Ikelite or Canon housing for new Canon Powershot S100?

[diverinshanghai]

I just received my new Canon Powershot S100 and will be buying housing for it in the next couple weeks before my next dive trip. I have been considering both the Canon and Ikelite housing for this camera. I was hoping I could get some help for everyone here. Any suggestions on which I should buy? At some point I will be adding a macro lense and strobe but one step at a time....

Thanks in advance!

 

[BluewaterPhoto]

I would get the Ikelite housing for sure, it is a better housing imho and I've seen less floods in the Ikelite housing. The port already comes with 67mm threads for a Dyron or Subsee macro lens, which cuts the price difference down even further. Good luck! - Scott

 

[diverinshanghai]

Thanks for the suggestion! I am definitely leaning toward the Ikelite.

Any idea in the size difference between the Canon and the Ikelite? Does seem like there is enough information online for the Canon housing dimensions. Any idea if the Ikelite housing is significantly bigger? I know the Ikelite hasn't been out long but maybe something has a good idea of the difference in sizes between the Ikelite and the Canon housing for the S95? I am assuming they are similar to the S100 models. I currently own a Canon housing for a different camera and like how compact it is.

Also, should there be any different in the photos taken with an Ikelite housing and the Canon housing without a strobe or any added lenses? What about when using the camera's built in flash? Might the different diffusers used between the two make a difference?

Again, thanks for the help!

 

[diverinshanghai]

By the way, you guys have a great web site. I just watched the Recsea S100 review video you guys have up, makes me want that housing now! You guys don't plan on putting up a similar video for the Ikelite S100 do you?

 

[chris196]

You should try each housing in your hand.
The ike is built better, but I hated the ergonomics of it. The canon case feels much better in your hand.

In the end, I didn't keep either housing as my wife adopted the S95 for her own which allowed me to get an olympus epl2. I'm very happy with that. So, I never actually used the S95 housing underwater, but above water, the canon is much easier to manipulate.

 

[mhoag]

I currently have a Canon Powershot SX200IS with Ikelite housing and an AF35 strobe -
I love the Ikelite housing! It is tough and doesn't feel cheap like some other housings.
I don't really have any input on Canon housing. I have never had any problems with my Ikelite and will stick with them!

The clamps to secure it give you a sense of "it will never flood." As long as you take care of the O-rings and washing it good after dives, it will last!

Have fun with it!