Entry Level

[seasnake]

I apologize if this subject has already been brought up elsewhere on this site, but . . . I was seeking advice on an entry level camera and housing, or uw camera. Not ready to go whole hogfish with a digital SLR. I went on a trip last year and my buddy had a Canon A70 . . . ? I believe it was, point and shoot digital. It had a manual white balance, and I was amazed at the quality of the pics he was getting, and it was the first time he had used it. At this point I would probably like something that is not too cumbersome to drag along so I can take a few snaps when I see something pretty and then forget about it otherwise . . . But in trying to research it there are so many choices it's overwhelming! And of course I am looking for inexpensive yet amazing quality ... Any comments would be appreciated!

[Al Mialkovsky]

Entry level is always something you'll outgrow right away, like after the first trip. I've looked at the 600 dollar range cameras and I'd say you won't be happy with them. Maybe something like the Sea and Sea 800 or 8000 or whatever that is with an external strobe and wide angle adapter. I wouldn't go lower than that.

[Sarah]

Seasnake,

I have a Canon SD630 6 mp camera with Canons inexpensive compact housing. It uses the camera's flash, and has a white light diffuser for macro stuff so it won't blow out the shot.

I am quite happy with it as a compact, easy to use camera that produces great photos and has a very large 3" LCD screen on the back, BUT, it doesn't compare with pro cameras, but it sounds like you and I are after the same thing.

I am sure the camera pros here though will have some better opinions.

[rzade@hotmail.com]

I'm new to the forum but your all welcome to visit my site and check out my photos. www.underthesound.smugmug.com

Having introduced myself I'd like to give my 2 cents worth.

DON'T Buy an expensive SLR with a bunch of lenses and an expensive housing! Please don't! You have enough to do underwater without a camera that requires a degree to operate. Leave the SLRs to the pros! You can't change lenses underwater so you limit yourself to one type shot. and lenses ain't cheap! And forget the dedicated underwater cams. They just don't have the versatility you need.

I shoot a Canon Powershot S80 and I find it ideal for shooting underwater stuff, it has an awesome macro and it has a decent zoom also if you can figure what you need a zoom for underwater? The flash does a pretty good job for the close up stuff and doesn't wash out macro shots.

Several of the newer powershots are perfect for the job and less expensive. The A630/A640 are great and the new G7 and S3 iS are awesome. you can go with the inexpensive canon housings if you don't dive deep but if your into the deep stuff go with an ikelite housing.

Which brings up the big thing. Make sure that the case and all the accessories are readily available before you choose your camera and buy them right away. I know lots of guys that bought thair "ideal" camera only to find out the case was no longer available.

Things change really fast in the digital camera game. Whats new today will be discontinued 6 or 8 months from now.

[dakuwanga]

I dive with a Canon A70. I bought it new years ago and have not had the need to upgrade. Sure there are much better cameras around - I dont dive solely to take pics - so the A70 is "right up my alley".

[seasnake]

Thanks very much everyone this is exactly the info I'm looking for. I've been doing topside photography for quite a number of years and have a lot of moolah invested in a film set up, but my efforts at uw film photography have been disappointing. I'm pretty hooked on the instant feedback of digital photography. Just don't think I'm ready for a pro uw set up yet for two reasons: the $$, and also I don't intend to make uw photography the main focus of my diving at this time.
Seems the Canon's are very popular. Thanks for naming models folks, 'cuz Canon has about 8 kazillion models to choose from (give or take ). What about the Canon housing? I think they are rated for 130'? Has anyone taken them past that?

[seasnake]

After doing my research, I think I have finally settled on the Canon A700. Very similar to the SD630 but a few little extras for the same price. Now where to buy from?? Does anyone have any experience dealing with www.bhphotovideo.com out of New York? Or can you suggest any other online retailers? (Any in Canada would be nice) B&H carries the particular Ikelite housing I need for this camera.

Ron

[Sarah]

Ron, B&H Photo has a huge following and reputation in the photographic community.

They are probably the hightest rated mail order house. They don't have grey market stuff, they don't ship things with Japanese markings and words on the camera controls, their cameras come with all the factory accessories, etc. But that is why they don' thave those remarkable prices, because the prices are real, not fake bait and switch.

[Zero]

B&H can do grey stuff if you want. Check out any dive or photo board and their name will be there more than once and hardly ever a bad comment.

Matt

[PinayDiver]

Oh goody, there's already a thread on the info I need (on a decent point-and-shoot with compact u/w housing). And so...were you or anyone here able to acquire a Canon A700? (I noted you said that it's priced the same as iDiveChick's camera of choice but offers a bit more?) Was it everything you thought it would be?