Advice on SeaLife DC1200 Elite Underwater Camera System

[Under the Sea]

I've been shooting with a Canon G9 with a Canon housing for several years, but got an itch for a camera with a strobe, but don't want to jump into the Ikelite housing and strobe package. So, I've been looking at the SeaLife DC1200 Elite which I can get for about $800.
Doing research, the only really negative thing I've discovered is the battery life, which would mean I would need to purchase an additional battery ($30). Can you suggest anything else I would need?
I have been happy with my G9, but sure would like a strobe....tried the Ikelite AF35 with my setup, but it wouldn't work and had to return it. Do you think I will be pleased with this unit after using the Canon?
I dive several times a year and enjoy taking photos...but just about going nuts trying to figure out what to do!!!
Any suggestions or ideas would be a great help to this bubble blower!!! Pros or Cons.......I just need some help!
Thanks
Under the Sea

 

[ntxdiver]

Looking forward to some responses here. I have a Canon A540 and am looking at upgrading to a G12 (and Canon housing) or the SeaLife DC1200. I am currently leaning towards the DC1200 for the same reason as you...an easy strobe. I was on a liveaboard a couple of weeks ago and 2 people had the DC1200 elite and loved it. The month before I was on another boat with two G12 owners and they loved theirs. One had no strobe and one had an Ikelite setup (just too much bulk for me). Hope you hear some feedback!

 

[a22shady]

I have the Dc1200 Elite this is my 1st camera set and overall I am happy with it. The video quality could be better which is a downside if your big into doing videos this one does not have HD video but the video is not horrible either. For pics I am still a newbie with photos but it seems to do well. The onl complaint I hear from more advanced users is that there is no "RAW" option.

I have some photos which were taken with the DC1200 (not great conditions in northeast) as well as some videos.

https://picasaweb.google.com/113695...sPhotoSTakenWithSealifeDC1200EliteAugust2010#

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jILBbrKCsY8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP6sn7bKwsw

 

[Coop42]

In general I'm happy with mine; it's easy to use and fairly compact. That being said, it's a basic point and shoot, it is very slow to focus, and is noisy at higher iso,s. If you're looking for an easy entry to underwater photography, it's a great start.
With a bit of practice, and some good light, you can get some great photos. I'm sure not going to retire my D300s for topside shooting though!

Coop

 

[Under the Sea]

Link to some on my photos with the Canon G9 with Canon housing, but still trying to decide what I want to do

https://picasaweb.google.com/divequeen.g/BestDivePhotos#

 

[a22shady]

Great Photos with G9 might want to stay with what you have I am not a photagrapher but I dont think the DC1200 will be a step up from what I see in the Specs. Unfortunatly for me the pics I take best viz is maybe 20' here is a link to some pics I took other day Viz was only 3-5 at most so it makes getting the shots little more difficult But I think in clear water and have seen from other users it is possible to get some really nice pics

https://picasaweb.google.com/113695...BridgeAugust202011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

 

[blkirk91]

I use the DC1200 from time to time and have no problems with battery life. Have been able to get 3 dives routinely on one bat. I also use a DC800 and am very happy with it as well
DC1200 video

Corsair Night 8-27-11.wmv - YouTube

DC1200 Stills


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150263295306398.326774.589691397&l=e92ad4099d&type=1

 

[snorkymn]

Brian, (Blkirk) did you have the flash diffuser on your strobe on the 1200 when you were using it?

 

[rob1967]

I've got a DC1200 and would not recommend it. I started with the DC1000, and the shutter button release on the housing jammed 4 times. Extremely inconvenient at the beginning of a dive, especially when you are on holiday somewhere. Four housings later and they finally gave me a DC1200. It seems a bit better, but hard to say, because in the meantime, one of my strobes went down, and they replaced that too. Then I went ahead and bought the Video light, that flooded on the first dive (not my fault, was leaking somewhere in the middle of the housing), they replaced it, then it flooded again on the third dive.

I cannot get decent macro with the DC1200, so I am looking at buying a Canon. I haven't decided between the S95, S100 or G12. I have seen friends getting great macro with the S95 and G12 that I just cannot get.

I am just wondering if I should buy new strobes (i.e.,, Inon), or maybe can I use my SeaLife strobes with a Canon.

Sorry to be such a downer, but I wouldn't recommend the SeaLife to anyone. :depressed: