UK HID Light Canon as photography light source?

[92630Diver]

I'm new to underwater photography, having just purchased a wp-dc40 housing for my Canon Powershot S70. I've read numerous threads on strobes and lighting, on photography tips, image enhancement with Photoshop CS and other applications, etc.

I know that proper lighting can and will make a significant difference with the images that I hope to take. My question is this, would the Underwater Kinetics HID Light Canon make for an acceptable light source for underwater digital photography?

I saw this setup online and it looks like it would work to me! Am I trying to streamline my kit too much? It just seems that this would kill a few birds with one stone. I wouldn't have to carry the camera with strobe and a standard lighting source separately. The HID light includes a diffuser, and there's an available filter kit for night diving that stimulates fluorescence. I would imagine that the later will lend toward some interesting photos.

With this one setup I could shoot photos or just use the light to see into the nooks and crannies. Any opinions?

 

[Wolverine]

I'm new to underwater photography, having just purchased a wp-dc40 housing for my Canon Powershot S70. I've read numerous threads on strobes and lighting, on photography tips, image enhancement with Photoshop CS and other applications, etc.

I know that proper lighting can and will make a significant difference with the images that I hope to take. My question is this, would the Underwater Kinetics HID Light Canon make for an acceptable light source for underwater digital photography?

I saw this setup online and it looks like it would work to me! Am I trying to streamline my kit too much? It just seems that this would kill a few birds with one stone. I wouldn't have to carry the camera with strobe and a standard lighting source separately. The HID light includes a diffuser, and there's an available filter kit for night diving that stimulates fluorescence. I would imagine that the later will lend toward some interesting photos.

With this one setup I could shoot photos or just use the light to see into the nooks and crannies. Any opinions?

Well, I use the HID as a light source but not for photography. It is useful for night dives as it has a frequency that does not scare off marine creatures. However, as a light source for photography, it definitely cannot match a strobe. The output of the HID is just too low to make underwater photos look good. Sacrifices will have to be made on shutter speed and aperture. Stick to a strobe and use the HID as a focus light.

 

[drbill]

I've seen video shot with the Light Cannon that impressed me. It was being hand held on the subject, but the beam seemed to be well diffused.

There are much cheaper mounting alternatives (like $100 cheaper) available from other manufacturers. PM me and I'll pull out my literature from this weekend's Long Beach Scuba Show.

Dr. Bill

 

[Hoosier]

I think it is better than nothing. But, it is still pricey only for the arm mount.
Why don't you try DIY? You might be able to use the similar arm that is used on car audio and video system, such as CD mounting kit. This thread inspired me to do another DIY project.

P.S. Dr. Bill, please let me have your literature, too. Thanks in advance.

 

[92630Diver]

Thank each of you for your replies to my question. Since my posting I've found that there were other similar postings on the board (I'll search first, ask questions later next time). I read through those and looked at some gallery images taken with the setup that I had in question. This will work, but the example images show uneven light distribution (aka hotspots). As Wolverine has said, a strobe would be my best option for optimal image quality. I was just trying to do two things at once: a) keep both the amount of "stuff" that I'm going into the water with to a minimum, and b) keep equipment costs down.

Dr. Bill... I appreciate your offer to send me copies of the literature you'd collected at the L.B. scuba show. I was there on Saturday and may already have much of what you'd pass along to me. Perhaps one of these days I'll bump into you on Catalina! The diving there is much better than here in the Laguna area.