Can I use my canon camera Powershot SX20 underwater? If so, how?

Question

Hi,
I just bought a new digital camera, and would like to use it when i go diving? Are there any special covers that can use with this camera? Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes theres a waterproof housing available from Adorama Camera

http://www.adorama.com/IK614801.html



The same housing in the UK

http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-ikelite-underwater-housing-for-canon-powershot-sx10-is-sx20-is.htm

Answer 2

There is no Canon brand housing for this model. As pointed out by KNDChicago, there is an Ikelite housing available for it, but it is very expensive. For about the same money you could get a Canon S90 or a G11 plus a Canon branded housing. That combination has the advantage of being less noisy than the SX20 when you turn up the ISO. If you get the Canon housing, check if the weight set is included or has to be bought separately. Boaters often buy the housing without the weights, but you need the weights for diving. I'm certain that the Canon brand housings with camera float without weights attached. I have used a Canon A630 and Canon WP-DC8 housing for kayak pictures, and swimming pool testing of its water resistance took effort to hold it down. I don't know if that is true of the Ikelites, which may be more optimized for serious diving.

For about half the cost of the Ikelite housing you could get a Canon D10. It should be adequate for snorkeling, but probably not for SCUBA.

Answer 3

Yes.

Ikelite make a rigid housing for it - couple of links;



http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-ikelite-underwater-housing-for-canon-powershot-sx10-is-sx20-is.htm



http://www.camerasunderwater.co.uk/d_stills/canon/ike_sx--.html



You will almost certainly need a strobe (flash unit) as well, as you won't be using any 'onboard' flash. If you use the Ikelite DS series substrobes, you have full TTL control. As someone else hinted at, underwater photography isn't cheap!! It will be cheaper to buy a second (cheaper) compact & housing than to kit out your SX20, however, the IQ from compacts isn't great u/w and they tend to have too much shutter lag.



You should try out any housing you get in a pool first before you venture into the sea, firstly without the camera in it. Check and press all the buttons/knobs numerous times & check for leaks. Then try it out with the camera in & take a few test shots in the pool.



I can thoroughly recommend Martin Edge's book too (new edition just out);

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Underwater-Photographer-Martin-Edge/dp/0240521641/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270380069&sr=1-1



The cardinal rules when shooting underwater are to get close & shoot upwards (if possible).



The best advice I can give is to look after the O rings - they should be checked, re-greased & seated properly before every dive session. Any grit, hair, dust, sand, nicks & cuts on the O ring can potentially cause leaks & a flood then its bye bye camera!! Use the recommended O ring lube, not the usual silicone grease you'd use for other dive gear. If the camera does flood catastrophically during a dive, don't rush to the surface. It's too late by then & you'll risk a bend. If you see a small leak & it's salvageable, then point the camera downwards (so any water collects in the lens port area - less damage) & surface as per deco schedule.



Enjoy!



Edit: Martin G may not be correct. You may not need weights for neutral buoyancy - depends. My Nikon DSLR in a Sea & Sea housing with dual strobes weighs a ton on land but u/w its perfectly neutrally buoyant with no weights.

Answer 4

hello. first sorry, this is not the answer u want. but need some suggestions. as a user of canon power shot SX20 IS, how do u feel? I'm in great confusion of what to choose?



1. canon power shot SX20 IS

2. panasonic lumix FZ38

3. sony DSC HX1



can u give reasons for choosing the above first one out of the three?



till didn't get a satis fied answer. pls try to help me.

Answer 5

Why don't you try secondhand DSLR cameras? Buy those of a backward generation, usually of 6 mp or 10 mp. Or just buy the film ones! Don't buy mega zoom cameras if you want to start in photography. Because they usually have an electronic viewfinder, which is the same as looking at LCD screen when shooting. But videos, I suggest you buy a camcorder. Because entry level Canon 500D is a little out of your price league.

Answer 6

You would hav 2 buy a case 4 tht...u can probably find that at their website....

Answer 7

no