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Paddling with Canon PowerShot G11 Camera on a Monopod Mast

2 May 2010 8 Comments

I recently bought Satechi TR-C Timer Remote Control for my Canon PowerShot G11 camera. It can be programmed as an intervalometer, so I can use G11 as my Pentax Optio W series cameras. Well, almost. G11 is not waterproof.

The Satechi Timer Remote Control is a pretty big device as seen on the picture above, but it works as advertised. The only inconvenience is that it has no memory, so after each turning off/on it needs to programmed again.

I set up the Canon G11 on my camera mast – a reversed photographic monopod on the top of a suction camera mounts (my sticky pod). Its design remain the same as described in a last year post (Kayak Video Camera Mast). However, I added a small ball head which gives me more flexibility in controlling the camera.

I took the entire setup and CLC Patuxent kayak (much more stable than my racing Thunderbolt) for a test paddle. A swinging LCD screen of Canon G11 which can be set up at any angle appeared to be very useful since my monopod extends really high up to 50″. With Pentax Optio I was forced to shoot blind at higher camera positions.

The camera together with the intervalometer worked pretty well. I enjoyed a shooting angle and perspective I could achieve with the mast. Unfortunately, the light was not so great at that day, so I used camera flash. Of course, it revealed every piece of reflective tape on my life jacket, spray skirt and a cup.

This is not a solution for a rough water. My waterproof Pentax Optio W30 remains on duty.

8 Comments »

marek (author) said:

I wonder if anybody is using Canon PowerShot Gxx camera for paddling, especially, with a waterproof housing. What is your experience? Of course, I wouldn’t be able to use my timer controler with a waterproof case unless I would to do some serious modifications.

# 3 May 2010 at 4:54 pm

Alan Mapes said:

Marek,

I got a G11 and it’s waterproof housing a couple of months ago, just before a month-long trip to the southern US. I’m very pleased with both. The housing works flawlessly – all the buttons and levers work, and controlling the camera is easy. The one problem is the lack of a lens cap to keep water drops off the lens glass. I carved on of mini-cell foam and put a lanyard on it. It does a good job of keeping water out.

You can see some of the photos on http://geezersgosouth.blogspot.com/

Almost all the photos were done with the G11 (a few with a Pentax K10 and long lens). Anything on the water was shot using the housing.

Have you tried the new W90 yet? I’m still looking for a pocket waterproof with really good image quality. The W60 I tried did not do the job.

Best, Alan

# 6 May 2010 at 1:12 am

Pete said:

I use a Canon G7 in a WP-DC11 waterproof case. It works generally well, but is much more bulky than say an Olympus P&S. I also share the issue with keeping droplets (& salt) off the lense. I also find there is a delay in the Canon G7 Shutter. When at sea and I am levelling a shot against the horizon, and press the shutter – often the kayak has moved enough to lose the horizontal aspect of the shot as a result of the delay. Of cours I prefer my Nikon D90 – but too scared to get it wet.

# 6 May 2010 at 10:01 am

Kayak The Canal » Blog Archive » Friday Kayak Links said:

[...] Canon G11 on a Monopod mast – [paddling with a camera] // [...]

# 7 May 2010 at 1:01 pm

Bruce said:

[...] Canon G11 on a Monopod mast – [paddling with a camera] // [...]

# 19 May 2010 at 4:06 pm

Aldrich Payne said:

I use a Canon G7 in a WP-DC11 waterproof case. It works generally well, but is much more bulky than say an Olympus P&S. I also share the issue with keeping droplets (& salt) off the lense. I also find there is a delay in the Canon G7 Shutter. When at sea and I am levelling a shot against the horizon, and press the shutter – often the kayak has moved enough to lose the horizontal aspect of the shot as a result of the delay. Of cours I prefer my Nikon D90 – but too scared to get it wet.
+1

# 22 May 2010 at 12:40 pm

Denver Photographer said:

Dude that’s a pretty wild setup. I’ve been looking at getting some version of a “really nice” point and shoot for a while, just can’t decide between leica and canon.

# 13 June 2010 at 11:40 pm