phxazcraig

Forum username: phxazcraig
Posts: 598
Active years: 2015–2024
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique, Beginner Forum, Trip Reports and Travel
Specialization: Nikon full-frame underwater photography, travel logistics, gear packing

Community Role

phxazcraig joined the Wetpixel forums in October 2015 as a Nikon shooter based in Phoenix, Arizona. He entered the community at a time when DSLR underwater photography was well-established and brought a methodical, detail-oriented approach to discussions about gear selection, travel logistics, and camera settings. Over nearly a decade of active participation, he contributed 598 posts across a wide range of topics, with particular depth in Nikon full-frame systems.

His progression through Nikon’s lineup — from the D810 to the D850 and eventually the Nikon Z9 — was documented extensively in the forums, making his posts a valuable real-world resource for other Nikon shooters considering similar upgrades. He shot in Nauticam housings throughout his active period and used Sea & Sea YS-D1 and later YS-D2 strobes.

Notable Contributions

Nikon Z9 Underwater Field Reports

phxazcraig was among the early adopters of the Nikon Z9 for underwater use, ordering a Nauticam housing in mid-2022. He provided detailed field reports from Roatan and Truk Lagoon covering autofocus performance, ISO management, white balance behavior, and comparisons with the D850. His assessment that the Z9 produced “essentially D850 images” but with superior autofocus tracking helped other community members evaluate the transition to mirrorless. He used the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 with Sea & Sea Internal Correction Lens and 230mm dome port for wide-angle work, and the 105mm for macro (^[1]).

Travel and Packing Logistics

A frequent contributor to discussions about traveling with underwater photography gear, phxazcraig started one of the community’s many packing threads when he first acquired a 230mm dome port in 2015, expressing the universal shock at its size. His first DSLR housing purchase — a Nauticam NA-D810 with 105VR port and 230mm dome — prompted extensive discussion about carry-on versus checked luggage strategies (^[2]).

Dive Computer and Accessory Discussions

His thread on rechargeable batteries for the Shearwater Perdix 2 dive computer attracted 30 replies and became a useful reference for battery performance data, with contributions from experienced Shearwater users including Walt Stearns (^[3]).

Trip Planning and Destination Advice

phxazcraig regularly dove Roatan as his primary destination and contributed to travel discussions about the Cayman Islands, Truk Lagoon, Raja Ampat, and Bonaire. His Caymans thread explored the challenge of combining diving with non-diving vacation activities for a fiancee who doesn’t snorkel (^[4]).

Gear Progression

• 2015: Nauticam NA-D810, Nikon 16-35mm VR, Nikon 105mm VR, 230mm dome port, dual Sea & Sea YS-D1 strobes
• 2018–2021: Upgraded to Nikon D850 in Nauticam housing
• 2022: Transitioned to Nikon Z9 with Nauticam housing, Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 with Sea & Sea IRC, 230mm dome port

Activity Profile

• First post: October 2015
• Last post: May 2024
• Peak years: 2019–2023
• 55 threads started across Beginner Forum, Gear and Technique, and Trip Reports
• Top threads: “Rechargeable batteries for Perdix 2?” (30 replies), “Diving with Nikon Z9?” (23 replies), “Looking for Caymans suggestions” (23 replies), “Holy Cow! How will I pack a 230mm dome port?” (21 replies)