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I apreciate the answers so far. The input has been great. I'm pretty sure the YS110 strobe is the way to go. If it came down to picking up a strobe or a wide angle lense what do you think would be the best first purchase? I want to get the whole set but I think it will be the end of summer (cozumel) before I get everything.
Read up also on Gizmodo.com their various reviews on the newer cameras, you might gain some insights.
Canon has some new very interesting P & S's that while you can't change the lens, it is a very practical camera, HD vid, cheap housing. Meaning, invest more in the strobes, two of them, than the camera itself.
Then, upgrade the camera bundle, keep the strobes.
You'll get decent shots + experience, and in 2 years from now the next gen of CMOS sensors should be in the 20-30 MP range, meaning ISO 6400 that isn't pixelated.
I have been diving for a year and I really want to start doing some underwater photography. I don't want to go on the cheap but I also want to keep the overall purchase under $1,000 if at all possible. I am not an advanced photographer by any means but I want something with some functionality besides basic point and shoot so I can grow with the camera and take advantage of different options to get a good picture. I did some research and saw the setup below recommended. Do you feel this is a good setup or is there somthing better I should be looking at? Also, is one strobe good for a novice or should I get two? I appreciate your feedback
1. Canon housings are not a good choice if you plan on adding wet-mount lenses, especially a wide angle lens, due to their oval lens ports. I use them but have no wet-mount lenses.
2. Canon housings are polycarbonate as are most OEM housings. There are a couple of shortcomings to Canon housings (possibly other brands as well) that I learned from hindsight. I share them with you HERE so that you can avoid them.
1. Canon housings are not a good choice if you plan on adding wet-mount lenses, especially a wide angle lens, due to their oval lens ports. I use them but have no wet-mount lenses.
Only with the G series cameras. Wet lenses work perfectly well with S series cameras, especially the Inon lenses.
That is a fantastic review. Thanks for the info. Would you recommend using the Ikelite housing instead? Their wide angle lens is a wet-mount and doesn't seem to have that oval shape.
That is a fantastic review. Thanks for the info. Would you recommend using the Ikelite housing instead? Their wide angle lens is a wet-mount and doesn't seem to have that oval shape.
IMO I would go with a housing (if possible) that allows you to use bayonet style wet-mount lenses versus threaded ones. I used a threaded WAL and close-up one for a few years and they are a pain to take on and off versus the bayonet type that simply require a single turn. My WAL lens threads stripped out and I had to replace the lens ring. Of course that all depends on the amount of use.
Inon makes lenses for the Canon S95 housing and an adapter to convert threaded lenses to bayonet lenses as shown HERE
Jim has posted excellent information on the Canon housings. I have had good luck with the G-10 and WP DC-28 housing for 2.5 years of heavy use in the tropics and always use rainwater pre dive soak and on the way home and a good roiling rinse working the buttons after the dive.
I'm lusting after the new Canon G1X and have some issues putting a $800 camera in a $300 housing.
I wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input and other threads on this forum. I ended up purchasing the Canonn S100 with the ikelite housing. It should be here by Friday. I will add strobes once I get used to using the camera and am comfortable with it under water. I'm very excited to get started.
If fiber optic, knowing how strong to set the output strength will be the challenge. Remember this simple rule - you can improve underexposed, but rarely overexposed.
So if you see washout of your subject, either aim the strobe off your main subject, or reduce the power.
Getting your subject to stay still, usually the fish, is my biggest challenge so far. Using the Zoom function kills the amount of light to the sensor resulting in a very dark picture.
Getting closer to the fish results in the Looney Tunes Road Runner skedaddle.
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Originally Posted by Rumrunner_1492
