Canon Digital Ixus + WP-DC 100

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Review

I decided to start with UW photograph after spotting a manta during a dive, and having no proof afterwards. Too bad, cause this are moments to treasure for life. After scanning the digital camera market and being impressed by the huge variation, I made a list of features that my camera should comply with.

The camera had to be easy in use, that is, I don't want to waste time fiddling around with settings before shooting a pic. Secondly, it should be manageable. I know a few divers with UW cameras, and noticed they needed a trolley to transport all equipment, not to mention the effort required to take it all under water. Finally, being an Apple Macintosh user, I needed a camera that provides bug-free interfacing.

For me it came down to the Canon Digital IXUS 300, mainly because this was the simplest, smallest and manageable I could find.

Little large than a cigarette pack, fully automatic and a large LCD display, the Canon Digital IXUS 300 combined with the WP-DC100 housing is one of the most compact solutions for the UW photographer. The controls (on both the camera and housing) are well accessible, even using 7mm neoprene diving gloves. Everything is neatly and spaciously arranged. The lens capabilities of this camera (76cm - Infinity / Macro: 16 cm - 76 cm) make it really versatile.

Combining this camera with the YS-90DX Slave Strobe helps reduce the backscatter caused by the particles in the water. This strobe ignores the preflash used in digital cameras. Even with the strobe, housing and telescopic arm, the whole set is no larger than a conventional uw-housing.

I use a Underwaterkinetics Mini Q40 Dive Light as pointer in order to help the camera focus (especially for night-diving).

With an activated display , it will keep operating for around 65 minutes. If switched of around 95 minutes. A CompactFlash card of 128 Mb (I have 2) allows me to take 122 photos in the highest resolution (1600 x 1200). When cleaning the housing, remove the o-ring with a creditcard. De batteries for the strobe (4x AA Alkaline) will last around 500 flashes.

Major advantages of this set:

• What you see is what you get.
• No hassle with large equipment.
• Ideal for beginners.
• Perfect snapshot camera.
• The camera and housing are small and easily operated and have a neat design.
• Quality is not less than others.
• The housing easily cleaned and weight little.
• The strobe is the best of it's kind.

Some drawbacks:

• A resolution of 'only' 1600 x 1200 (2.1 megapixel).
• No manual control of the shutter and aperture.
• Officially rated to a depth of 30 meters (I did take it to 35 meters without a problem, but it remains limited).
• The optical sensor of the YS90-DX slavestrobe is somewhat fragilely attached to the housing. The Velcro patch may detach if touched.

Review by: Paco

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