Canon G12 housing and compatible strobes

[Mal.practice]

I have just acquired a Canon G12 , having caught the diving photography bug using an Intova IC12.
Still very much a beginner though and dont really want to outlay for an Ikeltite housing yet so will probably go for the Canon one especially as I have seen some dive friends take some pretty good shots with them here in N Zealand.
Some people have said that the Canon housing does restrict my choice of strobe so I was wondering if anyone on here could give me any advice on which strobe could do a job for me for a couple of years or so . Not really looking at the Ikelite housing as its 3 times the price of the Canon one here in NZ . If I was sure I was going to pursue this on a much more serious level I may be more interested in futureproofing but Im not at the moment . I guess I will need a strobe, and some attachment tray and slave cable if I stick with the Canon Housing but would be grateful for the thoughts of people with similar kit on here please.
Thanks in advance.
Mal

 

[felixtibs]

I use two fantasea nano strobes. Cheap and the tray comes with the set. Same camera and canon house. You use a fiber optic cable externally to sync them

 

[TartanFrog]

I just got the Canon G12 too. I was going through the same process and ended up ordering the Canon housing for the same reasons. The Ikelite and FIX housings are a lot more expensive. For lighting I ordered a package that includes the Sea and Sea YS-01 strobe and a NanoFocus light along with the arms and tray. I opted for the lighting package I got based on the notion that it would work well with a different camera if I change/upgrade later. I got the lighting package from a place called Optical Ocean Sales in Seattle Washington. They have several packages available if you want to check them out. Here is the link. Camera Housings, Strobes, Arms, Trays & More! - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!

I should have the gear later this week. I am hoping to get it in the water soon!

Good luck!

 

[Black_3000psi]

yes the canon housing is great, but you will want to use a strobe. as the housing sort of blocks part of the built in strobe on macro shots.

 

[Mal.practice]

Thanks guys for the replies. I just got my Canon housing yesterday so will probably just practice with the camera and it to try and acquire some skills before buying a strobe. Going to a big diving conference here in NZ in a couple of weeks so might be able to pick up some useful advice there too . If so I will be sure to pass it on.
Cheers,
Mal.

 

[diver 85]

Thanks guys for the replies. I just got my Canon housing yesterday so will probably just practice with the camera and it to try and acquire some skills before buying a strobe. Going to a big diving conference here in NZ in a couple of weeks so might be able to pick up some useful advice there too . If so I will be sure to pass it on.
Cheers,
Mal.

load the camera in the housing & familiarize yourself with all the buttons---where you can 'do them' (almost) blindfolded, in the heat of battle you want to be able to.......IMO...good luck...

 

[JackConnick]

The Sea & Sea YS-01 works quite well with the G12. It's a strobe you won't out-grow quickly, either.

 

[diver 85]

The Sea & Sea YS-01 works quite well with the G12. It's a strobe you won't out-grow quickly, either.

As an 'expert', do you prefer the YS-01 or the 110a with a G12(with a WA lens)??....

 

[divekorea]

I'm looking for an inexpensive lighting as a starter. Any recommendations? And how necessary is the focus light?

This fantasea set-up for $160 is the cheapest one I have found so far.
Fantasea Nano Single Light Set - Lighting Packages - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!

Same setup with focus light at $225

Fantasea Nano Double Set 2 Lighting Package - Optical Ocean Sales Underwater Photo - 800-359-1295!