KC Moses
Forum username: kc_moses
Real name: Moses
Posts: 858
Active years: 2012—2019
Primary forums: Photography Gear and Technique, Video Gear and Technique, Shooting Technique/Workflow/Editing
Specialization: Compact and mirrorless camera advocacy, video-centric underwater shooting, Panasonic systems
Biography
Moses, known on the Wetpixel forums as kc_moses, was originally from Malaysia but based in the Kansas City area of the United States during his active years on the forum. He worked as a multimedia programmer, which drew him toward underwater video and photography after taking up scuba diving ([1]). He joined Wetpixel in October 2012 and quickly became one of the community’s most vocal champions of compact and mirrorless camera systems as viable alternatives to DSLRs for underwater work.
Community Role
KC Moses was a bridge figure in the Wetpixel community, connecting the worlds of compact cameras, Micro Four Thirds systems, and dedicated cinema cameras for underwater video. At a time when the forum was dominated by DSLR discussions, he consistently advocated for smaller, more affordable systems — particularly Panasonic cameras — arguing that they offered comparable or superior video capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
His posting style was characterized by thorough research, practical budget consciousness, and a willingness to share detailed technical findings. He frequently helped newcomers navigate the confusing landscape of housing options, port systems, and wet lens compatibility for compact cameras. He was also notable for providing constructive feedback on other members’ video work, often offering specific technical advice about focus technique, frame rates, and color correction.
Notable Contributions
Panasonic LX100 Advocacy
KC Moses’s most impactful contribution was championing the Panasonic LX100 as a serious underwater camera. He started the thread “Move over Sony RX100 (I, II, III), Here come Panasonic LX-100” in September 2014, arguing that the LX100’s larger Micro Four Thirds sensor, faster Leica lens, and superior 4K video capabilities made it a better choice than the dominant Sony RX100 series ([2]). He was among the first consumers in the US to receive the Nauticam NA-LX100 housing and provided early real-world feedback, including identifying a button alignment issue with the cursor controls ([3]).
He also authored the comparison thread “GH4 with 14-42mm lens or LX100?” which helped video shooters weigh the trade-offs between the interchangeable-lens GH4 system and the more compact LX100 ([4]).
Sony RX100 Housing Comparison
His very first thread on Wetpixel, “Sony RX100 housing: Nauticam vs Ikelite, pair with Inon UFL-165AD,” became a 59-reply resource for compact camera shooters comparing aluminum versus polycarbonate housings. The thread provided practical insights on cost-benefit analysis for budget-conscious underwater photographers ([5]).
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
In 2018, KC Moses started the thread “Who is excited about Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K?” which generated 74 replies and explored the feasibility of using a dedicated cinema camera underwater. He highlighted the camera’s 12-bit RAW capability, built-in 5-inch screen, USB-C recording, and included copy of DaVinci Resolve as compelling advantages for underwater videographers ([6]).
Video Production
KC Moses was an active underwater videographer who shared his own productions on the forum, including a video from Socorro Island shot entirely on the Panasonic LX100, demonstrating that high-quality wide-angle video of large pelagics was achievable with a compact camera ([7]). He also contributed to discussions about the Panasonic GH5, frame rates, H.265 compression, and color grading workflows.
Gear History
- 2012: Started with Sony HX30v, quickly moved to Sony RX100 with Ikelite housing and Inon UFL-165AD wide-angle lens
- 2014: Adopted Panasonic LX100 with Nauticam NA-LX100 housing; also evaluated Panasonic GH4
- 2015—2017: Primary system was Panasonic LX100 in Nauticam housing, supplemented with GH4 for topside video
- 2017—2018: Used LX100 for underwater video alongside Yi 4K+ and Samsung Galaxy S6 for topside content
- 2018: Expressed strong interest in Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K; discussed Panasonic S1/S1R full-frame cameras
- 2018—2019: Followed development of LX100 II and explored whether Nauticam would produce a housing for it
Dive Locations
KC Moses dove extensively in Southeast Asia and the Americas:
- Anilao, Philippines — macro diving destination he visited regularly
- Socorro Island, Mexico — pelagic encounters including False Killer Whales
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — land-based diving
- Lembeh, Indonesia — macro video
- Tubbataha, Philippines — reef diving
- Bonaire — compact camera testing
- Florida — planned relocation for easier dive access
Activity Profile
KC Moses was most active between 2014 and 2018, corresponding to the period of rapid development in compact and mirrorless camera systems for underwater use. His 79 threads started across 858 posts reflects a pattern of initiating discussions rather than simply responding, making him a driver of community conversation. His contributions centered on video technique, camera comparisons, and budget-conscious gear recommendations.
He was particularly active in discussions about Panasonic systems, video lights (Keldan, Supe/ScubaLamp), color correction workflows, and the practical challenges of underwater video such as frame rate selection, tripod use, and manual focus technique.
Timeline
- 2012-10: Joined Wetpixel; posted first thread comparing RX100 housings ([8])
- 2014-09: Started LX100 advocacy threads ([9], [10])
- 2015-01: Received Nauticam NA-LX100 housing, first consumer in US; provided detailed feedback ([11])
- 2015-04: Interacted with Eunjae Im on his Giant Octopus video, showing cross-community engagement ([12])
- 2016-09: Discussed GH5 specifications, advocated for H.265 codec support ([13])
- 2017-07: Published Socorro Island video shot on LX100 ([14])
- 2018-04: Started Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K discussion ([15])
- 2018-11: Discussed LX100 Mark II and potential Nauticam housing ([16], [17])
- 2019-01: Last recorded forum activity
Sources
- member introduction, 2012-10-08 (forum) ↩
- thread 54065, 72 replies (forum) ↩
- thread 54842, 129 replies (forum) ↩
- thread 54142, 50 replies (forum) ↩
- thread 48077 (forum) ↩
- thread 61890 (forum) ↩
- thread 60252 (forum) ↩
- thread 48077 (forum) ↩
- thread 54065 (forum) ↩
- thread 54142 (forum) ↩
- thread 54842 (forum) ↩
- thread 55564 (forum) ↩
- thread 58635 (forum) ↩
- thread 60252 (forum) ↩
- thread 61890 (forum) ↩
- thread 62706 (forum) ↩
- thread 62707 (forum) ↩
- Member introduction (forum) ↩
- Sony RX100 housing: Nauticam vs Ikelite (forum) ↩
- Move over Sony RX100, Here come Panasonic LX-100 (forum) ↩
- GH4 with 14-42mm lens or LX100? (forum) ↩
- Panasonic LX-100 Nauticam housing (forum) ↩
- Who is excited about Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K? (forum) ↩
- Ocean Heaven - Socorro Island (forum) ↩
- Panasonic Lumix GH5 for underwater video (forum) ↩