2005
Key events
The Canon EOS 5D arrives — the first affordable full-frame DSLR, providing significant advantages for wide-angle underwater photography. Wetpixel wins Scuba Diving Magazine’s first-ever Editor’s Choice Award for Best Dive-Related Website. The Nikon D2X becomes a pro favorite underwater, with housings from Seacam, Subal, Nexus, and Aquatica shipping through the year. Alex Mustard’s Magic Filter launches, introducing a new approach to ambient-light color correction. Brian Skerry goes digital with the D2X for National Geographic. HD video emerges as a dominant theme at DEMA, with housings for the Sony HDR-FX1 from multiple manufacturers. Nikon announces the D200 in November, triggering a new housing race. Wetpixel hits 286 articles, 10,000 forum topics, and 4,000+ members. The site launches a major redesign with new forum software and community features.
January
- 2005-01-04: Jason Heller publishes eyewitness account of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami from a Similan Islands diving trip. ([1])
- 2005-01-15: James Wiseman publishes Aquatica housing review for Kodak Pro 14n/ProSLRn full-frame camera. ([2])
- 2005-01-15: Seacam Subsea Systems announces HD/F1 housing for Sony HDR-FX1 HD camcorder — one of the first HD video housings for the prosumer market. ([3])
- 2005-01-18: Boot 2005 in Dusseldorf; Seacam Nikon D2X housing prototype shown. ([4])
- 2005-01-19: Aquatica and Subal announce Canon 20D housings. ([5], [6])
- 2005-01-28: Nexus releases pre-production photos of Nikon D2X housing. ([7])
- 2005-01-28: James Wiseman publishes article on switching from Nikon to Canon system, exploring the tradeoffs for underwater photographers. ([8])
February
- 2005-02-02: Ryan Canon forms Reef Photo & Video, a new company; previously associated with Underwater Camera Pros/Scuba Adventures. ([9])
- 2005-02-03: Stephen Frink compares Nikkor 18mm to Canon 16-35mm on Canon 1Ds Mk II body. ([10])
- 2005-02-03: Julian Scheunemann publishes comparative review of INON D-2000 S-TTL vs Sea & Sea DA2 + Z-220 slave TTL systems for compact cameras. ([11])
- 2005-02-12: Jean Bruneau and Chris White publish technical article on proper dome port size and placement for underwater housings — a reference guide for the community. ([12])
- 2005-02-13: James Wiseman tests Ikelite eTTL2 converter for Canon 20D housing, finding exposures within 1/2 stop. ([13])
- 2005-02-26: Wetpixel launches new website design on dedicated server with new forum software, RSS feeds, and community blogs. Eric Cheng, James Wiseman, Markus Nolf. ([14])
March
- 2005-03-02: Alex Mustard’s photo on cover of Dive Magazine. ([15])
- 2005-03-04: Eric Cheng gives digital UW photography workshops at Boston Sea Rovers 51st Clinic. Speakers include Norbert Wu, Brian Skerry, Stan Waterman, Ernest Brooks II, Mike DeGruy. ([16])
- 2005-03-09: Roundup of six housings for Sony HDR-FX1/HVR-Z1J HD camcorders published — HD video entering underwater market. ([17])
- 2005-03-11: INON Japan publishes official technical explanation of D-2000 S-TTL technology. ([18])
- 2005-03-15: Alex Mustard publishes first-look review of Nikon D2X with Subal ND2 housing from Red Sea diving. ([19])
- 2005-03-16: DPReview posts Fuji S3 Pro review claiming 10-stop dynamic range in Wide 2 mode — potential for improved sunbursts underwater. ([20])
- 2005-03-18: Beneath the Sea 2005 opens (25th anniversary); DivePhotoGuide.com launches beta. ([21], [22])
- 2005-03-19: Subal CD1D housing for Canon 1D/1Ds Mk II reviewed by Tom & Therisa Stack. ([23])
- 2005-03-19: London International Dive Show (LIDS) 2005; Hugyfot HFN D70 Delrin housing debuts. ([24])
April
- 2005-04-05: Adobe announces Photoshop CS2 with multiple RAW conversion and lens correction. ([25])
- 2005-04-05: Olympus announces PT-E01 polycarbonate housing for E-300 DSLR, rated to 60m. ([26])
- 2005-04-06: Eric Cheng reports on Wetpixel Bahamas Shark Expedition with 250+ images of tiger sharks and hammerheads. ([27])
- 2005-04-20: Nikon announces D50 entry-level DSLR and D70s update. ([28], [29])
- 2005-04-29: Nikon D70s confirmed compatible with existing D70 housings; Aquatica housing verified by Jean Bruneau. ([30])
May
- 2005-05-04: Nikon issues advisory claiming NEF RAW format should only be converted through their SDK; white balance data encrypted in D2X/D2H files — sparks controversy with Adobe. ([31])
- 2005-05-04: Aquatica announces 8” dome port for Ikelite housings, bringing optical-quality dome options to polycarbonate housing users. ([32])
- 2005-05-09: Brian Skerry goes digital with Nikon D2X for National Geographic assignments. ([33])
- 2005-05-16: Isla Guadalupe waters granted bio-preserve status by Mexican government. ([34])
- 2005-05-17: Sony announces palm-sized HDR-HC1 HD camcorder at roughly half the price and size of HDR-FX1. ([35])
- 2005-05-21: Canon and Lexar acknowledge image loss bug with Canon 1D/1Ds Mk II and Lexar 80X CF cards. ([36])
- 2005-05-21: Light & Motion announces Bluefin HD housing for Sony HDR-FX1, rated to 400 feet. ([37])
- 2005-05-28: Alex Mustard reviews UR Pro Shallow Water CY filter, finding excellent results for digital available-light shooting. ([38])
June
- 2005-06-04: SEASPACE 2005 in Houston; Nexus D2X housing shown; Ikelite iTTL for D70 shown. Eric Cheng, James Wiseman, Norbert Wu, Jim Watt present. ([39])
- 2005-06-07: Zigview angled LCD viewfinder profiled — a tiny CCD camera/LCD unit that mounts over a DSLR viewfinder, potentially useful inside underwater housings. ([40])
- 2005-06-14: INON announces Z220F strobe replacing Z220, adding manual Focus Light ON mode. ([41])
- 2005-06-16: Olympus announces glass dome port system for E-system with Zuiko 7-14mm F4 lens. ([42])
- 2005-06-17: Berkley White’s ND graduated filter system for sunburst control profiled by Backscatter. ([43])
- 2005-06-18: Sea & Sea announces 8000G/DX-8000G, an 8.2MP digital camera and housing system (rebranded Ricoh GX8). ([44])
- 2005-06-25: Disney removes shark fin soup from Hong Kong Disneyland menu after conservation protests. ([45])
July
- 2005-07-04: UWP Magazine issue 25 published, featuring Ikelite 8400 housing review, Aquatica Canon 20D housing review, and Magic Filter’s first cover shot. ([46])
- 2005-07-07: Aquatica A20 housing for Canon 20D reviewed; Tim Rock switches from Nikon to Canon after 23 years. ([47], [48])
- 2005-07-14: Matt Segal publishes article on adding USB connectivity through underwater housing. ([49])
- 2005-07-14: Aquatica D2x prototype housing photos released; MSRP $2,999. ([50])
- 2005-07-17: Kasey Canton becomes first in North America to receive Seacam Nikon D2x housing. ([51])
- 2005-07-19: James Wiseman reviews Sea & Sea DX8000G compact system. ([52])
- 2005-07-20: Dennis Liberson publishes extensive Seacam D2x housing field report from Bahamas with Stephen Frink. ([53])
- 2005-07-21: Phase One announces 39, 31, and 18 megapixel medium format digital backs with 1.1x crop factor — the high end of digital imaging reaches new heights. ([54])
- 2005-07-23: Bonaire Digital Shootout 2005 begins; staff includes Eric Cheng, Berkley White, Jim Watt, Dan Baldocchi, Jason Bradley. ([55])
August
- 2005-08-08: NWP publishes interview with Wetpixel co-founder Eric Cheng. ([56])
- 2005-08-13: Wetpixel reaches 4,000 registered members. ([57])
- 2005-08-18: Ikelite housing spotted in Hollywood film “Into the Blue” with Jessica Alba — community amused; Ike Brigham surprised anyone noticed the housing given the actress. ([58])
- 2005-08-22: Canon EOS 5D announced: 12.8MP full-frame CMOS sensor, first sub-1Ds price full frame — housing manufacturers race to support it. ([59])
- 2005-08-25: Alex Mustard’s Magic Filter goes on sale — a new approach to UW ambient light color correction for DSLR. ([60])
September
- 2005-09-01: Wetpixel opens new DIY (Do It Yourself) forum for housing modifications and homebrew solutions. ([61])
- 2005-09-05: James Wiseman publishes DIY buoyancy collar article for heavy Seacam/Canon 1D MkII macro setups. ([62])
- 2005-09-06: Wetpixel and Reef & Rainforest auction Galapagos trip for Hurricane Katrina relief; raises $3,101 for Red Cross. ([63])
- 2005-09-14: Wetpixel expands moderating team with Todd Mintz, Dave Burroughs, Julian Scheunemann, Mike Veitch, Drew Wong, Mark Thorpe, Leslie Harris, Luiz Rocha, William Heaton. ([64])
- 2005-09-15: Canon announces XL H1, a 3-CCD HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses and uncompressed HD-SDI output. ([65])
- 2005-09-21: Wetpixel adds new Scientific Photography forum. ([66])
- 2005-09-22: Fantasea unveils the first-ever consumer housing for a WiFi digital camera (Nikon P1/P2), plus housings for Nikon D50, Canon 350D, and Nikon SB-800 flash. ([67])
October
- 2005-10-02: Hugyfot D70 housing reviewed; notable for Heinrichs-Weikamp iTTL chip and CNC machined construction. ([68])
- 2005-10-04: Sea & Sea announces a trio of new products: DX750G compact camera/housing, DX-350D housing for Canon Rebel XT, DX-D50 housing for Nikon D50, and YS-110 strobe with three flash tubes for wider coverage. ([69], [70], [71], [72])
- 2005-10-06: Mike Veitch publishes extensive Magic Filter review from Yap. ([73])
- 2005-10-08: Wetpixel forums reach 10,000 discussion topics with 4,250+ members. ([74])
- 2005-10-11: Industry-wide advisory for cameras with defective Sony CCD sensors manufactured before March 2004; affects Canon, Sony, Fuji, Konica Minolta products. ([75])
- 2005-10-13: Ken Knezick reviews Nikon D2x with Nexus housing from Wakatobi. ([76])
- 2005-10-15: Eric Cheng wins Animal Antics category in Nature’s Best Photography Competition; displayed at Smithsonian. ([77])
- 2005-10-20: Alex Mustard wins Animal Portraits category at Wildlife Photographer of the Year. ([78])
- 2005-10-20: DEMA 2005 show report from Las Vegas; HD video is dominant theme; Sony HDR-HC1 hot ticket; Canon 5D housing timeline “soon” from most manufacturers. Christa Loustalot covers; Drew Wong covers HDV housings separately. ([79])
- 2005-10-22: Visions in the Sea conference in London features talks on RAW vs JPG, filter photography, composition. Alex Mustard, Martin Edge, Peter Rowlands. ([80])
- 2005-10-29: Wetpixel receives Scuba Diving Magazine’s first-ever Editor’s Choice Award for “Best Dive-Related Website.” ([81])
- 2005-10-30: Wetpixel and DivePhotoGuide announce first joint international photo competition with $25,000+ in prizes. ([82])
November
- 2005-11-01: Nikon formally announces D200: 10MP, 11 AF sensors, compact body, $1,699. ([83])
- 2005-11-02: Seacam introduces Seaflash 250 digital strobe at Antibes Festival; 250Ws, supports both Nikon i-TTL and Canon e-TTL. ([84])
- 2005-11-02: JP Trenque wins BBC Photographer of the Year with UW barracuda photo from Egypt shot with Nikon D100 and 10.5mm lens. ([85])
- 2005-11-03: Stephen Frink reviews Seacam wet diopters vs Backscatter MacroMate for super-macro photography. ([86])
- 2005-11-08: Apple Aperture launches; first looks published — a new professional RAW processing alternative. ([87])
- 2005-11-08: Wetpixel restructures forums for better organization of the growing community. ([88])
- 2005-11-09: James Wiseman named HUPS Member of the Year 2005. ([89])
- 2005-11-17: Brazilian Underwater Photography Championship opens to digital cameras for the first time; announces digital-only from 2006. ([90])
- 2005-11-24: PADI announces new Digital Underwater Photographer specialty course launching January 2006. ([91])
- 2005-11-27: Stephen Frink publishes Nikon D2x hotshoe syndrome diagnosis and fix (pin removal); affects Seacam and other housings. ([92])
December
- 2005-12-05: British Underwater Image Festival announced for March 2006; judges include David Doubilet and Peter Scoones. ([93])
- 2005-12-08: First production Ikelite Canon 5D housing reviewed by William Heaton — Ikelite first to market for full-frame Canon housing. ([94])
- 2005-12-18: Charles Mazel publishes scientific paper on fluorescence photography technique in ambient light conditions. ([95])
- 2005-12-18: Seacam announces “Wet Two” stronger wet diopter. ([96])
- 2005-12-19: Luiz Rocha publishes Subal D2x hotshoe modification guide. ([97])
- 2005-12-20: Nikon D200 begins appearing in forum posts; community excitement builds ahead of housing announcements. ([98])
Also this year
- First GoPro Digital HERO with video capability launches
- 286 articles published on Wetpixel — the site’s most prolific year in its early era
- INON Z-240 strobe becoming one of the bestselling UW strobes of all time
- Nikon D2X emerges as the top pro underwater DSLR, with housings from Seacam, Subal, Nexus, Aquatica, and Ikelite all shipping by year’s end
- Hotshoe syndrome identified and documented as a cross-manufacturer issue affecting dual-strobe D2X configurations
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jan 4, 2005: Jason Hellers Tsunami Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 15, 2005: Aquatica Kodak Proslrn14n Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 15, 2005: Seacam Subseas Sony Hdr Fx1 Hd Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2005: Digideepcom Boot Expo Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 19, 2005: Aquatica D20 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 19, 2005: Subal D20 Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 28, 2005: Nexus Nikon D2x Housing Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 28, 2005: Upgrading Your Digital Camera Kit ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 2, 2005: Reef Photo Video ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2005: Nikon 18mm Nikkor Used On Canon 1ds Mk Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2005: Slave Ttl For Digicams1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2005: Proper Dome Size And Placement ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 13, 2005: Ikelite 20d Housing With Ettl2 Converter Conversion Circuitry Enables Ettl2 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 26, 2005: New Wetpixel Design ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2005: Alex Mustard Cover Of Dive Magazine ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 17, 2005: Boston Sea Rovers 51st Clinic 2005 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 9, 2005: Sony Hdr Fx1 And Hvr Z1j Hdv Underwater Housing Lineup ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 11, 2005: Inon D 2000 S Ttl Official Explanation ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2005: Nikon D2x And Subal Nd2 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 16, 2005: Fuji S3 Pro 10 Stop Dynamic Range ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 24, 2005: Beneath The Sea 2005 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 24, 2005: Divephotoguidecom Launches Beta ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 19, 2005: Subal Cd1d Housing For Canon 1d 1ds Mk Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 19, 2005: London International Dive Show Lids 2005 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 5, 2005: Adobe Announces The Photoshop Cs2 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 5, 2005: Olympus Announces Pt E01 Underwater Housing For The E 3001 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 6, 2005: Wetpixel Bahamas Shark Expedition 2005 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 20, 2005: Nikon Announces D50 And 2 New Afs Dx Lenses ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 20, 2005: Nikon Announces D70s ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 29, 2005: Nikon D70s Compatible With D70 Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 4, 2005: Nikon Stupid Nef Format Statement ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 4, 2005: Aquatica 8 Dome Port For Ikelite Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 9, 2005: Dive With Brian Skerry Or Nubile Nymphs ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 16, 2005: Isla Guadalupe Granted Bio Preserve Status ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 17, 2005: Sony Announces Hdr Hc1 Palm Sized Hd Camcorder ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 21, 2005: Canon 1d 1ds Mk Ii And Lexar 80x Compatibility Problem ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 21, 2005: Light Motion Announces Bluefin Hd ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 28, 2005: Ur Pro Shallow Water Filter Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 10, 2005: Seaspace 2005 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 7, 2005: Zigview Angled Viewfinder ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 14, 2005: Inon Z220f Strobe Replaces Z220 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 16, 2005: Olympus Announces Dome Port System For The E System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 17, 2005: Backscatter Neutral Density Underwater Filter System ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 18, 2005: Sea Sea Announces 8000g Dx 8000g Digital Underwater Camera ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 25, 2005: Disney Ditches Shark Fin Soup ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 4, 2005: Uwp Magazines 25th Anniversary Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 7, 2005: Aquatica D20 Housing Overview ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 7, 2005: Confessions Of A Nikon Traitor ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 14, 2005: Adding Usb Connectivity To Your U W Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 14, 2005: Aquatica D2x Housing Photos1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 17, 2005: Seacam D2x Spotted In The Forums ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 19, 2005: Sea And Sea Dx8000g Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 20, 2005: Seacam Nikon D2x Housing Field Report And Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 21, 2005: Phase One Announces 39 31 And 18 Megapixel Mf Backs ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 31, 2005: Bonaire Digital Shootout 2005 Daily Webcast ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 8, 2005: Eric Cheng Interview On Nwp ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 13, 2005: Wetpixel Hits 4000 Members ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 18, 2005: Ikelite Housings For Hollywood ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 22, 2005: Canon 5d Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2005: Magic Filters Available ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 1, 2005: New Diy Do It Yourself Forum ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 5, 2005: James Wisemans Buoyancy Collar Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 6, 2005: Charity Auction Galapagos Expedition October 9 23 2005 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 14, 2005: Wetpixel Expands Moderating Team ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 15, 2005: Canon Announces Xl H1 3 Ccd Hd Camcorder ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 21, 2005: Wetpixel Adds New Scientific Photography Forum ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 22, 2005: Fantasea Announces Wifi Housing And More ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 2, 2005: Hugy D70 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2005: Sea And Sea Dx750g1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2005: Sea And Sea Housing For Canon 350d ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2005: Sea And Sea Housing For Nikon D50 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2005: Sea And Sea Ys110 Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2005: Magic Filter Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2005: Wetpixels Reaches 10000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 11, 2005: Recall Of Cameras Using Certain Sony Sensors ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 13, 2005: Nikon D2x And Nexus Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 15, 2005: Eric Cheng Wins In Natures Best ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Alex Mustard Wins At Bbc Wildlife Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Dema 2005 Show Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2005: Visions Conference Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2005: Wetpixel Receives Scuba Diving Magazine Editors Choice ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 30, 2005: Wetpixelcom Divephotoguidecom International Photo Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2005: Nikon Announces The D200 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2005: Seacams Seaflash 250 Digital Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2005: Bbc Photographer Of The Year ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 3, 2005: Seacam Wet Diopter ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2005: Apples Aperture First Looks ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 8, 2005: Wetpixel Restructures Forums ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 9, 2005: James Wiseman Hups Member Of The Year ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2005: Brazilian Underwater Photography Championship Results ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 24, 2005: Padis Digital Photography Course ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 27, 2005: Nikon D2x Hotshoe Syndrome And Fix ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 5, 2005: British Underwater Image Festival ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 8, 2005: Ikelite Canon 5d Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 18, 2005: Charles Mazel On Ultraviolet Photography ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 18, 2005: Seacam Announces Second Wet Diopter ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 19, 2005: Modifying The Hotshoe For The Subal D2x ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 20, 2005: Nikon D200 Spotted In Forums ↩
- raw/articles/2005/ (unknown) ↩