Canon Underwater Rig for $1000 or less

[tplyons]

Hi all,

Looking to get into underwater photography. I'm an amateur photographer on the surface and am 100% Canon. I'd like to stick this way since I am familiar with the interface.

I'd like to get a good starter setup for about $1000 or less, body and housing with room to add to in the future, not replace.

I'm looking at the G15 when it rolls out (or even a G12 when the prices drop) and a housing. The looking for the ability to add on wet lenses as well as strobes in the future.

I'm not in a rush to buy, but am starting the process of research (I'm generally slow moving when it comes to big technology purchases like these)

My surface shooter is an EOS 20D (old, but still puts out quality 8x10's) with a few lenses. The G12/G15 appeals to me over the S100/S110 as a walkaround camera. However, I want something that does what I want underwater primarily.

Can anyone suggest a setup for $1000 or less? Body and housing with room for wet lenses and strobes in the future.

 

[ivakdiver]

With the anticipated price of the G15, your best bet will be to go with the Canon or Ikelite housing, if they make one for the camera. ( Expect announcements soon.) This might leave some left over for strobe.

 

[mjh]

$1000 is going to be hard to do for a System. Without a doubt buy a camera that you will be happy with for a few years. But while a good camera is essential don't put off lighting. You can have a great camera, fantastic housing but if you don't have good lighting it is sort of pointless. Here is are examples of an excellent packages in your price range. Again whatever you do try to include lighting!!!

http://opticaloceansales.com/underwater-camera-housing-packages/
System Packages :: Compact Systems :: Optical Ocean Ikelite/Sea & Sea Canon s100 Value Package -

 

[ivakdiver]

MJH has answered your query very nicely. That S100 package is right on target.

 

[chile7236]

If you're still happy with what your 20D does, you might look at the S95 to keep the price down and be able to get a decent strobe or 2.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

$1000 is going to be hard to do for a System. Without a doubt buy a camera that you will be happy with for a few years. But while a good camera is essential don't put off lighting. You can have a great camera, fantastic housing but if you don't have good lighting it is sort of pointless. Here is are examples of an excellent packages in your price range. Again whatever you do try to include lighting!!!

Underwater Housing & lighting Packages from Optical Ocean Sales
System Packages :: Compact Systems :: Optical Ocean Ikelite/Sea & Sea Canon s100 Value Package -

Nice package but the camera is not included so it kind of blows his budget.

 

[ivakdiver]

Nice package but the camera is not included so it kind of blows his budget.

Oops, I didn't notice that! Quite important, but S100 price should be coming down.

 

[tplyons]

Would it make sense to buy the camera and housing without strobes and add strobes later?

As much as I NEVER use the on board flash... what is the effect underwater with a diffuser? Is it noticeable?

 

[mjh]

In General* the onboard flash is fine for shooting macro at 1-3ft. Beyond that in anything but gin clear water you will get backscatter and color much like in your profile pic. The diffuser will help* if you are in gin clear water and trying to shoot larger subjects. Ya want color, ya need light, the more the better.

 

[tplyons]

In General* the onboard flash is fine for shooting macro at 1-3ft. Beyond that in anything but gin clear water you will get backscatter and color much like in your profile pic. The diffuser will help* if you are in gin clear water and trying to shoot larger subjects. Ya want color, ya need light, the more the better.

That's what I was sort of thinking. The camera is worthless without the housing, and a housing without a camera is even more ridiculous. I can get by without the strobes right away (need to save up a bit more) and suffer with green photos for a while.

If nothing else, it'll get me working on my technique, even if the shots that come out are muddy and green.