Outex Selected by Lucas Gilman, Nikon, Atomos, and Apple as the Best Underwater Housing Solution to Debut RAW Video Solution
Nov 05, 2022
The Best Waterproof Camera Housing System for Professional Work in Any Environment
When Nikon, Atomos, and Apple partnered to launch the first-ever consumer solution for uncompressed RAW video output, they wanted to make a statement. So they asked renowned adventure photographer and Nikon Ambassador Lucas Gilman to create a showcase piece that highlights the milestone in memorable ways.
Unparalleled Video Capability from an Affordable Mirrorless Camera
The Nikon Z6 was the first camera to include the hardware and software required to support RAW video capture and output. That RAW video signal feeds directly to the Atomos Ninja V recorder for processing, using Apple's codec software to give content creators unprecedented control over the video signal at its most fundamental level. Until this breakthrough, that kind of power was only available in cameras exceeding $10,000 — far bulkier, heavier, and more cumbersome to use. For the first time, Nikon mirrorless users could rely on the camera's superior optics for image capture while offloading uncompressed RAW footage to powerful external processors for post-production flexibility that matches the creator's vision.
Lucas's vision for the project was to use California's diverse outdoor environments as backdrop — sand dunes, lush redwood forests, super-blooming wildflowers, and cool coastal beaches — to push the technology visually and highlight its benefits. The outcome would illustrate the stunning lossless advantages of RAW video over compressed formats: greater dynamic range, wider color gamut, superior contrast, sharper detail, and more precise noise reduction and highlight control.
Choosing the Right Waterproof Housing for New Cameras and Lenses
The challenge was subjecting two priceless prototype cameras — carrying all of this new technology — to the harsh conditions of sandy dunes, dusty flower fields, and underwater environments. No rigid housing was available: these cameras had not commercially launched, and hardware engineering had not yet finalized all button functionality on the prototype bodies. Adding further complexity, Lucas needed to simultaneously tether the mirrorless camera to the Atomos Ninja V recorder.
Fellow Nikon Ambassador Corey Rich, a longtime Outex user, suggested Outex to Lucas given its size, flexibility, universal design, and optical quality. After a few conversations, Lucas was convinced. The Outex system offered the optical glass ports he needed for uncompromised imaging — including glass dome ports for split-level and underwater footage. The large Pro Cover envelops both the Nikon Z mirrorless body and the Atomos Ninja V recorder simultaneously, while providing enough tactile sensitivity to operate all camera and recorder functionality through buttons, LCD screens, dials, and knobs. The system's lightweight and compact design made it equally suited for mud, dirt, sand, rain, and fully submerged underwater work.
Short Film: "Passages: Seeing the Unseen" by Lucas Gilman
The result was Passages: Seeing the Unseen. The film follows television host Kinga Philipps as she dives in kelp forests around Catalina Island, travels through the redwoods of Northern California, and explores the super bloom and sand dunes of the central coast. It vividly demonstrates how the RAW video workflow captures the full range of color and light — from the deep underwater darkness of ocean footage to the brilliant highlights of sun-drenched environments.
Lucas shot with the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras, 14–30mm f/4 and 24–70mm f/2.8 lenses, and the Atomos Ninja V recorder outputting ProRes RAW. When it came to underwater cinematography, Lucas concluded that Outex was not only the best solution — it was the only viable solution on the market. The Outex Pro Kit (large) with dome and flat glass ports made the underwater and split-level sequences possible.
NAB 2019 Show Announcement
About Lucas Gilman
Lucas Gilman is one of the leading adventure photographers and filmmakers in the industry, based in Pismo Beach, CA. His powerful, color-driven images run in top publications and global advertising campaigns. He has covered the Tour de France, Kentucky Derby, ESPN X-Games, IRONMAN, and NFL Playoffs, and has worked with Land Rover, Nikon, SanDisk, Red Bull, G-Technology, Garmin, GORE-TEX, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, and Outside Magazine. He has appeared on NBC Today, MSNBC, Good Morning America, and CNN, and was a finalist in the 2014 Red Bull Illume competition. He was featured by Apple in their Mac Pro keynote, and has documented two landmark waterfall descents, including the 189-foot Palouse Falls in Washington State.
Interview with the Cinematographer
Watch the full interview between Outex co-founder JR deSouza and cinematographer Lucas Gilman in this Outdoor Photo Series episode — covering the full story behind the production, the technology, and what made Outex the right choice.
Credits: @realOutex | @LucasGilman | @KingaPhilipps | @RickyLesser