As usual it was a treat to visit my friends at Sunset House in Grand Cayman for the holidays... I head down as often as possible with several suitcases full of photo gear to play around with. Sunset Divers are always professional without being stuffy and they pretend I'm not in the way even though I always am.

I shot the first Nikon D-300 housing off the line and have to admit... I loved it! If you haven't got one, I highly recommend it. The camera has an unbelievable number of controls and they all operate quite intuitively through the case. Our time tested Nikon iTTL conversion circuitry provides stunning results when used with DS Substrobes.

I am not typically a macro shooter, but I was very pleased with the Nikon 105mm VR lens in a prototype of our new focus port. This port uses the existing standard port body for the 8" dome to mount a focus body and flat port assembly. The result is a port that fits the lens beautifully and looks brilliant when you set your kit down on the camera table. The manual focus control operates smoothly and can be quickly deactivated for auto focus.

We're working feverishly on the new compact digital case that was premiered at DEMA last November. My first dives with it were very exciting. The camera pops in and out in a flash; the housing snaps closed with confidence and ease. After toting around a serious dual-strobe dSLR rig for several days, it was great to throw the little case in my mesh bag and go. This will truly be a thrill for point-and-shooters out there, look for it very soon!

While at Sunset House I ran into a great group of photographers led by Ikelite dealer & one of our favorite photo pros, Dave Haas of Haas Photography. Dave is not only a great guy, but a fabulous photo coach with the patience of a saint! When a friend warned me that this group "had more Ikelite gear than the Ikelite boat during Total Sub" he wasn't kidding... They were kind enough to share their boat with me one day and it was full of camera systems ranging from point-and-shoot to dSLR. Everyone was clearly enjoying themselves, and from the sound of it getting some super photos.

The weather isn't quite as hospitable, but it's great to be back in Indianapolis working on lots of exciting new things for 2008. We know you have a trip coming up, and we'll have plenty of toys ready for you to take along. Keep an eye on the What's New section and check in with your local Ikelite dealer!

Happy New Year to all... Dive often and dive safe!

Join us at Sunset House this year for the first annual Ikelite Demo Days, May 31 - June 7.

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