G10 / WP-DC28 with Ikelite Autoflash AF35 Impressions

[FrankPro1]

I've been looking at purchasing a new PS camera and was initially considering either a SeaLife "DC1000" or Sea&Sea "Dx-1200HD". After reviewing some suggestions it seems that the G10 is my best option in my price range. I have settled on getting the WP-DC28 housing because of financial constraints but have heard some problems about using the internal flash.

That leads me to my strobe dilemma. I want the easiest and best strobe/arm/base for under 400 bucks. My initial research has drawn me to the Ikelite AF35 w/AutoFlash sensor. How well does this setup work? Is there any lag between the internal flash and strobe firing? Or is the system pretty straight forward? Just attached camera to base and let the sensor do all the work. No wires or setting up. Is this my best option?

Any help on pointing me in the right direction would be much appreciated.
Also if anyone can think of a better setup for camera/housing/strobe for under a thousand....I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Nemrod]

Save some money in the long run and pain in the near term, order an Inon D2000.

N

 

[FrankPro1]

Save some money in the long run and pain in the near term, order an Inon D2000.

N

Over 400$ just for the strobe Looks like a quality piece, but well out of my price range. What near term pain are you talking about? Strobe sensor failing to pic up and fire? Or just too low power for your tastes?

 

[Nemrod]

The Inon D2000 has significantly more power, 110 degrees of coverage with the diffuser, it is a quality piece, well engineered, multiple manual and automatic modes, compared to the Autoflash it is like comparing a Yugo to a Corvette. Pay now or pay later, some people will go to any expense to save a dollar.

N

 

[FrankPro1]

The Inon D2000 has significantly more power, 110 degrees of coverage with the diffuser, it is a quality piece, well engineered, multiple manual and automatic modes, compared to the Autoflash it is like comparing a Yugo to a Corvette. Pay now or pay later, some people will go to any expense to save a dollar.

N

So your not saying the strobe will fail to fire... Just that its not that powerful. I'm fine with that for now... since that is all the funds I have without going to the poor house...

Has anyone had any experience with the Autoflash while using the G10? Is it a reliable on firing at the right time?

 

[mmakay]

Consider the Inon S2000, then. Only $419.

Inon S-2000 S-TTL Strobe [ino.417] - $419.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

 

[FrankPro1]

Consider the Inon S2000, then. Only $419.

Inon S-2000 S-TTL Strobe [ino.417] - $419.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

I'm trying to find the specs on this. For some reason nothings showing up on Google.

 

[Nemrod]

INON S-2000 Strobe #456212143417

Here is where we will see a learning curve now that Inon America, an independent middle man supplier previously for North America, now defunct, because they used to have a web page with all the specs in English.

This place should be able to obtain product also:

Inon S-2000 S-TTL Strobe [ino.417] - $419.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

You might notice that the price on the D2000 is right around 500 dollars and that there is also a seller on eBay for Inon product.

On the other hand, I am sure that Autoflash 35 will do if that is all you want--how much does it sell for?

BTW, the Canon housing, of all the camera housings, I consider them the lowest quality. I have seen that housing and it is made the same way mine is, the DC-12, I am happy with it and it works fine but it is very light duty, cheap, maybe but with a 500 dollars G10 you might want to get the Ikelite housing or the Partima or the one NWGrateful got from Fisheye.

Money well spent is never wasted.

Wanna go cheap, then go all the way:

http://www.intova.net/strobekit.html

N

 

[FrankPro1]

Thanks Nemrod for helping me out. I was looking at the Ikelite housing because it looks sooo sturdy and professional, but I have to keep my initial purchase at or below 1000$. The Ikelite case and camera alone would bring me up to that. How infective does the Ike case make the internal flash? I heard that the Canon case messes with the internal flash, but I've seen some pictures and they don't seem that bad. Is it worse then the Canon case? If its the same as the Canon case, I could just use the internal flash until I have enough cash for a decent strobe.

I can get the G10, the Canon Case and the AF-35 strobe for 986.50 shipped to my door from B&H Camera "Which is my exact target price". Where as the G10 and Ike case alone would cost me 1,026.90.

As far as Canon housings go... I only have an Olympus Case for reference... How would you rate the Olympus Case's quality when comparing them to Canon's. I think the Olympus Cases are pretty sturdy and robust. I can't imagine them being that terrible, especially from a brand as well known as Canon.

Also since the AF-35 relies on the internal flash to fire its strobe, does that mean I could get back scatter ?

 

[FrankPro1]

Double Post (disregard)