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S.U.P.E.R. Part 13: Fantasea FG7X housing for the Canon G7X
In our ongoing series S.U.P.E.R. (Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews), Scubaverse.com’s underwater photography editors Nick and Caroline Robertson Brown review new underwater photography equipment, general diving equipment, and some older favourites too.
For the thirteenth instalment of S.U.P.E.R., Nick and Caroline take a look at the Fantasea FG7X housing for the Canon G7X.
Canon compact cameras have been very popular with underwater photographers for many years now and the G7X is another big success story. The camera has a big, clear rear screen making it easy to review your images, it shoots in RAW, and has a high quality 24-100mm equivalent lens. The camera has paid heed to the success of the Sony RX 100 series by being the first competitor to introduce a similar, 1”-type sensor, which is 2.8 times larger than any other compacts on the market. This makes a huge difference to the resolution, and hence the quality of the images.
For our test, we had a single dive, in cold water, to put the camera and housing through its paces. I was wearing thick 5mm gloves. The Fantasea housing allows for the addition of the Big Eye lens which restores the original viewing range of the lens underwater. We also mounted a single INON Z-240 strobe to introduce some colour for the duration of the test.
The Fantasea housing allows you to access all the camera controls with ease. The housing has a single wheel that can be used to change aperture and shutter speed, alternating with a clearly marked and easy-to-use button on the back of the housing. The system, both camera and housing, is incredibly simple to use, even for those unfamiliar with the system and using it for the first time. Unusually, it was a bright sunny day and so the anti-glare hood on the viewing screen came in handy!
The housing comes with a leak alarm and, unusually, a particularly useful button that will pop up the flash whilst underwater if you forget to do this whilst setting up before the dive. It is depth rated to 60m and comes with a double o-ring system to decrease the risk of a flood. The housing comes with a cold shoe for mounting accessories easily.
With a RRP of only £449, this is a system that is well worth considering.
The Canon G9X and housing will also be available in the coming weeks. We hope to get a look at that soon as it also promises to be a great package at an affordable price. Watch this space.
For UK: www.blue-orb.uk/dealers
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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