Which universal strobe kit for my P&S?

[boogs]

I'm a newly certified diver and have taken interest in underwater photography. I am no stranger to taking photos on land but I'm not yet that familiar with the underwater environment. I take a Sony T300 compact with me whenever I dive (got it for about $250 with the OEM housing about a year ago), but I plan to upgrade to a more capable P&S in the future as mine does not have manual settings.

I have been reading about strobes and decided that I would like to get one that I can use with my current kit. So far I have narrowed down to either an Intova ISS2000($190) or a Sea&Sea YS-17($350). Both include a diffuser, fibre optic cable, and the tray & arm. However, the YS-17 is a bit more expensive. I would like to be able to use it still when I upgrade or switch to a different camera & housing. What do I get for spending extra for the Sea&Sea? Are there any compatibility issues that I have to be aware of? Do either of them have any features that my current camera won't be able to utilize?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Hollywoodivers]

Yes Sea and Sea or Ikelite AF35 will work. We like both. and either will do the trick for that Cam. Either will be upgradable to another Point and Shoot.

 

[boogs]

Thanks Hollywood! Any experience with the Intova?

 

[Divernoob]

Check out here: Optical Ocean Sales Single Modular Ultramax Lighting Set - Point & Shoot Lighting Packages - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!

This guy sells the Ultramax version of the Intova strobe. I plan on getting this one, since it's got an independently sealed battery compartment, which the ISS 2000 doesn't have. There's also a blog where this guy discusses what niche the Ultramax strobe fills.

I figure if I need more light than this strobe can provide, I can add another strobe later and this tray\arm kit is expandable.

Now keep in mind, I have no experience with this stuff. My UW photography experience is limited to using a very rudimentary P&S only and I'm in the process of upgrading. I just wanted to share this link, since I thought it was helpful to me. YMMV.

 

[boogs]

@Divernoob
Cool man, thanks for the heads up! I guess were on the same boat.

I was also considering this:
Optical Ocean Sales Ultrapower UDXS/S-Tray Lighting Set - Point & Shoot Lighting Packages - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!

What are the pros/cons between the modular Ultramax sets from OOS and this Sea&Sea YS-17 set? Will the Sea&Sea tray be able to accommodate a focus light mount if I decide to get one in the future?
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/SSYS17P.html

 

[boogs]

Sorry just had to bump this. Any other inputs?

 

[Amphibious]

I'm in the same boat.... Just picked up a Panasonic ZS3 & OEM housing and looking for a strobe for recreational shooting...

 

[divefish.co.uk]

Hello

 

[Amphibious]

Hello

Hi...

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

If you are looking to upgrade your P&S in the future, I would make sure you get a strobe you will not outgrow quickly as well, one that will be ideal with your new P&S when you get it.

My recommendations would be one of the following:

Sea & Sea YS-27DX

Inon S-2000

The 27DX is a great price. The S-2000 is a very powerful strobe for the money and is VERY compact.