Macro UW with non-dslrs?

I've been thinking about changing to digital for a long time, but there is something that keeps me waiting: macro distance. Can you get a close macro (1:1 or at least 1:2) without having to put the lens on the fish. I mean, does any non-dslr camera allow you a distance of about 20 cm to get close macro?

I've been a MMII user for a few years and I'm used to having everything underwater. Can the Canon G6 get any close to what I want?

Any advice will be wellcome. Thanks.

Henry,

In my brief field test of the very capable Canon G6, I'd say yes. I'd zoom part of the way behind the Ikelite housing's flat port after hitting the "flower" macro button and was able to enlarge some pretty small critters.

Canon G6 specs say you can focus as close as 2 inches to 1.6 feet at wide angle (recorded area 2.0" X 3.0") and as close as 6 inches to about 1.6 feet at telephoto setting recorded area 2.2" X 1.7" ) I'm pretty sure this is at least 1:1 and likely closer (calculations from you engineers out there?)

The Canon G6 even has a Super macro mode reducing this area to 1.9" X 1.4" at widest setting and only .9" X .7" at the 86mm equivalent zoom setting. Focus distance is only 2.0 - 7.9" so good luck cramming a strobe(s) in there if working this close. It likely could be done with practice......

My buddy Lazaro Ruda (www.thelivingsea.com) has used his Olympus C5050 for muchos anos at these super macro distances as is very excited about the Canon G6 possibilities. For sessile or slow creatures I'd think you can really do some super macro photography with a non-dSLR camera!

Hope this helps!

David Haas

www.ikelite.com "What's New" link

Thanks a lot for your information, David. I think that the measures you give are far from 1:1 (woudn't it be 24x36 mm in the old standards), but they are a step forward compared to my present MMII. Perhaps my idea of finding a camera that allowed me what you can get with a micro 105 mm on a SLR plus having zoom, was just a dream.

Another question in comparison with the DSLRs is the shot lag. How fast is the G6?

By the way, what strobe does your friend use with the G6. Is the DS50 enough or is it better to go straight for the DS125? Do they have syncro cord to use the camera TTL? Or even better, could I use my old YS50 (the one with the MMII) with the Ikelite housing?

Is it worth buying the Inon wide angle lens?

Sorry if I ask too many things, but I want to be completely sure before getting into the big expense!

Wet wishes!

1. I would certainly buy a wide angle lens. Inon is one of the best .Without it you are pretty much limited to macro or diver head/shoulders portraits. A wide angle lens is essential.

2. Inon also makes the UCL-165M67 close up lens adapter It screws onto the Ikelite or Olympus housings. You can stack two of them for some incredible macro work.

Thank you Triggerfish, I agree with you completely!