For long I’ve been dreaming about merging my passions to scuba diving and photography. Those beautiful underwater sights have got to be documented!
Before the Canon G11 I was carrying a Canon S3 which is too big to handle underwater. Seeing the quality of the G11, as well as its relatively small size, I couldn’t resist buying its affordable waterproof case companion for my occasional scuba trips. I did not buy the G11 for its underwater abilities, although it did cross my mind. That said, for some the Canon S90 might be more convenient for scuba photography because of its smaller size and similar abilities. Canon offers the WP-DC34, an affordable waterproof case, capable of going down to 130ft or 40 meters.
The Canon PowerShot G11 allows you to attach filters and lenses using a special method which involves an adapter. I’ve already discussed this adapter in a previous article (Canon G11 58mm Aluminum Adapter Tube Review).
There are two problems with that two-parts adapter:
1. Blocked Zoom – using only one part of the adapter you can get perfect pictures but you cannot use the zoom feature as the camera’s lens gets stuck in the filter or extra lens, thus making the camera to shut down.
2. Vignetted Images – using both parts of the adapter you can use the zoom, but when the zoom is not used, the camera gets vignetted images. That means you see a black circle over the edges of the photographs.
The Canon G11, just like its predecessor the Canon G10 has the ability to add lenses or filters. The process is not that simple as you have to acquire a lens adapter for this task.
The main problem is that Canon sells a cheap plastic adapter which is not considered having as high quality as the camera itself.
However, it is possible to get an even better replacement for this adapter, made out of aluminum instead of plastic.
Keep reading to get more information.
The Canon G11 is an advanced P&S camera that allows using an external remote switch shutter release, unlike many other P&S cameras.
If you open the small door on the right side of the G11, you see four sockets. One of which is a 2.5″ round socket where the remote switch’s connector goes.
This 2.5″ socket is made for the original Canon RS-60E3 remote, but since it’s a rather simple mechanism you can get a compatible remote switch on eBay from China or Hong Kong which would do the job just as well.
The original wrist strap that comes with the Canon G11 may not suit you. There are plenty of alternative wrist straps available. One of them is the original Canon WS20.
Although intended for Canon camcorders, this wrist strap can be used successfully with the G11. It is very popular with G series cameras in general.
These images were taken by Mike B showing the Canon PowerShot G11 with the Canon WS20.
Keep reading to see what other people say about the WS20 wrist strap with Canon G cameras.
The Canon PowerShot G11 comes with a neck strap. However, it may not be the thing that you’ve been looking for.
Here’s a homemade one made by ajuett:
“I bought a LowePro 60 AW today for my G11. The strap that came with the bag is too thin for my liking. The strap that came with my G11 was a bit overkill. So with a little compromise, sewing and thinking (the latter is unusual) I made a strap from the LowePro bag to fit the G11. I added the plastic slide to tighten the strap around my wrist as well.” (ajuett)
The SC-DC65A leather case has a perfect fit for the Canon PowerShot G11. It’s not widely available yet, but you can buy it on eBay direct from Japan.
Currently this case is quite expensive ($90 – $100 USD including shipping from Japan). You may find it also available from China or Hong Kong, but be aware of counterfeits as they may not fit.
The SC-DC65A is a little bigger than the previous case designed for Canon PowerShot G10 or G9, so avoid purchasing a case that specifies a general fit for G9, G10, G11.
One of the annoyances of the Canon PowerShot G11 is its optical viewfinder which roughly covers 77% of the image you’re actually taking. It’s not all that bad because the G11’s optical viewfinder zooms along with the camera’s zoom, giving you a close enough overview of the zoomed image.
Michael Spotts from FocusFirst shows an innovative solution for the Canon G11’s problem by attaching an external optical viewfinder to the hotshoe of the camera, the Voigtlander optical viewfinder.
“I love the experience of an optical viewfinder, and the quality of this one puts my DSLRs to shame. In fact, it’s brighter than any I’ve ever used. The bright lines hover beautifully in space as artfully illumined frame guides. They have an uncanny power to persuade me that every composition falling within their bounds is wonderfully artistic, which only proves that they are not to be trusted.” (Michael Spotts)
B&H Photo Video sell now the latest version of the Photobert Cheat Sheet for Canon PowerShot G11.
The Photobert Cheat Sheet is a comprehensive overview specific to a camera model.
It’s like compressing the user manual into a small card that you can carry with you wherever you go.
“Stuff it in your gear bag or carry it in your pocket – it’s got everything you need to know about the G11 and should be considered as valuable as the original manual. And, it’s easier to read. All functions and buttons are explained at your fingertips.
This Cheat Sheet is like having the manual on a card – but better! It’s a concise summary of what’s in the manual. It’s an “easy to take with you”, invaluable quick reference. It’s printed in full color on both sides of a full-sheet of paper that’s laminated with a light 3-mil laminate and is folded in thirds.”
Links
Photobert Cheat Sheet for Canon PowerShot G11 ($9.95 @ B&H Photo Video)
Here’s a list of original Canon accessories for the Canon PowerShot G11. This is what you can spoil your G11 with!
Many other non-Canon accessories available. They will be discussed later.
The official leather case from Canon for the Canon PowerShot G11 is not available in most parts of the world. Having a unique retro design, it reminds those old film camera leather cases.
Apparently it’s available from Canon China.
“I bought it from Canon China,I think it is only avaliable in China at moment. Unlike SC-DC65A, this case looks and feels retro.” (MrPink)
Looking for a camera to take photos when you go scuba-diving? The Canon G11 is an excellent candidate for you. Superb image quality along with compact size and low-light capabilities are crucial factors for divers.
The only thing you need is an underwater housing to protect your camera while diving. This housing protects your camera not only when you go deep, but also for surfing, swimming, snorkeling and other water activities.
The problem with waterproof housings is that they tend to be too expensive for the average guy. Some cost more than the camera itself. This is not so convenient for people who go diving a couple of times a year, or for people having a tight budget.
Canon WP-DC34 Underwater Housing
Fortunately Canon has a reasonably priced housing called the Canon WP-DC34 ($180). Its depth rating is 130 ft. or 40 meters. This is enough for most recreational divers.
Ikelite Housing for Canon G11
Technical and professional divers may find interest in the more expensive Ikelite Housing for Canon G11 ($616). Its depth rating is 200 ft or 60 meters. This housing offers external adapters such as macro and wide angle adapters.
