The announcement of the Nauticam NA-A6000 underwater housing for the Sony Alpha 6000 marks another milestone in the ongoing evolution of underwater photography gear. Designed specifically for Sony's mirrorless A6000 camera, this housing is built to offer photographers a seamless integration of technology, durability, and ergonomic handling. The A6000 succeeds the NEX-6 in Sony’s mirrorless lineup, but it brings significant enhancements, most notably its cutting-edge hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast and phase detection. This enables photographers to achieve lightning-fast focus locking and improved subject tracking, even in demanding underwater conditions. With the release of the NA-A6000, Nauticam reinforces its reputation for designing housings that are not only rugged and functional but also meticulously crafted to unlock the full potential of the cameras they enclose.
Understanding the Sony A6000: Power in a Compact Frame
At the heart of this housing system is the Sony A6000, which belongs to Sony’s Ax000 series of APS-C mirrorless cameras. This series replaces the well-known NEX line with fresh branding and upgraded specs. The A6000 is equipped with a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that delivers exceptional image quality while keeping the overall system compact and travel-friendly. One significant advantage of APS-C sensors for underwater photographers is the smaller dome port requirement compared to full-frame systems. This makes travel logistics easier and reduces weight and volume—an increasingly important factor with airline baggage restrictions. The A6000 sets itself apart with its advanced autofocus mechanism that features 179 phase-detection focus points integrated directly onto the sensor, which, when paired with contrast detection, allows for high-speed burst shooting up to 11 frames per second. This level of performance rivals even professional DSLR cameras. More impressively, the autofocus points cover approximately 92% of the frame, allowing accurate focus across a wide composition range, including in areas beyond the traditional rule-of-thirds grid. This is a vital feature for underwater shooters who often need to quickly compose scenes under dynamic and unpredictable conditions.
High-Performance Video Capabilities
In addition to its strengths in still photography, the Sony A6000 excels in video recording. It captures full HD video at 1080p with a frame rate of 60 frames per second in MPEG-4 format. The camera also provides a clean HDMI output and includes advanced tools like Zebra pattern display to assist with exposure control—features that are typically found in high-end professional video cameras. These enhancements make the A6000 a strong contender not only for photographers but also for videographers looking to capture smooth, high-quality footage below the surface. The A6000's versatility ensures that it can be used in a wide array of environments and applications, from wide-angle reef scenes to macro behavior shots of elusive marine life.
Nauticam NA-A6000 Housing: A Marriage of Innovation and Usability
Drawing from years of experience designing housings for mirrorless systems, Nauticam has once again delivered a highly refined product in the NA-A6000. The housing is designed to support all of the camera’s key functions with intuitive controls that feel natural even when wearing thick gloves. One of the key design updates includes a redesigned port locking latch that mirrors the robust locking mechanisms found in Nauticam’s DSLR housings. This feature simplifies the process of swapping ports, enabling users to switch quickly between macro and wide-angle setups during a single dive. Ergonomics play a central role in the housing’s design, with both command dials, video record button, and exposure value controls easily accessible with one hand. Users can raise or lower the camera’s built-in flash from outside the housing, allowing quick changes between ambient light and strobe photography. The A6000’s tilting LCD screen remains functional inside the housing, angled for easier underwater viewing.
Programmability and Advanced User Controls
The Sony A6000 allows for a high degree of customization with programmable function menus and two custom buttons. Nauticam makes full use of this capability by ensuring all relevant controls are accessible within the housing. For users who prefer to separate autofocus activation from the shutter release—commonly known as “thumb focus”—this function is supported via the accessible AEL button, which can be set to act as an AF-ON control. The video recording function is also prioritized; Nauticam includes a distinctive red, concave, and enlarged button that makes starting and stopping video recording effortless, even in challenging conditions. The housing includes two standard 1/4" tripod mounting holes, as well as compatibility with the Flexitray W camera tray system for added stability during tripod use. These mounting options allow for flexibility in shooting positions, especially useful in macro work or in creating controlled video sequences.
Vacuum System and Leak Detection
Safety is paramount when diving with expensive gear, and the NA-A6000 includes the Nauticam vacuum monitoring system as standard. Out of the box, it serves as both an audible and visual leak detection device. However, when paired with the optional M16 vacuum valve, it becomes a full-fledged vacuum integrity system, offering users peace of mind by confirming watertight seals before entering the water. This proactive safety feature allows photographers to detect problems before they become catastrophic, preserving their equipment and their dive experience. Every control on the housing is carefully labeled and positioned for a short learning curve and confident operation. Crafted from a solid block of aluminum, the housing is hard-anodized to resist corrosion and is depth rated to 100 meters or 330 feet. It is engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of underwater photography and is built to last.
Exploring the Lens Compatibility of the Sony A6000 with Nauticam Housing
One of the major strengths of the Sony A6000 system is its interchangeable lens capability, which allows underwater photographers to tailor their gear setup to match specific shooting goals. Unlike compact cameras that are restricted to a fixed lens, the A6000 supports a variety of high-quality Sony and Zeiss lenses, making it highly adaptable. Nauticam has ensured that its housing system supports all compatible optics designed for underwater use. The 16–50mm kit lens that often comes bundled with the A6000 is quite versatile and serves as an excellent starting point. It provides a convenient zoom range for general-purpose photography and can be adapted for both wide-angle and close-up compositions with appropriate ports and wet lens accessories. However, many underwater shooters will eventually seek more specialized glass. For wide-angle photography, which is crucial for capturing reefscapes, shipwrecks, or large marine creatures, Sony’s E 16mm F2.8 Pancake lens combined with the VCLECF1 fisheye conversion lens offers a compact and cost-effective fisheye solution. Similarly, the Sony E 10–18mm F4 OSS lens provides excellent rectilinear wide-angle performance with image stabilization, making it ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects or for video work in dynamic lighting environments.
Macro and Super Macro Capabilities with Advanced Optics
Underwater macro photography demands precision and the ability to focus closely on small subjects such as nudibranchs, shrimp, or fish eyes. The Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro lens offers a lightweight and compact option for macro enthusiasts. It delivers true macro magnification and pairs well with the Nauticam housing, allowing for clean and close compositions with fast focus response. However, more dedicated macro shooters may desire higher magnification and working distance. This is where Canon’s macro lenses, used via a Metabones adapter, come into play. Nauticam and Zen Underwater have enabled full support for Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lenses. These lenses are revered for their sharpness, contrast, and bokeh quality, making them a popular choice among seasoned macro photographers. Though larger and slightly more complex to operate with adapters, they offer exceptional image fidelity and are particularly useful for shooting shy or small subjects from a greater distance. With the correct ports and extensions, these lenses integrate smoothly into the Nauticam ecosystem.
Wide-Angle Excellence with Zeiss Touit Lenses
Zeiss Touit lenses for the Sony E mount bring a new level of optical quality to the A6000 platform. The Carl Zeiss Touit 2.8/12mm lens stands out as a world-class wide-angle optic, offering excellent sharpness from edge to edge, minimal distortion, and a bright aperture that helps in low-light underwater conditions. Nauticam supports this lens using a Zen Underwater adapter and dedicated dome port, enabling users to fully exploit its capabilities for dramatic reef or wreck scenes. In addition, Zeiss has released the Touit 2.8/50M macro lens, which brings true 1:1 magnification to native E-mount users. Nauticam provides port compatibility for this lens as well, giving users another strong option for macro photography without the need for lens adapters. The integration of Zeiss optics into the A6000 underwater system is particularly appealing to professionals and enthusiasts who seek the highest possible image quality. These lenses maintain excellent contrast, color rendition, and detail sharpness—factors that are critical when shooting underwater subjects, where lighting and focus must be controlled with care.
Magnifying Optical Viewfinders for Enhanced Accuracy
Precise composition and critical focus are vital components of underwater photography. Nauticam addresses this need with their optional 180º straight viewfinder and 45º angled viewfinder. These viewfinders are designed to magnify the camera's electronic viewfinder (EVF), offering a bright, corner-to-corner image that facilitates more accurate manual focusing and improved framing. Each viewfinder includes an external dioptric adjustment, allowing divers to tune the view to match their vision perfectly—whether they use corrective lenses or not. The housings accommodate quick changes between the stock viewfinder and these magnifying options using an optional LCD window with a mounting ring. These enhancements provide exceptional visual clarity, especially when shooting in deep or murky waters where relying on an LCD alone can be difficult. Moreover, the 45º angled finder is particularly beneficial for macro shooters working low to the substrate or in awkward body positions, offering comfort and flexibility that leads to better compositions and longer bottom times without fatigue.
Ergonomic Handling and Customization Options
The handling of an underwater housing is critical for both safety and successful shooting. Nauticam offers optional Flexitray and Easitray systems to mount strobes and enhance grip comfort. These trays are compatible with both single and dual-handle configurations and feature rubberized ergonomic hand grips that are both soft to the touch and structurally firm. Their adjustability allows users to position the grips laterally, ensuring that each diver can find the most comfortable hand positioning for their unique style and hand size. This feature helps minimize hand fatigue during long dives and provides stability when operating the camera in currents or surge conditions. The overall user experience is elevated by Nauticam’s attention to detail in control placement and the smooth feel of the knobs and dials. All buttons are clearly labeled, tactile, and logically positioned to ensure that even in low-visibility conditions or while wearing thick gloves, users can operate the camera confidently.
Strobe Connectivity and Fiber Optic Flash Performance
Lighting plays a defining role in underwater imaging, and Nauticam has ensured seamless integration with popular underwater strobes through fiber optic connectivity. The NA-A6000 supports TTL automatic flash exposure using the camera’s built-in flash as a trigger. Compatible strobes such as Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, and Sea & Sea YS-01 and YS-D1 can be fired optically, eliminating the need for electronic sync cords. This greatly reduces potential failure points and simplifies the overall rig. Nauticam fiber optic cables are engineered for superior light transmission, resulting in more accurate TTL flash exposure even when using manual modes. The housing features dual ports for fiber optic cables, and it accepts Sea & Sea-style plug bushings for secure and standardized connections. Strobes can be mounted via ball joints on the handles or a central ball mount on the housing’s top. An additional cold shoe mount is available for attaching focus lights or other accessories. This setup offers a highly flexible lighting system that can be customized to suit any diving condition or subject type.
Building Confidence Through Superior Craftsmanship
Nauticam housings are renowned for their precision manufacturing and robust construction. The NA-A6000 housing is milled from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is then hard-anodized for corrosion resistance and long-term durability. This process results in a shell that is both lightweight and able to withstand the rigors of repeated dives in harsh saltwater environments. The large acrylic window is treated with an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, ensuring clarity and longevity. The housing is depth-rated to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for recreational, technical, and professional dive scenarios. Each component is built with quality in mind, from the smooth action of the dials to the solid latch mechanisms that secure the housing closed. With its combination of smart engineering, material quality, and thoughtful ergonomics, the NA-A6000 inspires confidence among underwater photographers who need reliable equipment that performs flawlessly dive after dive.
Streamlined Control and Intuitive Operation in the NA-A6000
One of the defining features of the Nauticam NA-A6000 is its thoughtful layout of controls, designed to closely mimic the natural handling of the Sony A6000 camera. Nauticam engineers have paid careful attention to control accessibility, ensuring that photographers can easily manipulate all essential settings without removing their hands from the housing. The command dials, exposure compensation control, and mode dial are each placed for rapid adjustment, which is especially important underwater, where lighting and subject behavior can change in an instant. Even the shutter button has been fine-tuned to offer a smooth, progressive feel, helping divers capture fast-moving subjects at the precise moment of peak action. The housing includes tactile response feedback for key controls, making it easy for users to confirm button presses by feel alone. This tactile precision becomes invaluable in low visibility, deep dives, or cold-water environments where gloves are worn. Every dial and switch functions with minimal resistance and satisfying responsiveness, contributing to the intuitive and fluid operation that professionals and enthusiasts appreciate.
Rapid Transition Between Strobe and Ambient Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in underwater photography, and being able to transition quickly between strobe and ambient light is essential. The Sony A6000 features a built-in pop-up flash that can be activated within the housing, allowing users to optically trigger external strobes with ease. Nauticam has integrated a mechanical control for lifting or lowering this flash, enabling seamless on-the-fly lighting adjustments during a dive. This design empowers photographers to adapt their lighting strategy depending on conditions, such as switching to ambient light for a more natural look when shooting shallow reefs, or engaging powerful strobes for macro work in deeper or murkier environments. This kind of flexibility increases the range of creative options available underwater. Combined with the NA-A6000’s compatibility with TTL flash exposure and fiber optic cable connections, the overall strobe system becomes both powerful and user-friendly. This dual lighting capability is a major advantage when diving in remote locations, where weather and water clarity can vary greatly, and photographers need to make real-time decisions to get the shot.
The Impact of the Tilting LCD Screen for Underwater Framing
Framing a shot underwater often involves unconventional body positions or limited movement, particularly during macro work or in tight spaces like wrecks and caves. The Sony A6000’s tilting LCD screen can be a game-changer in such situations, and Nauticam’s housing design accommodates the tilt mechanism without restriction. This thoughtful integration allows the screen to angle slightly upward or downward, giving photographers the ability to compose shots from high or low perspectives while maintaining visual clarity. For example, if a diver needs to keep low on the seafloor to shoot a subject nestled under coral, the upward tilt of the screen can make framing far more ergonomic and less physically taxing. Likewise, when aiming downward into a crevice or hole, a downward tilt makes it easier to maintain eye contact with the display. These small ergonomic advantages accumulate throughout a dive, reducing strain, improving accuracy, and contributing to better compositions and sharper images.
Custom Button Mapping for Personalized Shooting Styles
The Sony A6000 allows extensive customization of button functions, which can significantly improve a diver’s shooting efficiency. Nauticam’s NA-A6000 housing embraces this feature by making all of the camera’s programmable buttons accessible through the housing body. The Fn button, two Custom (C1 and C2) buttons, and the AEL button are all externally operable, giving users the freedom to program specific functions like ISO control, white balance, autofocus modes, or metering settings based on their individual shooting preferences. This feature proves invaluable for experienced shooters who prefer to fine-tune their system for speed and precision. One popular customization among underwater photographers is reassigning autofocus activation from the shutter button to the AEL button—commonly referred to as “back-button focus.” This allows users to separate focusing from shooting, reducing the risk of missed shots due to unintentional refocus. Nauticam’s ergonomic placement of the AEL button on the housing ensures this advanced feature is both usable and comfortable, contributing to a more responsive and controlled shooting experience.
Superior Handling Through the Flexitray System
Diving with a housing that feels well-balanced in the water can make the difference between a stressful experience and a productive, enjoyable photo session. Nauticam’s Flexitray and Easitray handle systems are more than just strobe mounts; they’re designed to transform the handling of the NA-A6000. These optional tray systems provide dual-hand support and serve as attachment points for lighting accessories. The handles themselves are crafted with rubberized, non-slip surfaces and contoured for comfort. Unlike static handles, the Flexitray system offers lateral adjustability, allowing users to tailor the spacing to their hand width and preference. This custom fit helps reduce strain on wrists and forearms during longer dives, particularly when maneuvering through surge or during high-current drift dives. The enhanced stability from a dual-handle setup also allows for steadier shots when recording video. For traveling photographers who may need to adapt quickly between handheld and tripod shooting, the trays integrate seamlessly with common mounting systems and maintain a compact footprint in gear bags.
Depth Rating and Build Specifications for Professional Use
Durability and safety are paramount when investing in underwater equipment. The Nauticam NA-A6000 housing is built to withstand professional-grade use, with a depth rating of 100 meters or 330 feet. Whether exploring deep walls, technical dive sites, or simply operating in rough surf conditions, the housing provides the structural integrity needed to protect sensitive camera gear. The body is machined from a single block of aircraft-grade aluminum, a material chosen for its balance of strength and lightweight properties. This metal construction is then hard-anodized to create a corrosion-resistant outer shell that can endure years of saltwater exposure. The large rear acrylic window is designed with an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and enhances screen visibility in direct sunlight or shallow water conditions. Despite its robust build, the housing remains relatively compact and lightweight, making it suitable for travel without sacrificing performance. This blend of toughness, precision, and portability has earned Nauticam a loyal following among dive professionals, marine biologists, and expedition photographers alike.
Compatibility with Strobe Arms and Focus Light Mounts
A key aspect of underwater photography is lighting flexibility, and the NA-A6000 housing supports a wide range of accessories to support advanced lighting setups. The housing includes multiple mounting options for strobes, including ball joints located on the tray handles and an additional central mounting ball directly on the housing body. This allows for balanced strobe placement and creative lighting angles, essential for eliminating backscatter and controlling subject shadows. Additionally, a cold-shoe mount is positioned on the top of the housing for installing a focus light, action camera, or other accessories such as a small monitor or compass. These mounting points are critical for both amateur and professional workflows, as they give users the ability to build a complete underwater imaging system tailored to their specific needs. The integration with popular strobe brands and arm systems ensures compatibility with existing gear, making the NA-A6000 a flexible addition to most photographers' kits.
Integrated Vacuum Monitoring and Leak Prevention System
One of the most advanced safety features built into the Nauticam NA-A6000 housing is the integrated vacuum monitoring and leak detection system. This feature offers both visual and audible alarms that provide immediate warnings in the event of a compromised seal. The system gives photographers a vital safeguard, especially when operating at depth or in challenging diving environments. When paired with the optional M16 vacuum valve, this monitoring system becomes even more powerful. The valve allows the user to create a vacuum inside the housing before the dive, verifying that all seals are properly in place. If the vacuum holds without change, it provides a high degree of confidence that the housing is watertight. This pre-dive check is a crucial advantage for underwater photographers, particularly those traveling to remote locations where replacement gear may be difficult or impossible to obtain. The peace of mind offered by this system lets divers focus entirely on their creative process rather than worrying about potential leaks that could damage their equipment.
Labeling and Learning Curve for New Users
Despite the advanced engineering and capabilities of the NA-A6000 housing, Nauticam has designed the user interface to be intuitive and beginner-friendly. Each control, lever, and button on the housing is clearly labeled, making it easy for new users to learn the layout and understand each function. This visual clarity speeds up the learning process, allowing even photographers new to underwater imaging to become comfortable with the system quickly. The logical placement of controls mirrors the natural operation of the Sony A6000, reducing the cognitive load when transitioning from land-based photography to an underwater environment. Clear labeling also aids during stressful underwater moments when fast changes need to be made, such as adjusting white balance, switching focus modes, or changing shooting settings while following a fast-moving subject. Whether a diver is preparing for a workshop, heading out on their first liveaboard expedition, or upgrading from a compact camera system, the ease of use built into the NA-A6000 supports a smooth and rewarding entry into mirrorless underwater photography.
Customization and Expansion for Professional Workflows
For photographers seeking to expand their capabilities, the NA-A6000 housing is highly adaptable. It serves as a platform for more advanced shooting rigs, accommodating external monitors, remote triggers, and specialized lights. For instance, videographers can mount an external HDMI monitor on the cold shoe to allow for larger live viewing screens, which helps with focus and exposure decisions during video capture. Likewise, macro enthusiasts can attach additional light sources, such as snoots or ring flashes, using the available mounting points. This modularity makes the housing suitable not only for recreational diving but also for professional and scientific applications. The housing’s depth rating of 100 meters, combined with its compatibility with professional-grade lenses and lighting systems, allows it to perform in deep technical dives, wildlife documentation, and commercial shoots. The wide range of supported ports and extensions means that as photographers grow in skill or shift to new subject matter, the NA-A6000 remains a future-proof investment capable of growing with them.
Practical Applications and Real-World Performance
In field use, the NA-A6000 housing proves its worth through consistent reliability and high performance. Photographers working in diverse conditions—from warm-water reefs in the Pacific to cold-water kelp forests—have praised the housing’s durability and ease of use. Its compact form factor makes it a strong choice for travel, while the internal volume is optimized to keep buoyancy manageable, especially when paired with appropriate arms and floatation accessories. The electronic leak detection system has saved countless dives by catching minor problems before they escalate. The rapid control access allows users to respond to fleeting opportunities, such as photographing a passing shark, a schooling baitball, or the mating behavior of rare marine species. Nauticam’s reputation for producing reliable, professional-grade housings is upheld by the NA-A6000, which performs as expected dive after dive. Its track record in field environments solidifies it as a trusted tool not only for hobbyists but also for working professionals who cannot afford equipment failure.
Conclusion
The Nauticam NA-A6000 underwater housing represents a convergence of intelligent design, rugged construction, and functional precision, specifically tailored to elevate the performance of the Sony A6000 mirrorless camera beneath the surface. It brings the advantages of advanced autofocus, high-speed shooting, and compact size into a form that thrives in underwater photography. From recreational divers looking to improve their imaging to professional underwater videographers and scientific researchers, this housing provides the features and expandability required for a variety of disciplines. Its ergonomic layout, customizable controls, and comprehensive safety systems make it not only easy to use but also a reliable companion on every dive. By supporting a wide range of lenses, lighting configurations, and accessories, Nauticam ensures that users are never limited by their gear. Instead, they are empowered to explore and document the underwater world with clarity, precision, and confidence. The NA-A6000 stands as a testament to Nauticam’s commitment to innovation and quality, setting a high standard for what mirrorless camera housings can achieve in underwater imaging.