Underwater photography with compact cameras like the Canon S90, S95, S100, S110, G11, G12, and G15 is both accessible and powerful when the right settings are applied. These cameras, although small in size, offer full manual controls and features that allow for excellent underwater results when paired with quality housings and strobes. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced enthusiast, learning the correct shooting modes, lighting setups, and accessories is essential to capturing vibrant marine images.
Recommended Underwater Settings for Macro Photography
When shooting macro subjects such as nudibranchs, small reef fish, or textured coral formations, the following settings are highly recommended for the Canon S90, S95, S100, S110, and G-series cameras like the G11, G12, and G15:
Use Manual mode with an aperture of F6.3, shutter speed at 1/500th, and ISO set to 100. Zoom the lens halfway and enable Macro mode. Set white balance to Auto. Turn the internal flash to its lowest power level and activate it in forced flash mode. Your external strobe should be set to manual power, and you should adjust its strength based on your distance from the subject and the reflectivity of the scene. All of these cameras support focus check features that enhance the precision of your macro focus. Use this tool frequently, especially in low-light or tight-focus conditions.
Using Diopters for Super-Macro Shots
To get even closer, consider attaching a diopter such as the Dyron 67mm or the Subsee macro lens. In this case, zoom the lens in and use an aperture of F8 to achieve maximum depth of field. Keep Macro mode turned on. Due to the shallow depth of field when using high magnification, a strong and consistent focus light will help your camera lock onto the subject quickly and accurately.
Wide-Angle and Fish Photography Settings
Wide-angle photography is excellent for capturing reefscapes, large marine animals, and divers. In Manual mode, set the aperture to F6.3, shutter speed to 1/125th, and ISO to 100. Zoom the lens out fully. Adjust your shutter speed depending on the ambient light and the desired background exposure. Keep white balance on Auto and enable the internal flash in forced flash mode. As with macro photography, lower the internal flash power and use a strobe set to manual. If using a fisheye lens or dome port, switch Macro mode on to assist the camera with close-focus wide-angle composition.
When Shooting Without an External Strobe
If you're shooting with only the internal flash and no external strobe, your options are limited in Manual mode since the camera will not automatically adjust flash output. To get the benefit of TTL-like exposure with the built-in flash, use Av (Aperture Priority) Mode. Set the aperture to F5.6 for general shooting. In brightly lit environments, increase to F8 to maintain background detail. The camera will then automatically adjust shutter speed and flash power for proper exposure.
Shooting in RAW Format
Shooting in RAW is highly recommended, especially when not using artificial lighting and relying on ambient light. RAW files retain all image data, allowing for much greater flexibility in post-processing. This is particularly important for underwater shots where colors can often be muted or imbalanced. The Canon S90 lens exhibits barrel distortion at its widest zoom setting. This distortion is automatically corrected in JPEGs and when using Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software. However, if you're editing with third-party tools like Adobe Photoshop, the distortion may be visible and must be manually corrected using the lens correction filter.
Battery Usage and Tips
Battery life for the Canon S-series and G-series compacts can be misleading. The battery indicator is not always accurate when using Canon-supplied batteries. To avoid power issues during a dive, always replace your battery after two dives, regardless of the indicator level. This simple habit will prevent the disappointment of missing a great photo opportunity due to a drained battery.
Advanced Settings and Community Insights
Advanced users can explore more custom settings as shared by seasoned photographers in dedicated compact camera communities. These include fine-tuning flash sync speeds, customizing white balance underwater, and tweaking menu settings to improve responsiveness and image quality. Some shooters prefer to keep function shortcuts set to quickly change ISO or white balance depending on the depth and water clarity. While experimentation is key, consistency in lighting, exposure, and focus techniques will yield the best underwater results.
Underwater Strobe Techniques and Best Practices
Using an external strobe with Canon compact cameras dramatically improves underwater photo quality by adding needed light, restoring color, and enhancing texture. Underwater scenes often appear blue or green due to light absorption, but a well-placed strobe can restore reds, oranges, and yellows lost at depth.
When using strobes, position them off to the side rather than pointing directly at your subject. This prevents backscatter — the scattering of light by particles suspended in water. Start with your strobes slightly behind the housing port and angled outward. For macro photography, bring the strobes closer and reduce their power. For wide-angle scenes, move them farther apart and increase their output.
Manual strobe settings are often preferred over TTL (Through-The-Lens) because they provide consistent and predictable exposure. However, TTL may be used for fast-moving subjects or changing conditions. Learn to quickly adjust strobe power depending on your distance from the subject, the reflectivity of the scene, and the type of composition you’re aiming for.
Managing White Balance and Color Correction
Auto white balance works fairly well when using strobes, especially on Canon cameras. However, in natural light situations without flash, the results can vary drastically. At depths beyond 5 meters, everything takes on a blue or green cast. In such cases, it’s better to shoot in RAW and adjust white balance in post-processing.
Custom white balance can be set manually in some models, like the Canon G12 and S100. To set it, point the camera at a white or neutral object under ambient light at your shooting depth and use the camera’s white balance function to lock the setting. This method helps in restoring realistic color tones, especially in shallow reef areas where ambient light still holds some red spectrum.
For more consistent results, consider carrying a white slate or a dive card. Set the custom white balance at the beginning of your dive and reset it as you change depth. Keep in mind that white balance settings are overridden when using flash in Manual mode, which makes RAW format even more critical for ambient light shots.
Shutter Speed and Aperture Considerations
Shutter speed and aperture affect how light is captured underwater and control both exposure and motion blur. A fast shutter speed, like 1/500th second, freezes movement and prevents blur caused by current or fish motion. Slower speeds, such as 1/125th sec, are better for wide-angle shots where background exposure is key.
Aperture affects both brightness and depth of field. Wider apertures (lower f-numbers) allow more light but reduce depth of field, useful for creative bokeh in macro shots. Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) increase depth and bring more of the scene into focus, ideal for wide reefscapes or macro close-ups.
On Canon S and G series cameras, F5.6–F8 offers a good range for underwater shooting. If you need to adjust background exposure without changing aperture, modify shutter speed instead of ISO to maintain image quality.
Understanding ISO Settings for Clearer Images
Set ISO to 100 for best image quality. Increasing ISO allows you to shoot in lower light, but also introduces noise, especially in compact cameras. If you find your images are underexposed at ISO 100, first try reducing the shutter speed or using a wider aperture. Only increase ISO if necessary.
For macro photography with strobes, ISO 100 is nearly always sufficient. For ambient light shots at deeper depths or during low-light dives, you may need to increase ISO to 200 or 400. Avoid going beyond ISO 400 unless your image would otherwise be unusable, as Canon compact sensors can introduce noise at higher levels.
Using Zoom Effectively Underwater
Zoom plays a unique role in underwater photography. For macro, zooming in narrows the field of view, allowing better subject isolation and magnification. Zoom all the way in when using a macro diopter. For fish portraits, zoom halfway and approach slowly. These cameras have image stabilization, but you must still maintain a steady hand.
For wide-angle, zoom out to fit more of the reef or subject in your frame. Be mindful of edge softness or distortion — most Canon compacts are sharpest in the mid-zoom range. Also, be aware that zooming in reduces the minimum focus distance. This makes it harder to capture close-focus wide-angle unless you’re using a dome port.
Dome Ports and Their Benefits
A dome port attached to your housing extends the angle of view and improves corner sharpness for wide-angle shots. It reduces refraction and allows you to get closer to the subject, which minimizes water between the lens and the subject — resulting in sharper, more vibrant photos.
Dome ports are especially effective when paired with wide-angle wet lenses or fisheye converters. These accessories expand the lens’ angle and correct underwater optical distortions. On the Canon G15 or S110, dome ports can transform ordinary reef scenes into immersive compositions with stunning foreground-background separation.
Use macro mode when shooting through a dome port to achieve close-focus wide-angle. Practice framing so that part of your subject is very close to the dome, and the background fades into blue water — a classic underwater style.
Wet Lenses and Expandability of Your Setup
Canon S and G series cameras become much more powerful when used with wet lenses. These include macro diopters and wide-angle converters that screw onto your housing’s port. For macro subjects smaller than a fingernail, a +10 diopter like the Subsee or Nauticam lens, will allow extreme close-ups. For larger subjects or reef scenes, a wide-angle lens like the Dyron UWL-04 will help fit everything into the frame.
Wet lenses are ideal for divers who want flexibility on a single dive. You can shoot macro with a diopter, then remove it to shoot a passing turtle or reef shark. Make sure your housing has a 67mm threaded port to accept these lenses. If not, use an adapter or upgrade to a threaded port option.
Importance of Focus Lights
Focus lights are essential when shooting macro or in low-visibility environments. These small, battery-powered LED lights provide a constant beam that allows your camera to lock focus faster and more accurately. Without a focus light, Canon compacts may struggle to lock focus, especially in darker settings.
Choose a focus light with a wide beam, warm color temperature, and adjustable brightness. Mount it on a flexible arm close to your lens port. Turn off the focus light just before taking the shot to avoid hotspots in the photo, or use one with an auto shut-off trigger synced to your strobe firing.
Composition Tips for Compact Camera Users
Composition is everything in underwater photography. Canon S and G series compacts allow you to compose creatively thanks to their full manual controls and live view LCDs. Use the rule of thirds, diagonal lines, or negative space to draw attention to your subject. Fill the frame for macro, and give large animals space to “swim into” for wide-angle.
Pay attention to backgrounds — avoid distracting elements or backscatter. Shoot slightly upward angles to enhance the visibility of blue water. For macro, approach slowly and keep your camera steady. Use the LCD screen to double-check focus and exposure before committing to a shot.
Buoyancy Control and Camera Stability
None of these camera techniques matter if you lack proper buoyancy. Practice hovering motionless before bringing a camera into the water. Use slow, deliberate movements to approach subjects without stirring sand or scaring away marine life.
Hold the camera with both hands, elbows tucked. If shooting macro, rest your elbows gently on a rock or hold your breath briefly while taking the shot to reduce movement. For wide-angle, float slightly behind and above your subject to keep it framed against open water or light.
Some underwater photographers use a lanyard or tray with handles to stabilize the camera. This adds grip and balance and allows for easier strobe positioning. Avoid touching the reef or disturbing wildlife while getting into position. Patience and discipline will reward you with better shots and safer diving.
Lighting Challenges and Solutions
Underwater lighting varies drastically with depth, time of day, and water clarity. Even shallow dives on cloudy days can feel dim. Strobes compensate for these issues but must be used properly. At deeper depths, even strong strobes may not restore reds fully. Use manual strobe control to dial in exposure.
In low-vis situations or green water, shoot macro with the subject close to the lens and reduce the angle of your strobes to minimize backscatter. In blue tropical waters, experiment with ambient light wide-angle by turning off strobes and increasing shutter speed.
If shooting in wrecks or caves, bring additional lights. Use your strobe to light the foreground while allowing the background to fall off into darkness. Light painting or dual-strobe setups work well in these scenarios. Keep track of your lighting battery life and carry spares on longer dives.
Camera Behavior and Real-World Observations
Canon compact cameras perform surprisingly well underwater but have their quirks. Autofocus may hunt in low light or when using wet lenses. LCD screens are difficult to see in bright surface light, so shade them with your hand when reviewing images. Shutter lag is minimal but can affect fast action shots.
Battery life is good for 2 dives with moderate use, but always carry a spare. Memory cards fill quickly when shooting RAW + JPEG, so use high-capacity cards of 32GB or higher. Protect your housing O-rings and always perform a dunk test before diving to avoid leaks.
Menu systems on these cameras allow customization. Assign shortcuts for ISO, white balance, or shooting mode. Set your autofocus mode to center or flexi-zone for better control. Disable unnecessary functions like red-eye reduction or power saving to ensure the camera is always ready.
Adapting to Dive Environments and Conditions
No two dive sites are the same. Water visibility, available light, current strength, and marine life behavior vary dramatically, and so should your camera settings and techniques. Understanding how to adapt your Canon compact camera to different underwater conditions can be the difference between a missed shot and a masterpiece.
In clear tropical water with bright sunlight, ambient light photography becomes more feasible. In such cases, use wider apertures and slower shutter speeds to blend foreground subjects with natural backgrounds. When shooting reefscapes or divers near the surface, balance flash exposure with sunlight using Manual mode or try Av mode to allow the camera to adjust for changing light conditions.
In green water or low-visibility locations, reduce your working distance. Stay close to your subjects to limit the amount of water between your lens and the subject. Use higher strobe output and lower ISO to preserve detail. Adjust the angle of strobes carefully to reduce backscatter caused by suspended particles.
Currents may limit your ability to frame shots. In these cases, set your exposure and strobe position in advance so that when the opportunity arises, you're ready to shoot quickly. For macro in surge or surge-heavy areas, focus becomes even more challenging. Use faster shutter speeds and pre-focus when possible.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Compact Cameras
Even with the best preparation, underwater photographers often face technical challenges. Knowing how to respond quickly can help save a dive.
Autofocus Fails to Lock: This often occurs in low light or with small subjects. Switch to center-point autofocus. Increase the contrast by using a focus light or positioning your camera so the subject is against a darker background. In macro, use your diopter and get closer until contrast improves.
Blurry Images: Check shutter speed. Anything below 1/100th of a second risks blur from hand movement. For macro, 1/250th or faster is ideal. Also, make sure your camera isn’t shifting focus at the last second. Use focus lock by half-pressing the shutter and recomposing carefully.
Overexposed Shots with Flash: Lower the flash output. On many Canon compacts, this involves reducing the flash compensation or using a lower power on your external strobe. Also, check that your subject isn’t too close. Back up slightly or narrow your aperture.
Underexposed Backgrounds: This occurs when shutter speed is too fast or ISO is too low. Try slowing your shutter speed to 1/125th or increasing ISO slightly. Keep strobe output consistent while adjusting background exposure separately through the camera settings.
Housing Considerations and Maintenance Tips
Your camera is only as safe as the housing that protects it. When using Canon S or G series cameras underwater, choose a housing with clear labeling, easy-to-operate buttons, and dual O-ring seals for maximum reliability. Recsea, Ikelite, and Nauticam housings are popular choices for these models.
Before each dive, inspect the O-ring for hair, dust, or sand. Apply a thin, even layer of silicone grease to prevent sticking or abrasion. Close the housing slowly, making sure no part of the O-ring is pinched or bulging. Once sealed, do a fresh water dunk test before submerging in the ocean.
After diving, rinse the housing in fresh water immediately. Soak it if possible, especially if you dove in saltwater. Gently press buttons while submerged to release trapped salt. Dry the housing with a soft towel and store it in a cool, dry place with the back opened to reduce pressure on the O-ring.
If your housing uses fiber optic cables, ensure they are properly aligned with the camera’s internal flash. For electrical sync cords, inspect the connectors regularly for corrosion. Never store the housing with desiccant packets that have absorbed moisture — replace them after each dive.
Selecting the Right Dive Accessories
A wide range of accessories can improve the usability and performance of Canon compact cameras underwater. These include trays, arms, strobes, focus lights, wet lenses, float arms, and anti-fog inserts.
Tray and Arm Systems: A dual-handle tray provides stability and serves as a mount for strobes and lights. Choose lightweight aluminum arms for flexibility. Add clamps that allow for adjustable positioning at multiple angles.
Float Arms: Compact cameras are light, but adding strobes and wet lenses makes them negatively buoyant. Float arms or foam sleeves reduce drag and make it easier to control your rig mid-dive.
Anti-Fog Inserts: These small desiccant packs are placed inside the housing to prevent fogging. Change them regularly and dry thoroughly after each dive. Fogging usually occurs due to temperature differences, moisture, and lack of ventilation.
Lens Cleaning Cloth: Bring one on the boat to clean any saltwater residue off the dome or flat port between dives. Dirty ports reduce image sharpness and can cause flares or ghosting.
Lanyards and Carabiners: Use these to clip your setup to your BCD when not in use, especially during surf entries or safety stops. Ensure they detach quickly in case of an emergency.
Dive Planning for Photography Success
Photography-focused dives require different planning than recreational dives. Let your buddy know in advance that you may be stopping frequently. Plan your route to allow for slow progression through subjects of interest. Begin your dive near your maximum depth and ascend slowly to take advantage of changing light and new subjects.
If you’re shooting wide-angle, look for scenes with natural light and interesting foreground elements like coral heads or divers. For macro, identify sandy patches, rubble zones, or coral outcrops where critters hide. Use a methodical approach. Spend more time in a small area rather than covering large distances.
Monitor air and depth frequently. Underwater photography can be so absorbing that divers sometimes neglect basic dive safety. Make sure your settings are dialed in before descending so you spend less time fiddling with the camera underwater.
Behavioral Techniques for Better Wildlife Photography
Getting close to marine life is not just about swimming quickly. Animals react to body language, sound, and speed. Approach slowly, avoid sudden movements, and breathe calmly. Most fish will allow you to get much closer if you stay low, approach from the side, and move gradually.
For shy species, use Zoom instead of physically closing the distance. Learn animal behavior — clownfish may leave their anemone to investigate you. Shrimp and gobies have a rhythm of hiding and emerging. With patience, you'll capture peak moments of interaction.
Never chase or touch marine life. Ethical photography ensures subjects are not stressed or harmed. Always keep your fins away from the reef and watch your buoyancy near fragile environments.
Evaluating Images Post-Dive
Reviewing photos after a dive helps improve your skills. Transfer your images to a laptop or tablet immediately. Inspect them at 100% magnification to check focus, exposure, and composition. Learn from both your successes and mistakes.
Sort your images into categories: keepers, maybes, and rejects. Look for signs of backscatter, missed focus, or incorrect exposure. Keep notes on what settings worked well and under what conditions. Over time, this builds a mental checklist for future dives.
Use a histogram review in-camera to gauge exposure underwater. Relying only on the LCD may mislead you due to ambient light reflections. Aim for a histogram that is centered and not heavily clipped at either end.
Post-Processing Techniques for Underwater Photos
Underwater images almost always benefit from editing. Start with basic adjustments in your preferred RAW editor. Adjust white balance first — bring back natural tones by warming the temperature. Next, increase contrast and clarity to define edges lost in water diffusion.
Adjust exposure and highlights to recover detail in overexposed areas. Boost vibrance to enhance colors without oversaturating. If needed, apply noise reduction to areas with high ISO, but don’t overdo it or the image may look soft.
Crop images to improve composition. Remove distracting elements or backscatter using healing or clone tools. Sharpen your image last to emphasize fine textures like fish scales or coral polyps.
Archiving and Sharing Your Work
A solid digital workflow includes backing up and organizing your files. Rename your images by dive site and date. Store RAW files separately from edited JPEGs. Use folders to sort by location, subject, or theme. Always have at least one backup copy, preferably stored offsite or on cloud storage.
When sharing images online or with friends, resize them for web use to reduce loading times. Add your watermark discreetly if desired. Write captions that inform and educate your audience about the species, location, or technique used.
Submit your best photos to contests or local exhibitions. Engaging with other photographers fosters growth and inspiration. Online forums, social media groups, and dive clubs are excellent places to get feedback and share tips.
Building a Photo Portfolio with a Compact Camera
You don’t need a DSLR to build an impressive underwater photography portfolio. Canon S and G series compact cameras have captured award-winning images. The key is understanding your gear and mastering its settings.
Create a portfolio that reflects your strengths. If macro is your specialty, focus on colorful nudibranchs, shrimp, and small fish. If you prefer wide-angle, show sweeping reefscapes, silhouettes, and interactions between divers and marine life.
Show variety — different lighting, perspectives, and subjects. Display only your best work. Ten stunning images make a stronger impression than fifty average ones. Keep your gear clean, your dive skills sharp, and your curiosity active. With practice and patience, compact camera users can rival professionals in the underwater world.
Exploring Advanced Creative Techniques
Once you’re comfortable with the basic underwater settings, it’s time to experiment with creative techniques that will take your photography to a new level. Canon compact cameras offer flexibility, and with manual control and accessories, you can produce professional-quality imagery.
One popular technique is slow shutter motion blur, which involves using a slower shutter speed, such as 1/10th or 1/15th of a second, while panning with your subject. The result is a sharp subject against a blurred background that conveys motion. Use second curtain flash sync (if supported by your strobe) to freeze the subject at the end of the blur for a dramatic effect.
Another advanced method is off-camera lighting. Although Canon compacts don’t support wired multi-strobe systems natively, you can use fiber optic splitters or slave strobes placed strategically to light up wreck interiors or cave features. This creates cinematic lighting and depth.
For split shots, also known as over-unders, use a dome port and shoot at the surface. Set the focus at the mid-point between the underwater and topside subject. Use higher f-stops like F11 for a deep depth of field. Adjust strobe power so that underwater elements are well-lit while ambient light balances the sky or surface.
Working With Manual Focus and Focus Lock
Although most Canon compacts rely heavily on autofocus, you can use focus lock to maintain better control. By half-pressing the shutter and locking focus on your subject, then recomposing, you can control where the focus lands even in fast or unpredictable scenes. This is particularly helpful when working with a strobe and a close subject, where timing matters.
Manual focus may also be enabled on some G-series models. When shooting macro with a diopter, manual focus with a fixed distance allows you to move your camera physically back and forth to get the sharpest focus. This zone focusing approach minimizes missed shots due to autofocus hunting.
Use the focus peaking feature (if available on your model or external monitor) to highlight in-focus areas. If not, use the LCD zoom function to magnify your focus area while composing. Focus is everything in macro; it's worth spending time to perfect this process.
Leveraging Exposure Bracketing and Burst Modes
Bracketing involves taking multiple photos at slightly different exposures. This helps ensure you have at least one correctly exposed shot, especially in tricky lighting. Most Canon compacts support automatic exposure bracketing (AEB), which can be used in scenes with mixed lighting like caves or shadows behind coral structures.
Burst mode is useful for capturing fast-moving fish, swimming turtles, or other fleeting interactions. Set your camera to continuous shooting and half-press the shutter in advance so you’re ready to capture action in bursts. Combine this with a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. Make sure your memory card supports fast write speeds to avoid lag.
Using Scene Modes in Challenging Situations
If you’re new to Manual settings or need to shoot quickly in difficult conditions, scene modes like “Underwater” or “Fish” can be helpful starting points. These modes adjust color balance, contrast, and exposure automatically to suit typical underwater environments. While they don’t offer the control of Manual mode, they’re useful in fast-moving or beginner-friendly scenarios.
Use these modes sparingly and always review your results. If the colors are inaccurate or images appear overprocessed, switch back to Manual or Aperture Priority and adjust based on your understanding of light and exposure. The more confident you become, the less reliant you’ll be on scene presets.
Shooting with Filters for Natural Light
Color correction filters are helpful when shooting in ambient light, especially at mid-depths without strobes. Red filters restore lost warm tones in blue water, while magenta filters work better in green water. Mount the filter in front of your lens port and use it in sunny conditions between 5 to 15 meters deep.
Filters reduce light by one or more stops, so you’ll need to compensate with slower shutter speeds or higher ISO. When using filters, shoot in RAW to adjust white balance later. Don’t use filters with strobes, as the color balance will clash. Filters are most effective on shallow reef dives with strong sunlight.
Maintaining Equipment During Dive Travel
Traveling with underwater photo gear requires planning. Always carry your camera and housing in your carry-on bag. Use padded cases to protect ports and dome lenses. Pack batteries in compliance with airline safety rules and keep chargers accessible.
At your destination, rinse your gear in fresh water daily and dry thoroughly. Store in a dry box with desiccants. In humid climates, moisture buildup is common — use anti-fog inserts generously. Avoid sun exposure on boats, as heat can warp plastic parts or damage the LCD screen.
Plan your dive schedule with photography in mind. Avoid back-to-back deep dives that limit your bottom time. Plan a mix of shallow macro and wide-angle dives. Coordinate with dive guides to visit sites that offer photo-friendly conditions, such as calm bays, macro hotspots, or clear walls.
Building Underwater Photography Discipline
Photography underwater demands patience, control, and respect for marine life. Practice your techniques regularly in safe conditions. Master neutral buoyancy, strobe positioning, and rapid setting adjustments. When an unexpected subject appears, you’ll be ready to capture it cleanly.
Avoid the urge to take hundreds of snapshots. Focus on composing each image with purpose. Study light, shadow, behavior, and positioning. Review images after each dive to evaluate success. Don’t get discouraged by imperfect results. Every dive is a lesson.
Carry a small notebook in your dry bag to track settings and outcomes. Over time, this log becomes a personalized manual for your camera and favorite dive sites. Building consistency is more valuable than chasing complexity.
When to Upgrade Your Gear
While Canon compact cameras are capable tools, there may come a time when you outgrow their limits. This might include wanting faster autofocus, better low-light performance, or higher burst rates. If you consistently hit the ceiling of your current system, consider moving to a mirrorless or DSLR setup.
However, many professionals still keep a compact camera for travel or backup. Its size, simplicity, and flexibility make it ideal for certain conditions. Before upgrading, assess whether it's your technique or the camera limiting the result. Often, improved lighting, better composition, or sharper focus yield greater improvements than new hardware.
Conclusion:
Canon’s S90, S95, S100, S110, and G-series models like the G11, G12, and G15 offer incredible value and capability for underwater photographers. With full manual controls, compatibility with high-quality housings and lenses, and solid image quality, they are more than enough to capture stunning marine imagery.
To master these cameras underwater, start by understanding their settings — especially manual mode, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. Learn how to use strobes, diopters, and wide-angle wet lenses to adapt to different subjects and scenes. Practice composition, focus control, and lighting discipline. Keep your gear clean, your setup streamlined, and your mind patient.
Underwater photography is more than technical skill. It’s a way of connecting with marine life and capturing fleeting beauty. Your Canon compact may be small, but in the hands of a thoughtful diver, it becomes a powerful creative tool. With curiosity, respect, and dedication, your photos will tell stories from beneath the surface that few ever get to see.
Whether you’re diving a coral reef in the tropics or exploring a kelp forest off the coast, the techniques covered across these four parts will help you make the most of your Canon compact camera and become a more skilled, ethical, and expressive underwater photographer.