dreifish

Forum username: dreifish
Posts: 607
Active years: 2013—2024
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique, Video Gear and Technique, Lights/Strobes/Lighting, Shooting Technique/Workflow/Editing
Specialization: Video light comparisons, hybrid photo/video systems, Nauticam wet optics, Panasonic GH5

Community Role

dreifish was one of Wetpixel’s most technically rigorous contributors from 2013 to 2024, known for detailed comparative testing of underwater equipment and systematic reviews of camera systems. A hybrid shooter who worked with both stills and video, dreifish progressed from compact cameras (Sony RX100) through the Nikon D800, Sony A7 II, Panasonic GH5, and eventually to full-frame systems including the Sony A1, Canon R5 C, and Nikon Z9.

Heavily invested in Nauticam housings and wet optics, dreifish combined engineering-minded analysis with extensive field experience from Raja Ampat and other Indo-Pacific destinations. His threads frequently drew participation from Nauticam staff (including Ryan, likely Ryan Cannon) and from key community members like Interceptor121 and Alex Mustard. With 607 posts across 53 threads started, dreifish’s contributions were disproportionately influential relative to his post count, with several threads becoming definitive community references.

Notable Contributions

Nauticam WACP-C Thread (248 replies)

dreifish’s highest-engagement thread was about the Nauticam WACP-C (Wide Angle Conversion Port - Compact), which generated 248 replies — one of the most active gear discussion threads on Wetpixel. He identified the WACP-C as a development of Alex Mustard’s prototype lens, noting it was 36% lighter and 36% cheaper than the WACP-1. dreifish provided detailed analysis of the optical trade-offs, questioned Nauticam’s claims about corner sharpness improvements, and mapped out camera/lens compatibility. The thread became the primary community resource for evaluating the WACP-C against the original WACP-1. (^[1])

Full Frame Hybrid Camera Comparison (67 replies)

“Full Frame Upgrade for Hybrid Shooters: Sony A1 vs Canon R5 C vs Nikon Z9 AMA” (67 replies) was a community milestone in camera comparison methodology. dreifish acquired all three cameras simultaneously and conducted systematic topside tests covering image stabilization, video codecs and file sizes (8K60p RAW and H.265), battery life, and subject tracking. His codec analysis was particularly detailed, comparing bitrates, card requirements, and recording durations across all three systems. He found the Canon R5 C offered the best RAW compression, the Sony A1 had the most codec options with the smallest files, and the Nikon Z9’s 4K60 and 8K offered strong downsampled quality. The thread became a reference for underwater shooters evaluating full-frame hybrid systems. (^[2])

Video Light Comparison Testing (49 replies)

“Testing 3 10k+ lumen lights: Gates GT14 vs. Scubalamp V6K vs. Jaunt G18 Plus” (49 replies) exemplified dreifish’s methodical approach. He conducted controlled underwater tests in a cavern at 35 meters to minimize ambient light influence, using a Panasonic GH5 with the Nauticam WWL-1 at fixed ISO 200 and F5.6 to compare beam coverage, power output, color temperature, and run times. Key findings included: the Scubalamp V6K had the widest beam coverage but was a full stop less bright than the Gates GT14; the Gates GT14 and Jaunt G18 Plus were “more or less interchangeable” in output; and all three met advertised drain time specifications. He also compared charger sizes, button interfaces, battery swap ergonomics, and airline battery restrictions. (^[3])

Nauticam Pricing Discussion (39 replies)

“Nauticam’s Recent Price Hikes” (39 replies) sparked community debate about Nauticam’s pricing positioning. dreifish noted that the Canon R5 Nauticam housing at $5,159 had surpassed even Seacam pricing, with a 65% premium over Aquatica, Isotta, and Sea & Sea alternatives. While acknowledging his deep investment in the Nauticam ecosystem, he questioned whether the convenience features justified the premium, noting issues with coatings and control layout reliability. The thread captured a significant moment in the underwater housing market where competitors like Marelux and Isotta gained credibility as alternatives. (^[4])

M4/3 Zoom Lens Testing with WWL-1 (38 replies)

“Best M4/3 Zoom Lens for WWL-1” (38 replies) explored which kit zoom produced the best results behind the Nauticam WWL-1 wet wide-angle converter on the GH5. dreifish compared the Olympus 14-42EZ against prime lenses and found the Panasonic 15mm f/1.7 produced noticeably better corner sharpness, demonstrating that the lens behind the WWL-1 significantly affects final image quality. (^[5])

52,000 Lumen GH5 Rig Design (22 replies)

“How to: 52000 lumens neutrally-buoyant GH5 rig” showcased dreifish’s engineering approach to underwater video lighting. Running 2x Gates GT14 (14,000 lumens each) plus 2x Scubalamp V6K (12,000 lumens each), he designed a float arm configuration to achieve neutral buoyancy with the Nauticam GH5 housing and WWL-1. The thread documented the practical challenges of managing weight, arm rigidity, and transport for high-output video rigs. (^[6])

Raja Ampat Film Work

dreifish spent at least 7 trips aboard the Blue Manta liveaboard in Raja Ampat during 2017/2018, producing short films combining GH5 underwater footage with DJI Inspire 2 drone aerial shots. His Raja Ampat film was praised for its cinematic color grading. He also shared a separate Raja Ampat clear water mangrove video. (^[7])

Activity Profile

• Peak years: 2018—2022, with highest engagement on gear comparison threads
• Geographic focus: Raja Ampat (primary), Indonesia
• Equipment progression: Sony RX100 with Nauticam housing (2013) -> Nikon D800 with Nauticam (2013—2015) -> Sony A7 II (2015—2017) -> Panasonic GH5 with Nauticam and WWL-1 (2017—2022) -> Sony A1/Canon R5 C/Nikon Z9 evaluation (2022—2024)
• Aerial: DJI Inspire 2 for topside/aerial footage
• Threads started: 53
• Last appearance: January 2024