Advantages of G9 vs. a-series Canon?

[bureau13]

Hi,

Yes, its another <camera/housing> vs. <camera/housing> question!

This time, however, I'm wondering about a G9+Ikelite vs. an a570IS+Ikelite. I had pretty much settled on the latter, which I can get for close to $400. However, I believe I can actually get a G9+Ikelite housing for a bit over $500. I know what the G9 offers in terms of terrestrial photography, but is there any compelling reason to spend the extra $100 on the G9? Its not a lot of money. The G9 has RAW mode out of the box, but you can get the A-series to give you RAW images via CHKDK or whatever its called. Any other advantages to spending the extra money? Note that I don't really care about non-UW advantages, because I will be doing the bulk of that type of shooting with my DSLR, regardless of which of these P&S cameras I end up getting.

jds

 

[BrianMayes]

G9 advantages:-
For underwater macro work, the bigger and better screen, makes focusing easier
Closer macro focus range
Longer flash range

Digital Cameras Side-by-Side, 2 cameras: Digital Photography Review

 

[bureau13]

I see from that comparison (thanks for posting that link) that the G9 has a flash hot shoe. Does this lend itself to better integration with a strobe by any chance? I don't suppose it can use TTL with something like an Inon strobe?

 

[kadleck]

I see from that comparison (thanks for posting that link) that the G9 has a flash hot shoe. Does this lend itself to better integration with a strobe by any chance? I don't suppose it can use TTL with something like an Inon strobe?

The hot shoe cannot be used with Canon's housing, but is available on the Ikelite G9 housing. TTL is then available, but only with Ikelite strobes (the housing contains additional circuitry which only allows TTL with their strobes). Inon can be connected, but will have to be manual.

Another advantage with G9 (in Ikelite housing) is that the internal flash does not fire when an external (hot shoe) flash is detected. This saves you having to mask it off!

See also: http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/5can_g7.html

 

[Aussie Diver]

I went from the A series to the G series a few years ago, and it makes a world of difference. One of the biggest thing with the G9 is Ikelite's eTTL using the camera's hotshoe and Ike strobes. Makes for some great images.

Another huge image is the G9 allows you to shoot in RAW mode. Editing RAW images rather than jpg is a lot easier, and you'll notice the results.

If it's only around a $100 difference, you'll much prefer the G9.

Ry.

 

[String]

G9 raw has a higher bit depth so in theory can drag more detail out than a chdk hack. How much difference this makes in practice though remains to be seen.

I would NEVER buy a U/W camera that doesnt do raw though but th A-series with the hack does it nicely.

One thing about the G9 - the default 35mm lens is a little too macro for my liking.

G9 i borrowed i found noisy above ISO100 as well - due to them cramming more resolution into a same size sensor.

 

[bureau13]

Just when I about made up my mind to go with the G9/Ike, I see that I must have been looking at the wrong housing...its $569 rather than $275. That's a pretty big difference.... :-(

jds

 

[diverrex]

Just when I about made up my mind to go with the G9/Ike, I see that I must have been looking at the wrong housing...its $569 rather than $275. That's a pretty big difference.... :-(

jds

That $100 difference you quoted didn't seem right, I thought maybe you were finding a deal since the G9 will be discontinued. Go for the Ikelite though. It gives you more options, particularly with add on lenses.

 

[bureau13]

Well, I DID find a deal with the G9. It seems Canon has a trade-up policy...at least so the link I was forwarded said...and I can trade my old SD400 in for a G9 plus a bit less than $300...at least if its still going on. Unfortunately I thought I also saw the housing available for about the same as the A-series Ikelite housings, and that appears to not be true. I may go w/ a G9 plus Canon housing and then plan on upgrading housings at some point in the future. There seems to be enough reason to go with the G9 over the A-series to warrant that price difference, at least.

jds

 

[BrianMayes]

G9 i borrowed i found noisy above ISO100 as well - due to them cramming more resolution into a same size sensor.

Actually the sensor pixel density of the G9 at 28MP/cm sq is slightly lower than that of the A570 IS at 29MP/cm sq.