The Canon G9 is a compact digital camera equipped with a 12.1-megapixel sensor, full manual controls, RAW image format, and a 35-210mm zoom lens. It also features a hot shoe for external strobes and produces high-quality images, making it a preferred choice for underwater photography. The camera performs exceptionally well underwater, particularly when paired with macro or wide-angle wet lenses and external strobes. Its ease of use and manual versatility appeal to both beginners and experienced divers.
Canon WP-DC21 Housing Overview
The Canon WP-DC21 is the official underwater housing designed specifically for the Canon G9. It is lightweight, cost-effective, and highly functional. This housing is commonly used with INON macro lenses, particularly stacked UCL165 lenses, which enhance close-up shooting capabilities. Despite its affordability, the housing supports advanced photographic setups. Photographers appreciate its compatibility with various accessories, especially for macro photography.
Macro Photography with the Canon G9
The Canon G9, paired with its housing, is ideal for macro photography. With the addition of external strobes and stacked macro lenses, users can capture fine underwater details with remarkable clarity. For instance, images of nudibranchs and gobies taken with this setup showcase the camera’s ability to render vibrant colors and fine textures underwater.
Some photography techniques shared by underwater photographers include slightly zooming in to eliminate vignetting from macro lenses, using a narrow aperture like F8 for sharper depth of field, and employing a powerful strobe to illuminate small subjects. This configuration allows for professional-level macro photography with a compact setup.
Limitations in Wide-Angle Photography
While the Canon G9 excels in macro photography, wide-angle photography presents challenges. The camera’s long zoom lens and extended housing port limit compatibility with most wide-angle accessories. Some users have attempted to use the Dyron wide-angle lens or an adapter called the Eyedapter G9, which allows mounting 67mm threaded lenses. However, results vary, and users often need to zoom in, reducing the field of view and image quality. Generally, the Canon G9 with Canon housing is not ideal for wide-angle underwater photography, and users are advised to manage their expectations if exploring this route.
Understanding the Ikelite Housing for Canon G9
The Ikelite underwater housing for the Canon G9 offers a more advanced and professional-grade solution compared to Canon’s WP-DC21. Known for its durability and performance under demanding conditions, the Ikelite housing is crafted from a clear polycarbonate material that not only withstands deep dives but also allows visual inspection of the camera inside. It is bulkier and heavier than the Canon housing, but this tradeoff brings added reliability and customization options. Divers who need a solid and secure platform for underwater photography, particularly those using advanced strobes and conversion lenses, often choose the Ikelite housing for its superior engineering and compatibility with a range of high-performance accessories.
Design and Structural Features of the Ikelite Housing
The Ikelite housing stands out with its distinctive transparent body that enables users to monitor camera settings and controls directly through the housing. The construction includes mechanical controls that give direct access to virtually all the functions of the Canon G9, including the mode dial, zoom, shutter, and menu system. All buttons are clearly labeled and designed with spring-loaded return mechanisms that ensure a responsive tactile feel, even with gloved hands.
Its robust design enables use at depths of up to 60 meters, making it suitable for recreational, technical, and professional underwater photographers. The housing also includes dual fiber-optic strobe ports and a bulkhead connector, allowing flexibility in how strobes are triggered. The control layout is optimized for ergonomic operation underwater, minimizing hand fatigue and reducing the risk of missed shots.
TTL Capability and Flash Synchronization
One of the Ikelite housing’s strongest features is its built-in TTL circuitry. TTL, or Through-The-Lens metering, allows the camera to automatically determine the correct flash output by analyzing the amount of light that reaches the sensor. The Ikelite housing integrates this functionality with an external strobe system through a TTL hot shoe and sync cord connection. When paired with a compatible Ikelite strobe, such as the DS-51 or DS-160, the system can deliver accurate exposures consistently.
However, TTL metering with this housing works in all camera modes except for full manual. In manual mode, users must rely on manual flash output settings, but this is not necessarily a drawback. Experienced photographers often prefer full manual flash control to fine-tune their exposures under challenging conditions. For beginners, TTL can simplify the shooting process and help ensure well-exposed images without complex adjustments.
Port System and Lens Adaptation Options
A key advantage of the Ikelite system is its modular port design. The standard port included with the housing supports the full zoom range of the Canon G9 and can accept 67mm threaded macro lenses. This allows seamless integration with third-party close-up lenses such as the INON UCL165 and the Subsee +10 diopter. These lenses can be screwed directly into the housing port for enhanced magnification and tighter framing of small marine life. Photographers who specialize in macro imagery often use stacking techniques to achieve extreme close-ups of subjects like nudibranchs, shrimp, and gobies.
To support wide-angle photography, Ikelite offers a short port modification. This optional short port shortens the distance between the lens and the external glass, reducing vignetting and allowing better compatibility with wide-angle conversion lenses like the INON UWL-100. When combined with a dome port, the UWL-100 produces a rectilinear image with minimized distortion and expanded field of view. While the Canon G9 is limited by its lens design for wide-angle shooting, these accessories can significantly improve results in terms of both composition and image sharpness.
Practical Setup Examples for Macro Photography
For macro enthusiasts, the Ikelite housing provides an ideal base system. A common setup includes the Canon G9 camera inside the Ikelite housing, fitted with the standard port. A 67mm INON UCL165 macro lens is threaded onto the port, with an optional second lens stacked for greater magnification. Lighting is supplied by one or two strobes—often Ikelite DS-51 or DS-160 models—connected via TTL sync cords.
The user sets the camera to aperture priority mode with a small aperture such as F8, ensuring adequate depth of field. The camera’s zoom is adjusted slightly to eliminate edge vignetting caused by the lenses. TTL flash metering takes care of exposure, or the user can manually adjust the strobe’s power levels depending on subject distance and reflective surfaces. This setup is highly effective for capturing tiny reef creatures with fine detail, soft backgrounds, and accurate color reproduction.
Macro shooting with this configuration allows photographers to work close to their subjects. The strobes help reduce backscatter by creating directional light, and the stacked macro lenses enable extremely fine compositions. Whether shooting coral polyps, seahorses, or small fish, this setup provides the precision and flexibility required for creative and technical mastery.
Practical Setup Examples for Wide-Angle Photography
Although the Canon G9’s extended zoom lens is not ideally suited for wide-angle work, it is still possible to achieve decent results with the Ikelite short port and compatible wide-angle lenses. A recommended wide-angle setup might include the Canon G9 inside the Ikelite housing, fitted with the short port and an INON UWL-100 lens, optionally combined with a dome port to eliminate curvature and maintain wide field coverage.
In this configuration, users should set the camera to program or manual mode, select a medium aperture around F5.6 to F8, and zoom to the widest setting. The dome port helps retain edge sharpness and correct perspective distortions. Dual strobes positioned diagonally above the housing are recommended for evenly lighting wide scenes such as coral gardens, wrecks, or schools of fish.
Some compromise is inevitable, as the optical path and lens geometry introduce minor softness or chromatic aberration toward the image edges. However, for casual wide-angle work or compact travel setups, this solution performs reasonably well and delivers vibrant, immersive underwater images.
Housing Maintenance and Care
To ensure the longevity and reliability of the Ikelite housing, proper care is essential before, during, and after every dive. Before diving, users should visually inspect the O-ring and sealing surfaces for hair, dust, or sand particles. The O-ring must be lightly lubricated with silicone grease to maintain its elasticity and sealing integrity. Over-greasing should be avoided as it can attract debris and compromise the seal.
Before entering the water, a dunk test in shallow water or a rinse tank is advised to confirm that no bubbles escape from the housing. Once submerged, users should periodically monitor the housing for fogging, which may indicate moisture intrusion or poor internal humidity control. Desiccant packs can be inserted to reduce condensation inside the housing.
After diving, the housing must be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water to remove salt crystals, sand, and debris. All controls should be operated underwater to dislodge any trapped particles. The housing should then be left to air dry before opening, and the camera should be removed in a dry, dust-free environment. Proper storage involves keeping the housing in a cool, dry place with the O-ring removed to prevent compression over time.
Community Reviews and User Experiences
Many users of the Ikelite housing for the Canon G9 report a highly satisfactory experience. The clear construction, durable build, and excellent compatibility with macro lenses are frequently praised. Photographers who shoot macro consistently note that the TTL metering saves them time and effort during dives, especially when lighting conditions change rapidly.
Some divers mention the added bulk and weight of the housing compared to the Canon WP-DC21, but they also agree that this tradeoff is justified by increased protection and flexibility. The ability to upgrade the port or connect dual strobes is a significant advantage for advanced users. Others have noted that even though the Canon G9 is a relatively older model, its performance, especially when combined with the Ikelite system, continues to compete with more modern compact and mirrorless cameras in terms of underwater results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Like any technical system, the Ikelite housing can occasionally present challenges. Fogging is a frequent issue, particularly in warm, humid climates. This can be mitigated by inserting moisture-absorbing silica gel packets inside the housing and keeping the interior dry during assembly. Button stiffness or mechanical resistance can occur over time due to salt buildup or corrosion. Regular cleaning and gentle use of fresh water can prevent this.
Misfires with strobes or inconsistent TTL performance are usually the result of poor connections, bent pins, or improper cable seating. Cleaning the sync port contacts and ensuring that cables are fully engaged will resolve most issues. In some cases, firmware compatibility between the camera and strobe may need to be checked to ensure consistent TTL metering. Finally, minor scratches on the port glass can affect image quality. Users should handle the housing with care and use protective caps or neoprene covers when not shooting.
Mastering Underwater Exposure Settings with the Canon G9
Achieving the perfect exposure underwater is a complex challenge that requires knowledge of light behavior, camera settings, and environmental factors. With the Canon G9, photographers benefit from full manual controls, giving them direct access to shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Unlike land photography, light diminishes quickly underwater, especially in red and warm color wavelengths. This loss impacts how subjects are illuminated and how the camera interprets their colors.
Manual exposure mode is preferred by experienced underwater photographers because it offers precision and consistency. The key settings to adjust are shutter speed to control ambient light, aperture for depth of field and sharpness, and ISO for light sensitivity. For macro photography, typical settings include a narrow aperture (around F8) for sharp subject focus, a fast shutter speed (1/125 to 1/250) to freeze motion, and a low ISO (80–200) to reduce noise. Wide-angle shots may allow for wider apertures (F4 to F5.6) and slightly higher ISO if shooting in deeper or dimly lit environments.
Utilizing Manual White Balance for Accurate Color Rendition
White balance is another crucial aspect of underwater photography. The deeper you dive, the more the water filters out natural colors, especially red, orange, and yellow. While external strobes help restore color, manual white balance adjustments further improve accuracy. The Canon G9 offers manual white balance presets and the ability to set custom white balance based on reference shots.
For natural light photography without a strobe, especially in shallow dives, setting a custom white balance using a white slate or sand patch enables better color retention. For strobe-lit subjects, automatic white balance often produces acceptable results. However, for consistency, especially during editing, many professionals shoot in RAW format. This gives full flexibility during post-processing to correct white balance without degrading image quality.
Understanding the Role of Lighting Underwater
Lighting is perhaps the most transformative element in underwater photography. The Canon G9 supports external strobes via a hot shoe and sync cord connection, especially when housed in the Ikelite housing. Lighting underwater is not just about brightness, but about angle, color temperature, and shadow control. Two primary types of lighting setups are used: single strobe and dual strobe.
A single strobe setup is lighter and simpler, but may result in uneven lighting or shadows on the opposite side of the subject. Dual strobes provide balanced illumination, essential for wide-angle scenes and large subjects. The key is to position the strobes at angles that reduce backscatter, which is the reflection of suspended particles in the water. Most photographers position their strobes above and slightly behind the housing to avoid lighting the water column directly in front of the lens.
For macro, lighting should be directed downward or inward toward the subject, with strobes placed close to the housing ports. This tight configuration minimizes shadows and maximizes subject detail. In wide-angle, strobes are extended outward to cover a broader area and prevent hotspots. Diffusers can be added to soften light, create natural shadows, and reduce overexposure on reflective surfaces like fish scales.
Composition Techniques for Macro Subjects
Macro photography is about capturing the intricate details of small underwater subjects. The Canon G9, paired with macro lenses like the INON UCL165, allows extremely close focusing. Composition becomes essential when working at such close distances. Key strategies include using the rule of thirds to place the subject off-center, isolating the subject from background distractions, and maintaining eye contact when photographing marine life.
Background selection is another important factor. A clean, non-distracting background helps the subject stand out. Dark backgrounds created by angling the strobe away from the background, or colorful coral contrasts, add visual interest. A common technique is to shoot slightly upward to place the subject against blue water or open space, giving a more dramatic and professional look.
Depth of field control is vital. In macro, a shallow depth of field can create pleasing bokeh but risks losing critical detail, such as the subject’s eyes. Therefore, small apertures like F8 or F11 are recommended. Ensuring focus on the subject’s eyes is a priority in marine macro photography, as this creates an emotional connection for the viewer.
Composition Strategies for Wide-Angle Scenes
Wide-angle photography is used to capture large subjects like wrecks, reefscapes, or schools of fish. The Canon G9, though not ideal for wide-angle due to lens limitations, can still deliver strong results with the right setup and technique. Composition in wide-angle focuses on foreground-background relationships, leading lines, and the use of negative space.
One of the most powerful techniques in wide-angle is to include a compelling foreground subject. This could be a coral formation, a diver, or a fish. Placing this element close to the lens and using a small aperture (F5.6–F8) ensures sharpness from foreground to background. This helps create depth and scale in the image.
Leading lines, such as coral ridges or the direction of fish movement, guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. Negative space, such as open water, provides breathing room in the composition and draws attention to the main subject. When shooting upward toward the surface, photographers can use the sunball or light rays to add a dynamic element to the frame.
Timing also plays a major role. Capturing schooling fish or passing turtles requires anticipation and quick adjustments to focus and exposure. Using burst mode or pre-focusing at a set distance can help nail the shot in fast-moving situations.
Creative Effects and Special Techniques
Beyond traditional approaches, the Canon G9 allows for a range of creative techniques underwater. One such method is backlighting, where the subject is lit from behind to create a glowing edge or silhouette. This is often used with transparent creatures like jellyfish or nudibranchs to highlight body texture and shape.
Another technique is slow shutter sync, where a slow shutter speed is used along with a brief flash. This allows ambient light to create motion blur, often used to show movement in schools of fish or diver fins. The Canon G9 supports manual control over shutter speed, making it possible to experiment with this approach.
Snooting is a specialized macro lighting technique in which a strobe’s light is narrowed to a small beam, illuminating only a portion of the subject. This isolates the subject dramatically against a dark background. While this requires accessories like a snoot or fiber optic tube, the results can be striking and artistic.
Double exposure or in-camera blending is not natively supported on the Canon G9, but similar effects can be created in post-processing. For instance, shooting a subject with a black background and compositing it with another scene in editing software allows for imaginative compositions and storytelling.
Focusing Techniques Underwater
Focusing underwater poses unique challenges. Low light, water distortion, and subject movement can all interfere with achieving sharp images. The Canon G9 offers several focus modes, including single-point AF and macro focus. For underwater use, it is recommended to use center-point focus for the most reliable results.
Pre-focusing is useful when working at fixed distances, such as in macro. Photographers often lock focus and then move the housing slightly to achieve precise framing. Using a focus light can help in dark conditions, providing enough contrast for the camera to focus accurately.
For wide-angle, setting the focus to a mid-range distance and using a small aperture gives greater depth of field and increases the chances of getting the subject in focus. Some photographers use manual focus when the subject distance is consistent or when shooting through ports that may confuse autofocus.
RAW Image Format and Post-Processing Advantages
Shooting in RAW format with the Canon G9 is crucial for post-processing flexibility. RAW files preserve full image data without compression, allowing adjustments in exposure, white balance, and color grading without significant quality loss. Underwater images often benefit from editing due to color cast, contrast loss, or backscatter.
Popular editing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Capture One can be used to adjust RAW files. The first step is usually correcting white balance to restore natural colors. Next, contrast, clarity, and sharpness are enhanced to bring out subject details. Selective adjustments can be used to brighten the subject or reduce distracting elements in the background.
Noise reduction is another important step, especially if higher ISO values were used. Modern software offers tools to reduce grain while preserving detail. For macro shots, enhancing fine textures like skin patterns or coral polyps adds dimension. For wide-angle, adjustments to vibrancy and dynamic range can recover detail in shadows or highlights.
Removing Backscatter and Enhancing Image Quality
Backscatter is one of the most common issues in underwater images. These small white particles are caused by the strobe lighting up particles in the water between the lens and the subject. While good lighting technique helps minimize it, post-processing is often required to clean up the image.
Using the spot healing brush or clone stamp tool, photographers can remove visible backscatter manually. Some software offers AI-powered tools that can automate part of this process, saving time during editing. Masking and adjustment brushes can also be used to darken areas with excessive noise or distraction, helping isolate the subject.
Enhancing image quality also involves cropping for composition, correcting perspective distortion (especially in wide-angle shots), and adding finishing touches like vignettes or borders. Export settings should balance quality and file size, depending on the intended use—whether for printing, web display, or sharing with clients.
Building a Workflow for Underwater Photography
A consistent workflow is essential for managing underwater photos effectively. This begins with importing RAW files into a photo management tool and organizing them by dive, location, or subject. Rating and tagging images help identify the best shots for editing.
Once selected, the editing process should follow a logical sequence—starting with white balance correction, then exposure and contrast, followed by fine-tuning color, sharpness, and noise. Each photographer develops their editing style, but consistency is key when producing a portfolio or project.
Backing up images is critical. Photographers should maintain at least two copies of their data, preferably one offsite or in the cloud.
Essential Underwater Photography Accessories for the Canon G9
While the Canon G9 and its housing form the core of an underwater photography system, several accessories can significantly improve the functionality and results. These tools offer enhancements in lighting, stability, magnification, and convenience, making the overall experience more versatile and enjoyable.
One of the most critical accessories is a high-quality strobe. External strobes allow proper exposure and vibrant color reproduction, compensating for the loss of natural light underwater. Models such as the INON Z-240, Sea & Sea YS-D2, or Ikelite DS-160 are commonly paired with the Canon G9. Strobes can be mounted using flexible arms, allowing the photographer to adjust lighting angles based on subject position and water conditions.
Macro and wide-angle wet lenses remain essential. A threaded 67mm macro lens enhances small subject photography, while a dome port and wide-angle lens combination improves broader reef or wreck shots. Focus lights can help the G9 achieve better low-light autofocus and also serve as continuous lighting sources for video capture.
Color correction filters are useful for ambient light shooting, especially in the absence of strobes. Red filters are designed for blue water, while magenta filters are intended for green water. These filters can be mounted on the housing port or internal lens to partially restore lost color.
Other recommended accessories include a float arm system to reduce housing weight underwater, a fiber-optic cable for triggering strobes in Canon housing configurations, and a lanyard or coiled tether for added safety. A moisture alarm system can also be installed inside the housing to detect early signs of leaks or humidity, potentially saving the camera in case of a seal failure.
Travel Considerations for Underwater Photographers Using the Canon G9
Underwater photography often involves travel to remote or exotic dive destinations. The Canon G9 offers a relatively compact and travel-friendly system compared to larger DSLR or mirrorless rigs. Still, proper preparation is essential to protect your gear and ensure you capture the best possible images while abroad.
First, packing should be done with care. A dedicated hard-shell case with foam inserts or padded dividers ensures that the housing, camera, strobes, and accessories arrive safely. Carrying lithium-ion batteries in hand luggage is required by many airlines due to safety regulations, and spare O-rings, lubricants, and tools should always be part of your kit.
Before diving, always perform a full functionality check in your hotel room. This includes inspecting and lubricating the housing O-ring, testing button responsiveness, charging all batteries, and ensuring memory cards are formatted and functional. For photographers traveling to remote islands or liveaboard vessels, carrying backup parts—such as sync cords, fiber optic cables, and desiccant—is strongly advised.
Underwater conditions vary significantly across regions. In tropical environments with high visibility, ambient light and wide-angle opportunities dominate. In colder or more nutrient-rich waters, macro subjects and close-up work often take precedence. Understanding your destination’s underwater ecosystem and adjusting your Canon G9 setup accordingly will yield better photographic outcomes.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance of the Canon G9 Underwater System
To ensure the longevity and reliability of the Canon G9 system, consistent care and maintenance must be a part of every photographer’s routine. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and even small lapses in cleaning can lead to damage or failure over time.
Immediately after each dive, the housing should be soaked in fresh water. All buttons and controls should be activated underwater to flush out salt and sand. The housing should never be opened while wet or in humid environments to avoid internal condensation or damage to electronics. After drying, the O-ring should be removed, cleaned, and stored separately from the housing.
Camera maintenance includes cleaning the lens, battery contacts, and sensor area. Batteries should be fully charged and stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. Over time, housings may develop minor wear on control knobs or button seals. Periodic servicing by the manufacturer or a certified technician is recommended every one to two years for active users.
Storage is equally important. Housing and camera gear should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. If storing for long periods, remove batteries, desiccant, and O-rings to prevent leakage or chemical degradation. Labeling cables and parts helps keep your kit organized and makes preparation for your next trip more efficient.
Evaluating Cost Versus Performance
The Canon G9 underwater system represents a strong balance between affordability and professional functionality. Though newer compact and mirrorless cameras offer improved autofocus and video quality, the G9 remains competitive due to its full manual controls, RAW image capture, and compatibility with a wide ecosystem of lenses and lighting.
For hobbyists, students, or travelers seeking high-quality underwater photography without investing in large and expensive systems, the Canon G9 paired with Canon or Ikelite housing offers a practical entry point. It performs well in macro situations, handles strobes with TTL automation, and can be enhanced with various accessories to suit individual preferences and photographic styles.
Over time, photographers may choose to upgrade, but the G9’s system is still widely supported in the dive community, with accessories available both new and second-hand. Understanding its strengths—especially in macro—and limitations—mainly in wide-angle—allows users to maximize image quality without overextending their budget.
Conclusion
The Canon G9, when paired with a proper underwater housing and accessories, has earned a respected place in the world of underwater photography. While not a recent release, its features continue to make it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced shooters. With 12.1 megapixels, RAW support, full manual controls, and a 35–210mm lens, it delivers excellent image quality and adaptability.
The Canon WP-DC21 housing offers a lightweight and budget-friendly solution for recreational photographers, especially those focused on macro photography. It provides compatibility with stacked macro lenses, basic strobe integration, and essential control access. Meanwhile, the Ikelite housing expands the system’s capabilities significantly. With robust construction, TTL support, multiple port options, and broader lens compatibility, it caters to more serious users seeking professional results.
Mastering underwater exposure, white balance, lighting, and focus allows Canon G9 users to consistently produce high-quality images. Combining proper composition techniques with reliable post-processing workflows enhances creativity and storytelling. Investing in key accessories and understanding the importance of routine maintenance ensures that the equipment performs reliably on every dive.
Ultimately, the Canon G9 proves that a compact camera, when used thoughtfully and creatively, can produce striking underwater imagery. Whether capturing the fine textures of a nudibranch or the grandeur of a reefscape, the G9 system remains a versatile and capable companion beneath the waves. With patience, practice, and attention to detail, photographers can unlock their full potential and create lasting visual records of the ocean’s beauty.