New to UW Photo...got a question...(Canon fan)

[scubaduba22]

So I've read all the threads about the Canon s90 and I think that's where I'm leaning. Here's my situation:
1. New to underwater photography
2. Going on a weeklong trip in St. Lucia in October
3. Don't want to be dissapointed in the pics from the trip
4. Never taken a camera on a dive before
5. Getting sticker shock as all the prices start adding up:shocked2:

So,
1. Is the S90 the best small compact P&S Canon for diving?
2. Can the Canon housing for the s90 use a wide angle lens? If so, what is recommended?
3. Is the flash on the camera blocked by the Canon housing?
4. Can any strobe be used with the Canon housing? If so what is recommend for beginners?
5. And finally does anyone have pictures using just the built in strobe for the S90?

thanks for any help.

 

[DiveDocMD]

1. From the specs, the S90 should give you some nice images. It's nice that it will be a compact camera on land as well. I have a G9 and have been quite pleased.
2. I remember reading something about an adaptor that would mount on the canon housing to allow attachment of a wide angle lens. I'll see if I can dig that up.
3. The internal flash on the camera is not blocked by the canon housing. There is a diffuser which utilizes the internal flash. That said, its not much for providing decent light.
4. There are a number of external strobes that are optically triggered. The camera's internal flash hits a fiber optic cable that then triggers the strobe. I have a sealife strobe that I use with my G9 housing and this works well. However, you can only adjust the strobe intensity manually and cannot utilize the TTL capability that a hot shoe connection can provide.

Be patient. When I first started out taking pictures I was using a film camera. Limited to 24 or 36 exposures and couldn't see results until home and had film developed. If you got 1 or 2 pictures that were worth a second look you were happy. Digital technology revolutionized photography in general and underwater photography even more. The key things to remember:
1. practice with your camera on land. Know how it works. Learn how to white balance.
2. Get close to your subject.
3. Light! If you don't have an external strobe, get close.
4. Once you get a few good pics you'll be hooked. Prepare to spend more time and money!! It'll be great!

 

[Nemrod]

1. "Best" is up to you, I cannot answer best for you, it was certainly best for me so I got one.
2. It is unknown, it is rumored that Inon will release an adapter, until they do, your guess is as good as any. I suspect it may not be optimal.
3. Probably as just about all in housing flashes are to some extent or other.
4. No, if Inon releases an adapter kit it will be capable of using the Inon S2000. Even if they don't a little ingenuity would allow it to work. The Ikelite AF35 will work with it but here you might need to use some more ingenuity to mount the Canon case on the Ikelite tray.
5. The camera and housings are so new and the 2010 season is just starting but there are a few posted, do a search.


A. Easy answer, Ikelite housing, Ikelite AF35 strobe, Ikelite W20 WAL.
B. Unknown answer, Canon housing, S2000 strobe, Inon WAL100-28D lens, UCLS tray, Inon AD/28AD adapter kit.
C. "Best" answer if you want "Best" then "Best" would be the FIX90 housing, FIX 67mm adapter, Inon S2000 strobe, UCLS tray, Inon 100WAL or FIX52/67mm lens UL-04.

Best is an undefinable concept. It would be best if you could define what you want to accomplish and then look for the COMPLETE combination of equipment that will accomplish the task you defined as, "Don't want to be disappointed in the pics from the trip."

Good luck.

N

 

[emoreira]

Here's my situation:
1. New to underwater photography
3. Don't want to be dissapointed in the pics from the trip
4. Never taken a camera on a dive before

These 3 points are the key.
To take nice UW photos requires a looooooot of experience, this means you will take good shots after have taken lots of ugly shots, without white balance, moved, out of focus, green, dark, etc.
You will be dissapointed with the first pics. This will encourage you to practice and to gain experience.
This is a good starting point http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/

Good luck.

 

[dhuskins]

Let me back up what everyone has said and take a moment to put another plug for Underwater Photography Guide as it is rich with information. I go back to it often.

 

[scubaduba22]

That's a great site! Thanks for the link!!!!!