After reading the specifications of the new Canon Powershot S90 compact camera, I thought it might be a great choice to use underwater. So I gave the little beast a dedicated week of shooting while hosting a group of Ikelite shooters in Cozumel in December 2009.

The Canon S90 camera shoots RAW and produces great JPEG files even though like other new models it has backed off on the megapixel race. But the coolest new feature is really enhanced by the Ikelite Ultra Compact housing. A customizable front Control Ring allows changing various settings practically like a SLR!

The housing includes a gear that simply slips on, then you drop the camera in the housing, grease the o-ring and clamp it shut. It couldn't be simpler!
Editor's Note: If you leave the "Shortcut" button unassigned, functions of the rear control dial can also be accessed through the housing. Hold down the "Shortcut (Print)" button use the left/right buttons on the rear cluster.

For a week I shot with a pair of Ikelite AF35 Substrobes which make flash output adjustments simple. One dial on the AF35 sensor allows you to provide a bit more or less flash.

I was even able to dial in separate flash output since the sensors duplicate the Canon S90 TTL flash. This allowed me to concentrate on composition and lighting instead of worrying about manually setting exposures.

For wide angle shots I simply threaded an Ikelite W20 lens on the 67mm threads of the Ultra Compact housing. Since the Canon S90 has a native 28mm angle equivalent field of view one small tap of the zoom control eliminated any vignetting and still provided great wide angle coverage at close range so my strobes could provide great color.

While the Canon S90 isn't an SLR it certainly provided photos I could blow up to 11 X14 and traveled easily plus I had a blast shooting this little wonder!

I also explored some of the Canon S90 creative modes and look forward to using my Canon S90 Ikelite system to create unique new images!

David Haas has been a passionate diver and underwater photographer for over 30 years. He shoots and sells Ikelite equipment with tremendous enthusiasm and a rarely equaled commitment to helping customers get great results. Check out the Haas Images website for more information on David's photography, upcoming photo trips and equipment sales:

As always, we're busy working on new products for the New Year. Many manufacturers have made preliminary announcements for new camera models. We will be announcing new housings for them soon after the cameras are available in the local market. The rest of our product line is constantly evolving as well... New developments in strobes, lights and accessories are also in the works. Keep watching the "What's New" postings and the camera charts for all of the latest info.

If you're in the Chicagoland area next month, stop by Our World Underwater booth #111 to say hello and check out the products you've been reading about and lusting after!