SX220(230)HS, S90(95) or G12?

[Moradan]

Hi everyone,
I'm a new forum user and I'd like an advice on my next camera. I want to use it for both underwater and everyday shooting. I have little experience with underwater photography. I read some threads on the difference between the S90(95) and the G12, but no comments on the SX220(230) HS.
I understand the major drawbacks of the last cited cameras are the different sensor (CMOS 1/2.3" in the SXs, CCD 1/1.7" for the others) and the absence of RAW format. The other characteristics seem quite similar to me, except for the macro focus (1cm for the G12, 5cm for the others) and for the optical zoom (14x for the SXs).
The price of the SXs is much lower, so I'd like to know how important is the different kind of sensor? And what about the RAW format?
Some other characteristics, i.e. full HD video, 14x optical zoom (available while video recording), small size push me to choose the SX, but I'm concerned about UW activity.
Could someone give me an advice?
Thanks in advance
Fabio

 

[Moradan]

Any advice?

 

[Nemrod]

The lack of RAW is a deal killer and yes, the larger sensor in the S and G series is much better, not just due to size but the design and specs. The S/G sensor has been tested by numerous photo sites and found to be quite extraordinary.

N

 

[slowhands]

If you are cost sensitive, I suggest a used Canon S90. It is virtually identical to the S95 but costs $100-200 less. You do not need the 14x zoom of the SX220 underwater -- instead a very wide lens with just a 3x zoom is sufficient. And the lack of RAW capability is something you would probably regret. So either the G12 or S90/S95 is a better choice. The fact that there are 4 makers of housings for these, but only one maker for the SX220 should tell you something.

Regarding close focus, these lenses only close focus at the wide angle setting, which is the opposite of what you want. You need it at the tele end instead, but that seems to be hard to design into the lenses. None have it. The remedy is external macro lenses, which do the job but are one more thing to deal with underwater. Just a detail to be aware of.

If you buy the canon housing for the S90 or S95, you can add an adapter from Dyron that accepts the macro lenses, and also wide lenses if you so desire. This adapter costs $64:
Dyron 67mm Adapter for Canon S90 Housing | Bluewater Photo & Video
The Ikelite housing has 67mm threads built in, no adapter needed.

If I seem to be going into gory details, I am. The reason is you are actually buying a system, not just a camera. The system is the housing, strobe, arms, macro and wide lenses, in addition to your camera of choice. It's prudent to look at these ahead of time rather than end up with something that ends up not quite being what you need, or exceeds your budget.

 

[Moradan]

Dear Nemrod and Slowhands,
thank you so much for the precious advices.
@slowhands:
thanks for the "gory details"! I perfectly agree with your final sentence: that's why I'm in this forum looking for experts! Concerning the S90 it seems to me it lacks HD movies. Can you confirm? Do you think it is a useful characteristic for UW activity or just a lure?

 

[Nemrod]

Dear Nemrod and Slowhands,
thank you so much for the precious advices.
@slowhands:
thanks for the "gory details"! I perfectly agree with your final sentence: that's why I'm in this forum looking for experts! Concerning the S90 it seems to me it lacks HD movies. Can you confirm? Do you think it is a useful characteristic for UW activity or just a lure?

The S90 does not have HD. Is this important to you? I dunno? If you like to take movie clips and display them on your giant screen HD TV then perhaps it is but don't most video storage sites not support HD? Not an expert here as I am a photographer (in my dreams, lol ) and could careless about video, don't even know how to make my S90 do video, never used it on this or any camera. I would prefer better features and control than video foolishness (getting old).

N

 

[Moradan]

Finally I chose the G12 with the Canon housing. I'm looking forward to receive it and test it.
Thanks everyone for the advice!
Fabio

 

[BluewaterPhoto]

good luck, the g12 + canon housing can produce some great macro shots with a Dyron or Inon macro lens. You can't do the type of WA photography you would have been able to do with the S95 though.

Scott