Canon G11 and WP-DC34 Housing

[Scubagal]

We know a lot of u/w that shoot DSLR and have huge rigs, big housings, monster strobes with arms, etc. Very cumbersome. I like to take pictures while diving but I just don't want all the hassle. Plus with all the extra luggage fees the airlines are imposing I'd like something compact that doesn't take up an entire suitcase.

On the forum at Scubadiving.com someone asked about the Canon G11. While it's still a point and shoot, I think it's probably light years ahead of my Olympus Stylus 600. I just read that Fantasea is making a Big Eye wide angle lens adapter, a Sharp Eye macro adapter lens, and a Red Eye Red Filter that will fit the housing.
Think if I'm really good Santa would bring me a new and housing for Christmas?
Here's the links: http://divehappy.com/underwater-cameras/canon-g11-powershot-camera-and-wp-dc34-underwater-housing/
Lens: http://www.divephotoguide.com/news/fantasea_announces_wide_angle_macro_lenses_for_the_canon_g11

[2Ls]

I believe you have Santa's attention...

[John_B]

Be sure to check out the S90 as well. Super fast f/2.0 lens at the wide end, not nearly as bulky as the G series, shoots JPEG and raw, and they will also be coming out with a native Canon housing (WP-DC35 IIRC). Probably my next UW camera.

Just a suggestion to keep Santa on his toes...

[Scubagal]

Be sure to check out the S90 as well. Super fast f/2.0 lens at the wide end, not nearly as bulky as the G series, shoots JPEG and raw, and they will also be coming out with a native Canon housing (WP-DC35 IIRC). Probably my next UW camera.

Just a suggestion to keep Santa on his toes...

Do you think they'll have any optional u/w lenses? I've done a search but couldn't find anything. I like small, but it would be nice to have some additional options.

[Scubagal]

I found this comparison between the G10, G11, and S90: http://dpinterface.com/camera-reviews/features-comparison-canon-powershot-g11-powershot-g10-powershot-s90/. As of now I'm still leaning towards the G11.

[John_B]

The problem with the 28mm effective wide angle in the recent crop of P&S cameras is that the standard lens mounts are built for 35mm effective wide angle camera lenses. Inon, etc. have some nice third party lenses, but the super-wide-angle stuff can cost more than the camera + housings. So I just need to wait and see what options develop for the new Canon P&S, and that will depend on whether I go with the Canon housings or the big Ikelite housings.

BTW, a little "first look" summary was posted at B&H about the G11 and S90 (link). One thing that's made me rethink the G11 vs. s90 decision is the battery for the G11 lasts so much longer. The fewer reasons you have to open the housing up on a boat, the better.

And I could always buy a housing for my dSLR, but I'm too chicken to take it underwater. I've seen flooded cameras too many times.

In the mean time, it looks like none of this will be ready by my next Roatan trip. Hmm. Decisions, decisions...

[John_B]

Replying to myself, three months later, in hopes that Connie will see this:

Connie, I had a chance to rent a G10 w/ the Canon housing for two days while in Roatan this past trip.

Anyone who's seen me shoot knows I'm generally a take-several-shots-now-and-evaluate-the-best-one-to-keep-later type of photographer. (I'm currently using Adobe Lightroom to catalog it all.)

I have to say that -- having twice completely drained the battery in the G10 and twice more getting very close -- I'd prefer the G11 over the S90 just on the basis that the G-series P&S models have over twice the battery capacity vs. that little battery they put in the S90. (I think an external strobe would've helped.)

OTOH, there were two late afternoon dives and one crack-of-dawn dive where having even a little bit faster lens like on the S90 would've made a huge difference for ambient light shots...

[Scubagal]

Replying to myself, three months later, in hopes that Connie will see this:

Connie, I had a chance to rent a G10 w/ the Canon housing for two days while in Roatan this past trip.

Anyone who's seen me shoot knows I'm generally a take-several-shots-now-and-evaluate-the-best-one-to-keep-later type of photographer. (I'm currently using Adobe Lightroom to catalog it all.)

I have to say that -- having twice completely drained the battery in the G10 and twice more getting very close -- I'd prefer the G11 over the S90 just on the basis that the G-series P&S models have over twice the battery capacity vs. that little battery they put in the S90. (I think an external strobe would've helped.)

OTOH, there were two late afternoon dives and one crack-of-dawn dive where having even a little bit faster lens like on the S90 would've made a huge difference for ambient light shots...

Well, now I'm totally confused. I was almost ready to pull the trigger on the Canon S90 with Ikelite housing. I still may go that route as I like how small the S90 is and the faster lens is a plus too. Looking forward to seeing your pictures John!