Dive into Excellence: How Nikon Ambassador Andrew Hancock Captured the 2025 ACC Swimming Championships with Outex Underwater Housing
In the thrilling world of underwater photography and sports videography, capturing breathtaking moments requires top-notch gear and expertise. Few professionals master the skills and art of this endeavor better than Andrew Hancock, a renowned figure in sports photography, who recently turned heads at the 2025 ACC Swimming Championships in North Carolina.
Andrew was able to pair his various Nikon cameras and lenses with the modular Outex underwater housing system to transport viewers into places they don’t normally go - underwater. Andrew showcased how modular camera systems can transform the challenges of underwater content creation into stunning visual stories. The seamless integration of Outex’s revolutionary technology not only ensures pristine image quality with its optical glass ports, but also underscores its status as a game-changer for outdoor photographers and underwater content creators alike. Join us as we dive into the details of Andrew’s creative process and explore how the Outex system expand your creative capabilities, differentiate your work, and expand your market potential.
The Perfect Shot with Outex
In the world of underwater photography, getting the perfect shot requires more than just skill - it demands the right equipment. This section explores how Nikon Ambassador Andrew Hancock achieves excellence using Outex underwater housing during the 2025 ACC Swimming Championships.
Why Andrew Hancock Chooses Outex
Andrew Hancock, a renowned sports photographer, has consistently chosen Outex for his underwater photography needs. His decision is rooted in the system’s performance, reliability, and versatility.
Outex’s universally compatible and modular design allows Hancock to adapt quickly to different shooting scenarios, a crucial factor in fast-paced sports events. The system’s compatibility with various cameras (film, DSLR, Mirrorless, etc.) and lenses gives him the flexibility to more easily adapt to the situation, and capture diverse shots without compromising on quality.
Moreover, Outex’s lightweight construction doesn’t hinder Hancock’s travel needs, enabling him to carry it everywhere he goes without additional bulk, weight, or costs. This combination of adaptability and ease of use makes Outex an indispensable tool in Hancock’s professional kit.
In Andrew's words: "I needed a solution that allows me to put the camera in places so I can take the viewer to places they don't typically get to go. I have always been fascinated by the athleticism and grace of swimmers and when you watch them compete in person or on the television, you only see maybe half of what they do and the rest is underwater so naturally I want to see and show that. Using Outex allows me to accomplish that vision and having a soft housing so I can manipulate the camera…and use any Nikon camera in my collection…without having to worry about button compatibility like I would with a hard housing."
Capturing the 2025 ACC Swimming Championships
The 2025 ACC Swimming Championships presented a unique challenge for Andrew: capturing the intensity and grace of competitive swimming from beneath the surface, without interfering with the races as they took place. Outex’s tripod mount and cable/tethering system proved instrumental in meeting this challenge. He used a combination of Nikons mirrorless cameras Z6II and Z9 as well as a pair of lenses, the 24mm fixed focal-length, and the 14-24mm f/2.8 variable focal-length lenses.
Hancock’s stunning underwater shots showcased swimmers starts, mid-stroke, and finishes, showcasing their powerful movements frozen in time. The clarity of these images, achieved through Outex’s optical glass ports, brought viewers closer to the action than ever before. "The optical elements that Outex produces allows me to get the most out of my Nikkor glass in this environment and my go to is the 180mm dome."
By allowing Hancock to position the camera at unconventional angles underwater, Outex enabled him to capture perspectives that would be impossible from above the surface. This unique vantage point added a new dimension to the championship’s visual narrative. And because he can use different lenses with the same Outex cover, Andrew was able to adapt the focal-length accordingly for optimal results. Every pool is different - depths, clarity, colors, etc. The flexibility of using the same Outex cover for any of my lenses ensures optimal results every time.
Outex’s Edge in Underwater Photography
Outex’s competitive edge in underwater photography stems from its innovative design and superior performance. When compared to traditional underwater housings, Outex stands out in several key areas.
Versatility: Outex’s modular system adapts to various camera models and lenses, unlike many rigid housings designed for specific uses and setups. And it's compatible with lighting, triggers, cables, mounts, tethering, etc. even underwater.
Performance: Optical glass ports, including domes deliver the highest imaging results available - superior to acrylic/plastic ports from housings that cost a lot more.
Portability: The lightweight nature of Outex makes it ideal for travel and on-the-go shooting, a significant advantage over bulky traditional housings. You don't need a case for your case.
Cost-effectiveness: Outex offers professional-grade protection at affordable prices. For a detailed comparison, check out this underwater camera case comparison chart.
Unveiling Underwater Excellence
Outex’s innovative approach to underwater photography is revolutionizing the field, enabling photographers and videographers to push creative boundaries. This section delves into the specific advantages of Outex’s modular system and its impact on sports videography and adventure filming.
Modular Camera System Advantages
Outex’s modular camera system offers numerous advantages that set it apart in the world of underwater photography. Its flexibility and adaptability make it a go-to choice for professionals like Andrew Hancock.
The system’s modular nature allows photographers to customize their setup based on specific shooting requirements. This adaptability extends to various camera bodies, lenses, and accessories, providing a versatile solution for diverse underwater environments.
Outex’s design also facilitates quick and easy assembly, reducing setup time and allowing photographers to respond swiftly to changing conditions. This efficiency is particularly valuable in dynamic shooting scenarios like sports events or wildlife photography.
In Andrew's own words again: "The T2 cover allows me to set the camera on a ballhead underwater and have a cable run from the camera to the pool deck to either trigger remotely via pocket wizard or tether directly to the computer. Additionally, if I am shooting handheld with the T2, I can run a strobe cable out one port and data out the other port which affords me the opportunity to be even more creative when working in a portrait or a non-race situation."
Revolutionizing Sports Videography
Outex is transforming sports videography by providing unprecedented access to underwater perspectives. This innovation is particularly evident in aquatic sports, where the action often unfolds beneath the surface.
The system’s ability to accommodate high-end video cameras and lenses allows videographers to capture broadcast-quality footage underwater. This capability has opened up new creative possibilities for sports coverage, as seen in Outex’s stunning underwater reels from its worldwide customer base. Visit #Outex @realOutex
By enabling stable and clear underwater shots, Outex has elevated the visual storytelling in sports videography. But it's not just water sports. Outex' applications extend into all sports photography - triathlons, track & field, auto-racing, surfing, anything that requires complete camera control, mounting, or exposure to the elements. The system has become an essential tool for capturing the full intensity and beauty of the world of sports. At the Paris Olympics alone, there were 5-6 photographers who consistently use Outex for their body of work. Several of which are featured on Outex's website.
Adventure Filming Made Easy
Outex has simplified adventure filming by providing a robust yet user-friendly underwater housing solution. Its impact on this niche of videography is significant, making previously challenging shots accessible to a wider range of content creators.
The system’s portability is a game-changer for adventure filmmakers who often work in remote locations. Outex’s lightweight design allows for easy transportation, enabling filmmakers to capture underwater footage in even the most hard-to-reach places.
Additionally, Outex’s durability ensures protection for expensive camera equipment in harsh environments. This reliability gives adventure filmmakers the confidence to push their creative boundaries, resulting in more immersive and engaging content for viewers.
Discover how Outex an expand your capabilities, unleash your creativity, and differentiate your work at Outex.com. You can start with the Camera Pro Kit that is compatible with virtually any professional camera & lens, and grow your system over time as your needs evolve. Checkout the Questions/FAQ pages or contact support if you need help.
