2006
Key events
The Nikon D200 and Canon EOS 5D dominated the housing race, with 8+ manufacturers releasing housings for each camera through the year. HD video went mainstream with multiple camcorder and housing launches. Konica Minolta exited the camera market; Sony entered with its first DSLR (Alpha A100). Adobe Lightroom entered public beta and Photoshop CS3 Beta launched in December. Alex Mustard published “The Art of Diving” and argued that manual strobe control is superior to TTL. Nikon discontinued most film cameras, keeping only the F6 and FM10 — a symbolic milestone in the film-to-digital transition. IMAX “Deep Sea 3D” directed by Howard Hall opened in cinemas. The INON Z-240 flagship strobe was announced. Ikelite founder Ike Brigham passed away in December. Wetpixel expanded into video content via a DiveFilm partnership and Matt Segal formally joined the team. A record 392 articles were published.
January
- 2006-01-04: Seacam publishes official hotshoe pin configuration guide for Canon and Nikon housings, resolving dual-strobe problems documented in 2005. Stephen Frink, Harald Hordosch. ([1])
- 2006-01-10: Adobe Lightroom public beta released for Mac — first competitor to Apple Aperture for RAW processing. ([2])
- 2006-01-10: Ikelite releases 8” dome port for SLR housings using extension ring system. ([3])
- 2006-01-11: Nikon announces discontinuation of most film cameras, retaining only F6 and FM10 — symbolic milestone in the film-to-digital transition. ([4])
- 2006-01-14: Alex Mustard publishes “The Trouble with TTL” arguing manual strobe control is superior for digital UW photography. ([5])
- 2006-01-14: Eric Altermann publishes detailed Keldan Solaris Pro dive light review — an early HID light with warm color temperature for video and reef illumination. ([6])
- 2006-01-21: Ikelite announces DS200 Substrobe — 200 watt-seconds, 1.6 second recycle. ([7])
- 2006-01-21: Konica Minolta withdraws from camera business; transfers SLR development to Sony. ([8])
- 2006-01-27: Olympus announces Evolt E-330 — first DSLR with continuous live view LCD preview, a feature of particular interest for underwater housing use. ([9])
- 2006-01-30: Boot 2006 Dusseldorf: Seacam, Sealux, Subal, UK-Germany all show Canon 5D housings. Subtronic debuts strobe arm battery system. ([10])
February
- 2006-02-02: Aquatica begins bundling Heinrichs Weikamp iTTL converter in all Nikon housings — pioneering integrated TTL for Nikon UW systems. ([11])
- 2006-02-21: Canon 30D announced — mild update of 20D. Nikon announces AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G macro — world’s first macro lens with VR. ([12], [13])
- 2006-02-25: Wetpixel/DivePhotoGuide inaugural International Photo Competition winners announced at Our World Underwater in Chicago. ([14])
March
- 2006-03-02: Alex Mustard publishes first book “The Art of Diving” (co-authored with Nick Hanna) — 272 pages, 200 images. ([15])
- 2006-03-03: IMAX Deep Sea 3D (directed by Howard Hall) opens in cinemas. ([16])
- 2006-03-04: Boston Sea Rovers 52nd Clinic: Eric Cheng, Berkley White, James Wiseman lead workshops. Film festival features Howard Hall, Stan Waterman, Wes Skiles. ([17])
- 2006-03-08: Brian Cripe publishes first impressions of Aquatica Canon 5D housing — Aquatica first aluminum housing to market for the 5D. ([18])
- 2006-03-09: Jon Bertsch reviews Ikelite Nikon D200 housing — one of the first production D200 housings available. ([19])
- 2006-03-26: INON announces Z-240 flagship strobe: guide number 24, S-TTL, 13-step manual — destined to become one of the best-selling UW strobes ever. ([20])
- 2006-03-29: James Wiseman publishes first impressions of Seacam Canon 5D housing from Bahamas shark diving trip. ([21])
- 2006-03-31: Record coral die-off reported in the Caribbean. ([22])
April
- 2006-04-03: Digital Shootout Palau 2006 — 5th annual, 25 participants. Eric Cheng webcasts daily. ([23])
- 2006-04-04: Hugyfot D200 housing photos published; Nexus D200 housing announced with photos. The D200 housing race intensifies. ([24], [25])
- 2006-04-19: Shawn Heinrichs reviews Light & Motion Bluefin HD for Sony FX1/Z1U — early HD video housing coverage. ([26])
- 2006-04-20: ADEX 2006 Singapore: Eric Cheng and Tony Wu present “Digital Duo” talk. ([27])
- 2006-04-25: Stephen Frink publishes DIY fix for Canon 17-40mm lens reflections inside dome ports using black flocked paper from Edmund Scientific. ([28])
- 2006-04-26: Sea & Sea announces DX-D200 and DX-5D housings for Nikon D200 and Canon 5D. ([29])
- 2006-04-27: Seacam Nikon D200 housing and new strobe shown at ADEX. Nexus Canon 1D/1Ds Mk II housing also revealed with adjustable viewer optic; Eric Cheng critiques ergonomic compromises. ([30], [31])
- 2006-04-24: Kiribati announces protection of the Phoenix Islands — later becomes one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. ([32])
May
- 2006-05-05: Kenji Ohmura of Fisheye debuts Seatool prototype housings for Sony HC3 and FX1 HDV camcorders. ([33])
- 2006-05-05: Colin Gans reviews Sealux CD200 housing for Nikon D200 from New Zealand. ([34])
- 2006-05-10: Wetpixel announces partnership with DiveFilm.com for video podcasts — deliberate expansion into video content. ([35])
- 2006-05-12: Light & Motion announces Nikon D200 housing at $4,499 with USB camera control. ([36])
- 2006-05-16: Coral reefs wiped out at Sipadan reported. ([37])
June
- 2006-06-01: Nikon D2Xs announced — subtle upgrade of D2X. ([38])
- 2006-06-05: Sony announces A100 — Sony’s first DSLR, inheriting Konica Minolta’s lens mount. ([39])
- 2006-06-15: President Bush designates Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as national monument — 84 million acres, world’s largest marine protected area. ([40])
- 2006-06-22: Panasonic announces Lumix DMC-L1 — Panasonic’s entry into Four Thirds DSLR market using same sensor as Olympus E-330, with live preview capability. ([41])
July
- 2006-07-04: Hugyfot introduces new 45-degree viewfinder that can rotate 360 degrees, similar to INON design. Enhanced viewfinders become a growing trend. ([42])
- 2006-07-12: Alex Mustard shows underwater photography to Queen of England. ([43])
- 2006-07-18: Ikelite announces DS51 replacing DS50 with 6 manual power settings; DS125 upgraded to NiMH battery pack with 100 extra full-power flashes. ([44])
- 2006-07-29: Daniel Deck modifies Light & Motion Bluefin HD housing with internal Expodisc for underwater white balance. ([45])
- 2006-07-31: Canon announces XH G1 and XH A1 professional HDV camcorders. ([46])
August
- 2006-08-02: Canon announces HV10, an ultra-compact HDV camcorder bringing HD video to consumer price points. ([47])
- 2006-08-08: Nikon D80 announced — significant mid-range DSLR; multiple housing manufacturers respond. ([48])
- 2006-08-14: Matt Segal formally joins Wetpixel moderating team. ([49])
- 2006-08-22: Alex Mustard releases Auto Magic Filter — a simplified version requiring no white balance adjustment. ([50])
- 2006-08-24: Canon 400D/XTi announced — affordable entry DSLR; housing race begins. ([51])
September
- 2006-09-06: Aquatica reveals prototype renderings of new enhanced viewfinder system (Aquaview). ([52])
- 2006-09-08: Olympus E-330 housing comparison published; multiple manufacturers competing for the live-view camera. ([53])
- 2006-09-14: Gates Sony HVR-Z1U HD housing reviewed. ([54])
- 2006-09-21: Sea & Sea announces YS-110 strobe with improved coverage pattern. ([55])
- 2006-09-25: Fuji announces FinePix S5 Pro DSLR with extended dynamic range Super CCD sensor — fits in Nikon D200 housings. ([56])
- 2006-09-27: Photokina 2006 in Cologne: dozens of new cameras including Nikon D80, Canon 400D, Sigma SD14, Fuji S5 Pro, and Olympus Stylus 725 SW waterproof compact. ([57])
October
- 2006-10-06: Nikon D80 vs D200 comparison published for underwater photographers. ([58])
- 2006-10-12: Nikon 105mm VR macro lens reviewed for underwater use. ([59])
- 2006-10-13: Olympus E-330 DSLR and 10Bar housing reviewed — live view advantages for underwater composition. ([60])
- 2006-10-23: First look at Nexus D80 housing for Nikon D80. ([61])
- 2006-10-24: Aquatica announces housing for Canon 30D. ([62])
- 2006-10-25: Underwater images dominate at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006. ([63])
- 2006-10-31: Hugyfot Nikon D200 housing reviewed. ([64])
November
- 2006-11-02: Antibes International Underwater Photo Festival 2006 report published. ([65])
- 2006-11-02: Scientific report predicts collapse of fish and seafood species by 2048. ([66])
- 2006-11-05: Light & Motion Titan D200 preview published. ([67])
- 2006-11-06: First underwater impressions of Tokina 10-17mm fisheye zoom published — the lens that would become a staple of UW photography. ([68])
- 2006-11-07: INON X-2 housing for Canon 10D/20D/30D previewed. ([69])
- 2006-11-09: DEMA Show 2006 in Orlando: HD video transition and DSLR growth dominant themes. Eric Cheng and Drew Wong report exhaustive coverage across 30+ exhibitors. Canon 400D housings shown by multiple manufacturers. Subal shows Canon 5D and D200 housings. Aquatica debuts new products. Ikelite shows LED PCm dive light and new flat port system. INON displays full strobe line. Fisheye/Seatool compact housings exhibited. Light & Motion shows Titan D200 and new Bluefin HC3 video housing. Gates shows video tripod system. Sea & Sea announces YS-250 Pro strobe. Video products roundup covers 12+ manufacturers. ([70], [71], [72], [73], [74], [75], [76], [77], [78])
December
- 2006-12-09: Adobe Lightroom Beta 4 vs Capture One 3.7 RAW conversion comparison published. ([79])
- 2006-12-15: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Beta released. ([80])
- 2006-12-19: Stephen Frink publishes lens testing and port matching guide for Seacam housings — a reference article on optimizing wide-angle performance. ([81])
- 2006-12-28: Ike Brigham, founder of Ikelite Underwater Systems and pioneer of consumer underwater photography, passes away. ([82])
Also this year
- Nikon D200 housing race: At least 8 manufacturers shipped D200 housings: Ikelite, Aquatica, Seacam, Subal, Sea & Sea, Nexus, Hugyfot, Sealux, and Light & Motion
- Canon 5D housing race: Housings shipped from Ikelite (first, Dec 2005), Aquatica, Seacam, Subal, Sea & Sea, UK-Germany, and Sealux
- Enhanced viewfinder trend gains momentum with new offerings from Hugyfot, Aquatica, and others
- Tokina 10-17mm fisheye zoom enters the UW photography mainstream
- 392 articles published on Wetpixel — the site’s most prolific year ever
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Jan 4, 2006: Seacam Hotshoe Pin Configuration ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 10, 2006: Adobe Lightroom Public Beta ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 10, 2006: Ikelite Releases Details Of 8 Dome Port ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 11, 2006: Nikon Discontinues Most Film Cameras ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2006: The Trouble With Ttl ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2006: Keldan Solaris Pro Dive Light Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2006: Ikelite Announces Ds200 Substrobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2006: Konica Minolta Withdraw From Camera And Photo Business ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2006: Olympus Announces Evolt E 330 Digital Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 2, 2006: Aquatica Bundles Henrichs Weikamp Ittl Converter ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 21, 2006: Canon 30d Announced1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 21, 2006: Nikon Announces New 105mm Macro Lens ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 26, 2006: Wetpixel Divephotoguide Contest Winners Announced At Owu ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2006: Alex Mustards Art Of Diving ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 31, 2006: Deep Sea 3d To Debut On March 3rd ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 11, 2006: Boston Sea Rovers 52nd Clinic Report 2006 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 8, 2006: Aquatica 5d Housing First Impressions ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 9, 2006: Ikelite Nikon D200 Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 26, 2006: Inon Announces Flagship Z 240 Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 29, 2006: Seacam 5d Housing First Impressions ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 31, 2006: Record Coral Die Off In The Caribbean ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 17, 2006: Palau Digital Shootout 2006 Daily Webcast ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 4, 2006: Hugyfot D200 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 4, 2006: Nexus D200 Announcement And Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 19, 2006: Light Motion Bluefin Hd Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 26, 2006: Adex Asia Dive Expo 2006 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 25, 2006: A Low Tech Solution For A High Tech Problem ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 26, 2006: Sea Sea Announces Dx D200 And Dx 5d Housings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 27, 2006: Seacam Nikon D200 Underwater Housing And Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 27, 2006: Nexus Canon 1d 1ds Mk Ii Underwater Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 24, 2006: Kiribati To Protect The Phoenix Islands ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 5, 2006: Kenji Ohmura And Seatool Prototypes ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 5, 2006: Sealux Cd200 Underwater Housing For Nikon D200 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 10, 2006: Wetpixel Partners With Divefilm For Video Podcasts ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 12, 2006: Light Motion Nikon D200 Underwater Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 16, 2006: Coral Reefs Wiped Out At Sipadan ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 1, 2006: Nikon D2xs Announced ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 5, 2006: Sony Announces A100 Camera And Lenses ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 15, 2006: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Now A National Monument ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 22, 2006: Panasonic Lumix Dmc L1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 4, 2006: Hugyfot Introduces New Viewfinder ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2006: Dr Alex Mustard Featured On Rob Galbraith ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 18, 2006: Improvements On Ikelite Strobes ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 29, 2006: Expodisc Used For Underwater White Balance ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 31, 2006: Canon Announces Xh G1 And Xh A1 Hdv Camcorders ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 2, 2006: Canon Announces Hv10 Hdv Camcorder ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 8, 2006: Nikon Announces The 102mp D80 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 14, 2006: Matt Segal Joins Wetpixel Moderation Team ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 22, 2006: New Auto Magic Filter ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2006: Canon Announces The Digital Rebel Xti 400d ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 6, 2006: Aquaticas New Viewfinder Prototype Renderings ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 8, 2006: Olympus E 330 Housing Comparisons ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 14, 2006: Gates Sony Hvr Z1u Hd Housing Review1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 21, 2006: Seasea Announces Ys 110 Strobe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2006: Fuji Announces Finepix S5 Pro Dslr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 27, 2006: Dozens Of New Products Announced At Photokina 2006 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2006: D80 Vs D2001 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2006: Nikon 105mm Vr Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 13, 2006: Olympus Evolt E 330 Dslr And 10bar Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2006: First Look At Nexus D80 Housing For Nikon D80 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 24, 2006: Aquatica Announces Housing For Canon 30d ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 25, 2006: Underwater Images Dominate In Wildlife Photographer Of The Year ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 31, 2006: Hugyfot Nikon D200 Housing Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2006: Antibes International Underwater Photo Festival 2006 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2006: Report Predicts Collapse Of Fish And Seafood Species By 2048 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 5, 2006: Light Motion Titan D200 Preview ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 6, 2006: Underwater Impressions Of Tokina 10 17mm Fisheye ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 7, 2006: Inon X 2 Housing For Canon 10d 20d 30d Preview ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Show Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 14, 2006: Dema 2006 Subal ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Aquatica ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Ikelite ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Inon ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 9, 2006: Dema 2006 Fisheye Seatool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 9, 2006: Dema 2006 Light Motion ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 14, 2006: Dema 2006 Sea Sea ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Video Products Roundup ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 9, 2006: Adobe Lightroom Beta4 Vs Captureone 37 Raw Conversions ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 15, 2006: Adobe Announces Photoshop Cs3 Beta ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 19, 2006: Lens Testing And Port Matching For Seacam Housings By Stephen Frink ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 28, 2006: Ike Brigham Founder Of Ikelite Passes Away ↩
- raw/articles/2006/ (unknown) ↩