2015
Key events
Sony’s a7R II (42.4MP BSI sensor, 4K internal, 5-axis IBIS) landed in June as the most consequential mirrorless body to date for serious UW photographers, triggering immediate housing development from every major maker. The a7S II followed in September with ISO 409,600 and internal 4K. Canon raised the resolution bar with the 5DS/5DSR at 50.6MP. The year was marked by losses: pioneering marine biologist Dr. Eugenie Clark (“Shark Lady”) died in February at 92; Lotte Hass — one of the first women underwater filmmakers — died in January at 86; Richard Theiss died in early February. Eric Cheng confirmed his move to DJI in a HuffPost interview, closing his founding chapter at Wetpixel. ARRI announced the Alexa Mini — a camera that would transform high-end UW cinematography. Adobe previewed the Dehaze slider for Lightroom CC 2015, immediately anticipated for underwater editing. The “Ask the Pros” editorial format launched, gathering perspectives from 16 photographers on split shots. Keri Wilk’s sperm whale “poonado” image went viral, bringing mainstream attention to marine behavior photography. The National Geographic Society sold its majority shareholding to 21st Century Fox for $725M+, ending 127 years as a non-profit. NOAA declared the third global coral bleaching event, and WWF’s Living Blue Planet Report revealed marine life populations had declined by half since 1970. COP21 in Paris produced the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. Nauticam continued its rapid product expansion with housings for Sony a7II, Olympus E-M5 II, Nikon D7200, Canon 5DS/R, and the Arri Alexa Mini. Sea & Sea launched the YS-D2 strobe. Retra released the LSD Ultimate.
January
- 2015-01-06: Nikon announces the D5500 SLR. ([1])
- 2015-01-07: 2014 Ocean Art results published; Ray Collins wins Best of Show. ([2])
- 2015-01-08: Nauticam ships NA-G7X housing for Canon G7X at $1,100 using the N50 port system. ([3])
- 2015-01-10: Nikon issues service advisory for D750 (flare issue). ([4])
- 2015-01-14: Lotte Hass, pioneering underwater filmmaker and one of the first women to dive for film, dies at age 86. ([5])
- 2015-01-21: Nauticam ships housing for Panasonic LX100. ([6])
- 2015-01-22: Hydroflex debuts housing for ARRI Alexa 65. ([7])
- 2015-01-26: Keri Wilk’s sperm whale “poonado” image goes viral internationally, drawing widespread mainstream coverage to marine behavior photography. ([8])
- 2015-01-29: Sea & Sea announces the MDX-D810 housing. ([9])
- 2015-01: Wetpixel Tiger Sharks expedition at Tiger Beach, Bahamas runs. ([10])
February
- 2015-02-03: Nauticam releases the CMC-1 (Compact Macro Converter) at $320, a new wet close-up lens for mirrorless and compact cameras. ([11])
- 2015-02-04: CIPA publishes camera sales figures, documenting the industry-wide decline in camera shipments. ([12])
- 2015-02-05: Olympus announces the OM-D E-M5 Mark II with 5-axis IBIS and 40MP high-resolution mode. ([13])
- 2015-02-06: Canon announces the EOS 5DS and 5DSR (50.6MP) alongside the EF 11-24mm f/4L ultra-wide lens — the highest resolution full-frame DSLRs to date. ([14])
- 2015-02-14: Affinity Photo beta launches at approximately $50, positioned as a Photoshop alternative without a subscription model. ([15])
- 2015-02-16: Underwater Photographer of the Year 2015 results: Nuno Sá wins Overall winner. ([16])
- 2015-02-18: Richard Theiss, underwater videographer and Wetpixel contributor, dies. ([17])
- 2015-02-21: Eric Cheng’s son Mako is born. ([18])
- 2015-02-23: ARRI announces the Alexa Mini — a compact 4K Super 35 cinema camera that would become transformative for high-end underwater cinematography. ([19])
- 2015-02-25: Dr. Eugenie Clark, marine biologist known as the “Shark Lady” and a major figure in popularizing sharks for diving culture, dies at age 92. ([20])
March
- 2015-03-01: Our World Underwater 2015: Anthony Berberian wins Best in Show. ([21])
- 2015-03-06: Nauticam announces NA-A7II housing for Sony a7II at $2,750. ([22])
- 2015-03-10: Dr. Eugenie Clark tribute article published on Wetpixel by Howard Rosenstein. ([23])
- 2015-03-10: Alex Mustard leads masterclass at Natural History Museum London. ([24])
- 2015-03-19: Eric Cheng interview in HuffPost confirms he is now working at DJI, marking his departure from day-to-day Wetpixel involvement. ([25])
- 2015-03-25: The Photography Show 2015 at NEC Birmingham; Nikon D7200 shown; Nauticam and housing makers exhibit. ([26])
April
- 2015-04-13: Nauticam ships NA-EM5II housing for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II at $1,450. ([27])
- 2015-04-17: Brian Skerry named Nikon Ambassador. ([28])
- 2015-04-21: Adobe releases Lightroom 6 / Lightroom CC with GPU acceleration, HDR merge, panorama merge, and facial recognition. ([29])
- 2015-04-26: Rob Stewart’s documentary “Revolution” released online; covers ocean acidification and marine conservation. ([30])
- 2015-04: ADEX 2015 Singapore dive show coverage. ([31])
May
- 2015-05-02: BBC “Shark” documentary series premieres, featuring underwater cinematography subjects relevant to the Wetpixel community. ([32])
- 2015-05-07: Daniel Botelho exhibition opens at the Louvre, Paris. ([33])
- 2015-05-12: Olympus announces 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO and 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO lenses for Micro Four Thirds — two landmark UW optics for the system. ([34])
- 2015-05-12: Nauticam ships NA-D7200 housing for Nikon D7200 at $3,300. ([35])
- 2015-05-15: Aquatica confirms existing AD7100 housing compatible with Nikon D7200, renames to AD7200/7100 at $2,995. ([36])
- 2015-05-28: Adobe previews Dehaze slider for Lightroom and Camera Raw — immediately anticipated by UW photographers for recovering contrast and color in hazy underwater images. ([37])
- 2015-05-28: CMAS World Championship of Underwater Photography: Damir Zurub wins. ([38])
June
- 2015-06-10: Sony announces the a7R II (42.4MP BSI sensor, 4K internal, 5-axis IBIS) at $3,200 — widely regarded as the most significant mirrorless body to date for underwater still and video work. ([39])
- 2015-06-10: Sony announces RX100 IV with 960fps high-speed video capability and 4K recording. ([40])
- 2015-06-24: Zen Underwater ships DP-230 dome port for Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L at $1,999. ([41])
- 2015-06-30: Wetpixel publishes “Ask the Pros: Split Shots,” gathering perspectives from 16 underwater photographers on split-level technique — launching the “Ask the Pros” editorial format. ([42])
July
- 2015-07-02: Sea & Sea announces the YS-D2 strobe — successor to the YS-D1, GN 32, audible TTL confirmation, $719.95. ([43])
- 2015-07-02: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS ships at $1,099 — first viable macro option for Sony full-frame mirrorless underwater shooters. ([44])
- 2015-07-03: Ikelite announces housing for Canon EOS 5DS/5DS R at $1,800. ([45])
- 2015-07-06: GoPro releases HERO4 Session — 50% smaller, 40% lighter, waterproof to 10m without housing, $399.99. ([46])
- 2015-07-09: Nauticam announces Epic LT housing for RED cameras — most travel-friendly RED housing, carry-on legal. ([47])
- 2015-07-10: Serif launches Affinity Photo at $39.99 — no subscription, with RAW processing and 16-bit editing. ([48])
- 2015-07-16: Panasonic announces LUMIX GX8 with 20.3MP sensor and Dual I.S. — first Panasonic with combined body+lens stabilization. ([49])
- 2015-07-30: UN General Assembly passes resolution tackling illicit wildlife trafficking — first time UN supports CITES enforcement. ([50])
August
- 2015-08-14: Nauticam announces NA-5DSR housing for Canon 5DS/5DS R (50MP) at $3,600 — also compatible with 5D Mark III. ([51])
- 2015-08-25: Olympus announces OM-D E-M10 Mark II with 5-axis IS (previously only on higher models), $649.99. ([52])
- 2015-08-27: Adam Hanlon reviews Fantasea FG7X housing — praises ergonomics but finds Canon G7 X camera disappointing vs Sony/Panasonic compacts. ([53])
September
- 2015-09-02: Nauticam, with Hydroflex and DP Pete Romano ASC, releases Arri Alexa Mini housing at $19,000 — 250mm dome port, full surface control, Anton Bauer battery support. ([54])
- 2015-09-10: National Geographic Society sells majority shareholding to 21st Century Fox for $725M+ — ending 127 years as a non-profit, raising concerns among subscribers. ([55])
- 2015-09-11: Shark sanctuaries declared around Bonaire and Saba — 8,500 square miles, the 11th and 12th worldwide. ([56])
- 2015-09-12: Sony announces a7S II — ISO 409,600, internal 4K at 100 Mbps, 5-axis IS, 120fps Full HD, $3,000. ([57])
- 2015-09-16: WWF Living Blue Planet Report: marine life populations have declined by half since 1970, tracking 5,829 populations of 1,234 species. ([58])
- 2015-09-25: Gates Underwater confirms upgrade path from DEEP EPIC/DRAGON housings to DEEP WEAPON — compatible with all RED EPIC models including RAVEN. ([59])
October
- 2015-10-02: First biofluorescent reptile discovered — critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle fluorescing red and green, found by David Gruber in the Solomon Islands. ([60])
- 2015-10-05: Chile declares 115,000 sq mi marine reserve around San Ambrosio and San Felix Islands — largest in the Americas — at Our Ocean Conference. ([61])
- 2015-10-09: NOAA declares third global coral bleaching event underway — 95% of US corals expected to face bleaching by end of 2015 due to strong El Nino. ([62])
- 2015-10-14: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015: Michael Aw wins Under Water category (Bryde’s whale, sardine run). Audun Rikardsen wins Portfolio Award with Arctic marine images. ([63])
- 2015-10-16: Chuck Nicklin autobiography “Camera Man” formally released at DEMA — chronicles career including The Deep, Never Say Never Again, The Abyss. ([64])
- 2015-10-30: Aquatica announces housing for Sony a7R II and a7S II at $2,699 with Ikelite strobe connector option. ([65])
November
- 2015-11-04–08: DEMA Show 2015 in Orlando — Nauticam shows WWL-1 wet wide lens and Arri Alexa Mini housing; Aquatica debuts Sony a7R II housing; Subal shows Sony FS7 housing; Chuck Nicklin formally launches “Camera Man” book. ([66])
- 2015-11-18: Nikon confirms development of D5 flagship DSLR without releasing specs. ([67])
- 2015-11-30: Japan announces resumption of Southern Ocean whaling in direct contravention of ICJ ruling — reversing the 2014 court decision. ([68])
December
- 2015-12-02: “Racing Extinction” by Louie Psihoyos, featuring Shawn Heinrichs, premieres on Discovery Channel in 220+ countries. ([69])
- 2015-12-04: Retra releases LSD Ultimate — upgraded Light Shaping Device with modular mounting for Sea & Sea, Inon, Seacam, and Ikelite strobes, EUR 300. ([70])
- 2015-12-12: COP21 Paris Agreement reached — historic global commitment to limit warming below 2 degrees C; first international agreement to control CO2 emissions; $100B earmarked for developing countries; significant implications for ocean warming and acidification. ([71])
- 2015-12-21: Ikelite ships housing for Sony a7 II, a7R II, and a7S II with proprietary TTL flash syncing. ([72])
- 2015-12-24: Giant squid (Architeuthis dux) enters shallow water in Toyama Bay, Japan — filmed by diver Akinobu Kimura, who guided the 12-foot creature back to the deep. Japan was the location of the first-ever live giant squid photograph and film. ([73])
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2015: Nikon Announces The D5500 Slr Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 7, 2015: 2014 Ocean Art Competition Winners Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 8, 2015: Nauticam Ships Na G7x Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 10, 2015: Nikon Issues Service Advisory For D750 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 19, 2015: Rip Lottie Hass ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2015: Nauticam Ships Housing For Panasonic Lx100 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 22, 2015: Hydroflex Debuts Housing For Alexa 65 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2015: Keri Wilks Sperm Whale Poonado Goes Viral ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2015: Seasea Announces The Mdx D810 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 11, 2015: Spaces Available On Wetpixel Whale Sharks Expedition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2015: Nauticam Announces Compact Macro Converter 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2015: Cipa Publishes Report Into Camera Sales Figures ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 5, 2015: Olympus Announces Om D E M5 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 6, 2015: Canon Announces 11 24mm F4 Wide Angle Lens ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 14, 2015: Serif Launches Affinity Photo ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 16, 2015: Results Of Upy 2015 Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 18, 2015: Rip Richard Theiss ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 22, 2015: Celebrating The Birth Of Mako Cheng ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 23, 2015: Arri Announces The Alex Mini ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 25, 2015: Rip Dr. Eugenia Clark ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 1, 2015: Results Our World Underwater 2015 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 6, 2015: Nauticam Ships Housing For Sony A7 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 10, 2015: Dr. Eugenie Clark By Howard Rosenstein ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 28, 2015: Alex Mustard Offers Underwater Photography Masterclass ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 19, 2015: Wetpixel Publisher Eric Cheng Interviewed By Huffington Post ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 25, 2015: Report The Photography Show ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 13, 2015: Nauticam Releases Housing For Olympus Om D E M5 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 17, 2015: Brian Skerry Named As Nikon Ambassador ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 21, 2015: Adobe Lightroom Cc 6 Release And Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 26, 2015: Rob Stewarts Revolution Released Online ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 31, 2015: Wetpixel Scubacam Party Adex 2015 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2015: Bbc New Series Shark Goes To Air ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 7, 2015: Daniel Botelho Exhibits At The Louvre ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 12, 2015: Olympus Announces New 8mm Fisheye And 7 14mm Wide Angle Lenses ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 12, 2015: Nauticam Ships The Na D7200 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 15, 2015: Aquatica Releases D7200 Compatibility Notice ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 28, 2015: Adobe Trails The Dehaze Slider ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 28, 2015: Report Cmas World Underwater Photography Championship ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 10, 2015: Sony Announces The A7r Ii Mirrorless Full Frame Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 10, 2015: Sony Unveils The Rx100 Iv Compact Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 24, 2015: Zen Ships Port For Canon 11 24mm ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 30, 2015: Ask The Pros Split Shots ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 2, 2015: Seasea Announces The Ys D2 Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 2, 2015: Sony Ships 90mm Macro Lens ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 3, 2015: Ikelite Announces Housing For Eos 5dr And 5dr S ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 6, 2015: Gopro Releases The Hero4 Session ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 9, 2015: Nauticam Announces The Epic Lt Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2015: Serif Launches Affinity Photo1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 16, 2015: Panasonic Announces The Lumix Gx8 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 30, 2015: Un Passes Resolution Aiming To Reduce Wildlife Crime ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 14, 2015: Nauticam Announces Eos 5d Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2015: Olympus Announces The Om D E M10 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 27, 2015: Review Fantasea Fg7x Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2015: Nauticam Releases Housing For Arri Alexa Mini ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 10, 2015: National Geographic Magazine Bought By Fox ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 11, 2015: Shark Sanctuaries Announced Around Dutch Caribbean Islands ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 12, 2015: Sony Announces The 7s Ii Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 16, 2015: Wwf Living Blue Planet Report 2015 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2015: Gates Confirms Red Housings Upgrade Path ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 2, 2015: Scientists Find First Ever Biofluorescent Reptile In Solomon Islands ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 5, 2015: New Marine Reserves Announced At The Our Oceans Conference ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 9, 2015: Noaa Warns Of Third Coral Bleaching Event ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 14, 2015: Results Of Wpoty 2015 Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 16, 2015: Collectors Editions Of Camera Man By Chuck Nicklin Available ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 30, 2015: Aquatica Announces Their Housing For The Sony A7r Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2015: Wetpixel Reports Live From Dema 2015 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 18, 2015: Nikon Confirms D5 Plans ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 30, 2015: Japan To Resume Southern Ocean Whaling ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 28, 2015: Racing Extinction Goes To Air On 2 December ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 4, 2015: Retra Releases Lsd Ultimate ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 12, 2015: Cop21 Paris Results In Historic Global Agreement ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 21, 2015: Ikelite Is Shipping Housing For Sony Alpha A7 Ii A7r Ii A7s Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 28, 2015: Giant Squid Filmed In Shallow Water In Japan ↩
- raw/articles/2015/ (unknown) ↩