Amphibico

Type: Underwater video housing manufacturer
Founded: Late 1980s/early 1990s (Montreal, Canada)
Headquarters: 3025 De Baene, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4S 1K8
President/CEO: Ronald T. Hand
Key personnel: Joe Bendahan (sales/product management), JC (sales), Val Ranetkins (co-founder)
Ceased operations: April 21, 2011
Acquired by: Aquatica (September 28, 2011)
Key products: Phenom, Endeavor, Dive Buddy EVO, Genesis, Rouge, Turtle, XD Amphibicam X3

Overview

Amphibico was a Montreal-based manufacturer of underwater video housings, one of the “big four” housing makers alongside Gates Underwater Products, Light & Motion, and Sea & Sea during the 2000s. (^[1]) The company specialized in electronically controlled aluminum housings for consumer, prosumer, and professional camcorders, with a particular focus on Sony cameras. Amphibico was originally founded by the same people who later founded Aquatica, creating a historical connection that would come full circle when Aquatica acquired the Amphibico brand in 2011. (^[2])

Amphibico’s housings were distinguished by their dual electronic “Amphibi-grip” hand controls, which provided pushbutton access to over 25 camera functions — a design philosophy that contrasted with competitors like Gates, who favored purely mechanical controls. One forum user who owned housings from both companies noted that “Amphibico does fewer housings but they’re all full custom with both electronic and mechanical controls” and that their housings were “very easy to use” with industry-leading “advanced optics.” (^[3])

All Amphibico housings were precision-machined from 6061-T6 marine-grade solid aluminum, black anodized for corrosion protection with a military-grade polyurethane powder coat and clear coat finish. Housings were typically depth-rated to 300-330 feet (90-100 meters). (^[4])

History

Early years and optics development (1990s)

Amphibico’s entry into underwater video housing manufacturing dates to the early-to-mid 1990s. The company was co-founded by Val Ranetkins, who would later be involved with Aquatica. In 1995, Dr. Paul Remijan of Fathom Imaging designed the first glass asphere lens for Amphibico at Ranetkins’ request, a $6,500 optic adapted for their VX1000 housing’s bulkhead lens opening. In 1997-98, Dr. Remijan designed Amphibico’s High-Definition Underwater Adaptor for the Sony HDW-F900 to match the Canon lens for their HD housing. When the Sony VX2000/PD150 came out, Amphibico “decided to go its own way and try to make its own lenses,” eventually producing a compact 100-degree super wide-angle aspheric lens for $1,995 that fit all their bayonet-mounted housings. (^[5])

DEMA 2002-2004: Established video housing maker

By DEMA 2002, Amphibico was an established exhibitor alongside the major housing manufacturers. At the time, the company offered one still housing (for the Sony F-717 digital camera) alongside its suite of video housings, and also featured their proprietary LSD “ITL” system for automatic strobe exposures. (^[6])

At DEMA 2004, Amphibico showed the “Prowler” housing for the Sony PC350 miniDV camera, the “Evo” entry-level housing for the Sony HC20/30/40 miniDV cameras, a Sony HD1000 prototype housing, and the Surveyor still housing for the Sony F-717. (^[7])

HDV revolution: The Phenom era (2005-2008)

The arrival of Sony’s HDR-FX1 and HVR-Z1 HDV camcorders in 2005 transformed underwater video, and Amphibico’s Phenom FXZ1 housing became one of the first housings available for these cameras. Eric Cheng compiled a roundup of all available HDV housings, listing the Amphibico Phenom alongside offerings from Gates, Equinox, Sea & Sea, Seacam, and Light & Motion. (^[8])

Wetpixel user wagsy (Paul Wagstaff, known as “Wags”) was one of the first users in Australia to receive the Phenom FXZ1 in 2005 and posted sample videos that generated enormous interest, crashing his hosting provider’s bandwidth limit. (^[9]) At SeaSpace 2005, James Wiseman described the Phenom as “beautifully finished and full featured” with internal flip filters for ND and white balance filtration. (^[10])

Wags published an in-depth review of the Phenom on Wetpixel in July 2006, noting he had “spent more time under the water with this housing than anybody in any other ocean” and had filmed subjects “from tiny Nudibranchs right up to massive Manta Rays and Whale Sharks for professional documentary TV crews including the BBC and National Geographic.” He acknowledged the housing was “a ‘lump’ on land” but praised its underwater balance. The housing had initial problems including vignetting, but Amphibico “listened to their customers concerns and applied themselves to come up with solutions.” (^[11])

Disputed: Not all users agreed with the positive assessment. User “underwaterdop,” a 10-year professional, called the lens “worst i ever have used” with “bad lens flares” and vignetting, noting the field of view was reduced to about 80 degrees rather than the advertised specification. (^[12])

A persistent issue with the Phenom was access to Manual White Balance (MWB). The housing’s Electronic White Balance (EWB) worked via the electronic controls, but physically accessing the camera’s MWB button required a housing modification. In May 2006, Amphibico announced a Manual White Balance bracket kit (part 064-4617, $35 MSRP), though using it required trading the ND filter function for MWB access. (^[13])

Also in May 2006, Amphibico addressed the Phenom’s vignetting issue by developing a new 94-degree lens system. The redesign removed one of the two flip filters and pushed the lens back into the housing. Existing customers could upgrade for $200 plus shipping. A new “Phenom Basic” housing with a domed flat port was also announced at $5,395 MSRP, along with a 4.5-inch HD 16:9 monitor. (^[14])

Consumer HDV housings: Dive Buddy EVO line (2005-2010)

In parallel with the professional Phenom, Amphibico developed the smaller Dive Buddy EVO line for consumer HDV camcorders:

• September 2005: Announced housing for Sony HDR-HC1 at $1,995 (basic Dive Buddy EVO) and $2,800 (Pro version with second grip and manual focus). (^[15])
• January 2006: Dive Buddy Evo HD and Evo Pro HD housings began shipping for the Sony HVR-A1 and HDR-HC1. MWB access for the HVR-A1 was a $200 option. (^[16])
• February 2007: Dive Buddy EVO HD SE7 shipped for Sony HDR-HC5 and HDR-HC7, featuring a 3.5-inch color LCD monitor back (480x234 resolution, PAL/NTSC auto-switching). Priced at $2,395. (^[17])
• April 2006: Housing announced for the Sony HDR-HC3, described as “absolutely tiny” with 70-degree lens standard, 80- and 120-degree options available. (^[18])
• June 2010: Dive Buddy EVO Elite II introduced for Sony HDR-XR550V and HDR-CX550V with full electronic controls, mechanical white balance, and 3.5-inch LCD viewfinder. (^[19])
• June 2010: “Electronic one-push white balance” feature began shipping on Dive Buddy EVO Elite II models, with rollout planned across the range for Sony HDR-XR520V, HDR-XR200V, HDR-CX12, and Sony HXR-MC50. (^[20])
• October 2010: Expanded range with models for Sony XR350V, CX350V, and CX300V. (^[21])

EVO PRO HD and Endeavor (2006-2007)

Wags also reviewed the EVO PRO HD housing for the Sony HVR-A1 and HDR-HC1 in September 2006, describing it as a welcome alternative to the larger Phenom for “the average diver or a diver who travels frequently.” (^[22])

At DEMA 2006, Amphibico showed two prototypes under domed glass: the Endeavor (for Sony V1/FX7) and an EVO2 housing for the Sony HDR-SR1 AVCHD camcorder with integrated LCD screen. Eric Cheng photographed Joe Bendahan of Amphibico at the booth. (^[23])

Drew Wong published a comprehensive multi-page review of the Amphibico Endeavor housing for the Sony HVR-V1U in August 2007. He received Prototype #01 through fellow moderator Shawn Heinrichs and Amphibico’s Joe Bendahan. The review covered the housing’s dual electronic 5-button control handles, bayonet-mount port system with 94-degree OPWA and standard dome port options, rear bulkhead HD monitor, and detailed camera control access. Drew noted the housing weighed about 12kg fully loaded and was “definitely noticeably lighter and smaller than the Phenom.” He praised the electronics system but noted the absence of ND filter control and the loss of rubber feet from day one. (^[24])

Wags review of the 95-degree EVO port (2010)

In January 2010, Wags reviewed a pre-production 95-degree port designed for the Amphibico EVO housing. He tested it in Tulamben, Bali, along with a Discovery G3 HID light and 16:9 HD external monitor. (^[25])

Professional and cinema housings (2008-2013)

Amphibico expanded into higher-end professional and cinema camera housings:

• May 2008: Phenom Z7LE announced for Sony HVR-Z7U at $4,795 CAD (housing only), with three port options: standard dome ($695 CAD), flat port ($495 CAD), and 94-degree wide-angle ($2,900 CAD). Featured 14 electronic push-button controls, dual hydrophones, and a 2-year warranty. (^[26])
• July 2010: NanoSplash housing released for the Convergent Designs nanoFlash recorder, depth-rated to 330 feet, designed to mount on the rear of the XD Amphibicam X3. (^[27])
• July 2010: Phenom NX5 SE Pro housing began shipping for the Sony HXR-NX5U professional camcorder. The housing had no listed price — “you must contact Amphibico directly.” Eric Cheng photographed one at Dolphin Scuba in Sacramento during a workshop. (^[28])
• August 2010: XD Amphibicam X3 Hybrid announced, integrating the NanoFlash Convergent Recorder into the X3 housing for the Sony PMW-EX3. (^[29])
• March 2011: Redesigned Endeavor announced for Canon XF105/100 at $4,995 (excluding ports), plus a housing for the Sony PMW-F3. (^[30])

The Turtle: Colorful consumer housing (February 2011)

In February 2011, just weeks before the company’s closure, Amphibico released the Turtle — a colorful consumer housing available in six “vibrant tropical colors” for 15 Sony HD camcorders (XR150, XR350, XR550, CX110, CX150, CX300, CX350, CX550 and others). It featured a fixed front glass (no port options), a 3.5-inch LCD display, electronic right-hand controls with one-touch white balance, and a moisture alarm. Priced at $1,195, Amphibico pledged to donate $50 per completed housing registration to Save Our Leatherback Turtle (SOLO). (^[31])

Submerge Camera later released a modified version of the Turtle with a second handle and softer push-buttons, at $1,199.95. (^[32])

Conservation: SOLO partnership

Ronald T. Hand and Amphibico were recognized by Save Our Leatherbacks Operation (SOLO) founder Dr. Larry McKenna for being the first personal and corporate sponsors of the organization at its inception in 2005, with continuous support since. McKenna stated: “These Leatherback turtles live today because of the firm support you provide.” (^[33])

Closure (April 21, 2011)

On April 21, 2011, Amphibico ceased operations after its bank recalled loans. The closure was not immediately announced; customers and dealers discovered it over the following weeks when phone calls went to full voicemail and emails went unanswered. (^[34])

The first public alarm came on May 10, 2011, when Bent Yde Jorgensen (chilbal) posted on the Wetpixel forums that he had sent a $6,080 PayPal payment on April 29 for a Panasonic POV housing but could not reach anyone at Amphibico. Other users reported similar experiences. On May 17, forum user “focker” confirmed: “Amphibico has ceased operations at this time and is for sale or looking for an investor.” (^[35])

On May 19, user “treasureguard” shared an email from Amphibico: “since April 21st Bank recall our loans that forced the owners to closed-shut down the Amphibico division…If you placed an order after that date and we can complete it, you will be contacted soon as we plan to honored parts and warranty service still.” (^[36])

Adam Hanlon subsequently confirmed the closure via direct email from the owner, quoting: “The market has changed so severely, new camera technology in the video camcorders has not kept pace with the DSLR’s, spending in the market has decreased hugely and I would have to invest very heavily in new R&D to see returns only in 3 or 4 years. I just turned 64 so I’m not interested in doing that.” (^[37])

Some customers were left with outstanding orders. Bent Yde Jorgensen recovered his $6,080 through PayPal dispute resolution and went on to buy a Gates housing. Another user (jackpolanen) had sent in a lens port for a free replacement just two days before the closure (April 19) and never received the replacement. (^[38])

Forum user “steve douglas” noted the impact on the market: “They were the only company, aside from Gates, who made housings for the higher end cams. That leaves Gates on the top of the Apex.” (^[39])

Aquatica acquisition (September 28, 2011)

On September 28, 2011, Aquatica announced it had acquired the Amphibico brand. Jean Bruneau (vizart) posted the news on the Wetpixel forum, and Adam Hanlon published the official announcement. Blake Stoughton, co-owner of Aquatica, stated: “The Amphibico name is known around the world for excellence in underwater videography. While we are combining the operations of the two companies, we will maintain the Amphibico brand and the commitment to quality and excellence that it has inspired for many years.” Co-owner Norma Alonzo added: “The acquisition of Amphibico will allow us to offer our customers the combined expertise to deliver the very best products for all underwater imaging requirements.” (^[40])

Forum user “manatee19” (Michel) noted the historical symmetry: “A loooong time ago, Aquatica people founded Amphibico… Who said that the earth was round..?” User “scorpio_fish” recalled: “About 10-12 years ago if I recall, there was this camera housing company… I figured there was value there for someone already in the business.” (^[41])

Aquatica honored warranty service for existing Amphibico customers. Forum user jackpolanen, who had lost a lens port during the closure, reported that Aquatica’s Joe resolved his issue and shipped a replacement lens, calling it “a very good job.” (^[42])

Post-acquisition: Amphibico brand under Aquatica (2011-2015)

Under Aquatica ownership, new products continued to carry the Amphibico brand:

• October 2011: Genesis housing announced for Sony FS100U NXCAM, featuring Aquatica-compatible bayonet port system and optional Atomos Ninja recorder attachment. (^[43])
• July 2012: Rouge housing unveiled for RED Scarlet X and Epic cinema cameras at $12,999 — described as “the most ambitious project that Amphibico has undertaken in the past 10 years.” All camera control via the grips (REDMOTE not required), servo-driven focus/zoom/iris, compatible with Nikon, Canon, and PL mount lenses. Adam Hanlon commented: “This is a very well engineered housing. Fingertip controls, smaller size, streamlined design with monitor and a competitive price are advantages over Gates.” (^[44])
• August 2012: Genesis FS100 housing first seen in the field, with David Cheung of Scubacam Singapore posting images and noting it mixed Amphibico and Aquatica design elements: “Controls and ergonomics are excellent and many details such as ports and gears I could see belongs to Aquatica, the parent company. This housing looks and feels retro with a bit of Amphibico and Aquatica mixed in.” (^[45])
• March 2013: Genesis FS700 announced for Sony NEX-FS700 at $6,395, with bayonet port system compatible with Aquatica ports. (^[46])
• February 2014: Pocket Buddy announced for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera at $1,699, featuring 15-degree angled “Stable-Wide” comfort grips and Aquatica’s Micro Four Thirds port line. (^[47])
• November 2014: 5.6-inch HDMI IPS HD monitor announced at $1,895, designed to mount on Amphibico, Aquatica, or other brand housings. (^[48])

Community reviews of post-acquisition products

Stuart Keasley published a detailed field review of the Amphibico Genesis 700 housing with a Sony NEX-FS700 and Odyssey 7Q, shooting at 2K 100fps. He praised the housing as “very well designed” with “a relatively compact size and at just under 14 kilos dry weight, a fraction of the weight compared to other pro systems.” He noted the electronic LANC-based camera control worked with Canon EF glass via Metabones adapter, and the housing had six bulkhead ports for off-board options. (^[49])

Key personnel

• Ronald T. Hand — President, CEO, and owner of Amphibico Group Inc. Honored by SOLO for turtle conservation support. Aged 64 at time of closure. (^[50])
• Val Ranetkins — Co-founder, had “a vision for the Company” according to forum users. Originally commissioned Fathom Imaging’s first underwater lens in 1995. (^[51])
• Joe Bendahan — Sales and product management. Photographed at DEMA 2006. Provided Drew Wong with the Endeavor prototype for review. Continued working with Aquatica post-acquisition, resolving warranty issues for former Amphibico customers. (^[52])
• JC — Sales associate whose voicemail messages during the closure period were the first indication something was wrong. (^[53])

Product timeline

• ~1995: First underwater video housing (Sony VX1000) with Fathom Imaging aspheric lens. (^[54])
• ~1997-98: HD housing for Sony HDW-F900 with Canon HD lens. (^[55])
• 2002: Surveyor still housing for Sony DSC-F707/F717 shown at DEMA. (^[56])
• 2003-06: Dive Buddy Mini for Sony DCR-PC55. (^[57])
• 2004-10: Prowler (Sony PC350), Evo (Sony HC20/30/40), Sony HD1000 prototype shown at DEMA. (^[58])
• 2005-03: Phenom FXZ1 for Sony HDR-FX1/HVR-Z1 announced. (^[59])
• 2005-09: Dive Buddy EVO HC1 announced for Sony HDR-HC1 ($1,995). (^[60])
• 2006-01: Dive Buddy Evo HD and Evo Pro HD begin shipping. (^[61])
• 2006-04: Housing announced for Sony HDR-HC3. (^[62])
• 2006-05: Phenom Basic ($5,395), new 94-degree lens system, HD monitor announced. (^[63])
• 2006-09: EVO PRO HD reviewed for Sony HVR-A1/HDR-HC1. (^[64])
• 2006-11: Endeavor prototype and EVO2 for Sony HDR-SR1 shown at DEMA 2006. (^[65])
• 2007-02: Dive Buddy EVO HD SE7 for Sony HDR-HC5/HC7 ($2,395). (^[66])
• 2007-08: Endeavor housing for Sony HVR-V1U reviewed by Drew Wong. (^[67])
• 2007-11: DEMA 2007 — shipping Endeavor, showing full range from Dive Buddy EVO to Sony 900-series HDCAM housings. (^[68])
• 2008-05: Phenom Z7LE for Sony HVR-Z7U ($4,795 CAD). (^[69])
• 2010-01: 95-degree EVO port reviewed by Wags in Bali. (^[70])
• 2010-06: Dive Buddy EVO Elite II for Sony HDR-XR550V/CX550V. (^[71])
• 2010-06: Electronic one-push white balance feature begins rollout. (^[72])
• 2010-07: NanoSplash housing for Convergent Designs nanoFlash. (^[73])
• 2010-07: Phenom NX5 SE Pro for Sony HXR-NX5U begins shipping. (^[74])
• 2010-08: XD Amphibicam X3 Hybrid for Sony PMW-EX3 with integrated nanoFlash. (^[75])
• 2010-10: SOLO conservation award for Ronald T. Hand. (^[76])
• 2010-10: Dive Buddy EVO range expanded for Sony XR350V/CX350V/CX300V. (^[77])
• 2011-02: Turtle consumer housing in six colors ($1,195). (^[78])
• 2011-03: Redesigned Endeavor for Canon XF105/100 ($4,995) and Sony PMW-F3 housing announced. (^[79])
• 2011-04-21: Operations cease; bank recalls loans. (^[80])
• 2011-09-28: Aquatica acquires Amphibico brand. (^[81])
• 2011-10: Genesis housing for Sony FS100U announced under Aquatica ownership. (^[82])
• 2012-07: Rouge housing for RED Scarlet X/Epic ($12,999). (^[83])
• 2013-03: Genesis FS700 for Sony NEX-FS700 ($6,395). (^[84])
• 2014-02: Pocket Buddy for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera ($1,699). (^[85])
• 2014-11: 5.6-inch HDMI HD monitor ($1,895). (^[86])

DEMA Show appearances

• DEMA 2002: Surveyor still housing, video housing lineup, LSD ITL strobe system. (^[87])
• DEMA 2004: Prowler, Evo, Sony HD1000 prototype. (^[88])
• DEMA 2005: Phenom FXZ1 HDV housing featured prominently. (^[89])
• DEMA 2006: Endeavor and EVO2 prototypes; Joe Bendahan at booth. (^[90])
• DEMA 2007: Full range shown, Endeavor now shipping, no new announcements. Eric Cheng noted: “All the video guys seem to be wondering what housing to make next.” (^[91])

References