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The underwater world, from the primary sources

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2026 San Diego UnderSea Film Festival Now Online

Divers and ocean enthusiasts can enjoy a curated selection of underwater films from home.

Still time to watch the 2026 San Diego UnderSea Film Festival online, featuring 40 family-friendly underwater short films. This digital platform lets viewers watch films not shown at the in-person event. The festival runs from October 12 to December 14, 2026, providing access to a global collection of underwater storytelling. 39 FILMS FOR $20 Link: https://www.sdufex.com/

  • The 2026 San Diego UnderSea Film Festival is now available to watch online.
  • The festival features 40 underwater short films from around the world.
  • The online festival runs from October 12 through December 14, 2026. 39 FILMS FOR $20
  • Link: https://www.sdufex.com/

Phantom Springs Documentary Begins Filming in December

This documentary connects cave exploration with water resource challenges affecting West Texas communities.

Phantom Springs, a documentary about exploring a deep underwater cave in West Texas, will start filming in December 2026. The film follows a dive team mapping the cave and its connection to the San Solomon Springs system. It also highlights the impact of a declining aquifer on the local community of Balmorhea. The project aims to raise awareness about water resource issues through underwater exploration and ecological research.

  • A dive team in West Texas will film their two-week expedition to explore Phantom Springs cave.
  • The documentary links cave exploration with the declining aquifer affecting Balmorhea community.
  • Scientists will document the ecosystem's health to assess future water resource challenges.
  • The film will examine the history of the springs and its relevance to Texas' water resource pressures.

Križna Jama Expedition Documentary Premieres in Antwerp

Divers and ocean enthusiasts can witness groundbreaking exploration and scientific findings from Slovenia's caves.

A documentary showcasing the Križna Jama Expedition is set to premiere in Antwerp, highlighting the team's exploration of two caves in Slovenia. The expedition combined deep diving, scientific research, and documentation, uncovering new underwater passages and cave-bear remains. Researchers are analyzing biological and hydrological data, though results are preliminary. The film will be followed by a Q&A session with the team.

  • The Križna Jama Expedition documentary premieres in Antwerp on December 3, 2026, at Kinepolis Antwerp.
  • Led by Slovenian cave diver Maja Karmen Mušič, the team explored and documented Križna Jama and Nova Križna Jama.
  • Researchers found unrecorded submerged passages, air-filled chambers, and cave-bear remains in the caves.
  • Preliminary water chemistry results suggest possible water flow from other parts of the cave system, but further analysis is needed.

German Photographer Captures Ocean's Beauty and Tragedy

Daniel Flormann's work highlights marine conservation issues and the need to value nature over fear.

Dr. Daniel Flormann, a German underwater photographer and biophysicist, combines his academic career with artistic underwater photography. His images capture both the beauty and the challenges marine life faces, emphasizing conservation and the importance of understanding ocean ecosystems. Check his website at https://df-fine.art

  • Daniel Flormann is a German underwater photographer and biophysicist who balances academic and artistic pursuits.
  • His work includes images of sharks, whale sharks, and other marine life, often highlighting conservation issues.
  • Flormann's photography focuses on misunderstood marine species and the impact of human activity on ocean ecosystems.
  • He has won awards for his images and uses his work to promote appreciation and conservation of marine life.

DPG Announces 2026 Masters Underwater Imaging Competition

Divers and ocean enthusiasts can showcase their skills and win prestigious prizes and mentorship opportunities.

The DPG Masters Underwater Imaging Competition 2026 invites photographers and filmmakers to submit entries across 11 categories. The contest offers significant prizes, including dive trips and gear, and features a renowned judging panel. Finalists will also receive mentorship from top photographers.

  • DPG launches 2026 Masters competition with 11 categories for underwater imaging entries.
  • Prizes include dive trips, gear, and a mentorship session with top photographers.
  • Judging panel features David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, and other renowned underwater photographers.
  • 15% of entry fees will be donated to marine conservation efforts.

DEMA Show Returns to New Orleans for 50th Anniversary

Divers and ocean enthusiasts can expect a major event with top brands and seminars on underwater imaging.

The DEMA Show, the world's largest trade-only dive event, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in New Orleans. Over 500 exhibitors and 7,000 attendees are expected. The event includes seminars on underwater imaging, brand showcases, and networking opportunities. DPG Field Editors will be present, offering insights and video reports.

  • DEMA Show returns to New Orleans for its 50th anniversary, running from November 3rd to 6th.
  • Over 500 exhibitors and more than 7,000 attendees are expected at the event.
  • Underwater imaging seminars will cover topics like content creation, storytelling, and gear settings.
  • DPG Field Editors Anita Verde and Peter Marshall will be present, offering insights and video reports.

Nauticam Unveils New Underwater Housings for Latest Cameras

These housings offer divers better tools for capturing high-quality underwater images and videos.

Nauticam has launched new underwater housings designed for the latest cameras, improving autofocus and reducing bulk. These housings cater to photographers and videographers, providing enhanced capabilities for underwater wildlife and cinematic footage. The company also introduced a visual port-locking system for better security and ergonomic controls for easier access to settings.

  • Nauticam released new housings for Hasselblad X2D II 100C, Sony a7R VI, and Sony FX5 cameras.
  • The Hasselblad housing enables high-detail underwater wildlife photography with improved autofocus.
  • The Sony FX5 housing supports 5K video and 16-bit RAW recording for professional underwater filmmaking.
  • Nauticam improved port-locking with a visual indicator and designed ergonomic controls for easier access.