Does anybody use an M3 or an SL1?

[Hoag]

I am looking to upgrade my U/W camera gear and among the options that I am considering are the Canon M3 or the SL1. I want to stay small. (Ideally, I would like to fit my camera, housing, dome port and 2 Sea & Sea YS-03 strobes in my carry-on luggage.)

Does anybody have any experience with these cameras underwater? As for a lens, I already have a Sigma 15mm f2.8 fisheye that I think would work very well underwater. (I realize that I would need an adapter to use this on the M3.)

Thanks for any advice you have.

 

[dirtfarmer]

I recently upgraded from a s95 to a SL1 and despite the challenges of the new camera learning curve I am really liking the SL1

 

[Hoag]

I recently upgraded from a s95 to a SL1 and despite the challenges of the new camera learning curve I am really liking the SL1

Does the SL1 have a "pop up" flash? (I will be using strobes with fiber optic cables.)

 

[dirtfarmer]

Yes it does, so fiber optic won't work. Your ys-03 are only fiber optic capable?

 

[Hoag]

Yes it does, so fiber optic won't work. Your ys-03 are only fiber optic capable?

Yes, the YS-03s are Fiber Optic only.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I use an SL1 in an Ikelite housing. It does have a pop-up flash that is disabled in the housing. I use mine with a pair of DS51 strobes on Ultralight arms.
I like the SL1 enough that I bought a second body to have as a spare and so that I can shoot the same rig on the surface and underwater without having to disassemble the housing and take the camera out.
I also have the flat port for use with my Canon 60mm macro in addition to the standard that I use with the 18-55 kit lens and Tokina 10-17 wide angle.
For surface use I have the 75-300 IS USM and 100-400 L series telephoto.
The camera ie easy to use and learn. Highly recommend the Dummies Guide to the SL1 and David Busch's Field Guide to the SL1.
The photos below were taken with the 18-55 kit lens.

 

[Hoag]

Thanks. It looks as though although people seem to like the SL1 (and I shoot Canon above the surface), it may not be the best option for me since I will need the flash to trigger my strobes. (Fiber Optic only)

 

[rob1967]

I shot the EOS M for two years and now the 7DMII for one year. I liked the M for its compact size, but the main issue for me was the autofocus was very slow with the adapted 60 mm macro lens. No problem for shooting nudis but it's difficult to capture any kind of action shot. However, I found the EF-M 11-22mm excellent for wide-angle, and autofocus was not an issue with that lens.

I like the 7DMII for its excellent AF and much longer battery life. However I don't like the Tokina 10-17mm for wide angle because of the barrel distortion, and still would prefer the EF-M 11-22 for wide-angle. I am waiting to see if Nauticam will make a housing for the M5 that came out recently, as supposedly the AF is much better, although I am waiting to hear how good it is with adapted lenses. My understanding is the M3 still had slow AF with adapted Canon SLR lenses.

So if your main interest is wide-angle, I would say go for the M3 or possibly M5 (if there is a housing for it). SL1 is probably a good option also, although I am not sure how good the AF is compared to the 7DMII. If you like macro, I would lean towards the SL1 (or 80D?) or maybe wait for a housing for the M5.

Also, I don't quite understand dirtfarmer's comment about the pop-up flash. A pop-up flash would allow you to use fiber optic synch.

 

[dirtfarmer]

In the Ikelite housing there is on room for the pop up flash, for Ikelite strobes you have ttl capability for others it electronic, but I use manual flash anyways so I don't need ttl.

 

[rob1967]

In the Ikelite housing there is on room for the pop up flash, for Ikelite strobes you have ttl capability for others it electronic, but I use manual flash anyways so I don't need ttl.

Ah, OK, I guess another reason to stay away from Ikeltite I suppose. I think OP is looking at Nauticam, so with Nauticam and most other housings, there is room for the pop up flash so as to trigger your strobes via fiber-optic.