Camera purchase S90 or G11?

[Diane V]

Help! My first camera was a A40 with the canon u/w case. I used it for 2years then I flooded it due to user error. I even had a wide angle wet lense. I was happy with the results but it was sloooow. I then upgraded to a A620 with the canon u/w case. I have been happy with the camera but wanted better pictures. I still use this camera as old faithful for my dive buddy when we travel. I purchased a SD890 IS with a Ikelite u/w case and am frustrated with shadows (I have 1 strobe). It takes great pictures topside but the u/w case seems too big for the camera. No matter how well I clean the case it manages to retain salt water in the buttons and crystals show up after it is dry. I am looking to upgrade. I like the compact aspect of using the canon u/w cases. Eventhough I have been photographing for years I am still a dork when it comes to photography and I want something that is easy to use that I can grow into.

 

[andydob27]

They are both great. I wrestled with the same question not too long ago. I went with the S90 because of the smaller size. Topside the G's are way too big to slip in your pants pocket and underwater the housings are massive. Having the 2 custom settings is very nice for diving with the G11. But you can live with 1 on the S90. And the contol ring on the S90 is convenient for changing settings underwater for the canon housing. The performance and picture quality will be pretty much the same underwater. The G11 has better zoom and a few bells and whistles, but nothing that will be of any help underwater. You will be happy with either camera. If size/weight is an issue; get the S90.

 

[FrankPro1]

I purchased a SD890 IS with a Ikelite u/w case and am frustrated with shadows (I have 1 strobe). It takes great pictures topside but the u/w case seems too big for the camera. No matter how well I clean the case it manages to retain salt water in the buttons and crystals show up after it is dry.

What type of arm is your strobe mounted to? Have you tried positioning the strobe differently to compensate for shadows? I currently only use one strobe on my G10/Ikelite setup and while it is easy to eliminate heavy shadows w/ 2 strobes, it isn't impossible to do so with only one. Try positioning the strobe more in the center, instead of off to one side of your target. This will increase the amount of backscatter which shows up in your image, but will limit harsh shadows.

Do you make sure to soak your housing in fresh water after each use? Do you depress all the housing buttons when submerged? I've had absolutely no problem with salt residue on my Ikelite housing, as long as I properly soak it.

If you have your heart set on getting a new system, I would recommend the S90. It is better suited for underwater use over the G11. Its compact, can readily accept wide angle lenses, has a cool front control ring and has the same sensor as the G11 for less money. No question, S90 wins.

Here's another S90 v/s G11 post: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/canon-corner/332282-s90-g11.html

 

[jammer84]

I recently had the same question when purchasing my first underwater camera to try and get into photography. Went for the S90 due to size (should have it today) and ordered a Fix housing for it which I should hopefully have in the coming weeks. Will be using without a strobe and lens for the first few months unfortunately :-(

 

[Puffer Fish]

It depends a bit on which housing you plan on getting. I have the S90, with an Ike housing, but the fix is a much nicer and more usable housing. If you were going to get the canon housing, then would suggest the G11. If you use two strobes, and shoot close, the G11. Image quality is slightyly better with th G11, has a higher flash syn speed and a slower lens. All of which don't mean anything, or they can come in handy, depending on the type of images you are taking.

 

[mitsuguy]

It depends a bit on which housing you plan on getting. I have the S90, with an Ike housing, but the fix is a much nicer and more usable housing. If you were going to get the canon housing, then would suggest the G11. If you use two strobes, and shoot close, the G11. Image quality is slightyly better with th G11, has a higher flash syn speed and a slower lens. All of which don't mean anything, or they can come in handy, depending on the type of images you are taking.

I'm not sure I see where the G11 has a better image quality... they use the same sensor...

I have the Canon housing, the S90 and the Inon UWL100-28AD lens and it is great... I can be right on top of something, literally about to hit it, with this lens, and the camera still focuses nicely... it will literally allow you to focus within an inch of the lens - I had to be careful taking a picture of a seahorse because I thought I was going to hit it with the lens shade I was that close...

 

[song]

Thanks for all the useful info. I've been asking myself this same S90 v G11 question. Thought I would choose G11...but the compactness of the s90 is a huge plus. Any thoughts on the macro capabilities of the two? I really enjoy catching nudibranchs & other tiny creatures. Also I have tried to avoid adding attachments such as strobes to keep it as simple, lightweight, and small as possible. I'll probably go the semi-lazy way and not fool with manual settings too much.

 

[Diane V]

Thanks everyone for the feadback. I am leaning towards the G11. I will go with the Canon case to keep it as small as possible as I have been happy with the Canon cases in the past. Does anyone have any suggestion on reputable online dealers. I have used B&H Photo in the past and for this setup I'm looking at $650 and was hoping to do better.

 

[Diane V]

What type of arm is your strobe mounted to? Have you tried positioning the strobe differently to compensate for shadows? I currently only use one strobe on my G10/Ikelite setup and while it is easy to eliminate heavy shadows w/ 2 strobes, it isn't impossible to do so with only one. Try positioning the strobe more in the center, instead of off to one side of your target. This will increase the amount of backscatter which shows up in your image, but will limit harsh shadows.

Do you make sure to soak your housing in fresh water after each use? Do you depress all the housing buttons when submerged? I've had absolutely no problem with salt residue on my Ikelite housing, as long as I properly soak it.

I have used all kinds of positions. Since it is a slave strobe it doesn't fire very well unless it is in more of a center position. I did not want to add a second strobe since the setup is almost too big for my small hands. I soak the housing between each dive and after diving for the day. I push all the buttons while soaking and still get salt crystals. Will eventually use the camera topside due to it's compact size. It fits in my pocket. I want to move to the next step in photography and leaning towards the G11 with the Canon case to keep as small as possible.

 

[mitsuguy]

If you want it small, I don't see why you would go with the G11??? The S90 is, IMO, a better overall camera (I actually think the buttons are more intuitive too), and it is significantly smaller..