The new Gates EX1 Underwater Housing for the Sony PMW-EX1 is a revolution in Gates design and development.  The engineers at Gates have taken their bulletproof Underwater Video Housings to the next level with the latest ergonomic, camera tray, and design improvements first being implemented on the Gates EX1 Housing.

“To our customers and dealers,

I received unofficial word today from our friends in Bristol that the Sony EX1/EX1R cameras with a Gates housing, SWP44C port and nanoFlash recorder meet the BBC HD requirements for full HD level acquisition. As outlined in a previous email this is notable for several reasons:

* The required equipment is now substantially smaller and more cost effective – not only in acquisition but for travel in these times of increasing security restrictions.
* The BBC requirements for HD acquisition are met with a system:
o Sony EX1/EX1R camera which has a 1/2 in sensor, 1920 x 1080, 4.2.2 ;
o NanoFlash recorder set to record at 50Mbps, Long GOP or above;
o SWP44C port;
o Gates housing;
* No other housing manufacturer can claim such a prestigious position for broadcast quality video form the EX1/EX1R (or EX3) cameras. The need for a Gates housing and SWP44C port are key in meeting the BBC requirements.

* History suggests the BBC acceptance of a full HD level system means others will follow for their Gold Standard HD acquisition: National Geographic, Discovery, PBS, Animal Planet, etc.

In short, the opportunities for production work and stock footage have just been greatly expanded. The EX1 system means you can travel more lightly and deliver results acceptable at the highest broadcast level.

The Gates housing for the EX1R is due out in 4 weeks and a kit for the nanoFlash to mount inside the EX1/EX1R housing will be available in March. It is an independent kit that requires not modification to the housing or camera. Installation is easy and straightforward.

Best of Success, John”

To start, is the camera tray on the Gates Ex1.  First, they have replaced the loose screw attaching the camera to the tray with a captured screw (see below)

Gates EX1 capture screw

Next, is the new rotary latches capturing the camera tray into the housing.

Gates EX1 latches for camera tray

Lastly on the tray, is the new alignment feature.  Lens alignment and camera placement are  extremely critical when placing the camera in the housing.  Now, the end user can adjust the camera left to right on the camera tray to assure there is no vignetting when the Sony EX1 is mounted into the Gates EX1 underwater housing.

Gates EX1 tray alignment

Here is a video shot with the Sony EX1 in the Gates EX1 Underwater Housing with the Fathom Superwide SWP44c.  All available light.

Whale Shark up close from Mike Luzansky on Vimeo.