2016
Key events
A landmark year for both gear and conservation. Nikon unveiled the D5 and D500 at CES, triggering the fastest simultaneous housing release wave in Wetpixel history: Nauticam, Aquatica, Sea & Sea, Subal, Hugyfot, Isotta, and SPL all announced D5 housings on a single day. Canon answered twice — the EOS-1D X Mark II with 4K/14fps in February and the 5D Mark IV (30.4MP, 4K DCI) in August — generating another housing race in the autumn. Sony expanded the mirrorless push with the a6300. Olympus capped the year by announcing the OM-D E-M1 Mark II with 60fps burst and Pro Capture mode. Alex Mustard’s “Underwater Photography Masterclass” book shipped and received strong reviews. Retra launched the Prime strobe. UW Technics introduced its TTL converter board, enabling optical and electric TTL for Nikon cameras — adopted by multiple housing manufacturers. Google released the Nik Collection plug-ins for free. Off the gear front, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef suffered its worst bleaching in 15 years, with a later study showing 67% of corals in a 700km northern stretch had died. Jellyfish Lake’s famous population collapsed from approximately 8 million to fewer than 300,000 due to El Nino drought. The Ross Sea gained the world’s largest MPA at 1.55 million square kilometers. President Obama expanded Papahanaumokuakea to 582,578 square miles and created the first US Atlantic marine monument. Whale sharks were classified Endangered by the IUCN. SeaWorld ended its orca breeding program, and California signed legislation banning orca captivity. Cathay Pacific banned shark fin cargo. Tales by Light Season 2 premiered featuring Eric Cheng. The underwater photography community mourned the loss of pioneering cinematographer Bob Cranston, memorialized by Howard Hall. Brooks Institute, one of the few schools offering UW photography education, announced its closure after 70 years.
January
- 2015-12/2016-01-06: 2015 Ocean Art results published; Jeff Milisen wins Best of Show with a super macro black water image of a larval cusk eel. ([1])
- 2016-01-05: Ascension Island marine reserve announced — 234,291 sq km (90,460 sq mi) in the Atlantic, described as a “hope spot” by Dr. Sylvia Earle, protecting large marlin, green turtles, and endemic fish species. ([2])
- 2016-01-05: Nikon surprises with the KeyMission 360 action camera announcement. ([3])
- 2016-01-05: Nikon unveils the D5 full-frame DSLR at CES. ([4])
- 2016-01-06: Nikon announces the D500 DX DSLR simultaneously with the D5 — targeting professional sports and enthusiast wildlife/UW shooters. ([5])
- 2016-01-06: Peru passes protections for giant manta rays, banning manta fishing and requiring immediate release of bycatch. ([6])
- 2016-01-15: Nauticam ships housing for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II. ([7])
- 2016-01-18: Sony announces the a6300 APS-C mirrorless camera with 4K video and 425-point phase-detect AF. ([8])
- 2016-01-20: Seacam announces housing for Sony a7 II/S/R. ([9])
- 2016-01-20: Subal announces housing for Nikon D5. ([10])
- 2016-01-21: Inon ships carbon fiber telescopic strobe arms. ([11])
- 2016-01-25: Seven housing manufacturers simultaneously announce Nikon D5 housings: Nauticam, Aquatica, Sea & Sea, Subal, Hugyfot, Isotta, and SPL — the largest single-day housing announcement wave in the community’s history. (multiple sources)
- 2016-01-26–31: BOOT 2016 trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany — world’s largest watersports show; UW Technics TTL converter boards shown by Subal, Nauticam, BS Kinetics. ([12])
February
- 2016-02-01: Canon announces the EOS-1D X Mark II with 4K video (60fps internal), 14fps burst (16fps in Live View), and Dual Pixel AF. ([13])
- 2016-02-03: Adam Hanlon publishes hands-on report with Nikon D5 and D500 cameras. ([14])
- 2016-02-06: UW Technics releases its TTL converter — enables optical and electric TTL/manual triggering for Nikon cameras with Z-240 and YS-D1/D2 strobes; adopted by Subal, Nauticam, BS Kinetics. ([15])
- 2016-02-16: Underwater Photographer of the Year 2016: Davide Lopresti wins Overall with a spiny seahorse image. ([16])
- 2016-02-18: Canon announces the EOS 80D (24.2MP APS-C, 45-point Dual Pixel CMOS AF) at $1,199. ([17])
- 2016-02-23: Nikon announces the DL compact camera series (three models with 1-inch BSI CMOS sensors, 4K UHD), priced $649–999. The cameras are ultimately never shipped and the DL line is cancelled. ([18])
- 2016-02-27: Our World Underwater 2016 results announced. ([19])
- 2016-02-29: Alex Mustard announces “Underwater Photography Masterclass,” a comprehensive instructional book on underwater imaging technique, available for pre-order. ([20])
March
- 2016-03-08: Retra announces the Prime strobe, the company’s first integrated strobe (distinct from the earlier LSD snoot), generating significant community interest. ([21])
- 2016-03-10: Ikelite announces housing for Sony Alpha a7 cameras. ([22])
- 2016-03-17: SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby announces the company will end its orca breeding program, meaning captive orca shows will eventually cease as current animals die. ([23])
- 2016-03-23: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef experiences its worst bleaching episode in over 15 years, with areas around Lizard Island severely affected; Park Authority lifts response to highest level. ([24])
- 2016-03-24: Google releases the Nik Collection photo plug-ins (Analog Efex Pro, Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro, Viveza, HDR Efex Pro, Sharpener Pro, Dfine) for free, making professional-grade tools available to all photographers. ([25])
- 2016-03-29: Adam Hanlon publishes a review of Alex Mustard’s “Underwater Photography Masterclass” — calls it the most comprehensive UW photography text in print. ([26])
April
- 2016-04-04: Nauticam announces housing for Sony a6300. ([27])
- 2016-04-06: Panasonic releases the GX80/85 mirrorless camera. ([28])
- 2016-04-11: Lytro announces the Cinema camera with a revolutionary light-field sensor targeting high-end film production. ([29])
- 2016-04-13: Nauticam announces NA-D5 housing at $5,200; ships from April 15. ([30])
- 2016-04-21: Drew Wong reports from ADEX 2016 in Singapore, noting approximately 58,000 visitors. ([31])
May
- 2016-05-03: Nauticam ships the NA-1DXII housing for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II at $5,200, with full multi-controller access and new Canon TTL flash trigger. ([32])
- 2016-05-04: Reports emerge that Jellyfish Lake, Palau’s iconic snorkeling site, has suffered a population collapse from approximately 8 million jellyfish to fewer than 300,000, likely caused by elevated water temperatures and increased salinity from El Nino drought. Palau declares a state of emergency. ([33])
- 2016-05-12: Keldan announces the Video 8X CRI underwater light, targeting videographers who require accurate color rendering. ([34])
- 2016-05-21: Lembeh-Gulen Critter Shootout 2016 runs May 21–27; Team Lembeh wins. ([35])
- 2016-05-23: Nauticam announces and ships the NA-D500 housing at $3,500. ([36])
June
- 2016-06-02: Underwater cinematographer and conservationist Bob Cranston passes away from cancer. Howard Hall writes a memorial recalling decades of collaboration on IMAX projects and wildlife filmmaking. The tribute draws 21 comments from the community. ([37])
- 2016-06-14: Aquatica announces the AD500 housing for the Nikon D500 at $3,195, available mid-July. ([38])
- 2016-06-20: Caribbean shark sanctuaries: St. Maarten and Cayman Islands close their EEZs to commercial shark fishing; Curacao and Grenada commit to follow. ([39])
- 2016-06-21: Adobe releases Photoshop CC 2015.5 and Premiere Pro 2015.3 with workflow improvements. ([40])
- 2016-06-22: Cathay Pacific announces a ban on carrying all shark products on cargo and passenger flights — a significant policy victory after a campaign forced the airline to move beyond its earlier “sustainably sourced” position. ([41])
- 2016-06-23: Sea & Sea formally announces the MDX-D500 housing for the Nikon D500 at $3,599.95. ([42])
July
- 2016-07-11: Digital Shootout 2016 results announced from Little Cayman. ([43])
- 2016-07-12: RED announces the Helium 8K sensor (29.9x15.77mm, 8192x4320 pixels) for the existing Weapon camera, pushing cinema-grade underwater resolution possibilities. ([44])
- 2016-07-21: DPReview publishes underwater review of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. ([45])
- 2016-07-25: Nauticam previews the LT housing for the RED Weapon camera. ([46])
August
- 2016-08-15: Brooks Institute, one of the few schools offering higher education in underwater photography, announces it will close on October 31 after 70 years. ([47])
- 2016-08-20: Ikelite announces housing and port system for Nikon D500. ([48])
- 2016-08-25: Canon announces the EOS 5D Mark IV at 30.4MP with 4K DCI video and Dual Pixel RAW at $3,499 — triggering a new round of housing development across the industry. Also announces updated EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III lens. ([49])
- 2016-08-25: Aquatica announces housing for Sony a6300. ([50])
- 2016-08-27: President Obama expands Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument to 582,578 square miles, making it the world’s largest marine protected area at the time. ([51])
- 2016-08-30: Sea & Sea discontinues the YS-250 PRO strobe after a long production run. ([52])
- 2016-08-30: The IUCN classifies whale sharks as Endangered on its Red List, reflecting population declines across their range. ([53])
- 2016-08-31: Alex Mustard publishes early field impressions of the Nikon D5 from UK waters. ([54])
September
- 2016-09-01: Subal ships housing for Canon 5D Mark IV. ([55])
- 2016-09-08: Nauticam ships Compact Macro Converter version 2 (CMC-2). ([56])
- 2016-09-09: Aquatica announces housing for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. ([57])
- 2016-09-14: California Governor Jerry Brown signs legislation banning orca breeding and captivity, cementing SeaWorld’s March announcement into law — the result of widespread backlash following the documentary Blackfish. ([58])
- 2016-09-18: President Obama creates the first US Atlantic marine monument, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. ([59])
- 2016-09-19: GoPro announces the Karma drone (company’s first UAV entry) and the Hero 5 Black and Hero 5 Session with voice control, RAW photo support, and improved waterproofing. ([60])
- 2016-09-20: Monterey Shootout 2016 results announced. ([61])
October
- 2016-10-03: CITES grants Appendix II protection to thresher sharks and silky sharks, restricting international trade. ([62])
- 2016-10-03: Tales by Light Season 2 premieres in Australia, featuring Eric Cheng among the profiled photographers. ([63])
- 2016-10-07–14: Wetpixel Lembeh Macro Workshop with Alex Mustard runs. ([64])
- 2016-10-19: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016: Tony Wu wins the Underwater category with two spot snappers mass spawning in Palau. Other finalists include Geo Cloete, Audun Rikardsen, Ralph Pace, and Greg Lecoeur. Alex Mustard also placed in other categories. ([65])
- 2016-10-26: Adam Hanlon publishes a field review of the Nikon D500, covering images shot between August and October 2016. ([66])
- 2016-10-31: The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) agrees to establish a Ross Sea MPA covering 1.55 million square kilometres — the largest protected area on Earth at the time. ([67])
- 2016-10-31: Leonardo DiCaprio’s climate change documentary “Before the Flood” streams widely. ([68])
November
- 2016-11-01: Nauticam ships the NA-5DMKIV housing for the Canon 5D Mark IV at $3,800. ([69])
- 2016-11-02: Olympus announces the OM-D E-M1 Mark II at 20.4MP with 60fps burst, 4K video, and Pro Capture mode at $1,999. ([70])
- 2016-11-05: RT Electronics releases the Turtle TTL strobe trigger. ([71])
- 2016-11-08: Aquatica announces housing for the Canon 5D Mark IV at $2,795. ([72])
- 2016-11-09: GoPro recalls all Karma drones after reports of units losing power and dropping from the sky. ([73])
- 2016-11-11: Aquatica ships AD5 housing for Nikon D5. ([74])
- 2016-11-11: Nauticam NA-D500 field review published. ([75])
- 2016-11-17: DEMA 2016 takes place in Las Vegas. ([76])
- 2016-11-18: Kiribati establishes the second largest shark sanctuary in the world in its national waters. ([77])
- 2016-11-22: Sea & Sea announces its MDX housing for the Canon 5D Mark IV. ([78])
- 2016-11-29: Study by ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies confirms 67% of corals in a 700km northern Great Barrier Reef stretch have died from bleaching, though central (6%) and southern (1%) sections largely survived. ([79])
- 2016-11-29: Saga announces the Trio macro lens system. ([80])
December
- 2016-12-05: Mexico announces a new biosphere reserve. ([81])
- 2016-12-12: Greg Lecoeur’s sardine run image wins National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2016. ([82])
- 2016-12-20: i-Divesite releases the Symbiosis SS-1 and SS-2 hybrid video light and strobe systems. ([83])
- 2016-12-21: President Obama issues an executive order banning future oil and gas drilling in US Arctic waters. ([84])
- 2016-12-26: Subal announces housing for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. ([85])
- 2016-12-30: The Philippines declares a 1 million hectare marine protected area in its waters. ([86])
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2016: Results Ocean Art 2015 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 5, 2016: Ascension Island Marine Reserve Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 5, 2016: Nikon Surprises With The Keymission 360 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 5, 2016: Nikon Unveils The D5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2016: Nikon Announces The D500 Dx Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2016: Peru To Protect Giant Manta Population ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 15, 2016: Nauticam Ships Housing For Olympus Om D E M10 Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2016: Sony Announces The 6300 Mirrorless Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 20, 2016: Seacam Announces Housing For Sony A7 Ii S R ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 20, 2016: Subal Announces Housing For Nikon D5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2016: Inon Ships Carbon Fiber Telescopic Strobe Arms ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2016: Report Boot Show 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2016: Canon Announces Eos 1d X Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2016: Hands On Nikon D5 And D500 Cameras ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 6, 2016: Uw Technics Releases Ttl Converter ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 16, 2016: Upy 2016 Results Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 18, 2016: Canon Announces Eos 80d ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 23, 2016: Nikon Announces Dl Compact Camera Series ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2016: Results Of Our World Underwater 2016 Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 29, 2016: Book Release Underwater Photography Masterclass By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 8, 2016: Visitors To Monterey Bay Aquarium Treated To Birth Of Wild Sea Otter ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 10, 2016: Ikelite Announces Housing For Sony Alpha A7 Cameras ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 17, 2016: Seaworld Announces End Of Orca Captive Breeding Program ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 23, 2016: Severe Bleaching Episode On The Barrier Reef ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 24, 2016: Google Offer Nik Collection Plug Ins For Free ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 29, 2016: Review Underwater Photography Masterclass By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 4, 2016: Nauticam Announces A6300 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 6, 2016: Panasonic Releases The Gx80 85 Mirrorless Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 11, 2016: Lytro Announces Cinema Camera System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 13, 2016: Nauticam Announces Housing For Nikon D5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 21, 2016: Report Adex Show 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2016: Nauticam Ships Housing For Eos 1d X Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 4, 2016: Drought Affects Jellyfish Lake ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 12, 2016: Keldan Announces The Video 8x Cri And Updates To Existing Lights ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 30, 2016: Lembeh Vs Gulen Critter Shootout 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 23, 2016: Nauticam Ships Housing For D500 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 9, 2016: In Memoriam Bob Cranston Underwater Cameraman ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 14, 2016: Aquatica Announces The Ad500 Housing For The Nikon D500 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 20, 2016: Shark Sanctuaries Announced In Caribbean ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 21, 2016: Adobe Releases Major Update To Creative Cloud ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 22, 2016: Cathay Pacific Announces Shark Fin Ban ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 23, 2016: Seasea Announces The Mdx D500 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 11, 2016: Results Digital Shootout Contest 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 12, 2016: Red Announces Helium Sensor ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 21, 2016: Underwater Review Of Eos 1d X Mark Ii On Dpreview ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 25, 2016: Kay Burn Lim Preview Of Nauticam Lt Housing For Red Weapon ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 15, 2016: Brooks Institute To Close In Fall After 70 Years ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 20, 2016: Ikelite Announces Housing For D500 And Port System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2016: Canon Announces The Eos 5d Mark Iv And Updated 16 35mm Lens ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2016: Aquatica Announces Housing For Sony A6300 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 27, 2016: President Obama Creates Worlds Largest Mpa ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 30, 2016: Seasea Discontinues The Ys 250 Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 30, 2016: Celebrating International Whale Sharks Day ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 31, 2016: Alex Mustard D5 In The Uk ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 1, 2016: Subal Ships Housing For Canon 5d Mark Iv ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 8, 2016: Nauticam Ships Compact Macro Converter Version 2 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 9, 2016: Aquatica Announces Housing For Eos 1d X Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 14, 2016: California Governor Brown Signs Legislation That Bans Orca Captivity ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 18, 2016: President Obama Dedicates First Marine Monument In Atlantic ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 19, 2016: Gopro Announces Karma Drone And Hero 5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 20, 2016: Results Of The 2016 Monterey Shootout ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 3, 2016: Thresher Sharks Silky Sharks And Devil Rays Receive Protection At Cites ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 3, 2016: Tales By Light Premieres ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 11, 2016: Late Availability Wetpixel Mustard Lembeh Macro Workshop ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2016: Results Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 26, 2016: Field Review Nikon D500 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 31, 2016: Worlds Largest Mpa For Ross Sea ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 31, 2016: Film Before The Flood ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2016: Nauticam Ships Housing For Eos 5d Mark Iv ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2016: Olympus Announces Om D E M1 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 5, 2016: Rt Electronics Releases The Turtle Ttl Strobe Trigger ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2016: Aquatica Announces Housing For Eos 5d Mark Iv ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 9, 2016: Gopro Recalls All Karma Drones ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2016: Aquatica Ships Ad5 Housing For Nikon D5 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2016: Field Review Nauticam Na D500 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2016: Show Coverage Dema 2016 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 1, 2016: Worlds Second Largest Shark Sanctuary Formed In Kiribati ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 22, 2016: Sea Sea Announces Housing For Eos 5d Mark Iv ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2016: Study Catalogs Great Barrier Reef Bleaching ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2016: Saga Announces Trio Macro Lens System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 5, 2016: Mexico Announces Biosphere Reserve ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 12, 2016: Sardine Run Image Wins National Geographic Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 20, 2016: I Divesite Releases Details Of Symbiosis Lighting System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 21, 2016: President Obama Announces Arctic Protection ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 26, 2016: Subal Announces Housing For Om D E M1 Mark Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 30, 2016: Philippines Declares Million Hectare Mpa ↩
- raw/articles/2016/ (unknown) ↩