Getting my first camera!

[Ellie]

Hi there. :] I am new here, in case you couldn't tell... haha.

Anyway, I am looking to get my first underwater camera. After quite a bit of research (and lots of frustration... I don't know why, but LOTS of it!) I think I have decided on the Canon G9. I am thinking of getting this case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V74S1Y/ref=s9sims_c5_at1-rfc_g1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0FGGVKN6PHD3QA1RZCQA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=320448601&pf_rd_i=507846 and eventually getting a strobe for it, once I get some practise in. THEN once that's cool, I want to get the Ikelite housing for it.

My main question is, will the strobe work with that case? I just want to make sure it doesn't close off any parts where the strobe goes into. Also, once I get a strobe that fits in that case, would I be able to upgrade to the Ikelite and still use that same strobe, or would I need to get a new one?

Also, is this a decent camera overall for this? And is it a decent housing?

Thanks! :]

[solisti]

Welcome Ellie,

I think G9 is what most point and.... uuups, digital compact user go for these days. And seeing the results I'd say its a good way to go.

I dont think there is TTL connection in Canon housing. You can use Ikelite strobe with manual EV controller and when you change to Ikelite housing you just get the TTL sync cord. EV controller needs the internal flash to fire to trigger the strobe so you need to block the internal flash forward to avoid backscatter. You can use same strobe if you upgarde to dSLR later.

With Ikelite housing you need short port to reduce vignetting.

Canon housing with G9 is positive, with tray and strobes becomes negative.

Just some stuff I've picked up from G9 discussions. I think Sharp is using G9 and can possibly give more info.

I hope I didn't add to your frustration and that we see photos from you soon!


Oh, almost forgot; you might want to consider wideangle lens before strobes!

[Ellie]

Thanks so much for the quick reply!

Oh, almost forgot; you might want to consider wideangle lens before strobes!

Sorry, I can't tell.. haha, um. Is it possible to attach the lens to this housing?? (The Canon housing)

[tarczy]

Ellie . . .

Welcome to the fascinating world of underwater photography . . . and welcome to Underwater Photo Chat.

I think the Canon G9 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong9/) is probably your best choice today for Compact Digital underwater photography. It has a pretty fast shutter lag time . . . shutter lag time being the most frustrating thing about Compact Digital photography. Also, the G9 is one of the only "modern" compact digital cameras that records in RAW mode. Over the years, most (if not all) compact digital camera manufacturers have moved away from recording in RAW mode.

As it relates to your choice of underwater housings for the Canon G9, I can only say that I've seen those housings used on some of my liveaboard trips, but I haven't had the pleasure of using one. However, I recall that the users of the Canon G9 housing (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V74S1Y/ref=s9sims_c5_at1-rfc_g1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0FGGVKN6PHD3QA1RZCQA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=320448601&pf_rd_i=507846) found the housing to be somewhat problematic. If you can afford to do so, I would skip the Canon housing and go right into the Ikelite housing for the G9 (http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/5can_g7.html). I think you will find it to be a much more rewarding experience, well worth the "extra" cost, and you will have saved yourself $200 by not purchasing the Canon housing.

Just my 2¢. Hope it helps. :)

[Sharp]

Hello Ellie.

I have used G9 and Ikelite housing for beginning of this year and I like it a lot. I have also INON D-2000 slave stobe (http://www.inonamerica.com/products.php?product_id=480&prodcat=1&subcat=1)and wideangle lens.

I had earlier Canon power shot A95 and Canon WP-DC housing with INON D-2000 strobe and wideangle lens. If I haven´t had that strobe allready, I would buy Ikelite strobe to ikelite housing.

I have send several pictures to this website and you can see more those on my homesite www.pasilensu.com

[Jonathan Bird]

If you can afford to do so, I would skip the Canon housing and go right into the Ikelite housing for the G9 (http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/5can_g7.html). I think you will find it to be a much more rewarding experience, well worth the "extra" cost, and you will have saved yourself $200 by not purchasing the Canon housing.

I agree 100%. Skip the "intermediate" housing and save the money for a housing that you can grow with.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

I agree 100%. Skip the "intermediate" housing and save the money for a housing that you can grow with.

Jonathan

After my experience I have to say skip also digital compacts and go straight tp DSLR. Price of the camera is minor part from whole set so there is no idea to save money there.

Actually my point is to what I was saying is that quality is improving so much and then you are moving your skills from luck to experience!

Only my opinion, but based on long experience.

Jukka

[allison finch]

Hmmm....I started with a good P&S camera, added two strobes, learned a LOT, upgraded to a DSLR (I knew enough to know what I wanted now), kept my strobes for the new rig etc etc etc. Feel free to start slow and upgrade. You can always find another new photographer who can learn using your old camera.

BTW, I loved the Ike housing as it offered good interface with their strobes. The old strobes are servicing me well with my DSLR and my new Ike housing.