2008
Key events
The most transformative year in UW photography since the film-to-digital transition. The Nikon D300 became the dominant underwater DSLR body, with housing reviews from every major manufacturer. Nikon D700 brought affordable full-frame; Canon 5D Mark II introduced 1080p video to DSLRs; the Nikon D90 became the first DSLR with any video capability. Olympus and Panasonic announced Micro Four Thirds — Eric Cheng later called it a potential “Nikonos V replacement” at DEMA. Nauticam debuted at DEMA with its first product. Subal was sold to new owners. Backscatter merged with Underwater Photo-Tech. Alex Mustard published landmark FX vs DX underwater comparisons. Photokina 2008 featured its first “Underwater Imaging World” pavilion. Underwater cinematographer Ralph B. White, who documented the discovery of the RMS Titanic, passed away. Wetpixel Quarterly published issues 2, 3, and 4, and a Collectors Edition box set. Wetpixel joined Facebook and launched a Surf Photography forum.
January
- 2008-01-09: DivePhotoGuide/Wakatobi Underwater Photo & Video Festival announced for 2008. ([1])
- 2008-01-15: Wetpixel announces 2008 expedition schedule: Socorro, Bahamas, Bonaire, Yap (Micronesia), South Africa. Eric Cheng, Alex Mustard. ([2])
- 2008-01-16: Stephen Frink tests Canon 14mm II with Seacam Superdome for wide-angle coverage. ([3])
- 2008-01-18: Berkley White tests Nikon D300 in Sea & Sea MDX-D300 on sailfish in Isla Mujeres, declaring the D300 “the most significant advance in underwater digital photography since the Nikon D100.” ([4])
- 2008-01-21: Wetpixel Quarterly issue 2 ships, celebrating the lifelong work of James D. Watt, a pioneer of modern underwater photography. ([5])
- 2008-01-24: Canon announces EOS 450D/Digital Rebel XSi (12.2MP). ([6])
- 2008-01-30: Nikon announces D60 entry-level DSLR. ([7])
February
- 2008-02-12: Underwater cinematographer Ralph B. White passes away. He documented the expedition that found the RMS Titanic in 1985 and made 35 dives to the 12,000-foot wreck. ([8])
- 2008-02-15: Ikelite introduces Modular Port System with extension rings, bringing a feature common in other manufacturers to the Ikelite line. ([9])
- 2008-02-16: Our World Underwater 2008 in Chicago — live coverage by DivePhotoGuide. ([10])
- 2008-02-19: OWU 2008 photo/video contest winners announced — 3rd Annual Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide International Underwater Photography & Video Competition. ([11])
- 2008-02-27: Aquatica releases details and photos of Nikon D3 housing — machined from solid aluminum, military-spec anodizing, built-in remote control, and Live View access. ([12])
March
- 2008-03-02: Beneath the Sea 2008 contest winners announced. ([13])
- 2008-03-06: Wetpixel joins Facebook, creating its first social media presence. ([14])
- 2008-03-06: Moscow Golden Dolphin 2008 competition winners announced. ([15])
- 2008-03-07: Wetpixel launches Surf Photography forum. ([16])
- 2008-03-12: Brian Skerry publishes Japan’s Ocean Wilderness feature. ([17])
- 2008-03-17: Eric Cheng and Don Kehoe publish review of Sea & Sea MDX-PRO Mark III housing for Canon 1D/1Ds Mark III. ([18])
April
- 2008-04-01: Aquatica announces underwater housing for Nikon D300. ([19])
- 2008-04-11: Martin Edge reviews Subal ND30 housing for Nikon D300. ([20])
- 2008-04-23: DEEP Indonesia 2008 underwater photo competition winners announced; Dale Sanders wins Best of Show with salmon spawning image. ([21])
- 2008-04-25: Aquatica announces Canon 1D/1Ds Mark III housing — 21.1MP camera, machined from solid aluminum, 300 ft depth rating. ([22])
- 2008-04-30: Cor Bosman wins Best of Show at Underwater Images Competition 2008 with lizardfish/goby cleaning image. ([23])
May
- 2008-05-02: Colin Gans reviews Sealux CD300 underwater housing for Nikon D300. ([24])
- 2008-05: Multiple housing manufacturers release Canon 40D and Nikon D300 housings from Aquatica, Subal, Sea & Sea, Seacam, Ikelite, and Sealux. The Nikon D300 becomes the dominant body for UW photographers. ([25])
- 2008-05-20: David Doubilet’s nudibranch images featured in National Geographic. ([26])
June
- 2008-06-04: Wetpixel Quarterly issue 3 ships, featuring Alex Kirkbride’s three-year project photographing America’s 50 states underwater. ([27])
- 2008-06-06: Eric Cheng covers Digital Shootout 2008 in Bonaire. ([28])
- 2008-06-12: Shark Conservation Act of 2008 approved. ([29])
- 2008-06-28: Ikelite SubStrobe DS-160 announced — 160 watt-seconds, built-in 5-watt LED modeling light, TTL plus 10 power levels, 1.5-second recycle. Replaces DS-125. ([30])
July
- 2008-07-01: Nikon announces D700 — 12MP full-frame at $2,999, bringing FX format to a broader audience. Housing speculation begins immediately. ([31])
- 2008-07-05: Digital Shootout 2008 winners announced in Bonaire; 58 participants. Berkley White, David Fleetham, Eric Cheng judge. ([32])
- 2008-07-13: Seacam Seaflash 250 TTL tested at Stephen Frink’s Digital Master class in Key Largo. ([33])
- 2008-07-27: Wetpixel Sharks & Dolphins 2008 expedition returns a success; Alex Mustard reports the trip included Palm Beach muck diving, Gulf Stream night pelagic drifts, super macro plankton photography, and nocturnal critter hunting. ([34])
August
- 2008-08-03: Wetpixel member Sam Chae takes the new Nikon D700 underwater in a Nexus D200 housing in Anilao, Philippines — one of the earliest underwater D700 shots. ([35])
- 2008-08-05: Olympus and Panasonic announce Micro Four Thirds mirrorless standard. ([36]) Eric Cheng later calls it a potential “Nikonos V replacement” at DEMA. ([37])
- 2008-08-10: Tony Wu begins annual Tonga humpback whale blogging series — weekly dispatches spanning six weeks. ([38])
- 2008-08-13: Eric Cheng and Matt Segal join sixgill shark expedition in Seattle with Simon Rogerson (Dive Magazine). ([39])
- 2008-08-26: Canon announces EOS 50D (15.1MP, DIGIC IV). ([40])
- 2008-08-29: Nikon announces D90 — first DSLR with HD video (720p). Milestone moment for the convergence of stills and video. ([41])
September
- 2008-09-02: The Underwater Channel launches on Babelgum — a free-to-watch online UW TV channel featuring monthly programs, resort reports, and Martin Edge’s photography masterclass “Exposure.” ([42])
- 2008-09-03: Manta Fest 2008 begins in Yap; Eric Cheng and Mike Veitch cover for Wetpixel at Bill Acker’s Manta Ray Bay Hotel. ([43])
- 2008-09-05: Daniel Brown’s “Dome Port Diaries” series begins — 8-part first-person account of a newcomer’s journey into UW photography, published over four months. ([44])
- 2008-09-11: Blue Heron Bridge in Florida is granted protection following community campaign. ([45])
- 2008-09-12: Aquatica announces Nikon D700 housing at $2,949. ([46])
- 2008-09-16: Alex Mustard publishes landmark 3-part Nikon D3 field review — first comprehensive underwater test of FX format. Used Subal ND3 housing from Ryan Canon/Reef Photo Video; D3 camera from Craig Jones. ([47])
- 2008-09-17: Canon announces EOS 5D Mark II — 21MP full-frame with 1080p HD video. Landmark camera for hybrid photography/video. ([48])
- 2008-09-23: Photokina 2008 in Cologne (Sept 23-28) features first “Underwater Imaging World” pavilion, attended by approximately 160,000 visitors from 140 countries. Subal announces ND700 — “first” D700 housing. Seacam shows Seaflash 150 eTTL2-compatible strobes. ([49]) ([50])
October
- 2008-10-07: Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide relaunch UnderwaterCompetition.com. ([51])
- 2008-10-11: Nature’s Best 2008 winners announced; Wetpixel members sweep the Oceans category — Bruce Yates wins with “Cheshire Cat Grin” lemon shark image. ([52])
- 2008-10-20: Douglas Seifert named World Editor of DIVE Magazine (UK), launching “Water Column” monthly feature column on ocean natural history and conservation. ([53])
- 2008-10-22: DEMA Show 2008 in Las Vegas — the most product-dense DEMA in years:
- Nauticam debuts with WB-PORT white balance dome port accessory — a patent-pending translucent iris for in-dome white balancing. Eric Cheng describes them as “a total newcomer to the industry.” ([54])
- Subal sold to new owners (details unclear). ([55])
- Backscatter merges with Underwater Photo-Tech (“Backscatter East”). ([56])
- Ikelite DS-160 strobe. INON S-2000 compact strobe with improved optical sensor. Seacam revolutionary D3 housing — first large Seacam housing machined from solid aluminum with new titanium latch system (60 kg spring force). ([57]) ([58]) ([59])
- Light & Motion shows Bluefin2 housing with 3.2” OLED monitor and Fathom Optics wide-angle lenses. ([60])
- Sea & Sea shows DX-2G compact camera (12MP, fiber-optic port), YS-110a strobe, and RDX housing for Canon Rebel XSi. ([61])
- Aquatica shows milled-from-solid D700 and D3 housings, moving from casting to milling for lighter, better-finished housings. ([62])
- Olympus shows E-520 DSLR with “RC Mode” for controlling external strobes via fiber optics, and $279 FE-360 compact/housing combo for mass-market divers. ([63])
- Wetpixel/DivePhotoGuide cocktail party held. ([64])
- 2008-10-30: Brian Skerry wins BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 — Underwater World category. ([65])
November
- 2008-11-02: DivePhotoGuide wins Best Website at 35th Antibes World Festival of Underwater Images. ([66])
- 2008-11-13: RED Digital Cinema announces Scarlet and Epic modular cameras — potential UW cinema revolution. ([67])
- 2008-11-17: Alex Mustard publishes Nikon D700 in Subal ND700 field review — comprehensive FX vs DX comparison in Red Sea. He calls the D700 a “classic pocket-battleship DSLR” sharing the D3’s sensor, image processor, and AF system in a smaller, cheaper body. ([68])
- 2008-11-25: LAUPS 2008 46th International Contest winners announced. ([69])
- 2008-11-27: James Wiseman reviews Aquatica housing for Canon 1Ds Mark III. ([70])
December
- 2008-12-02: Nikon announces D3X — 24.5MP full-frame at $7,995. ([71])
- 2008-12-14: James Wiseman reviews the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Macro lens for underwater use, testing it on the Wetpixel staff trip to the Philippines. ([72])
- 2008-12-17: Mike Veitch and Simon Buxton take over management of NAD-Lembeh Resort, Lembeh Strait. ([73])
- 2008-12-17: David Doubilet joins UnderwaterCompetition.com judging panel. ([74])
- 2008-12-18: Berkley White tests Nikon D3X in existing D3 housings from Subal and Sea & Sea — confirms body mold is compatible. ([75])
- 2008-12-22: Wetpixel’s annual Photo Faves tradition continues — community showcases favorite images of the year in the forums. ([76])
- 2008-12-23: Chip Scarlett performs D3X vs D3 noise comparison tests — first underwater noise tests of 24.5MP sensor. ([77])
- 2008-12-31: Blancpain launches “Editions Fifty Fathoms” luxury UW photography magazine with Ernest Brooks II. ([78])
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jan 9, 2008: Divephotoguide Wakatobi Underwater Photo Video Festival 2008 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 15, 2008: Wetpixel Expeditions In 2008 And 2009 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 16, 2008: Stephen Frink Canon 14mm Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2008: Berkley White Tests Nikon D300 Sea Sea On Sailfish ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2008: Wetpixel Ships Issue 2 Of Wetpixel Quarterly ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 24, 2008: Canon Announces Eos 450d Digital Rebel Xsi New Telephoto Lenses ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2008: Nikon Announces New D60 Digital Slr And Zoom Macro Tilt Shift Lenses ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2008: Underwater Cinematographer Ralph B White Passes Away ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 15, 2008: Ikelite Introduces Modular Port System With Extension Rings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 16, 2008: Live Coverage From Our World Underwater 2008 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 19, 2008: Owu 2008 Photo Video Contest Winners Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2008: Aquatica Releases Details Photos Of Nikon D3 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2008: Beneath The Sea 2008 Contest Winners Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 6, 2008: Wetpixel Joins Facebook ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 6, 2008: Moscow Golden Dolphin 2008 Winners Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 7, 2008: Wetpixel Launches Surf Photography Forum ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 12, 2008: Brian Skerry Japans Ocean Wilderness ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 17, 2008: Sea Sea Mdx Pro Mark Iii Underwater Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 1, 2008: Aquatica Announces Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 11, 2008: Subal Nd30 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Dslr Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 23, 2008: 2008 Deep Indonesia Underwater Photo Competition Winners ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 25, 2008: Aquatica Releases Canon 1d 1ds Mark Iii Underwater Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 30, 2008: Cor Bosman Wins The Underwater Images Competition 2008 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2008: Sealux Cd300 Underwater Housing For Nikon D300 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 10, 2008: Dome Port Diaries Chapter 4 Camera Housing Water ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 20, 2008: David Doubilets Nudibranch Shots In National Geographic ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 4, 2008: Wetpixel Quarterly Ships Issue 3 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 6, 2008: Digital Shootout Bonaire 2008 Live Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 12, 2008: Shark Conservation Act Of 2008 Approved ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 28, 2008: Ikelite Substrobe Ds 160 Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 1, 2008: Nikon D700 Announced Full Frame 12 Megapixels ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 5, 2008: Bonaire Digital Shootout 2008 Winners ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 13, 2008: Seacam Seaflash 250 Strobe Underwater Ttl Test ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 27, 2008: Wetpixel Sharks Dolphins 2008 Expedition A Success ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 3, 2008: Nikon D700 Underwater In A Nexus D200 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 5, 2008: Olympus And Panasonic Announce Micro Four Thirds ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2008: Dema 2008 Olympus ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 10, 2008: Tony Wu Blogs From Tonga Week One With Humpbacks ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 13, 2008: Six Gill Sharks In Seattle ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 26, 2008: Canon Announces Eos 50d Digital Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 29, 2008: Nikon Announces D90 Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2008: Online Underwater Show Theunderwaterchanneltv 2008 Launch ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 3, 2008: Manta Fest 2008 Wetpixel Coverage Day 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 5, 2008: Dome Port Diaries Introduction ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 11, 2008: Blue Heron Bridge Is Now Protected ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 12, 2008: Aquatica Announces Underwater Housing For Nikon D700 Dslr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 16, 2008: Nikon D3 Field Review In The East Pacific Part 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2008: Canon Announces Eos 5d Mark Ii Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 1, 2008: Photokina World Of Imaging Live Coverage Day 1 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 7, 2008: Final Coverage From Photokina 2008 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 7, 2008: Wetpixel And Divephotoguide Relaunch Underwatercompetitioncom ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 11, 2008: Natures Best 2008 Winners Announced Wetpixel Members Take Oceans ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2008: Water Column Is Coming ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2008: Dema 2008 Nauticam ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2008: Dema 2008 Subal ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2008: Dema 2008 Backscatter Underwater Video Photo ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2008: Dema 2008 Ikelite ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2008: Dema 2008 Inon ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2008: Dema 2008 Seacam ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2008: Dema 2008 Light Motion ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2008: Dema 2008 Sea Sea With Interview ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2008: Dema 2008 Aquatica ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2008: Dema 2008 Olympus ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2008: Dema 2008 Wetpixel Divephotoguide Cocktail Party ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 30, 2008: Bbc Announces Winners Of 2008 Wildlife Photographer Of The Year ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2008: Divephotoguide Awarded Best Website At Antibes ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 13, 2008: Red Announces Scarlet And Epic ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2008: Review Nikon D700 In Subal Nd700 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 25, 2008: Laups 2008 46th International Contest Winners Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 27, 2008: Aquatica 1ds Mark Iii Housing For Canon 1d 1ds Mark Iii Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 2, 2008: Nikon Announces 245mp D3x ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 14, 2008: Tamron 70 200mm F 28 Macro Lens Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 17, 2008: Wetpixel Members New Management Of Nad Lembeh ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 17, 2008: David Doubilet Joins Judging Panel For Underwatercompetition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 18, 2008: Berkley White Tests Nikon D3x In Underwater Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 22, 2008: Wetpixels Photo Faves From 2008 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 23, 2008: D3x Vs D3 Tests By Wetpixel Member Chip Scarlett ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 31, 2008: Editions Fifty Fathoms Announced ↩
- raw/articles/2008/ (unknown) ↩