Too many choices for this newb...Please help!

[zak1227]

First off what an awesome forum this has been to lurk in and learn about my new found hobby. However I have been researching my first UW camera on this site to the point my eyes are bleeding and my head is about to pop with information overload. To be honest most of this goes smooth over my head. Just when I think I have it dialed in, I read another post that totally throws me off the trail in my quest for the set up to fill my needs. HAH

My experience is very limited… where’re talking about 10 photos with a G10 in a Cannon housing. My instructor suggested I buy a G11 and a Cannon Housing to start with. Not sure why exactly, but this was his only suggesting. My interests are both Macro and WA photography with the ability to shoot HD clips when I get the erg, but this is totally secondary.

Because this is my first UW Camera I'm trying to keep the cost down to an entry/mid lvl rig with room to expand. Having said that my Camera choice for the “moment” is the S95 .Where I get lost is when it comes to selecting a housing, as it relates to the best selection of lenses, adaptors, and then eventual the addition of external strobes, tray and grips etc. Travel size is of a consideration as well.

Question: Macro/WA; is there such thing as a lens that will perform double duty a novice like my self would be happy with and that will allow me to learn on and still attain decent results for both ? Sorry if this is a stupid question...

Question which housing would you guys/gals recommend that will take full advantage of the S95 functions and plan for future expandability? How many years can I expect to get good use out of the S95 before it may be considered an obsolete camera?

The photos I will be taking will be for my own consumption and posting for friends etc…no desire to go beyond armature with this…not yet anyway

Help me SPEND my money please!!! I’m trying to complete this purchase minus the strobes/tray for an upcoming trip to the Philippines and will buy this set up what ever it turns out to be by Christmas. Also buying a new Dive Computer / BC / Regulator / Wet Suit….should be an awesome Christmas lol

Sorry so long, and thanks in advance for any help

 

[Jax]

Zak, I'm just guessing, but your instructor may have suggested the G11 with OEM housing due to cost. It's much cheaper than going Ikelite. I bought a used G10 with the Canon housing; with accessories, it came to $650. You are looking at newer and more expensive. Good Luck.

 

[zak1227]

Jax~

While cost is a factor, its not my first concern. I want to get into a rig that can grow with my skill lvl, not grow out of in a year or two or three. if that makes sense? But I think your right as far as staying relatively cheap since this was going to be my first UWC might have been his intention. Maybe I'm over complicating this whole process. my GF says I do this all the time lol.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Jax]

Jax~

While cost is a factor, its not my first concern. I want to get into a rig that can grow with my skill lvl, not grow out of in a year or two or three. if that makes sense? But I think your right as far as staying relatively cheap since this was going to be my first UWC might have been his intention. Maybe I'm over complicating this whole process. my GF says I do this all the time lol.

Thanks for the reply.

As a lot of people told me, it's not "if" you flood a camera, but when. The GS10's, 11's etc, and the S90 - 95, are used by many fine photographers on this board. You can go a long way with them for a long time.

 

[zak1227]

Great!!! Now all I have to do is figure out which housing + lenses and I'm GTG for now. I want to spend a good amount of time with just the built in flash shooting mainly macro. Work my way into a single or twin strobe set up later on... once I actually gain good practical UW Photography experience...

Yeah the thought of flooding a housing kinda makes think 300-400 spent on a camera is plenty good for me...even then thats an OUCH!!!

 

[Jax]

I bought mine through fredmiranda.com, and there's also adorama and B&H that sell used. If you do buy a canon housing, make sure you check out Reefwalker's link: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/canon-corner/315202-canon-housing-leaks-easy-diy-fix.html.

Please note that the photos don't show in the first post anymore --- you need to go to the end of the thread to see the proper link for the newly hosted photos.

I have a Canon housing, and it's been just fine down to 110'. When I do my cert dives for deco procedures, I'm taking the housing down to 160 to see what happens. I've been really pleased with my Canon G10 and housing . . . with my skills, not so much. Good luck!

 

[zak1227]

Thanks for the Vendor info and links Jax. I'm going to keep reading and post what I plan to buy. If my list doesn't get flamed then I will pull the trigger. I'm trying to have delivery coincide with my Christmas R&R back to the States...don't want to chance having all this expensive equipment sent here.

BTW...Is it normal to have Avatar envy???

zak

 

[Jax]

Thanks for the Vendor info and links Jax. I'm going to keep reading and post what I plan to buy. If my list doesn't get flamed then I will pull the trigger. I'm trying to have delivery coincide with my Christmas R&R back to the States...don't want to chance having all this expensive equipment sent here.

BTW...Is it normal to have Avatar envy???

zak

For your viewing pleasure!

 

[PatW]

The canon S95 is a pretty good choice. As I recall, Ikelite makes a case for the S95 at a pretty reasonable price.

I believe the G12 is a better option for underwater than the S95.

I understand that the G12 has better macro capability. You can get "wet" add on macro lenses for the G12. I do not think you can do that for the S95. Macro is very important in UW photography. First, the closer you get to something the better. Water has suspended stuff in it so the closer you are the sharper your photos (less intervening sediment). With macro photography, you are really close. Another advantage with macro is that many of the macro subjects will pretty much just sit there. It is easier to take a photo of a little crab, shrimp, nudibranch than the macro critters that tend to move quickly. Also there tends to be a greater diversity of small critters out there than big ones. That is there are more different kinds of shrimp on the reef than sharks. Another advantage to macro is the small critters can be really strange looking which gives a great gee whiz factor.

Wide angle is really important too. I mentioned the sediment in the water. Wide angle lets you get closer to large subjects and get sharper photos. I believe that you will quickly find that you wished that your camera had a wider angle than it does.

Capable point and shoots have a number of advantages. You can shoot macro or wide angle on the same dive. With DSLRs you are stuck with the lens you have mounted on the camera for the duration of the dive. The point and shoots are less expensive. The point and shoots a smaller and easier to pack. DSLRs have advantages too. The DSLR has a larger sensor which means it has less problem with diffraction. The DSLR has less shutter lag. Because of the interchangeable lenses, a DSLR has more flexibility.

However point and shoot photographers can get excellent results. Gilligan uses a G10. Check out his photo library. He has taken some very impressive photos.

 

[Nemrod]

First off what an awesome forum this has been to lurk in and learn about my new found hobby. However I have been researching my first UW camera on this site to the point my eyes are bleeding and my head is about to pop with information overload. To be honest most of this goes smooth over my head. Just when I think I have it dialed in, I read another post that totally throws me off the trail in my quest for the set up to fill my needs. HAH

That means you need to learn more and read more and as well decide exactly what it is you want to do.

My experience is very limited… we are talking about 10 photos with a G10 in a Cannon housing. My instructor suggested I buy a G11 and a Cannon Housing to start with. Not sure why exactly, but this was his only suggesting. My interests are both Macro and WA photography with the ability to shoot HD clips when I get the erg, but this is totally secondary.

You need a S95 in the FIX95 or Searec95 housing then.

Because this is my first UW Camera I'm trying to keep the cost down to an entry/mid level rig with room to expand. Having said that my Camera choice for the “moment” is the S95 .Where I get lost is when it comes to selecting a housing, as it relates to the best selection of lenses, adapters, and then eventual the addition of external strobes, tray and grips etc. Travel size is of a consideration as well.

Low end--<1,500 dollars
Mid range -- 1,500 dollars to 3,500 dollars
High end --> 3,500 dollars

Question: Macro/WA; is there such thing as a lens that will perform double duty a novice like my self would be happy with and that will allow me to learn on and still attain decent results for both ? Sorry if this is a stupid question...

Yes, the UWL-04 Fisheye brand lens or the Inon UFL165AD (FIX90/SeaRec95) allow what is called close focus wide angle macro.

Question which housing would you guys/gals recommend that will take full advantage of the S95 functions and plan for future expandability? How many years can I expect to get good use out of the S95 before it may be considered an obsolete camera?

FIX95/SeaRec95. Cameras are obsolete on a one year cycle, you can use such a camera 3 to 5 years before you feel like it is an antique.

The photos I will be taking will be for my own consumption and posting for friends etc&#8230;no desire to go beyond amateur with this&#8230;not yet anyway .

OK, me too.

Help me SPEND my money please!!! I&#8217;m trying to complete this purchase minus the strobes/tray for an upcoming trip to the Philippines and will buy this set up what ever it turns out to be by Christmas. Also buying a new Dive Computer / BC / Regulator / Wet Suit&#8230;.should be an awesome Christmas lol

Sounds like you will be needing some money, cry me a river

Sorry so long, and thanks in advance for any help

Me, I am just not much into the Canon OEM "housings" much, of the major manufacturers I consider theirs to be the least quality.

N