Z3 Housing: Underwater COMMAND / CONTROL.
Multi camera support for Z-CAM Flagship Series E2-S6 / F6 / F8 means system management is required, and mastered via Gates COMMAND / CONTROL module. The GCC interface provides direct camera and lens authority: smooth IRIS roller, ISO and SS up/down buttons, menu nav and 4x assignables. All conveniently placed at the operators left thumb tip. GCC is field update-able as firmware evolves, too.
Z3 breaks travel barriers. At 25 lbs / 11 kg fully rigged, Z3 is a backpack-ready, performance-to-size powerhouse. Optimized for diver operation, Z3 is balanced / trim out of the box, yet fully adjustable to different lenses / configurations. A vast range DSLR, specialized, (Laowa macro probe) and compact PL (think Zeiss) glass are compatible with Z3's versatile Lens Gear Drive system -- a genuine innovation.
Z3 is, of course, everything you expect from GATES: Simple, reliable, "bulletproof". 2 year warranty, legendary global support. Seal Check peace of mind. Gates plug-and-play Precision Port and Stackable Port Ring strategy.
With Z3, Seal check, spare bits, tools -- it's all there. There's no 'nickel and diming' you with extra needed gear for an operational system. Only Gates offers this level of commitment to your success, to your ROI.
When failure is not an option: Don't take a chance....take a GATES!
Key Features
Complete COMMAND / CONTROL
Dedicated, direct connect camera control at your fingertips. Iris knob, menu nav, and 4x assignables in the Gates COMMAND / CONTROL module (which is field update-able as Z-CAM firmware evolves). Plus 12 ATOMOS LCD touch-screen controls.
Fully Integrated ATOMOS 5" Monitor
Comfortable 15° view angle and daylight-bright, several LCD options are supported: Small HD503 Ultrabright, ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI, and SHINOBI SDI.
Clean, Uncomplicated, Reliable Design
Another Gates mantra: simplicity = reliability: Convenience details are nice, but not at the expense of function, purpose, results.
Seal Check Lite
Don't rely on a binary red/green light to keep your precious camera safe. Seal Check Lite's precision vacuum gauge puts you in charge of the go / no go decision. When unexpected things happen (and they do happen), Seal Check Lite is a troubleshooter, locating leaks and rapid return to action.
Extensive Lens Support
Gates unique Lens Gear Drive system is versatile, adaptable to DSLR, mirrorless, compact cinema (e.g. Zeiss) and specialized (Laowa macro probe) glass.
Further, Z3 is evolved from Pro Action / Pro Explore to accommodate larger lenses, up to 108mm gears / 136 teeth. Learn more....
It's Included
No buying piece-by-piece. Z3 includes Seal Check Lite, spare kit, tool kit, Lens Gear Drives, system cabling, carry handle and more. Just add Port(s) and Port Ring(s) specific to your application to make a complete kit.
Backpack Ready
Setting the bar in performance to size, DEEP KOMODO weighs in at 25 lbs / 11kg fully rigged with camera, batteries, LCD, DSLR lens and SP60-6 AR coated glass Dome Port. Ideal for the traveling underwater professional.
60 and 80 series Precision Ports™
Z3 supports the entire Gates suite of 6, 8 and 10" dome and flat ports. AR coated glass or acrylic / Perspex options.
2-Year Warranty.
Legendary factory direct support.
Gates is synonymous with reliability and support, and only Gates offers a 2-year, renewable warranty on all housings.
Accessorize and Customize
A range of accessories is available to suit the diverse needs of cinema, Natural History, broadcast TV, research, and military applications.
External Monitor Option
Really want a top-mounted monitor with full swivel / tilt capability? You got it. The Gates NVS External Monitor, which accepts the same ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI or SHINOBI SDI LCD used in Z3.
Surface Support
Z3 would not be complete without consideration for surface tethers. 2X Universal bulkhead adapters utilize both Gates MultiConn and Pass-Through designs for SDI and data connections to the surface.
Specifications
Controls
- Master System Power On/Off
- 2x Direct Coupled Lens Gear Drives
- Run / Stop (Switch activated, right thumb)
- Gates Command / Control Module:
- IRIS
- Menu navigation (MENU / SELECT /▲ / ▼ / ► / ◄)
- 4x Presets / Assignables
- ATOMOS LCD - all lower screen focus / exposure touchscreen buttons
- ATOMOS LCD - overlay toggle on / off
- ATOMOS Power
Dimensions:
- Click here for Z3 Dimensional Drawings
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III Hard Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Depth Rating
- 250 feet / 76 meters
Weight in Water
- Fully Adjustable Buoyancy / Trim
Weight in Air
- Variable depending on configuration
- ~25 lbs / 11 kg with
- SP60 Dome Port, 2x SPR60-200 Stackable Port Rings, Z-CAM Camera
- 2x Sony NP-F970 Batteries
- ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI or SHINOBI SDI LCD
- Canon 16-35f/2.8L III USM lens
Warranty
- 2 Years Renewable. Gates Warranty Details
Camera Equipment Required
- Cameras:
- Z-CAM E2-S6 / E2-F6 / E2-F8 with Canon EF or PL lens mount.
- Camera Accessories:
- None
- Media
- CFAST Media compatible with Z-CAM models E2-S6 / E2-F6 / E2-F8
- Camera prep / setup only (optional)
- Z-Camera iOS or Android app
- Battery Options
- 2x Sony NP-F970 Batteries or equivalent
- LCD
- ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI or SHINOBI SDI LCD + ATOMOS Battery Eliminator
- SmallHD 503 Ultrabright
- Lenses
- DSLR (Canon EF) and Compact Cinema Glass (0.8 MOD or 32 Pitch)
- Laowa Macro Probe (with Gates MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter)
- Max Lens Envelope:
- SPR60 Port Rings
- Max lens overall OD: 5.6 in / 142mm
- Max lens gear OD: 4.25 in / 108 mm / 136 Teeth
- Min lens gear OD: 3.1 in / 79 mm / 100 Teeth
- SPR80 or PR80 Port Rings
- Max lens overall OD: 7.5 in / 190mm
- Max / Min gear OD: same as above.
- SPR60 Port Rings
External Monitor Options
A Gates External Monitor housing is optional with Z3.
NVS Underwater Monitor Housing
Compatible Housings: ARRI ALEXA MINI / MINI LF ARRI ALEXA DEEP WEAPON-RAPTOR SONY Z90
1000 nits bright LCD. 4K/60P recording in ProRes RAW. Extensive focus / exposure tools. All in a compact, neutrally buoyant package. That's the Gates NVS External Monitor Housing.
Designed specifically for the Atomos NINJA V, SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI, Gates NVS Underwater Monitor Housing accommodates all three with field-configurable changes. Touch screen buttons are readily accessible below the shaded 5" display, and the mounting base will tilt / swivel to any position for the perfect viewing angle. Battery powered or driven by the camera v-lock (SHINOBI SDI only), NVS preserves a streamlined, low profile to the housing for minimal water resistance.
Of course, Gates NVS Underwater Monitor Housing comes with 'bulletproof' construction, a 2 year renewable warranty‘ and legendary Gates customer support. Reliable, durable, dependable – the Gates hallmark for over 50 years.
Compact Size, Widescreen Display
5" / 125 mm widescreen display is a bright 1000 nits.
ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI LCD's
are all supported via field-configurable changes. Contact us for details.
Touch screen controls
are easibly accessible below the shaded LCD.
2-Year Warranty
Only Gates offers a professional 2-year renewable warranty on all housings.
Tilt / Swivel base mount
adjust NVS for the perfect viewing angle. A true professional touch.
No 'Turtling'
Neutrally buoyant design means no fighting a rig that wants to flip over.
Display
- ATOMOS NINJA V (+ Master Caddy), SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI LCD's
- Widescreen 5 .0 inch / 125 mm color LCD
- 1920x1080 resolution
Controls
- Power
- Touch Screen x12
Dimensions
Input Formats
- HDMI (NINJA V, SHINOBI) and HD-SDI (SHINOBI SDI)
- View all LCD specifications at ATOMOS.com
Material
- Machined Aluminum, Type III 'Hard' Anodized finish
- Stainless steel hardware
Weight
- Dry: 3.7lbs / 1.7 kg 4.8lbs / 2.2kg with LCD & Battery
- In Water: Slightly positive to slightly negative (battery dependent)
Depth Rating
- 200 feet / 61 meters
Warranty
- 2-Years Renewable
Cable / Connections
- Marine-grade multi conductor cable
- Gates Pass Through connectors
Power / Run Time
- Variable. Consult ATOMOS specifications for details.
Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source(s)
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970) or
- Camera / Camera battery via D-Tap
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94-186 BCP ASSY, SDI+PWR SML PENTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 24-28 in / 61-71 cm. Custom length available.
Mini/ Mini LF / ALEXA / FLEX4K Housings
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970)
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94-190 BCP ASSY, SDI SML PENTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 16-18 in / 41-46 cm. Custom length available.
Z90 Housing (for Sony PXW-Z90 Camera)
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970)
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94-219 BCP ASSY, SDI BLKHD ADPTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 25-28 in / 63-71 cm. Custom length available.
DEEP WEAPON Housing
- LCD: ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI
- Power Source(s)
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970) or
- Camera / Camera battery via D-Tap
- Gates NVS External Monitor SDI Cable: specify 5000-94—218 BCP ASSY, SDI+PWR LG PNTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 25-28 in / 63-71 cm. Custom length available.
AX700 / Z90 Housing (for Sony FDR-AX700 or PXW-Z90 Camera)
- LCD: ATOMOS NINJA V or SHINOBI
- Power Source
- LCD battery (Sony NP-F970)
- Gates NVS External Monitor HDMI Cable: specify 5000-94-182 BCP ASSY, HDMI BLKHD ADPTR NVS MON
Standard cable length (Housing to Monitor): 30-36 in / 76-91 cm. Custom length available.
Port Options
The best camera in the world can't make up for poor optics. Poor optical design and materials introduce ‘image killers’ – distortions, aberrations, degraded resolution, or vignetting. Gates family of Precision Ports are sharp and clear: the finest optics for the finest underwater images. No image killers. Professional to amateur, super wide to macro, Gates Precision Ports suit a wide range of needs, conditions and experience. Of course all ports are backed by our legendary customer support and the same standard of excellence expected of all Gates products.
60-Series Ports
FP60 Flat Port
A simple, versatile port option for macro work or lenses that don't perform well with a dome port.
Versatile
The FP80 supports a wide range of lenses for medium to macro imaging.
Acrylic (Perspex) Element
a practical material for field use, minor scratches can be polished out.
Compact Size
Fits perfectly with the Pro Action sleek profile.
Field Replaceable
The FP80 element is user-changeable in the field.
Material
- Optical grade Acrylic / Perspex (standard)
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture:
- 5.6in / 142 mm Ø
Depth Rating
- 150 ft / 45m
Optical Notes
- Flat ports reduce Field of View (FOV) 20% underwater.
SP60-6 Dome Port
The SP60-6 is a 6in / 152 mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
Versatile
For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP60-6 supports a wide variety of lenses
AR Coated Glass
The SP60-6 is available with either Acrylic / Perspex dome or BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.
Field Serviceable
Field Serviceable and replaceable dome (acrylic / Perspex only)
Material Options
- Acrylic / Perspex
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 5.6in / 142 mm Ø
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 6 in / 15mm
Depth Rating
- 150 ft/ 45 m
80-Series Ports Compatible
FP80 Flat Port
Due to its larger front element, the FP80 supports a variety of medium to macro lenses – including external zooms. A simple, versatile port option. Both Acrylic (Perspex) and Glass versions available.
Versatile
The FP80 supports a wide range of lenses for medium to macro imaging.
AR Coated Glass
BK7 glass element with Anti Reflective (AR) coating is optional.
Shade
Shade choices include W075 (standard) and Macro (optional)
Field Replaceable
The FP80 element is user-changeable in the field.
Material
- Optical grade Acrylic / Perspex (standard)
- Anti-reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass (optional)
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture:
- 7.4in / 189mm
Shades
- W075 (standard)
- Macro (optional)
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
Optical Notes
- Flat ports reduce Field of View (FOV) 20% underwater.
SP80-8 Dome Port
The SP80-8 is an 8in / 203mm spherical dome port that preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Medium to macro, too, when paired with compatible macro zoom lenses. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
Versatile
For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP80-8 supports a wide variety of lenses
AR Coated Glass
The SP80-8 is available with either Acrylic / Perspex dome or BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.
Field Serviceable
Field Serviceable and replaceable dome (acrylic / Perspex only)
Material Options
- Acrylic / Perspex
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 8in / 203mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
SP80-10 Dome Port
The SP80-10 is a 10in / 254mm spherical dome port that, like it's smaller SP80-8 sibling preserves field of view (FOV) underwater for wide to fisheye imaging. The SP80-10 however, exhibits superior compatibility with rectilinear lenses, mitigating the soft corners classically found with dome ports in general. This particularly beneficial with certain cinema PL mount glass like Arri Master Primes and Ultra Primes.
The SP80-10 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
Superior Rectilinear Compatibility
For medium to wide and fisheye imaging, the SP80-10 excels at rectilniear imaging, particularly with PL mount cinema lenses.
AR Coated Glass
The SP80-10 is made of optically pure BK7 Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass domes.
Versatile
The SP80-10 is compatible with hundreds of lenses. See Gates Compatibility Reference.
Material Options
- Anti-Reflective (AR) coated BK7 glass
Element Diameter / Clear Aperture
- 7.5in / 190mm
Dome Spherical Diameter
- 10in / 254mm
Depth Rating
- 450ft / 137m
Specialized Port / Adapters
MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter
In collaboration with Venus Optics, the Gates MLA60 Probe Lens Adapter allows full submersion of the Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens for truly unique macro imaging perspective. A long, tubular barrel with tiny lens tip can extend into the smallest of spaces, yet provide a remarkable 84° FOV, 2:1 magnification, and infinity focus. Further, the Laowa 24mm Macro covers full frame *and* larger sensors like RED Monstro from a standard Canon or Nikon mount.
Learn more about the MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter
Unique 'Goby-Eye' Perspective
The Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens offer remarkable 2:1 Magnification, wide 84° at the tiny lens tip and infinity focus.
Full Housing Integration
The MLA60 directly adapts iris / focus functions to the housing controls. Optional LED ring light power cable with on/off switching.
7in / 178mm probe extension
Collaboration with Venus Optics allows for full submersion of the 24mm Macro Probe while retaining generous barrel extension.
Required Components
- Laowa 24mm Macro Probe lens
- Full set of SPR60 Stackable Port Rings
MLA60 Construction
- Anodized Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- ABS Polymer gears (3D Printed)
Weight, Packing
- 1.3 lbs / 0.6 kg
Depth Rating
- 100 feet / 30 m
Warranty
- 2 Years . Gates Warranty Details.
- Laowa lens covered by separate warranty. Contact Venus optics for details.
MLA60 / Laowa 24mm Macro Probe test footage courtesy of Jeff Hester / Diatom Studios
Laowa Test Footage from Diatom Studios on Vimeo.
Custom Ports
Custom Port
Gates Precision Ports extend to custom designs for specific applications like underwater UV imaging or Corrective Optics (CO) that adapt a specific lens for underwater imaging, and eliminating distortions / aberrations. Contact Gates to discuss your particular application.
Included Accessories
Seal Check Lite
The Gates Seal Check Lite is included with every Z3 Housing, and assures housing integrity before entering the water. A mere 11oz / 320g it packs easy and travels lightly.
Carry Handle
Easy grip, transport and handling.
Spare Kit / Tool Kit
All the items needed to setup and maintain Z3 Housing
2-Year Warranty.
Legendary factory direct support.
Like any other valuable accessory, Gates 2-year renewable warranty and unparalleled support are part of the Z3 kit.
Optional Accessories
Monitor Shades and Stackable Extensions
Block out unwanted light with 2in / 5cm Shade and / or stacking 1.6in / 4cm Shade Extensions.
HD-SDI / UHD-SDI Surface Feed
Need topside DP monitoring? High speed digital SDI video feed is available. 50 to over 300 feed, the link includes gold contact connectors and certified coaxial cable.
External Monitor
Really want a top-mounted monitor with full swivel / tilt capability? You got it. The Gates NVS External Monitor, which accepts the same ATOMOS NINJA V, SHINOBI and SHINOBI SDI
used in Z3.
Surface and / or Underwater Command / Control of Astera Titan Tubes, the "the ultimate LED tube for filmmakers, TV studios and any creative person." 
Underwater Titan Tube (UT2)
Learn more....
Easy Grip Lens Control
A big, fat grippy knob extension makes fine lens control easy, especially with thick dive gloves.
Body Cap
Need added protection for travel or harsh setup environments? This body cap bayonets into place just like SPR's and Ports.
Customization
Special modifications are routine. You really can have it ‘just the way you like’.
Stackable Port Rings (SPR's)
Using lengthy lenses? SPR's come in 0.6 / 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 4.0 sizes for optimal port positioning.
Support
Z3 Supported Equipment
CAMERA
Z-CAM Flagship Series with Canon EF or PL lens mount.
- E2-S6
- E2-F6
- E2-F8
Batteries
- Sony NP-F970 or equivalent (x2)
- HEDBOX RP-NPF970
LCD Display
- SmallHD 503 Ultrabright
- ATOMOS NINJA V + Master Caddy + ATOMOS Battery Eliminator
- ATOMOS SHINOBI + ATOMOS Battery Eliminator
- ATOMOS SHINOBI SDI + ATOMOS Battery Eliminator
- Contact Gates for configuration to your Gates Housing.
Lenses
- DSLR (Canon EF) and Compact Cinema Glass (0.8 MOD or 32 Pitch)
- Laowa Macro Probe (with Gates MLA60 Macro Probe Lens Adapter)
- Max Lens Envelope:
- SPR60 Port Rings
- Max lens overall OD: 5.6 in / 142mm
- Max lens gear OD: 4.25 in / 108 mm / 136 Teeth
- Min lens gear OD: 3.1 in / 79 mm / 100 Teeth
- SPR80 or PR80 Port Rings
- Max lens overall OD: 7.5 in / 190mm
- Max / Min gear OD: same as above.
- SPR60 Port Rings