Comparing Canon: PowerShot G1 X Mark II vs 70d

Hello.

I'm currently deciding which camera is most practical for me. I understand that the G1 X Mark II is obviously an all-around camera. -macro, wide angle, etc... And then you have an SLR like the 70d. -which of course, the lens you pick for use underwater, is what you are stuck with for that dive. So besides discussing these 2 cameras, and hearing your opinions/reviews, on them, I'd like to ask if there's another option with something like an SLR when underwater... if I'm underwater shooting with a macro lens, look up from photographing and spot a turtle going past, can i still take a decent photo of him with that macro lens? Maybe the answer I'm looking for is a diopter?

Please forgive my lack of knowledge. haha I'm new to diving with SLR's and all of the equipment they entail for using beneath the water.

Here's a link comparing the 2 cameras.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_g1xii&products=canon_eos70d

Thanks for any help and guidance.
Kyle

Hi Kyle,

Those two cameras are really quite different.

The answer you're looking for is the 12-50mm Olympus M43 lens. It has a macro option on the lens that with Nauticam's gears and port you can access underwater.

I believe there was an underwater setting discussed elsewhere in the forum but I have a feeling the firmware updates stopped this?

I was massively into the G11 (Which I had for a long time and served me very well) and then I started frothing on the G1X mk2... but the thing is, in my opinion, they're just not that good for UW use.

Plus, having to stick to one subject underwater might help hone your skills

Good luck!

I have been using a 70D for the last few months. I find it to be really enjoyable to use in a Sea and Sea Housing and compact with the Tokina 10-17 mm Dome Port. Just don't even know where to begin when making the comparison to a G1X. Totally different experience. You may want to rent a couple of different setups before buying. I can vouch for the 70D and would Recommend the Sea and Sea and or the Nauticam housing with the 10-17 or a 100 mm Macro .

Hey Wolf Eel : ) I'll def have to have a look at that Olympus you speak of. Sounds alright. Why don't you feel that the G1x is a no go for UW?

As for the 70d Hollywoodivers, I'm pleased to hear you like it. You mentioned the... ahem, more expensive housings... haha would you recommend the cheaper, Ikelite? Also, are there any functions that are missed out when having the housings on the camera? -esp the touchscreen? Any problems with that?

Thanks so much guys for giving me your inputs! I appreciate it.

G1X mark II has only one strength and many wekneses. I wrote to Canon to fix them in firmware in May, and they did not replied and no new firmware is released.

positive:

+ sync time with flash 1/2000s (it can freeze fast moving subject that you might only focus by pre-focusing)

negatives:

- slow focus

- no serial shooting (just ~1 fps in RAW)

- "macro" mode focuses terribly and you have to close aperture to get some sharpness

- no 24/25 fps option in for video record

- no option for AF button (you have to switch to MF after focus to void refocus by shutter button)

- picture quality is just a little bit better than my 4 year old Olympus E-PL1

I use the G1X MKII now for about 4 months in the original OEM housing and with the internal strobe.
This set-up may bias me to see the camera's weak points during underwater photographing and probably the use of a focus light and a external strobe may increase picture quality a lot.
I replaced my G12 with this camera due it's excellent above water image quality but till now i am not very satisfied with the image quality and i belive that the G11 and G12 made better pictures (using a external strobe).

This camera is my "every day camera" during my work and the light weight and rather small size OEM housing make it still acceptable for such a use.

I basically agree with uwbear's remarks but i belive that using external strobe(s) may help substantially for better image quality.

I use the camera often to record videos and i am more or less satified with the results using ambient light.
In low contrast conditions due to murky water the autofocus may be slow to focus and also can loose focus during recording,

but under good illuminated conditions the autofocus stay's put on the subject.

I also belive that a dedicated housing with a dedicated dome port would greatly improve image quality and especially the need to use open apertures

to get rid of the strong soft corners especially during macro photography.

I love to take my D800 for a dive and enjoy the extrem quality pictures from this camera, but often she is simply to big to carry so i use a P+S for everyday use,.

Chris