Newbie help with Canon G12

[Sludeking]

Hiya,

I got a Canon G12 and underwater housing WP-DC34.

I'm looking to get a strobe lighting system for it for when I go diving and have been recommended 2 brands: Inon and Sea & Sea.

The ones I've looked at are Inon d2000 (or s2000 for travel friendliness) and the Sea & Sea YS-110a.

Of these 2 brands and models, which one would you recommend? Why is one better than the other. I've tried doing a bit of research myself, but since I'm new I don't think I fully grasp all the necessary details that are needed. I feel I will get even more out of it by asking you friendly lot on scubaboard

From what I gather, when buying a strobe the mounting bracket(arm) does not come with it? Am I correct, if so, for the 2 listed, which mounting arms would fit the WP-DC34 housing?

Regards,
sludeking

 

[bvanant]

Strobes and arms are separate considerations. For the WP-DC34 I think that the ULCS tray and arm is the best way to go. Add a handle with a ball on it and you then need an arm or two and some clamps. As for the strobe, if you are traveling a bunch I would recommend the S2000. A great little strobe, quite powerful. The YS110a is a lot bigger and one stop more powerful which can be an advantage in murky conditions.
Bill

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

There is also the smaller Sea & Sea YS-01. Similar power to the YS-101a & D2000/S2000. The YS-01 and S2000 are single strobe units instead of dual strobe, so their shadow comes out a little harder. The S-2000 doesn't have a modeling/focusing light, which allows you to point your strobe at your subject more accurately. The Inon has the little mirror gizmo that allows for cordless firing, but I think it is only in manual mode. Of the single flash units, the YS-01's is somewhat diffused with a bubbly lens while the S2000, you can see the strobe's bulb directly, which will likely to cause a slightly harsher light.

Did you make sure all the strobes are comparable with your camera? For some reason, some cameras are just not compatible with certain strobes, even though these units are suppose to emulate all the pre-flashes of the camera.

 

[Sludeking]

There is also the smaller Sea & Sea YS-01. Similar power to the YS-101a & D2000/S2000. The YS-01 and S2000 are single strobe units instead of dual strobe, so their shadow comes out a little harder. The S-2000 doesn't have a modeling/focusing light, which allows you to point your strobe at your subject more accurately. The Inon has the little mirror gizmo that allows for cordless firing, but I think it is only in manual mode. Of the single flash units, the YS-01's is somewhat diffused with a bubbly lens while the S2000, you can see the strobe's bulb directly, which will likely to cause a slightly harsher light.

Did you make sure all the strobes are comparable with your camera? For some reason, some cameras are just not compatible with certain strobes, even though these units are suppose to emulate all the pre-flashes of the camera.

Hi Lwang,

The models I have looked at are all compatible with the canon g12. I had read in another thread somewhere, where someone had bought one that wasn't compatible with theirs, so it was one of the first things I did.

 

[bvanant]

The S2000 comes with a diffuser that takes care of any harshness worries at least for me. The concept of a focus light in this context is a bit strange since most folks agree that you shouldn't be pointing your strobes at your subject. Read Martin Edge's book (4th edition) that shows some compact setups for strobe placement. The mirror gizmo on the S2000 works in TTL mode at least mine does.

Bill

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

The focus light allows you to point at the point you want to point. w/o the light, you are just guessing at where you are pointing.

 

[Cumbo]

I got ULCS tray, arm and clamps for my G12 and WP-DC34 recently. I got an Inon D2000 strobe for it. I think the modelling light can be quite handy, because you can use it as focus light for macro shots, too. Also, it can be used as light for night diving.

 

[Sludeking]

Hello hello again,

So from what I'm gathering and leaning towards, the Inon D2000 is a good strobe to start off underwater photography with.

From the mounting systems on the inon website, inon.jp, which combination of equipment will I need to attach said strobe to the WP-DC34?

Also, if there are any UK's around. Do you know any shops, physical or online, where one can buy Inon products, used and new?

 

[Ste Wart]

You can try camerasunderwater.co.uk or bristolcameras.co.uk.

I got my WP-DC34 from Bristol cameras and they do have a strobe available, but I think it's a remora. Not sure what brand that is.

Off-topic, I only got the Canon casing so I can practice with my G11. I find all the features a tad baffling and I didn't want to rush out and get an IKELITE housing straight away. Hopefully next year I'll be a little bit more savvy and can upgrade, as the strobe (and lens) options are much better for the Ikelite.