When you begin your retirement on a Caribbean island, old friends are bound to visit. Two of my longtime diving buddies from the United States recently made the trip, bringing with them brand-new underwater photography systems. For months, they researched a replacement for their Nikonos V film cameras. They chose not to house their digital SLRs, preferring instead an easy-to-travel setup. I was admittedly a bit envious when they arrived in sunny Curaçao, everything they needed packed neatly in a carry-on backpack.
Their choice of camera was the Canon G11, and everything in this guide applies equally to the Canon G12. The G12 is essentially an upgraded G11, offering 720p video and a new control dial. Their full system was designed with ease, versatility, and quality in mind.
Equipment Setup for Underwater Photography
The underwater setup included:
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Canon G11 (or G12) camera
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Dual Sea & Sea YS-110a strobes connected via fiber optic cables
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Fix Fisheye G11 housing (now offered as the Recsea housing for G11/G12)
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Fisheye wide-angle conversion lens
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Fisheye close-up wet mount diopters (two)
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Ultralight tray and arm system for mounting accessories
The setup process was relatively straightforward. We tested everything in the pool that evening to ensure proper function and to familiarize ourselves with the controls. Wide-angle and macro configurations were both used extensively. These tests allowed us to adjust settings and get comfortable before taking the gear on actual dives.
Camera and Housing Observations
The Canon G11 instruction manual proved to be less user-friendly than we had hoped. That said, it is not an uncommon issue across many camera guides. We chose to rely entirely on manual settings, allowing greater control over exposure and lighting underwater.
The strobes were set to M2 (no pre-flash), and the camera's internal flash was reduced to its lowest power setting. When using the diopters for close-up photography, a slight zoom was necessary to prevent vignetting caused by the frames. Interestingly, when using the dry-mount wide-angle port, the camera also needed to be set to macro mode.
All images were captured in RAW format, with the camera set to auto white balance. This preserved the maximum amount of image data for post-processing.
Underwater Shooting Settings and Tips
Wide-Angle Photography
For wide-angle shots, a shutter speed of 1/125th of a second worked well to retain a pleasant blue tone in the water at depths between 40 to 60 feet. Adjustments to shutter speed directly influenced how blue the water appeared. An aperture of f/5.6 was standard, with strobes usually set closer to full power to properly illuminate foreground subjects.
Macro Photography
Macro images were captured with shutter speeds ranging from 1/250 to 1/500. The aperture was typically set at f/8, adjusting as needed based on the subject and lighting. Strobes were set at low power initially, then adjusted upward depending on results. These settings gave the best balance between clarity, depth of field, and lighting when photographing small marine creatures.
Example Shots and Settings
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Spotted Coral Shrimp – f/8, 1/1500 sec, ISO 100, using 2 diopters
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Iguana – f/4.5, 1/80 sec, ISO 100
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Scorpionfish – f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 100
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Lettuce Sea Slug – f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 100, using 2 diopters
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Golden Tail Moray – f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 100
These settings reflect optimal performance using the Canon G11/G12 with the listed accessories. The resulting images were sharp, well-lit, and rich in detail.
Overall System Performance and User Impressions
After twelve dives, including a few night dives, my friends were very satisfied with their camera systems. One of the strobes did flood, but thanks to a well-sealed battery compartment, it was easily rinsed, dried, and reused. The experience highlighted the resilience and sophistication of the compact setup. While the Canon G11 and G12 are not housed DSLRs, they do offer a surprisingly capable and adaptable platform for underwater photography.
Observations from Field Use
Focusing Challenges
Focusing proved to be the most significant challenge, particularly for macro shots. Auto and Servo modes were tested, but users found the live view less effective unless the subject was completely still. The camera’s focusing cursor, which can be adjusted for off-center compositions, was not utilized, but could improve the experience with further practice.
Diopters and Vignetting
The close-up wet diopters felt slightly flimsy but delivered good results when focus was accurate. Vignetting was a concern, requiring slight zooming to avoid dark edges in the images.
Wide-Angle Lens Results
The wide-angle port provided impressive results. The ability to capture broader scenes with good edge clarity makes this lens attachment a valuable tool.
Flash System and Lighting
The dual strobe setup performed excellently. Users quickly adapted to changing flash output as needed. However, creative lighting using dual strobes still demands deliberate planning and positioning for each shot.
System Versatility
The camera system proved to be highly adaptable. With the standard port, users could shoot fish, scenic views, and macro shots, switching to diopters as needed.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery performance was somewhat unpredictable. Until a clear understanding of battery capacity was developed, it was best to change the battery after every dive to ensure uninterrupted shooting.
Importance of Practice
Spending time with the camera on land before heading on a dive trip is essential. Getting familiar with the controls, menus, and settings prevents unnecessary stress underwater. All learning was done on the job in this case, which worked, but preparation would have made the transition smoother.
Managing Post-Processing
New users should not overlook the importance of post-processing. Shooting in RAW produces large files that need to be stored, managed, and edited. Consider your workflow for handling images during a trip and ensure that your best shots are properly protected and backed up.
With practice and understanding, the Canon G11 and G12 systems can produce outstanding underwater images. From macro subjects to sweeping reefscapes, these cameras provide a compact yet capable solution for divers. Whether you’re just starting or refining your photography skills, this system offers an effective balance between quality, size, and ease of use.
Mastering Exposure with the Canon G11 and G12 for Underwater Photography
Understanding light behavior underwater is essential. As depth increases, water absorbs red and orange wavelengths first, leaving primarily blue-green tones. To counterbalance this, precise exposure settings are a must. The Canon G11 and G12 both allow full manual control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. At depths around 40 to 60 feet, a starting point of 1/125 second shutter, f/5.6 aperture, and ISO 100 offers balanced exposure and color saturation. If the background appears dark or too blue, slightly slower shutter speeds can bring in more ambient light, but avoid going slower than 1/60 to prevent motion blur. For macro photography, where subjects are within inches, shutter speeds between 1/250 and 1/500, aperture around f/8, and ISO 100 preserve detail and freeze motion. Strobe power adjustments compensate for variations in ambient light, but maintain low ISO whenever possible—G11 and G12 cameras begin to show noise at ISO 400 or above, so opening the aperture or using strobes is preferable to increasing ISO.
Advanced Focusing Techniques Underwater
Focusing underwater poses unique challenges. Limited light, low contrast, moving subjects, and water particles can interfere. The autofocus on the G11 and G12 is usable but inconsistent, especially for tiny creatures or under dim lighting. Spot focus mode combined with manual placement of the focus point improves reliability. This lets you lock focus precisely on the subject. Manual focus is available but cumbersome unless you’re intimately familiar with camera controls. A useful technique is focus-and-recompose: half-press the shutter to focus, hold focus lock, then recompose. Using live view aids stationary subjects such as nudibranchs or coral polyps, but for faster subjects, rely on intuition and experience. The built-in focusing grid cursor can be moved off-center for composition flexibility, though this feature often goes unused by beginners.
Harnessing Strobes for Color and Depth
Strobes are essential to restore color lost to water absorption. Built‑in flash is underpowered and often creates harsh shadows or backscatter. External strobes, like Sea & Sea YS‑110a units, deliver greater power, diffusion, and flexibility. Connection via fiber optic cables allows low‑power pre‑flash triggering. For wide‑angle scenes, position strobes wider and point them outward slightly to cover the frame evenly and reduce backscatter. For macro subjects, bring strobes closer to the subject, use diffusers, and angle them to sculpt shadows and texture. Creative lighting includes using one strobe for main light and the other as rim or fill light. Side‑lighting emphasizes textures, while backlighting can create dramatic silhouettes or translucent effects. Practice strobe angles on land to learn how positioning affects highlights and shadows underwater.
Macro Versus Wide‑Angle: Switching Lenses and Ports
The Canon G11 and G12 systems are designed for flexibility. Using a wide-angle conversion lens and dome port lets you capture reefscapes, diver portraits, and schooling fish. Switching to macro involves installing wet‑mount diopters to magnify small subjects. Wide‑angle settings often begin at f/5.6, 1/125 shutter, ISO 100, strobes at full or high power. Diopters demand a closer approach, higher shutter speeds, and an f/8 aperture. In macro mode, zoom slightly when diopters are mounted to eliminate vignetting around the frame edges. The ease of switching between modes allows photographers to alternate styles mid‑dive, offering more creative options without switching cameras or housings.
White Balance and Working with RAW Images
Color correction is critical underwater. Shooting in RAW gives the maximum latitude; Lightroom or similar software allows manual white balance correction after the dive. The eyedropper tool can be used on neutral areas to restore accurate color, and temperature/tint adjustments can fine‑tune tones. Custom in‑camera white balance is possible: photograph a white slate at depth and set that as the reference for subsequent images. Still, conditions can change rapidly with depth, light, and water clarity—shooting RAW ensures you can adapt later. Avoid relying on Canon’s auto white balance, which can underperform in murky or deep environments.
Tackling Common Technical Issues Underwater
Several challenges arise when using the G11 or G12 underwater. Backscatter—caused by light illuminating floating particles—can be minimized by using strobe angles and diffusers. Battery life often drops in cold water or extended shooting, so replace batteries after every dive and carry spares. Condensation inside the housing may fog the lens; use silica packs and assemble the system in air‑conditioned or dry conditions. Inspect and maintain O‑rings diligently—any sand or debris can lead to leaks. Strobe sync problems occur if the camera flash and strobes are misaligned: set the internal flash to manual minimum power and match strobe time or manual mode accordingly.
Composition Strategies for Underwater Scenes
Beyond technical settings, strong composition elevates underwater photos. The rule of thirds works underwater, too—place subjects off‑center to add visual interest. Leading lines—coral ridges, beams of light, schools of fish—guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. Negative space in open water gives breathing room and depth. Eye contact with marine creatures often connects emotionally. Paint a scene by including a foreground element, such as a sea fan or sponge. Don’t forget vertical framing; reef pillars, sea whips, and upward shots of divers can be compelling when shot vertically.
Equipment Care and Maintenance
Well‑maintained gear ensures reliability and longevity. Inspect O‑rings before every dive for sand, hair, or dirt; clean and lubricate as needed. Test the housing in a rinse tank before full verification dives. After diving: rinse thoroughly with fresh water, soaking in warm water to dissolve salt, dry thoroughly before opening the housing, and only open in a dry, clean area. Remove and store O‑rings separately to prevent deformation. Avoid leaving the housing in direct sunlight or extreme heat, which can warp plastic or degrade rubber seals.
Developing a Practice Routine
To feel confident underwater, it is essential to practice technical skills on land. Familiarize yourself with the camera menus, manual modes, focus controls, and strobe behavior in a dry environment. Practice with strobes in a pool or shallow water to learn how light angles affect the image. Develop muscle memory for switching from wide‑angle to macro setups quickly. Practice inserting diopters, closing the housing, and doing focus drills before your first dive. This preparation reduces stress underwater and allows you to concentrate on creativity rather than operation.
Post‑Processing Workflow and Image Management
Managing RAW files efficiently is critical when shooting intensively underwater. Create a workspace or folder system before your trip that includes directories by date and dive number. Use software like Lightroom or Capture One to import, cull, and rate your images after each dive, so you don’t lose track. Backup your files to multiple media—laptop, external drive, cloud—before progressing to the next dive. Post‑processing includes white-balance correction, exposure adjustments, noise reduction (especially for ISO 200+ frames), sharpening, and subtle contrast enhancement. For macro detail, crop judiciously; for wide-angle scenes, consider lens correction and graduated filters to balance exposure between water and reef.
Developing an Artistic Vision Underwater
Photography is both technical and artistic. Underwater photography invites creative storytelling through color, shapes, textures, and light. Study reef environments and marine life behavior; anticipate encounters with marine creatures and islands of biodiversity. Use slow approach techniques to avoid startling wildlife. Create visual narratives: show an expanse of reef fading into the blue behind a closer macro subject; catch beams of sunlight through surface water; time dives for golden hour near sunset for warmer tones. Combine ambient and strobe light for layered illumination.
Case Studies: Real‑World Application
From practical experience and multiple dives, several patterns emerge. On one dive, sticking with 1/125 at f/5.6 captured a turtle gliding near coral; it was backlit yet properly exposed with strobe fill. On another, focusing manually on a tiny shrimp took practice—but the result was a dramatic macro shot with excellent detail. On a night dive, slower shutter speeds weren’t possible, so aperture was opened to f/4 and shutters set at 1/80, relying on strobes to freeze motion. Night shooting required quick battery changes and extra silica gelatin to prevent condensation. These real scenarios highlight adaptability and problem-solving under changing conditions.
Learning from Community and Feedback
Forums and dive photography groups are useful sources of advice and critique. Share your RAW files (when acceptable) to get feedback on exposure, composition, lighting, and color. Observe others’ photographs to analyze approach: how they framed a subject, where they positioned strobes, and how they balanced ambient light. Asking for critique can help refine technique. Avoid fixating on gear; the photographer’s method matters most. Many impressive images come from simple setups executed thoughtfully.
Summary of Key Techniques
Manual exposure control, low ISO, strobe finesse, careful focusing, macro vs wide-angle strategy, RAW workflow, and rigorous equipment care—these form the core techniques. Combining them with practiced composition and creative vision results in standout underwater images. The Canon G11 and G12 offer a compact and capable platform that rewards preparation, patience, and practice.
Shooting in Different Dive Conditions with the Canon G11 and G12
Underwater environments are highly variable. Shooting in a calm tropical reef at noon is completely different from working in low-visibility muck dives or capturing wide reef scenes during a night dive. The Canon G11 and G12, although compact, offer flexibility to handle a broad range of underwater situations if you understand how to adjust your settings, lighting, and approach accordingly.
In clear tropical waters, natural light can be strong and vibrant. At shallow depths (5–15 feet), you can use faster shutter speeds and smaller apertures for sharp results with bold colors. A setting like f/8, 1/250, ISO 100 with strobes on low power often provides well-exposed shots with minimal post-processing required. In deeper waters (40–90 feet), you'll rely more on your strobes. Lowering the shutter speed to 1/125 or even 1/80 can bring in more ambient background light, giving the water a pleasing blue hue while your strobes light the foreground.
On muck dives or low-visibility dives, strobes must be carefully positioned to minimize backscatter. Keep them angled outward and slightly behind the front of the port. Focus is also more difficult in these conditions, so consider using manual focus or spot autofocus with the camera’s focus cursor moved directly over your subject. The Canon G11 and G12’s strong macro capabilities shine in these scenarios—nudibranchs, frogfish, shrimps, and pipefish are all excellent candidates.
During night dives, a focus light becomes critical. The camera’s autofocus may struggle without a continuous light source. Use a red-light mode or a diffuser on your focus light to avoid disturbing marine life. A slower shutter speed, around 1/60 or even 1/40, can be used at night, but make sure your strobe burst duration is short enough to freeze motion. As always, practice strobe control and shoot in RAW so color corrections can be done in post.
Leveraging the G11 and G12’s Zoom Lens for Underwater Composition
One of the advantages of the Canon G11 and G12 is their built-in 5x optical zoom. While DSLR or mirrorless shooters are usually locked into a fixed prime lens once underwater, the G11 and G12 allow more compositional flexibility without changing ports or lenses.
This flexibility is especially valuable in macro scenarios. You can zoom in to frame a shrimp on a sponge without moving closer and disturbing the subject. When paired with diopters, zooming can help eliminate vignetting. However, using the zoom also reduces maximum aperture, especially at the telephoto end. Be aware that at full zoom, the maximum aperture narrows to around f/4.5 to f/5.6, so you may need to compensate with strobe power or higher ISO in darker conditions.
For wide-angle work, avoid using zoom. Stay at the wide end (28mm equivalent) to preserve the field of view and sharpness. Use your fins and buoyancy control to "zoom with your body" and get close. This approach reduces the amount of water between you and your subject, enhancing clarity and color while minimizing backscatter.
Portraits and Behavior Shots of Marine Life
Capturing expressive or behavior-based photos of marine life requires patience, planning, and ethical diving practices. Whether you're photographing a shy goby peeking from its burrow or a green sea turtle gliding over coral, the Canon G11 and G12 provide the necessary tools if you're prepared.
To photograph fish behavior:
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Approach slowly and avoid sudden movements.
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Use spot focus to track subjects as they move.
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Rely on burst mode to capture quick sequences, especially during feeding, mating, or cleaning behavior.
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Observe patterns. Many reef creatures operate on predictable schedules. Cleaner wrasses work on specific stations. Gobies dart and return in regular rhythms. Learning this allows you to anticipate key moments.
Use faster shutter speeds for action: 1/250 to 1/500 is recommended. For portraits, slower shutter speeds can work if the subject is still. Fill flash helps in both cases, even at shallow depths, to illuminate eyes and bring out color.
Eye contact creates emotional engagement. Try to frame shots so that marine animals appear to be looking into the lens. Position your strobes to enhance eye lighting and reduce harsh reflections from scales or carapaces.
Using Diopters for Super Macro Photography
The Canon G11 and G12 can produce excellent macro images, and with the addition of wet-mount diopters, super macro photography becomes accessible even without expensive macro lenses or DSLR rigs.
Two +4 or +6 diopters can be stacked to increase magnification. However, this comes at a cost: depth of field becomes extremely shallow, and any movement—even from the current or your breathing—can throw your subject out of focus.
To improve results:
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Use f/8 aperture to increase depth of field.
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Keep shutter speed at 1/250 or higher to freeze motion.
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Use dual strobes on low power to avoid blowing out highlights.
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Consider using manual focus and move your camera slightly forward and back until the subject appears sharp.
Focus peaking, which highlights in-focus areas on the screen, is not available on the G11 or G12, but using the zoomed-in Live View and a focus light can help. Practice is key. Even the smallest nudibranch or shrimp can fill the frame, making it look enormous in your final shot.
Workflow for Managing Underwater Photo Projects
Underwater photography produces a high volume of images. To stay organized, develop a clear workflow from camera to archive.
After the dive:
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Rinse your housing and strobes thoroughly.
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Remove your memory card and copy files to two separate locations.
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Import photos into Lightroom or Capture One, renaming them with a custom prefix and date.
During culling:
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Use a star rating system to flag top images.
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Delete out-of-focus or unusable shots only after review.
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Avoid over-culling; sometimes unexpected frames shine with light post-processing.
Editing steps:
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Correct white balance using a neutral gray or known white reference.
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Adjust exposure, contrast, clarity, and saturation.
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Use spot removal to eliminate backscatter.
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Crop only when it enhances the story or composition.
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Sharpen subtly, especially for macro images.
Save edited files as high-resolution JPEGs or TIFFs, depending on use. Export versions for web in sRGB color space, resized appropriately. Back up your catalog weekly and store RAW files separately from processed images.
Ethics and Environmental Responsibility in Underwater Photography
A growing number of dive photographers understand that capturing marine life should never come at the expense of its well-being. The Canon G11 and G12 allow close-up photography without disturbing marine organisms, but it’s your responsibility to use this power with care.
Follow these principles:
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Never touch, chase, or manipulate marine life.
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Maintain perfect buoyancy control to avoid damaging coral.
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Avoid using strobes on light-sensitive animals like seahorses or cephalopods for extended periods.
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Respect local guidelines and protected areas.
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Don’t overcrowd a subject. Take turns with other photographers or move on.
Underwater photography is also about storytelling. Highlight positive interactions between humans and the marine world, showcase conservation areas, or document changes to habitats. Your camera can be a tool for advocacy as well as art.
Upgrading and Expanding the G-Series System
Many users begin their underwater photography journey with a Canon G11 or G12 system and eventually seek to expand or upgrade. The good news is that many accessories are compatible across camera generations, and upgrades can be gradual.
Expand the system by:
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Adding stronger strobes, like the YS-D3, for a broader lighting range.
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Using flip adapters for diopters, allowing quick access to macro.
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Adding a vacuum seal leak detection system to your housing.
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Incorporating a focus light with auto-off to preserve battery during strobe fire.
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Using HDMI out to preview shots on an external monitor post-dive.
If you're thinking about a full upgrade, the transition to a mirrorless setup or DSLR is easier once you've mastered manual controls on the G11/G12. However, don't underestimate the results achievable with a compact system. Many award-winning images come from photographers who deeply understand their small systems.
Community, Competitions, and Sharing Your Work
Underwater photographers often thrive when they share their work. Whether you post on social media, enter competitions, or contribute to dive magazines, your Canon G11 or G12 photos have a place.
Competitions to consider:
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Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition
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Underwater Photographer of the Year
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Nature’s Best Photography
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DEEP Indonesia
Many competitions accept compact camera categories. Judges look for creativity, technical excellence, and storytelling—exactly the strengths you can develop with the G11/G12.
For portfolio sharing:
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Build a basic website or use platforms like Flickr or Behance.
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Caption your images with subject names, locations, and camera settings.
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Participate in forums and get constructive critiques to improve.
Don't be discouraged by gear comparisons. Even if others use larger setups, strong images speak louder than specifications.
Field Report: Twelve Dives with the G11 System
To better understand the long-term performance of this system, I observed two divers using their Canon G11 setups over twelve dives in Curaçao. They completed reef dives, wreck dives, night dives, and shallow macro dives. Their results? A consistent stream of sharp, colorful, and engaging images.
What worked well:
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Reliable exposure once camera settings were dialed in.
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Consistent strobe performance with M2 mode and fiber optics.
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Quick familiarity with manual settings after land-based practice.
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Excellent image quality for both wide and macro, especially at ISO 100.
What needed improvement:
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Focusing on fast-moving subjects, particularly at night.
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Battery life unpredictability—solved by always switching between dives.
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Managing vignetting with diopters—corrected by zooming in slightly.
One strobe did flood during a dive, but its separate battery compartment allowed it to be salvaged after rinsing and drying. The system, while compact, performed like a much more expensive rig thanks to planning, practice, and attention to detail.
The Canon G11 and G12 remain impressive tools for underwater photography, even a decade after their release. They offer all the essential functions a serious underwater shooter needs: manual controls, excellent image quality, compatibility with wet optics, and ease of travel.
While not perfect, their strengths outweigh limitations when users master their use. From portraits of marine life to sweeping reefscapes and stunning macro shots, these cameras deliver high-end results in a compact package.
Whether you’re documenting a once-in-a-lifetime dive trip, building your portfolio, or capturing images for conservation, the Canon G11 and G12 can be your trusted companions in the underwater world.
Mastering Lighting Techniques with Canon G11 & G12 Underwater
Lighting plays a crucial role in achieving professional-quality underwater images, particularly when using compact cameras like the Canon G11 and G12. Although these cameras are highly capable, the available light underwater is often insufficient or distorted, requiring the use of artificial lighting. This section will explore the importance of proper lighting, the techniques for dual strobe usage, common mistakes, and how to creatively use light to enhance your underwater photos.
The Science Behind Underwater Light
As soon as you descend underwater, light behaves differently. Red and warm colors vanish within the first few meters. By the time you’re at a depth of 10 meters, the light is predominantly blue-green. The Canon G11 and G12, though equipped with built-in flashes, struggle to compensate for this loss of color and contrast on their own. That's where external strobes, like the Sea & Sea YS 110a, become indispensable.
Using RAW format on the G11 and G12 preserves the most data possible for post-processing, but effective lighting reduces the need for excessive editing. Learning how to work with artificial light helps capture the vivid reds of coral, the yellows of fish scales, and the intricate patterns on underwater creatures.
Working with Dual Strobes
Dual strobes offer a symmetrical lighting setup that can eliminate harsh shadows and improve coverage. When used properly, they produce even lighting across the subject, especially useful when shooting larger subjects like sea turtles, reef sharks, or shipwrecks.
When mounting your strobes, avoid placing them too close to the lens as this increases backscatter—tiny particles in the water that reflect the strobe light and show up as white dots in the image. Instead, position strobes further out and slightly behind the port. Point them slightly outward or parallel to the lens plane for an even spread.
The Canon G11 and G12 can be set to a manual flash output, and using fiber optic cables ensures a reliable signal to fire the strobes. Fiber optics are highly favored for their simplicity and waterproof reliability.
Creative Lighting Techniques
Once you are comfortable with basic strobe positioning, you can begin experimenting with more creative lighting:
Side Lighting
Illuminating the subject from the side creates texture and reveals surface details, such as the skin of a moray eel or the ridges of a coral colony.
Backlighting
Positioning strobes behind translucent subjects like jellyfish or nudibranchs creates a dramatic silhouette effect. This is particularly effective in murky conditions where direct lighting may not work well.
Snoots
Using a snoot—a device that narrows the beam of light—allows you to spotlight small subjects like shrimp or crabs, isolating them from the background. Although challenging, shooting with Canon G11 and G12 systems yields rewarding images when mastered.
Color Correction Underwater
Despite your lighting efforts, post-processing remains a key part of underwater photography. Auto white balance on the Canon G11 and G12 often needs refining. Tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop help you restore the vibrancy of images.
Shooting in RAW ensures all color information is preserved, allowing accurate correction later. Key adjustments include temperature, tint, contrast, and clarity. Maintaining realistic colors is vital; over-editing can make images look unnatural.
An efficient color correction workflow includes:
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Adjusting white balance first
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Tweaking exposure and contrast
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Using clarity and dehaze to improve definition
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Cropping and aligning horizon lines for strong compositions
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Learning to use the Canon G11 and G12 for underwater photography involves overcoming a few practical challenges. Let’s review some common issues photographers face and how to resolve them:
Focusing Issues
Macro subjects often test the autofocus system. Switching to manual focus or using focus lock helps with stability. Practice focusing on land to understand how the camera reacts under different distances and lighting.
Vignetting with Diopters
Wet diopters are handy for super-macro shots but may introduce vignetting. To avoid this, zoom in slightly after mounting the lens and ensure it is perfectly centered. Diopter stacking should be done carefully.
Battery Drain
Battery life on compact systems is inconsistent. Cold water drains power faster. Always carry extra batteries and charge them fully between dives. Switch off the LCD screen when not in use.
Housing Leaks
Though rare with proper maintenance, small leaks can occur. Always inspect the O-ring before dives. If moisture enters, dry the camera and housing immediately and avoid powering it on.
Strobe Failures
Saltwater can corrode contact points. Rinse strobes in fresh water post-dive and allow them to dry thoroughly. Carry desiccants in your housing for additional moisture protection.
Advanced Composition Tips
Once the technical aspects are under control, focus on creating compelling compositions. The Canon G11 and G12, despite being compact, allow for significant creative freedom when used correctly.
Use the Rule of Thirds
Positioning your subject along one-third of the frame adds tension and interest. This can be achieved by aligning coral lines, fish bodies, or background elements diagonally.
Negative Space
Allowing open blue water behind your subject creates contrast and depth. This is especially effective for wide-angle shots.
Interaction and Behavior
Photographing marine life in action tells a more engaging story. Wait for fish to open their mouths, eels to yawn, or nudibranchs to crawl. These moments bring your shots to life.
Eye Contact
Images become emotionally powerful when the subject is facing the camera. Patience is key; move slowly and let the creature become comfortable with your presence.
Workflow During a Dive
A good dive routine ensures you get the most out of your underwater session. Here’s a recommended flow for shooting with the Canon G11 and G12:
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Begin with wide-angle shots early in the dive when natural light is stronger.
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Progress to macro once deeper or when natural light fades.
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Adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed based on visibility.
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Keep monitoring your histogram for exposure issues.
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Take multiple shots of the same subject from different angles.
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Save battery by reviewing photos sparingly.
Maintaining Your Underwater Setup
After each dive, proper care of your gear prolongs its lifespan and prevents damage.
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Rinse all equipment in fresh water immediately.
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Soak housings and strobes for at least 30 minutes.
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Dry with a microfiber cloth and store in a dry box with silica gel.
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Periodically check O-rings and replace if they show signs of wear.
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Store batteries separately and ensure they're dry before charging.
Routine maintenance also includes software updates for your camera, backing up RAW files after each dive, and reviewing images to learn and improve.
Conclusion:
While DSLRs and mirrorless cameras dominate professional underwater photography, the Canon G11 and G12 continue to prove their value for divers seeking a lightweight, reliable, and powerful solution. With the right housing, strobes, and technique, these compact cameras deliver excellent results across various underwater scenarios—from vibrant reefscapes to minute macro worlds.
Their manual control options, paired with strong image quality and RAW shooting capability, make them ideal for both beginners and advanced users. The key lies in mastering manual settings, understanding lighting principles, practicing good buoyancy, and learning through trial and error.
With patience, dedication, and consistent practice, even a compact camera can capture breathtaking scenes from the ocean’s depths. Whether you're diving in warm Caribbean waters or exploring chilly Pacific kelp forests, your Canon G11 or G12 can be a faithful companion in preserving the beauty of the underwater world—one frame at a time.