Canon G9, G10 or DSLR

I am trying to decide whether to purchase a high end P&S system for my step up from a 3 megapixel P&S I used successfully when snorkeling. Or go straight into DSLR.

P&S = Much more economical for a step-up. (New G9 or new G10 with Ikelite housing and external strobe for about $2000.) Easier to get into because I don't have to decide on a lens and purchase a port when I have no idea what lens to buy. May be able to add external lens increase wide angle view, although 28mm may be the max possible (with decent results) from either camera.

DSLR = I have 5 years experience with a Nikon D100 DSLR (6.1 megapixel) (whitewater, nature, family and landscape photography) and know the camera. Can still house it ($1100 new but have found only 1 Ikelite still sold) but what lens, port, lighting? And, I need to buy a back-up body in case the housing floods and the camera has been obsolete for years. If I house the D100, ithe system likely will be difficult to sell when I want to upgrade.

Other Nikon DSLR = D80. D200, D300. THE most expensive alternative. ($4000 new) Knowing nothing about the nuances of moving to DSLR, I have had a daunting experience trying to learn about my options, the costs and the components needed to build a system that I can grow into. Daunting AND expensive and I don't want to make a mistake for something I will use 3 weeks a year. And, something I would likely keep for years.

I really need to stop obsessing about this and JUST DO IT!

Any suggestions/enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Laura

I am trying to decide whether to purchase a high end P&S system for my step up from a 3 megapixel P&S I used successfully when snorkeling. Or go straight into DSLR.

 

P&S = Much more economical for a step-up. (New G9 or new G10 with Ikelite housing and external strobe for about $2000.) Easier to get into because I don't have to decide on a lens and purchase a port when I have no idea what lens to buy. May be able to add external lens increase wide angle view, although 28mm may be the max possible (with decent results) from either camera.

 

DSLR = I have 5 years experience with a Nikon D100 DSLR (6.1 megapixel) (whitewater, nature, family and landscape photography) and know the camera. Can still house it ($1100 new but have found only 1 Ikelite still sold) but what lens, port, lighting? And, I need to buy a back-up body in case the housing floods and the camera has been obsolete for years. If I house the D100, ithe system likely will be difficult to sell when I want to upgrade.

 

Other Nikon DSLR = D80. D200, D300. THE most expensive alternative. ($4000 new) Knowing nothing about the nuances of moving to DSLR, I have had a daunting experience trying to learn about my options, the costs and the components needed to build a system that I can grow into. Daunting AND expensive and I don't want to make a mistake for something I will use 3 weeks a year. And, something I would likely keep for years.

 

I really need to stop obsessing about this and JUST DO IT!

 

Any suggestions/enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Laura

It sounds like you have all the bases covered in what to look for (plus portability weight issue)

The Canons are nice cameras and since they both shoot RAW, with a decent recycle time, it is a plus. Take a look around and you will see some amazing results from G9s. G10s are still new and no one has taken them underwater yet. Having played with a G10 it seems to focus faster than a G9. Both will not be the same level as a dSLR in terms of shutter lag or quality, plus other things such as noise and aperture, though for the most part you will probably be shooting at ISOs underwater where the noise will not be an issue. And as to the widest WA, you have that part down also.

Of course wider WA is always cool, but 28mm on the G10 is a nice step up (have not seen actual results yet UW since the housings are not out). You may want to wait a bit as the G10s get in the field, housings should be coming in the next week and I would guess reports should come soon thereafter.

As to whether you want to pay for a dSLR for three weeks of diving it is a personal choice - I dive 3-4 weeks a year and to me I did step up to a dSLR. Depends on what you are looking for out of shooting.

I am not sure I would house the D100 at this point, unless you find a real good deal on a used housing. The Nikon D90 (newest one) is a nice camera and probably a step up or the D60. You could also look at the 40D (price dropped), 50D Xti by Canon in the same price range. It is the housing, lenese and ports where you will spend the main money - in other words (using Canon for Example) the Xti is about $750, the 40D about $850 and 50D about $1,000 or so (bodies only), while the housings for each will be all about the same price. (This is really broad brush and take a look at pricing.)

If you like you P&S and the daunting and expensive are issues (particularly based on how often you dive and what having a set-up means to you based on what you want to achieve) then the P&S may be the answer.

Sounds like you are in a similar position to where I was at the end of last year. I had one drowned p&s and a choice to make, stay with (an upgraded) P&S or upgrade to DSLR. I only go diving on holiday (so less than 24 days a year) so DSLR is a huge expense.

I took the plunge anyway (with prompting from my bf) and bought a D300 & subal housing and I’ve not regretted it at all! I did have to upgrade some other things that I didn’t expect as well though, the D300 Raw files needed a newer version of photoshop (so I had to buy CS3) and my laptop struggled to run CS3 so I upgraded that. Initially I got a tokina fisheye lens and wide angle port and a Nikkor 60mm macro and flat port.

It is a massive learning curve and expense but I figured I’d keep this camera for many years and have time to grow into it. I know that you can get excellent photos from the P&S (especially if you have the inon wet lens and a decent strobe) but I also know that if I had bought a p&s I would have regretted it. My pictures are already so much better. It also makes a much nicer land camera (I got an 18-200 lens for land use) than my old p&s.

I think the only thing I miss about the P&S is the portability. My subal housing & camera & lenes are very heavy and my hand luggage is not waaayyy over the limits I have it in a wheelie case but if they catch me with it I’ll probably have to check it.

I agree with TheRealDrew it depends on what you are looking for out of shooting. It also comes down to cold hard cash (and if you can cope with a bit of hand luggage trauma) if you have the cash it, go for the dslr, if not get the p&s.

Suzy

The image quality from the D100 isn't that much better than the G9 really. I know that sounds funny but it's almost true :-( So you wouldn't get a lot of benefit in that area from an upgrade.

I would look toward the middle of the road - especially if you already have Nikon lenses. You can get a heck of a deal on a D200 setup which will serve you very well. Check the classifieds here and also Ebay for good deals. Even some of the aluminum housings are very affordable.

Cheers

James

I agree with James on the dSLR route. Get a used version of last year's model and you will save a lot of money on the camera and housing and still have a great setup. That is what I did twice now and will do again as soon as an upgrade is in the books. The last time I got a used Canon 20D when the 30D was about to be phased out. In the end I paid about half of what a new current setup would cost.

I have one more suggestion on the P&S side. If you would like something compact and reasonably inexpensive (mind you, that's a relative term), look into a G9 in a Canon housing and use an Inon D-2000 (or Z-240) strobe. The Inon strobe sort of simulate true TTL via fiber-optics. You will be able to pack that into your regular carry-on with room to spare, while a dSLR will be considerably bulkier and more difficult to travel with.

I agree with James on the dSLR route. Get a used version of last year's model and you will save a lot of money on the camera and housing and still have a great setup. That is what I did twice now and will do again as soon as an upgrade is in the books. The last time I got a used Canon 20D when the 30D was about to be phased out. In the end I paid about half of what a new current setup would cost.

 

I have one more suggestion on the P&S side. If you would like something compact and reasonably inexpensive (mind you, that's a relative term), look into a G9 in a Canon housing and use an Inon D-2000 (or Z-240) strobe. The Inon strobe sort of simulate true TTL via fiber-optics. You will be able to pack that into your regular carry-on with room to spare, while a dSLR will be considerably bulkier and more difficult to travel with.

Keep in mind, that the TTL will ONLY work on the G9 and G10 if you are not in the manual settings mode. So, even via fiber optic sync, your strobes will have to be set manually. Now, if you shoot in one of the automatic modes, then you can get TTL to work but you give up a lot of control IMO.

I was looking at these cameras as an option for my Daughter, until I found this out.

I was in the same position 2 years ago, and went with a Canon G7. It was a great camera, that I've only just upgraded now to an SLR. I'm happy I went that way, it was a great camera that I was very happy with.

Have a look at the G9 in a Patima housing, with Inon strobes using fiber optics for TTL, looks like a great settup. I had the Ike housing, which wasn't bad, but I got it before the Patima came out. There's a good review in the latest undertwater photography e-magazine too.

Ryan.

You can do pretty well in Aperture Priority where you just set some exposure compensation to get the blue water color you like. Then you can get TTL.

Cheers

James

You can do pretty well in Aperture Priority where you just set some exposure compensation to get the blue water color you like. Then you can get TTL

James, quite co-incedentally I posted this today on another forum...

Here's my 2 cents worth in support of the G9...

I put a G9 in an Ike about a year ago. I have a rack of terrific INON w/a (UWL-100 and dome) and close up (2 x UCL-165 and 1 x UCL-330) glass. I hang a pair of fibre optic sync'd INON Z-240's on a suite of ULCS arms.

The Z-240 S-TTL mode is awesome. Properly used with the G9's flash exposure compensation, exposure compensation, flash exposure lock and the infinate adjustments available on each Z-240 the only time I shoot manual is available light. Period.

This is the finest RAW capable compact system currently available, bar none.

The G10's 28mm lens is neither use nor ornament u/w unless you are going to stick to macro or fish portraits. Without the opportunity to fit w/a glass like the 130 degree UWL-100 and dome, walk away and buy a G9 while you still can (Amazon have the best price at the moment).

And, I'll put my money where my mouth is too. This Xmas I'm upgrading my son's DX 8000G and YS-25's to an identical system as mine, plus a spare G9 each.

I often hunt the pike at NDAC with this rig and I'll be shooting the ironing in January. If anyone wants to take a gander, just ask.

Take care, Tim

Agreed. Check out the DPreview of the G10 - it only gets "recommended" whereas the G9 gets a highly recommended. I have a G9 and love it.

Cheers

James

Agreed. Check out the DPreview of the G10 - it only gets "recommended" whereas the G9 gets a highly recommended. I have a G9 and love it.

I think that's more because things have moved on, rather than the G9 being better than the G10. Both are good cameras.

Panasonic Lx-3 seems to be the cream of the current point and shoots, but there's no housings for it :-(

I think that's more because things have moved on, rather than the G9 being better than the G10. Both are good cameras.

Panasonic Lx-3 seems to be the cream of the current point and shoots, but there's no housings for it :-(

Hi guys ( i am another newbie) andthis post seemed exactly the same question i amasking myself.

I have opted out ofthe DSLR choice because my fiancee wouldnt really use the DSLR system, thus a smaller digital compact will suit us both better than a bigger DSLR as much as i want one

So i am left looking for a good compact.

I am thinking the G9 or g10 but i see from the forum that the G9 has better adaptability to wet lenses and that somehow appeals to me greatly. Does the G10 have any advantages with speed of focus and shutter lag over the G9. I like that they both shoot RAW.

Also with strobes. i see ikelite housing support TTL with their strobes. This is apealing but expensive. I have an INON strobe D2000 which supports S-TTL which seems a second best comprmise. Can S-TTL be used with the G9 and G10 well or shouldi go ikelite. I liked the idea of the Patima housing for the G9 but i can seem to find anyone who has stock of them left in Australia because PATIMA sems to be concentrating on the G10.

With wide angle will there be any cahnce of using a wide angle wet lense wth th G10 0r is this a total adavantage of a G9 system assuming i can find one.

Last but not least i there any other compact digital i should b looking at that compares with the G9 or G10?

Many thanks in advance for any help.

cheers Zig

Hi Zig,

I don't think you'll find anyone in Aust that will stock the Ike housing either (even though they often tell you they do), both importers of Ikelite here order from the states on request. For the Patima housing, I'm not sure who the importer here is, you might need to get it from one of the over seas companies.

While I loved my Ike housing for my old G7, I got it before the Patima housing came out. It does look a lot nicer, but I've never used one. I'd be seriosuly having a look at it though.

As you've seen, the G10 doesn't give you the option of wet lenses at the moment. I know Ikelite are working on an answer, but I personally can't see if being any better than what the G9 offers.

The D2000 will work with either camera as well.

GOod luck with the decision!

Ry.

This is just my personal opinion, but I think buying a very expensive housing for a G9 just isn't worth it. Since the camera is already discontinued, any housing you buy for it will instantly lose >50% of its value. I'd recommend going with the Canon or Ikelite housings.

Cheers

James

Hi Zig,

 

I don't think you'll find anyone in Aust that will stock the Ike housing either (even though they often tell you they do), both importers of Ikelite here order from the states on request. For the Patima housing, I'm not sure who the importer here is, you might need to get it from one of the over seas companies.

 

While I loved my Ike housing for my old G7, I got it before the Patima housing came out. It does look a lot nicer, but I've never used one. I'd be seriosuly having a look at it though.

 

As you've seen, the G10 doesn't give you the option of wet lenses at the moment. I know Ikelite are working on an answer, but I personally can't see if being any better than what the G9 offers.

 

The D2000 will work with either camera as well.

 

GOod luck with the decision!

 

Ry.

Thanks for the help Ray and James ,much appreciated.

cheers Zig

This is just my personal opinion, but I think buying a very expensive housing for a G9 just isn't worth it. Since the camera is already discontinued, any housing you buy for it will instantly lose >50% of its value. I'd recommend going with the Canon or Ikelite housings.

 

Cheers

James

I'd have to disagree with this. I sold my G7 kit about 2 months ago for as much as I think I would've sold the same kit if it was a G9.

Hi guys ( i am another newbie) andthis post seemed exactly the same question i amasking myself.

 

I have opted out ofthe DSLR choice because my fiancee wouldnt really use the DSLR system, thus a smaller digital compact will suit us both better than a bigger DSLR as much as i want one

 

So i am left looking for a good compact.

 

I am thinking the G9 or g10 but i see from the forum that the G9 has better adaptability to wet lenses and that somehow appeals to me greatly. Does the G10 have any advantages with speed of focus and shutter lag over the G9. I like that they both shoot RAW.

 

Also with strobes. i see ikelite housing support TTL with their strobes. This is apealing but expensive. I have an INON strobe D2000 which supports S-TTL which seems a second best comprmise. Can S-TTL be used with the G9 and G10 well or shouldi go ikelite. I liked the idea of the Patima housing for the G9 but i can seem to find anyone who has stock of them left in Australia because PATIMA sems to be concentrating on the G10.

 

With wide angle will there be any cahnce of using a wide angle wet lense wth th G10 0r is this a total adavantage of a G9 system assuming i can find one.

 

Last but not least i there any other compact digital i should b looking at that compares with the G9 or G10?

 

Many thanks in advance for any help.

 

cheers Zig

I would recommend G9 in Ikelite housing + W-20 Wide Angle. I have the same setup and only thing missing now is a powerful pair of strobes

I'd have to disagree with this. I sold my G7 kit about 2 months ago for as much as I think I would've sold the same kit if it was a G9.

Hi RY,

If you re-read James' post carefully, you will see that the 50% reduction in re-sale value that he is talking about is for aluminium housings.

From memory you sold a plastic housing with your G7.

You also state that you have had no practical experience with aluminium housings for the P&S style of cameras.

My experience with these sort of housings would tend to confirm James' "learned" opinion...

IMHO

Bruce...

Thanks for correcting me there then Bruce. I assumed that James was talking about Ike and Patima housings when he refered to a "very expensive housing", but upon rereading his post, I see that I was wrong and he was only refering to Patima housings (or ali housings in general). In my post where I disagreed with James (respecfully of course, I wouldn't even begin to compare my limited knowledge with James'!), I was refering to an Ikelite housing, that I feel after two years still retained a level of value that made the resale worthwhile.

I was also talking about selling a kit rather than just selling a housing.

While I was only speaking about my own recent experience, I certainly hope I didn't give anyone the wrong idea with my post.

Trust a Victorian to be so damn picky

Ryan.

Thanks for correcting me there then Bruce. I assumed that James was talking about Ike and Patima housings when he refered to a "very expensive housing", but upon rereading his post, I see that I was wrong and he was only refering to Patima housings (or ali housings in general). In my post where I disagreed with James (respecfully of course, I wouldn't even begin to compare my limited knowledge with James'!), I was refering to an Ikelite housing, that I feel after two years still retained a level of value that made the resale worthwhile.

 

I was also talking about selling a kit rather than just selling a housing.

 

While I was only speaking about my own recent experience, I certainly hope I didn't give anyone the wrong idea with my post.

 

Trust a Victorian to be so damn picky

 

Ryan.

Hi Ryan,

I sure hope that you don't live to rue your descision to sell your G7.

I have been shooting my Nexus housed Nikon D70S since the D70S was released, and although I love my current rig, I still miss my old 5050 in Ike housing.

Right up until the time that America decided that it was time for the world to have a recession, I was considering buying a new Canon G9 in 'plastic.'

By the way, it is easy for us Victorian's "to be so damn picky", coz we're way down here at the bottom of Oz, and as you know, bulls*#t always flows downhill. . . hehe

Although we DO have the best temperate water shore dives in Oz. . . .

Bruce...