Canon SD 800 or G9

I'm an avid diver and serious amateur photographer, but I'm just starting to put the two together. I'm off for a week of diving in January, and I usually dive one or two weeks a year.

I own both a Canon G9 and a Canon SD800 ... I'm wondering for which I should buy a housing and take with me. I could go either way.

The SD800 has 28mm equiv ... but the G9 shoots RAW, has a higher resolution sensor and has many more manual controls including manual focus, TTL strobe capabilities, among others ... but the wide end starts at 35mm equiv.

Is the 28mm wide angle worth leaving the other functionality behind, particularly as I'm still just starting out?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi Jeremy,

See my post ("Fuji E900? etc) just before yours. I've been using the SD800 for about a year and a half and gotten some good results. It's been a great little learning camera, but I'm up against its limitations. The G9 is a far superior camera, came recommended from a couple sources and was one of my upgrade choices. It seems that housings for either are going to run you about the same - $200 for a Canon and $600 for and Ikelite. So the natural choice is to house the G9. However, from what I've seen in the last couple days, if you're going to use the cheaper Canon housing for the G9, there are no additional "after market" lenses or adapters for that housing, so you're limited there. From what I've been reading, the Ikelite will serve you better in the long run anyway, esp. if you're an avid diver and intend to use it regularly. It's just 3x the price :-)

Phil

I have been using the G7 and am really happy with the results. On the consumer digicam forum you can look up a post "first time user G7" and see the results. Like you, had a lot of experience on land but it was my first time underwater. Considering that you are "a serious amateur photographer" I would think the G9 would be the best choice between the two. As far as housings go depending on the size of your pockets Ikelite would be the better choice as mentioned in this post earlier. I have just purchased a wide angle ikelite lens with a shallow port. Should be jumping in the pool this weekend with it. Will let you know the results.

Cheers

Diggy

Just a shame that the G9 cannot use the Inon UFL as its an AD type wet lens.

Was all set to buy the G9 & short port Ikelite housing until i found out that the wide lens attachments have to be 67 mm type.

This rules out the Inon UFL and the UWL AD that i currently own.

Would have really liked to go with the G9 & the Inon UFL

Diggy

How did the WA lens work out for you? Do you use your add on CU lens much?

I've just ordered a full G9 Ikelite setup and can't wait to get it wet (externally only hopefully)

Easydiver

I'm an avid diver and serious amateur photographer, but I'm just starting to put the two together. I'm off for a week of diving in January, and I usually dive one or two weeks a year.

 

I own both a Canon G9 and a Canon SD800 ... I'm wondering for which I should buy a housing and take with me. I could go either way.

 

The SD800 has 28mm equiv ... but the G9 shoots RAW, has a higher resolution sensor and has many more manual controls including manual focus, TTL strobe capabilities, among others ... but the wide end starts at 35mm equiv.

 

Is the 28mm wide angle worth leaving the other functionality behind, particularly as I'm still just starting out?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Here's where I settled ...

Canon G9

OEM WP DC-21 Housing

Sea & Sea YS-15 Auto Strobe