7 replies to this topic

[shawnabbott]

I saw the discussion on DSL cameras and wanted input on new digital non-DSL camera...i currently use Canon A95 with UW housing and it is adequate. Any suggestions on new ones out there? Price ranges? Looking for ease of use.

[peterbj7]

You'll love the Canon SD950IS. Tiny and very easy to use and to get good photos.

[annasea]

You've got expensive taste, Peter.

I've been researching u/w digital setups for quite some time and have finally decided on the Canon A720 IS. It's a bit larger than Peter's recommendation but I saw it in person last night and was pleasantly surprised to see that it's smaller than I thought it'd be. It runs on 2AAs, has a 6X optical zoom, manual settings including white balance, and macro from 1cm - 55cm. Canon also makes an u/w housing for it.

Let us know what you decide.

[DandyDon]

You've got expensive taste, Peter.

I've been researching u/w digital setups for quite some time and have finally decided on the Canon A720 IS. It's a bit larger than Peter's recommendation but I saw it in person last night and was pleasantly surprised to see that it's smaller than I thought it'd be. It runs on 2AAs, has a 6X optical zoom, manual settings including white balance, and macro from 1cm - 55cm. Canon also makes an u/w housing for it.

Let us know what you decide.

I saw where Walmart.com has them for $199.84 + 97c shipping in the US here, don't know about Canada? The 2 or 3 year extended warranty is also a good idea; even covers "Damage Caused by Environmental Factors". I was amazed when my soninlaw broke the battery door on one; they didn't have a replacement so they gave him original purchase price back even tho the value of the camera had fallen dramatically. He used the money to buy one twice as good.

I like Canon overall, but certainly agree on AA batteries you can get anywhere, and with this and most of the other newer models you can use a SDHC card - unlike my A540 that maxes at 2 GB. Sometimes I like to use the video, but AVI @ 640 wide uses a lot of card before compressing on Windows Movie Maker - about 8-1/2 min per Gb. My dive bud just got a new Canon that uses SDHC but we haven't played with it yet; they seem to also stop video at 1 Gb max continuous shooting.

Peter's fav is $340: here

[damselfish]

I want what Zach has! Did you see his pics? ~ D

[annasea]

You've got expensive taste, Peter.

I've been researching u/w digital setups for quite some time and have finally decided on the Canon A720 IS. It's a bit larger than Peter's recommendation but I saw it in person last night and was pleasantly surprised to see that it's smaller than I thought it'd be. It runs on 2AAs, has a 6X optical zoom, manual settings including white balance, and macro from 1cm - 55cm. Canon also makes an u/w housing for it.

Let us know what you decide.

I saw where Walmart.com has them for $199.84 + 97c shipping in the US here, don't know about Canada?

Hah! $189.99 CAD.

[peterbj7]

On reflection the OP didn't say she wanted it for diving. I'm using a Samsung Digimax L85 as a land-based compact. Significantly bigger than my Canon, but still quite pocketable. Very good lens/shutter and 8.1mp - takes really good pictures. Especially good when using its internal flash - many cameras produce "washed out" pictures, but not so this little beauty. And has a complete range of manual controls, as well as very intelligent auto use. It also has an exceptionally good ultra-macro function. But no-one makes an underwater housing for it.

I bought mine on eBay from a NYC shop for $113 plus carriage! Superb at any price, and at that it's an absolute steal. If I use the camera well within it's designed range of operation it's hard to tell the results from those I get with my Canon 5D DSLR, which cost 40 times as much!

Edited by peterbj7, 05 June 2008 - 09:59 PM.

[shawnabbott]

On reflection the OP didn't say she wanted it for diving. I'm using a Samsung Digimax L85 as a land-based compact. Significantly bigger than my Canon, but still quite pocketable. Very good lens/shutter and 8.1mp - takes really good pictures. Especially good when using its internal flash - many cameras produce "washed out" pictures, but not so this little beauty. And has a complete range of manual controls, as well as very intelligent auto use. It also has an exceptionally good ultra-macro function. But no-one makes an underwater housing for it.

I bought mine on eBay from a NYC shop for $113 plus carriage! Superb at any price, and at that it's an absolute steal. If I use the camera well within it's designed range of operation it's hard to tell the results from those I get with my Canon 5D DSLR, which cost 40 times as much!

i should have mentioned looking for dual use camera...i have a canon a95 with a housing for above and under the water usage, just looking to improve pixels, etc. Like the AA batteries feature; it takes 4 and lasts much longer than ones with just 2.