Sydney is one of the few locations in the world where a cosmopolitan city is within easy reach of incredible scuba diving – and it doesn’t even require a boat to get there! If you are in Sydney and want to dive, there are plenty of dive sites to explore that are literally just a step off the shore.

Here are just a few of our favourite shore diving sites near Sydney…

Cabbage Tree Bay (Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach)

Sydney’s Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is home to some incredible sites which make for excellent diving both during the day and at night. Depending on the time of year, common sightings here include cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, stingrays, and large schools of fish. Look out for the friendly blue groupers that like to follow divers!

You can dive in this area time after time and still be surprised by what you see. Exceptional highlights are bronze whalers and sometimes the odd eagle ray, dolphin or turtle streams through.

Being a no-take zone, Cabbage Tree Bay has the greatest diversity of marine species of any bay around Sydney.

Learn more about diving at Shelly Beach here.

 Fairlight

Fairlight is a shallow shore dive characterised by a selection of ledges and boulders. Beyond the grass and kelp there are large boulders and ledges running parallel to the land. Look out for scad, morwong, cuttlefish and the occasional Moorish idol. Take a look under the boulders and in the crevices to see what’s hiding out – you can always be surprised here!

Kurnell Monument

Kurnell Monument usually has some current and it’s often dived as a drift dive along the shore. This is a relatively shallow dive site which is wonderful for all levels. Underwater photographers will be in their element here as they catch glimpses of pipefish and even weedy sea dragons. The shallow depths mean plenty of natural light making it easier to capture the popping colours of the marine life.

Gordon’s Bay, near Clovelly

This site is a lot of fun as you follow the 600 meter/1,968 feet long underwater nature trail which is marked out by permanent concrete-filled drums. The bottom composition of this site is mainly rocks on a sandy bottom but it attracts an abundance of marine species which choose to reside here. Look out for octopus and crustaceans as well as Mado and morwong.

Freshwater

Freshwater has a mixed terrain of sponges, boulders, overhangs and crevices – which make great hiding spots for all manner of macro critters including octopus and weedy sea dragons. If you prefer larger marine species, look out for wobbegong sharks, blue groupers, schools of Kingfish and the sites resident turtle.

Freshwater can be subject to currents and tides so should be dived with a guide who is familiar with the site.

Chowder Bay at Clifton Gardens

You may have heard of the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia which is famous for its muck diving and weird and unusual marine life – Chowder Bay is Australia’s equivalent! In the soft silt of Chowder Bay in Clifton Gardens, you’ll find countless critters hiding in plain sight. Underwater photographers should come prepared to shoot some of the best macro life in Australia. Highlights here include several species of frogfish, seahorses, pipefish, octopus, squid, blennies, a plethora of nudibranchs and countless species of macro crustaceans.

Kurnell Steps

Kurnell Steps offers similar marine life sightings to Kurnell Monument, including pygmy pipefish and weedy sea dragons. Kurnell Steps can be trickier to dive than Monument due to its location being more exposed to tidal flow in and out of the harbour. This site is best dived at slack tide.

Bare Island at La Perouse

There are actually two dive sites here, one on each side. It’s possible to dive the right side in most conditions but the left side is usually dived only when conditions are flat and calm. Both sites are surprisingly colourful due to the soft corals and sponges which thrive here. Look out for multiple species of sea stars and nudibranch as well as seahorses, pipefish and Red Indian fish.

Learn more about diving Bare Island here.

Are you ready to dive into (or step into) Sydney’s best shore diving sites? Locate a PADI dive shop and start exploring your own backyard.

Divers are really astronauts; gliding weightless through the
ocean we observe alien worlds carpeted in vast fields of colourful
corals with equally bizarre, enthralling inhabitants – from the
foreign clicks of dolphins communicating to minute technicolour
slugs (nudibranch). And best yet, you don’t need years of gruelling
training or a rocket to experience these watery worlds, just four
days and a eagle-ray-eyed (sorry) ground control. That’s where we
come in, and to ensure you start your adventure starry-eyed,
discover our top five places to learn to dive where magical marine
moments are all but guaranteed.

Marine Madness: Maldives

So much more than a pretty face, the Maldives
boasts some of the most sought after marine species, from the
gentle giant whale shark to hundreds of manta rays (between June
and November). Add to that calm, clear lagoons to learn in and some
of the most luxurious private islands to spend your surface
intervals on, and you’ll leave a certified ocean dweller (official
title). Insider tip: for an intergalactic experience paddle in the
shore after dark and see the waves shimmer as bioluminescent
plankton light up like stars in the night sky.

The Best in the Med: Gozo

If you hail from the UK, Gozo is an
excellent choice to dip your toe (or fin) in the water. The little
sister to Malta, this small laidback island boasts the best diving
in the Mediterranean with warm, turquoise waters more reminiscent
of the tropics than of Europe. Add to that wrecks, caves, caverns
and the Blue Hole (as mysterious and mesmerising as it sounds) to
explore in superb visibility which regularly exceeds 30 metres, and
we’re confident you’ll be hooked on diving for life

Enter the Kaleidoscope: Fiji

Diving in Fiji
is akin to reaching the end of the rainbow. As the soft coral
capital of the world (official title), its reefs are carpeted in
kaleidoscopic colours alive with a flurry of colourful reef fish,
all of which can be seen while learning to dive on
Qamea’s delightful house reef. Once you’re certified you’ll get
to start your log book with the likes of “Fish Patch”, “The
Playground” and “Purple Wall” – trust us, you’ll want to take your
camera for these.

Caribbean Calling: Grenada

Warm waters, colourful coral gardens, shallow reefs and an
excellent local dive operation make this a perfect place for anyone
to learn. When you do, the first dive should be to the world’s
first underwater dive sculpture park and artificial reef. Bolstered
by friendly locals and a whole heap of above-water adventures, from
hikes through the lush rainforest-covered interior to sailing the
protected bay, the ‘Isle of
Spice‘ has all the ingredients for an unforgettable journey
into scuba diving.

It’s a Shore Thing: Egypt

Fact: if you’re from the UK the Red Sea
houses the best diving close to home. A short five-and-a-half hour
flight will see you learning to dive straight from the shores of

The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh which, quite simply, has one of the
best house reefs we’ve come across, with beautifully preserved
corals and abundant reef life right into the sunlit shallows. Once
you’ve learnt the tricks of the trade, explore the reef for
turtles, eagle rays, barracuda and, if you keep your eyes peeled,
expertly camouflaged seahorses.

by Adam Hanlon Wednesday, October 14th, 2020

The RED KOMODO 6K Super35 Digital Cinema Camera is now shipping and available to order. It offers a maximum of 40 fps at 6K and has an RF lens mount. The serial production model is in black, in comparison to the many color and white KOMODOs that have already been released. These are beta and special pre-release versions.

“KOMODO has turned into quite the beast,” Jarred Land said. “This tiny chameleon of a camera packs in amazing resolution, dynamic range and image quality with a global shutter that has allowed filmmakers to capture footage in ways never thought possible.”

RED has released the full details of the camera’s specifications:

RED KOMODO Details

SENSOR TYPE: KOMODO™ 19.9 MP Super 35mm Global Shutter CMOS
EFFECTIVE PIXELS: 6144 x 3240
SENSOR SIZE: 27.03 mm x 14.26 mm (Diagonal: 30.56mm)
DYNAMIC RANGE: 16+ Stops
MOUNT TYPE: RF mount
Accepts Canon RF mount-based lens adaptors for diverse lens choices
Supports Canon EF with full electronic communication via compatible Canon RF mount adapters, and supports mechanically operated RF lenses (electronic control of Canon RF lenses not supported at this time) [1]
MAX DATA RATES: Up to 280 MB/s using RED Pro CFast or other qualified CFast 2.0 media cards [1]
REDCODE® RAW MAX FRAME RATES:
40 fps at 6K 17:9 (6144 x 3240)
48 fps at 5K 17:9 (5120 x 2700)
60 fps at 4K 17:9 (4096 x 2160)
120 fps at 2K 17:9 (2048 x 1080)
PLAYBACK FRAME RATES (PROJECT TIME BASE): 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps, all resolutions
BEST AVAILABLE REDCODE® SETTINGS
REDCODE HQ, MQ and LQ at 6K 17:9 (6144 x 3240) up to 40 fps
REDCODE HQ, MQ and LQ at 4K 17:9 (4096 x 2160) up to 60 fps
REDCODE HQ, MQ and LQ at 2K 17:9 (2048 x 1080) up to 120 fps
REDCODE® RAW
ACQUISITION FORMATS2:
6K 17:9 (6144 x 3240), 2.4:1 and 16:9
5K 17:9 (5120 x 2700)
4K 17:9 (4096 x 2160)
2K 17:9 (2048 x 1080)
APPLE PRORES:
4K (4096 × 2160) at ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 up to 60 fps
2K (2048 × 1080) at ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 up to 120 fps
CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum Alloy
WEIGHT: 2.10 lbs (without body cap and Cfast card)
BATTERY TYPE: Two slots for BP-9XX series batteries
DC POWER INPUT: +7 to +17 V DC via the integrated 2-pin DC-IN port
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: –20°C to 50°C (–4°F to 122°F)
STORAGE RELATIVE HUMIDITY: 0% to 85% non-condensing
COLOR MANAGEMENT:
Image Processing Pipeline 2 (IPP2)
Supports 33×33×33 3D LUTs
Supports import of CDLs
AUDIO:
Integrated dual channel digital mono microphones, uncompressed, 24-bit 48 kHz
Additional dual channel via integrated 3.5mm audio jack, uncompressed, 24-bit 48 kHz
REMOTE CONTROL:
WiFi for camera control via interchangeable antenna with SMA connection
Genlock, Timecode-in, GPIO and Ctrl (RS232) via the integrated 9-pin EXT Port
Wired control via KOMODO Link Adaptor, using USB-C or Gigabit Ethernet (compatible USB-C to Ethernet adapter1 required) allowing camera control and live MJPEG preview video feed
MONITOR OUTPUTS:
Integrated 12G-SDI with 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI and 1.5G-SDI modes
12G-SDI: Up to 4096 x 2160 4:2:2 for 60p
6G-SDI: Up to 4096 x 2160 4:2:2 for 30p
3G-SDI: Up to 2048 x 1080 4:2:2 for 60p
1.5G-SDI: Up to 2048 x 1080 4:2:2 for 30p, 24p
SMPTE Timecode, HANC Metadata, 24-bit 48 kHz Audio
MONITOR OPTIONS: Integrated 2.9″ 1440×1440 touchscreen LCD with preview and camera control
Wireless live preview video feed via 2.4Ghz/5Ghz WiFi for framing
RED CONTROL: Access full camera controls and live preview from iOS or Android devices. Available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (coming soon). RED Control works wirelessly or wired via the KOMODO Link Adaptor (sold separately).

Pricing & Availability

The RED KOMODO is available to order direct from RED or authorised dealers. The camera is expected to start shipping in 3-4 weeks.

RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO 6K – $5,995 USD

by Adam Hanlon Wednesday, October 14th, 2020

Nikon has announced the Z6 II and Z7 II mirrorless cameras. Both have dual XPEED 6 processors and enhanced on-chip phase-detect autofocus with improve low light performance. Video ai available at 4K 60 (the Z6 II will add this via a free upgrade) and dual memory card slots.

The Z 7II has a 45.7 MP sensor with an “exceptionally clean” native ISO range from ISO 64 to 25,600, while the Z6 II has a 24.5 MP sensor with a native ISO range of 100 to 51,200. It can record in ProRes RAW if the optional upgrade is purchased.

The Nikon Z 7II will be available in December 2020 at $2,999.95, and the Nikon Z 6II will be available in November 2020 at $1,999.95.

Press release

THE NEXT CHAPTER OF Z IS HERE: NIKON DELIVERS MORE OF EVERYTHING WITH THE NEW Z 7II AND Z 6II FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS

The High-Resolution, High-Performance Z 7II and the Versatile, Multimedia Powerhouse Z 6II Offer More Innovation, Power, Speed, and Precision to Step into a New Era of Creative Freedom

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. unveiled the next chapter of the Z series with the arrival of two new full-frame mirrorless cameras that significantly improve upon the previous generation by adding more power, more features, and more of what users want. The ultra-high-resolution Z 7II is for those with an eye for impeccable details, offering professionals and advanced photographers a powerful tool to capture immense resolution in every shot. For dynamic creators who need a device as versatile as they are, the Z 6II balances powerful performance and an expert-level multimedia feature set to bring any creative vision to life. Together, the Z 7II and Z 6II, along with new accessories, expand the Z series into a more robust mirrorless platform, incorporating many performances and design upgrades while maintaining the most popular features of their award-winning predecessors.

“As we evolve the Nikon Z series into the future, we continue to strengthen the platform, keeping the needs of our customers at the center of every new innovation and added feature,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “These are the cameras that many have been waiting for from Nikon. The new Z 7II and Z 6II demonstrate our commitment to listening to customer feedback while also establishing the new standard for performance, quality, and versatility for every type of creator, photographer, or filmmaker.”

The Nikon Z Mount – The Most Light Means the Best Images

The Nikon Z mount is larger than any other full-frame mount, letting in significantly more light for the best possible image quality. The wider mount also allows for radical new concepts in optical design, giving lens designers the flexibility to create NIKKOR Z lenses with more edge-to-edge sharpness than ever thought possible. These new cameras expand the possibilities of the superior Z mount with performance upgrades designed to improve the quality, workflow and shooting experience for Nikon Z series users.

New Features and Upgrades: Customer-Focused Innovation Drives Creativity

• Dual EXPEED 6 Processors for Twice the Power: At the heart of the new Z 7II and Z 6II is the implementation of two EXPEED 6 image processors, turbocharging performance to improve processing speed and increasing burst capability for stills – all while increasing power efficiency.
• Enhanced Focus System: With an updated, feature-rich autofocus system, the Z 7II and Z 6II quickly acquire focus and track subjects throughout the frame. For more precise autofocusing, Eye and Face-Detection AF is now available in the Wide-Area AF (L) mode, which works to avoid focusing on distracting elements by isolating selected portions of an image. Additionally, both models have an improved low-light AF detection range that is capable of acquiring subjects in challenging lighting.
• Advanced Video Capabilities: Expanding the boundaries of 4K UHD video, the Z 7II and Z 6II enhance video output with an increased frame rate of 4K (UHD) 60p, plus Eye-Detection AF mode when recording video. While currently available in the Z 7II, the 4K 60p option is planned to be available in a free firmware upgrade for the Z 6II in February 2021. As a result of pro user feedback, the models also allow users to reverse the focus ring orientation on the fly, benefitting those who are used to manual focusing using traditional cine lenses on set. For added flexibility in post-production, 10-bit N-Log and HDR (HLG)1 output offers more detail, dynamic range and contrast in captured footage, while the optional 12-bit ProRes RAW upgrade2 delivers greater creative control for professionals and advanced videographers.
• Built for Confidence, Built for Creators: The cameras retain robust weather sealing, user-focused ergonomics and an intuitive interface – distinctions that Nikon users have come to rely on. The new models also offer improvements such as dual memory card slots, with one CFexpress (type B)/XQD slot and one SD card slot (UHS-II), for maximum versatility and peace of mind. Users will also benefit from more power and comfortable vertical shooting with the addition of the optional new MB-N11 battery pack with vertical grip.

Nikon Z 7II: Absolute Immersive Masterpiece

The Z 7II promises high-resolution stills and video for discerning users who need ultimate performance to achieve exceptional image quality in every shot. A powerful upgrade to the Nikon Z 7, the Z 7II is the ideal camera for capturing highly detailed portraits, landscapes, weddings, events, and commercial photography when there is no compromise on image quality.

The Z 7II features a 45.7-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor to help capture intense detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and clarity that overwhelms. The exceptionally clean native ISO range from ISO 64 to 25,600 offers the functional freedom to shoot at wide apertures in bright light or in-studio with minimal noise.

With up to 10 fps maximum shooting speed at full resolution in Continuous H (extended)3, the Z 7II can handle fast burst rates with more than triple (3.3x)4 the buffer capacity of the Z 7 (in 12-bit lossless compressed RAW).

The Z 7II’s 493 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points cover 90 percent of the frame, quickly and accurately acquiring subjects, even at its far edges. The Z 7II is capable of acquiring focus in half the light (as low as -3 EV5), making it the reliable tool for low-light scenes such as weddings and indoor events.

Nikon Z 6II: True Multimedia Powerhouse

The Z 6II is the most versatile Z series camera yet, balancing speed, power, low-light ability, and advanced video features for dynamic creators who need pro-level performance and reliability.

Building on the vast pro-caliber video capabilities of the Z 6, the Z 6II is capable of recording 4K UHD video quality with full pixel readout, demonstrating the advantages of mirrorless technology. The camera is capable of a variety of frame rates, including 4K UHD 60p with full pixel readout, which is planned to be available in February 2021 via a firmware update. It is also capable of 4K 30p, as well as Full HD 120p for slow motion.

Built with videographers in mind, the Z 6II’s AF speed and tracking sensitivity is adjustable to meet creative needs, while the focus ring is also reversible. Useful indicators for focus peaking, zebra stripes and timecodes help capture the best possible footage in-camera and simplify workflow.
For both models, 10-bit output to an external recorder with N-Log is possible as well as the capture of new HDR (HLG) video and output in 12-bit ProRes RAW with the optional upgrade. For upgrade customers, additional support will also be included for Blackmagic RAW when using the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G HDR recorder. This upgrade will also be provided for existing customers who have already purchased a ProRes RAW upgrade for the Nikon Z 6 or Z 77.

The Z 6II and Z 7II are the first Nikon cameras to support Eye-Detection AF and Animal-Detection AF with video recording, enabling continuous focus on the eyes of humans, dogs, and cats.

The Z 6II features a 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for crisp stills and video capture with impressive detail, ultra-shallow depth of field and impressive low light performance. To confidently shoot in challenging light, the camera has an impressive ISO range from ISO 100–51,200, expandable up to ISO 204,800 equivalent.

Thanks to the addition of dual EXPEED 6 Processors, the Z 6II boasts a fast 14 fps continuous shooting speed, providing quick performance for capturing action, with more than 5x the buffer capacity of the Z 6.

The Z 6II’s enhanced AF system features 273 on-sensor phase-detect autofocus points for easy subject acquisition and tracking throughout the frame, including at the edges. Capable of focusing in half the light (down to -4.5 EV5), the Z 6II easily acquires focus in extreme low light scenarios, making it an ideal option for capturing nightscapes and events.

The Nikon Experience: Reliability & Workflow

Both the Z 7II and Z 6II adopt the Z series’ durable Magnesium Alloy build and extensive weather-sealed design for all-around protection in rugged environments. Both models focus on improved workflow with intuitive features and controls that enhance the creative process.

The Z 6II and Z 7II enable convenient iMenu access for autofocus modes such as the new Wide-Area AF (L) mode for people or animals, with built-in Eye and Face-Detect autofocus, allowing users to quickly switch between controls while shooting.

USB power delivery can be enabled while the cameras are in use, drawing power from the USB source first, to preserve camera battery8 or charging while the camera is turned off (when using the EN-EL15b or EN-EL15c battery).

The Z 6II and Z 7II also include in-camera exposure choices for up to 900 seconds for capturing super slow-shutter nighttime cityscapes and astrophotography.

Both the Z 6II and Z 7II are compatible with the Nikon Webcam Utility software beta, ensuring seamless webcam functionality for all occasions. When using this function with a USB-C cable, power can be supplied to the camera to power it while using it as a webcam, making turnkey webcam functionality as easy as plugging in a USB-C cable.

In addition to its seamless file transfer and remote camera control, the Nikon SnapBridge app can be used to streamline the firmware update process by wirelessly sending the latest firmware file directly to the Z 7II or Z 6II for updating, no card reader or computer necessary.

Portions of the information display can be hidden with still-image shooting and video recording, allowing an unobstructed view of the scene.

In-camera vibration reduction (VR) provides camera-shake compensation equivalent to 5-stops9.

A Rapidly Expanding Ecosystem

Nikon is committed to expanding the NIKKOR Z lens lineup to complement the exceptional power of these latest mirrorless cameras, with 16 NIKKOR Z lenses currently available, including the recently announced NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S and 14-24mm f/2.8 S. The lineup will expand to include a total of 24 innovative optics by the end of 2021, providing Z series users with the tools to achieve the highest level of optical excellence.

The ecosystem is also expanding with more accessories, including the addition of the new MB-N11 Power Battery Pack with vertical grip for the Z 6II and Z 7II. This new grip features convenient external controls for additional manual operation and customization, along with more comfortable portrait orientation shooting. While battery life is extended up to 1.9×10 (CIPA standard), the battery grip also includes a hot-swappable chamber, granting users the ability to remove or replace one battery while shooting for uninterrupted power – a true benefit for content creation. The vertical grip also adds a secondary USB-C port for standalone charging and simultaneous communication with other devices.

Additionally, Nikon has announced new wireless transceivers for remote triggering and radio-controlled lighting, the WR-R11a and WR-R11b. The new wireless transceiver units use radio frequencies to communicate and are designed for users who need minimal release lag when shooting wirelessly, or those that use one or more remote flashes (AWL). The user can control additional remote cameras simultaneously using the WR-T10 remote, or via a main camera equipped with the WR-R11a/b. The WR-R11a uses a 10-pin connector, while the WR-R11b connects through the accessory terminal that can be found on Z series mirrorless cameras and select DSLRs. The units can also trigger Nikon radio-controlled flash units, such as the popular SB-5000 Speedlight, without the need for an additional receiver unit. Engineered with a new hinged design, the WR-R11a increases durability when attached to a camera.

Pricing and Availability

The Nikon Z 7II will be available in December 2020 in two configurations, body-only for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,999.95* and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 for an SRP of $3,599.95*. The Nikon Z 6II will be available in November 2020 and will also be available in two configurations, body-only for an SRP of $1,999.95*, and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 for an SRP of $2,599.95*. The MB-N11 Battery Pack with vertical grip will be available in November 2020 for an SRP of $399.95. The WR-R11a and WR-R11b (sold separately) will be available in December 2020, and each will have an SRP of $199.95 for the controller only. They will also be available as a set including the controller and the WR-T10 wireless remote controller for an SRP of $279.95.

For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new Z 7II and Z 6II mirrorless cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.