The Fantasea Line FG16 is a versatile housing for Canon’s popular G16 camera, manufactured for function, style and durability. The G16 is the latest in a line of advanced compact cameras packed full of features. With full manual control, smart DSLR-like ergonomics, close minimum focus distance, RAW image capture, hotshoe mount and many other functions, the G16 has a reputation among underwater photographers for excellent macro performance.

Fantasea’s FG16 housing complements the G16, offering full functionality, ease-of-use, light and compact design, affordability and a wide range of accessories for underwater photography and video.

Specs

• Depth rated to 60m/200 feet

• Ergonomic design

• Made from durable injection molded Polycarbonate

• Full access to all camera controls & functions with clearly marked controls

• Shock resistant

• Double O-ring seal

• Special mount for lighting accessories

• Removable double fiber optic cable connection

• Removable flash diffuser

• Easy and secure installation of camera

• Removable anti-glare hood for the LCD screen

• Moisture Detector & Alarm

• Dedicated video control button for easy video filming in any shooting mode

• Compatible with a wide range of underwater photo accessories

• Weight (with camera on land): 1.1 kg

• Weight (with camera in 3.6% salt water): -0.3 kg

• Dimensions (without accessories): 17 x 13 x 13.5 cm \ 6.7 x 5.11 x 5.4 inch (W x D x H)

• Manufacturer's warranty included

In the Box

The Fantasea FG16 comes with all the accessories needed for a great kit, as well as the building blocks for a full rig with strobes, wet lenses and more.

-       Snap-on flash diffuser

-       Snap-on double fiber optic cable connector

-       LCD Hood

-       Neoprene hand strap/grip

-       Padded neoprene lens port cover

-       Extra o-ring, grease and removal tool

In the Lab

The FG16 housing looks stylish and functional right out of the box. The buttons/knobs are clearly labeled and placed in the same layout as on the G16 body. The front dial and exposure compensation dial each have a control knob on the housing. The zoom lever, camera mode dial (auto, manual, video, TV, AV, video, etc), and flash-up/down are easy to use. The video record button stands out for quick access when switching between photo & video modes.

The top of the housing has a cold shoe mount for attaching a ball mount and focus light, GoPro or other accessory. The built-in moisture detector and alarm provides confidence in the system when underwater. Opening and closing the housing is easy.

New underwater photographers will enjoy using the built-in flash diffuser for close-ups and snap-on RedEye filter for wide shots (which brings color and contrast back into u/w scenes), along with the neoprene handgrip.

More advanced shooters can pop on the dual fiber optic cable connector and mount the housing to Fantasea’s Blue Ray Tray and Flex Arm for use with video light and/or strobe. The snap-on EyeDaptor allows use of macro and wet lenses from Fantasea or other manufacturers.

In the Water

The Fantasea Line FG16 housing performs as advertised in the water. The clear labeling on the controls makes it easy to find and change settings. UWPG Publisher & Bluewater Photo owner Scott Gietler, took the Fantasea FG16 into the water for some testing with a variety of wet lenses, and as you can see, the results are great!

Best Camera Settings

Scott Gietler’s recommendations are below:

For macro and super macro, I like to start at F8, 1/1000^th, ISO 100. This does a good job of blocking out ambient light. For wide-angle, I’ll shoot at F6.3, 1/125^th, ISO 100 – but these settings can change considerably depending on the ambient light available or if the sun is in the frame. We do recommend shooting at F6.3 – F8 when using a wide-angle lens for sharper corners.

AF-point zoom is a really nice feature when shooting macro. Turn it on in the shooting menu (3^rd menu). It shows you a magnified zoom of the center when focusing.

I like shooting in RAW, auto white balance, spot focus mode, center weighted average metering, AF-assist beam off.

Further infomation can be found in the Bluewater Photo Canon G16 shooting guide.

Conclusion

The Fantasea Line FG16 is a great underwater housing for the Canon G16. There is a lot of value for the price, making it a must-upgrade over Canon’s simple housing. There is room to grow as a photographer and add accessories as they’re needed.

Purchase & Wet Lenses

For recommended wet lenses, strobes & accessories, or to purchase an FG16 housing, visit Bluewater Photo Fantasea FG16 Housing. Just $399!

Further Reading

• Canon G16 Underwater Shooting Guide

• Guide to the Best Compact Cameras for u/w Photography

• Underwater Photography Tips