot and an HDMI type D video output connector.
Quick Specs:
- Image Processor: BIONZ XR
- Resolution 61.0 MP
- Pixel Dimensions: 9504×6336
- Sensor Dimensions: 35.7 x 23.8 mm
- Sensor Size: Full Frame
- Sensor Pixel Size: 3.76 microns
- Low Pass Filter: No
- IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization): Yes
- ISO range: 100-32,000
- Extended ISOs: 50-102,400
- High-Resolution Sensor Shift: Yes
- Focus Stack Bracketing: Yes
- Pre-Shoot Burst Mode: No
- Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
- Continuous Shooting: 8 FPS
- Buffer Size (Raw): 36 frames at 8 FPS
- Autofocus System: Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition
- Autofocus Points: 693
- Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100): -4 EV
- Standard Flash Sync Speed: 1/160 second
- Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown: No
- Card Slots: 1x (SD, UHS-II compatible)
- Maximum Video Resolution/framerate: 4K60p
THE NEXT STEPS AFTER YOU PICK YOUR HOUSING: