I've been reading with great interest the various commentaries about close-focus issues and options regarding the RX100. I'm considering purchasing this camera (with Nauticam housing) However, I am still somewhat wary about the camera's close-focus problems. Thus I hoping that this forum's users will be able to answer a few questions for me.
[BTW, I'm interested in photos, not video.*]
(1) Sony's RX100 specifications say that the camera has a "Macro Focus Range" of 5cm (1.97 inches), which I understand is about 7cm under water. That seems pretty "close" to me. So I'm not clear why every review cites close-focus concerns as an issue and forums like this dedicate a lot of space to workaround lenses. I'm confused.
-If the RX100 can focus that close -- without any added wet lens -- what is the problem?
-Without any added lens, is it that the subject is in sharp focus but it appears too small, or what?
-Without any added lens, does the problem just involve macro photography (that is, life size 1:1 imaging), or does it include close-ups (perhaps one-quarter to one-tenth size?) as well.
-In reality, if the camera's actual focus range is somewhat further from the subject than the specs indicate, how close is too close for this camera?
-Is the minimum focusing distance determined with the lens zoomed out (widest) or zoomed in (narrowest)?
(2) As evidenced by many closeup/macro photos posted on this and other forums, it is obvious that the problems, whatever they may be, can be overcome.
MY QUESTION: Does it takes tons of practice and lots of skill to master close-focus u/w with the RX100, or can a fairly casual hobbyist* expect reasonable success -- given the additional purchase of, for example, the UCL165 lens.
[Note: I'm not asking if I will create fantastic images. To start, I'd just like a decent chance of getting images in focus without the equipment being an obstacle.]
(3) Assuming that Manual focusing is often required, is it simply a matter of using the front lens ring? If so, what steps are needed to switch the ring to that functionality?
(4) What does "peak" focusing add , and how does one do that with this camera?
(5) While I understand that the Sea&Sea YS-D1 may be the best strobe for the RX100, I already own an Inon D2000. Since I have no plans for buying a second strobe, would I only notice problems in shooting wide angle or would other deficiencies be apparent?
(6) Assuming I would be using a single D2000 strobe and am willing to compromise on the angle of coverage, is there a WA lens that might work best with my strobe?
Thanks in advance for your help.
*My background: I've been using an Olympus C-5050 w/Ike housing and strobe for the last 10 years. While I enjoy u/w photography, I don't claim any special talent. As I look to upgrade, I'm interested in minimalist approaches. Hence, I'm also considering the Canon S-110 or S-120, which seem to offer less hassle and more versatility for close-up work, albeit at the cost of some image quality, doing without TTL, and not being able to stop-down to f11. With a new system, I'm hoping to broaden my shooting to do more WA and macro. For me, satisfaction is more important than cost, and I love simplicity. Less really can be more.