Latest Developments in Submersible Cameras and Recording devices for the year 2020
DEMA 2019, the world's largest tradeshow for the dive industry and underwater photo/video professionals, was held in Orlando, Florida. The event was a hub for the latest innovations in underwater photography, with several companies unveiling exciting new products.
Isotta announced the RED 64 strobe, a compact and powerful device featuring a guide number of 64, neutral buoyancy, AA batteries, focus light, red light, a 130-degree beam angle, TTL, manual power control, and TTL with sync cords.
Nauticam introduced the Wide Angle Conversion Port 2 (WACP-2) at DEMA 2019. This conversion port, with true water contact optics, is optimized to work with 14mm equivalent lenses to create a 140-degree field of view, making it perfect for over-under shots.
Kraken showcased a new Solar Flare Mini with 12,000 lumens, featuring a vacuum port, pump, waterproof head, and a five optic port for camera use. They also presented a new snoot light with 1000 lumens and optional color filters.
Kraken is producing a new aluminum housing for the Olympus TG-6 camera with a bayonet system and built-in vacuum pump.
Ikelite introduced the new Ikelite DS type strobe, which boasts 35% more energy capacity, a chrome plated reflector, a new front shroud design, Ikelite TTL compatibility, and the same battery pack, recycle time, and color temperature as the DS-161.
Ikelite is also making a dome for the Olympus FCON-T02 lens.
Sea & Sea showcased the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Strobe at DEMA 2019. This strobe features new electronics, a spherical lens instead of flash tubes, the fastest recycle time in the industry (.6 sec at half power), a 1000 lumen continuous focus light, redesigned circuitry, and a guide number of 33 (up from 32).
SeaLife presented the SeaLife Reefmaster RM-4K video camera, capable of shooting 4K@30fps, 1080p @ 60fps, and featuring a 140-degree field of view, large LCD, and built-in color correction algorithm. They also presented the Sea Dragon 5000, a light with a 5000 lumen beam, auto proximity dimmer, automatic off capability with strobes, one button, CRI of 96, and safety features.
Aquatica unveiled new housings for the Nikon Z6/Z7 and Sony A7R IV cameras. The Nikon Z6/Z7 housing is ergonomic, well-designed, and durable. The Sony A7R IV housing will ship in mid-December 2019.
In addition to these specific announcements, the industry was experiencing broader trends such as the use of mirrorless camera systems for underwater housing, offering lighter, more compact setups with high image quality. Advances in 4K video recording underwater with improved lighting and stabilization were also prominent. AI-assisted autofocus and image processing even in harsh underwater conditions were becoming more common. The development of more robust and versatile underwater housings compatible with multiple camera brands, enhanced dive lights and strobes with adjustable color temperature and wireless control, and new compact drones and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) integrating high-resolution cameras for imaging inaccessible marine environments were also significant trends during this period.
While DEMA tradeshows traditionally showcase such advances, no direct citation from DEMA 2019 or related official announcements appear in the results. The available search results focus on underwater photography exhibitions, marine events in 2025, and general marine industry expos without mentioning DEMA 2019 or technological breakthroughs for 2020 underwater photography.
- Isotta's RED 64 strobe, introduced at DEMA 2019, is a compact, powerful device equipped with a focus light, red light, and a 130-degree beam angle.
- Nauticam's Wide Angle Conversion Port 2 (WACP-2), unveiled at DEMA 2019, is designed to work with 14mm equivalent lenses for over-under shots.
- Kraken showcased a new Solar Flare Mini, featuring a vacuum port, pump, waterproof head, and a five optic port, at DEMA 2019.
- Ikelite announced the DS type strobe at DEMA 2019, boasting 35% more energy capacity and Ikelite TTL compatibility.
- Sea & Sea showcased the Sea & Sea YS-D3 Strobe at DEMA 2019, featuring a fast recycle time, a 1000 lumen continuous focus light, and a guide number of 33.
- SeaLife presented the SeaLife Reefmaster RM-4K video camera, capable of shooting 4K and 1080p videos, at DEMA 2019.
- Aquatica unveiled new housings for Nikon Z6/Z7 and Sony A7R IV cameras at DEMA 2019, with the Sony A7R IV housing set to ship in mid-December 2019.
- During DEMA 2019, the dive industry and underwater photo/video professionals witnessed the rise of mirrorless camera systems for underwater photography, advancing 4K video recording with improved lighting and stabilization, and incorporating AI-assisted autofocus and image processing.
