Looking at a G11 or s90 and accessories?

[Scottyboy86]

I'm debating over the G11 and S90 camera to choose as my underwater camera. I currently own a 30D so the need of a SLR/SLR like camera isn't as high on my list but the G11 seems it would be easier and more familiar to me. But the S90 is smaller and easier to carry around with me where ever I go as well, which is a reason for me buying a new camera as well. Oh and the S90 is cheaper as well so that seems like it might be the choice to go with.

I have no clue as far as housing (looking between the Ikelite and FIX), additional lenses, or other items to get as well. Been reading through a lot of the posts but not seeming to get too much off of them. I am very familiar with camera stuff but underwater is all new to me.

If anyone can help me out that would be greatly appreciated.

Scott

 

[Nemrod]

I purchased a S90 strictly as an underwater camera. I have another camera for surface use and I am planning on a M4:3 or a new EVIL for surface and possible UW use in the future.

Though I have used the S90 for surface photography since I got it at Christmas, I got it specifically because of it's unique capabilities when housed in the FIX housing. What are these "unique" capabilities specific to the FIX housing--these:

1. Dual control knobs for direct access to the shutter and f stop without pushing buttons, holding buttons or flipping through menus again via buttons.

2. The ability to use, via a system of FIX adapters, virtually every wet mount lens, macro, WA or UWA lens made by Inon, Ikelite, Epoque, Fisheye etc. Which lenses? These:

a. Inon 100WAL with or without dome
b. Inon 165AD FE fisheye lens
c. Fisheye brand ultra wide lens
d. Inon 100-28AD with or without dome
e. Inon 165AD macro lens
f. Inon threaded 67mm macro lens
g. Ikelite WAL-20 lens
h. and on and on-----

3. Durable aluminum build of FIX housing and camera.

4. F2.0 lens, twice as fast as the G11 or G10.

5. Very compact size of both camera and housing that is carry on friendly.

Do you have a specific question because there are already a plethora of threads here, on the scubatoys forum and the "pro" everything is gotta be pro wetpixel forum.

Good luck.

N

 

[Scottyboy86]

I guess you got me sold on the FIX housing. Should I invest in a wide angle lens or a strobe, say the Inon UCL-165AD or Inon UWL-100 and as far as the strobe I wouldn't know where to begin yet or will I be fine with all stock components for the first few dives? I don't have too much money to blow on this, the camera and housing will take all of my tax refund and was looking to get a bunch of stuff for homebrewing.... sheesh I pick some of the most expensive hobbies.

 

[Nemrod]

I guess you got me sold on the FIX housing. Should I invest in a wide angle lens or a strobe, say the Inon UCL-165AD or Inon UWL-100 and as far as the strobe I wouldn't know where to begin yet or will I be fine with all stock components for the first few dives? I don't have too much money to blow on this, the camera and housing will take all of my tax refund and was looking to get a bunch of stuff for homebrewing.... sheesh I pick some of the most expensive hobbies.

You will be fine without anything but the camera and housing to begin with. I would get a simple tray for it, much easier to control underwater, and needed with a strobe or lens.

I would get a single Inon S2000 and the Inon 100WAL lens as a start, just me, you might also look at the Fisheye UWL-04 lens. The threaded 67mm FIX adapter is the most versatile IMO.

But, this is just me, don't let me talk you into something that is going to be such a strain on the budget it is no fun to use. The Ikelite housing is a reasonable fall back position.

N

 

[TightLines]

Scotty,

I am in a similar position to you in the fact that I shoot a DSLR (D90) above water and am looking to get into UW photography.

DSLR housings are well expensive but by the time you buy a new P&S and Housing might it make sense to get a DSLR housing to begin with - especially considering the use of any SLR lenses you already own.

Again, I am speaking without experience but I am curious as to why you have chosen the P&S route.

 

[skynscuba]

This might be a contender, depending on time frame and whether someone makes a case. Very similar to S90, brighter lens especially on the long end, and a bit wider (24mm), and less zoom. Almost the same size, no HD video, same size sensor and Mpixels. It will be interesting to see detailed reviews when they are available.

Samsung unveils TL500/EX1 with fast f/1.8 lens: Digital Photography Review

 

[Nemrod]

This might be a contender, depending on time frame and whether someone makes a case. Very similar to S90, brighter lens especially on the long end, and a bit wider (24mm), and less zoom. Almost the same size, no HD video, same size sensor and Mpixels. It will be interesting to see detailed reviews when they are available.

Samsung unveils TL500/EX1 with fast f/1.8 lens: Digital Photography Review

That camera specs better than the S90 but it has a major flaw for underwater use--the 24mm lens. Wet lenses are made primarily for 35mm and some 28 but not 24mm. The vignetting would be impossible. You say, well, at 24mm it does not need a wet WAL, you would be wrong because a 24mm lens through a flat port would have corner and edge distortion and still would be only about 70 degrees, much less that Inon or Fisheye lenses that reach 165 degrees FOV. :depressed:

I priced an SLR plus ports, bought the lens, no matter how you look at it the price is twice as much or more. I was able ot move most of my lenses and equipment over to my FIX90 so the investment was not nearly what it would have been had I jumped to a dSLR. The other issue is travel size, I can get two strobes, handles, lenses, camera, housing, charger all into a Pelican carry on case, cannot do with a dSLR.

The S90/FIX can do this, the Samsung will not be able to, 165 degree FOV fisheye lens:

N

 

[Scottyboy86]

Yeah the housing for my dslr I am find is about 1-2k and the real want for a new camera is also portability. It is never fun bringing a huge expensive camera around to all my homebrewing events especially when heavy consumption of beer is involved

Nemrod... which Pelican case do you use for the camera?

 

[Nemrod]

Scotty, it is a faux Pelican case. I think it is around the 1530 size, not sure, inside is 17X12X5.5(te). It is a tight squeeze but I can get a complete dual strobe rig in their plus two lenses. Carry on portability is a must and even if I have to check it in my dive bag, it takes up minimal room.

I got new foam for it from:

Case Club Carrying Cases, Storage Cases, Shipping Cases, Custom Foam Inserts

N

 

[Scottyboy86]

Well bought the S90 and a 16gb sandisk Ultra 2 card Only played around with it a little bit... its sooo tiny!!! Just need to get housing, arms, maybe a lens, strobe, and another battery or two.