Need your recommendations! :)

[padme]

Hi fellow divers,

I'm looking around for a good compact camera that comes with commercially available u/w housing, such as the Canon Ixus / Powershot series. I used to have an S45 and was really pleased with what it could do - until it died a terrible death by seawater.

So I am very keen to get a replacement which can take decent underwater pics as well as serve as a nice carry-around second camera on land - on days when I don't want to lug my 20D with me.

Have kind of narrowed down my search to the IXUS 800 (I hear that the new 900 has been launched? Titanium!) and the Fujifilm F30 - both are small enough for what I have in mind. Any suggestions and recommendations please, particularly from those who have used these cameras for shooting underwater?

Thanks in advance!

[howeikwok]

canon just released the powershot A640, 10 megapix!!!

[chanxj]

olympus? their commercially availible gears seems to be a wider range???

[padme]

Thanks for your responses!

I would go for a Canon Powershot S-series where u/w photo quality is concerned, but find it too bulky for carrying about on land, considering that it will mainly serve as a spare camera.

I've tried the Olympus 70-70 for land photography but it doesn't meet my requirements in terms of size, and I haven't been able to test it underwater. Love its super-macro function though!

Any IXUS 800 users here? I'm hoping to be able to see some sample shots if you've brought it on your dive trips!

[cat64fish]

Good to see that you have done some research on your own beofre posting ...

You might want to try the Panasonic Lumix range (their FX range is small and compact, if size is a consideration). A totally point-and-shoot camera, but good image quality (it uses a Leica lens). Housing is available for the FX-01 and the new FX-50 at Cathay Photo for $39.

NB: I haven't figured out the numbering system for Panasonic yet ... very chaotic from what I have seen. If someone knows what system they use please tell me, so I know that I am looking at a new model and not an old one :P

Haven't used the Ixus range, but I hear they are very good. Personally, I'd go for the A620 (or the A640, now that is is out), because it uses AA batteries - one less charger and spare battery type to bring along on trips.

Good luck!

Cheers, Jeff

[howeikwok]

Yea the powershot series looks like a good buy and it's not that big. Got some manual functions too.

[padme]

Just an update to say that I've finally decided on the Fuji F30. Am loving what it can do on land; can't wait for my next dive trip to test it underwater!

Thanks again for your suggestions!

[FredrikF]

Originally Posted by padme Just an update to say that I've finally decided on the Fuji F30. Am loving what it can do on land; can't wait for my next dive trip to test it underwater! Thanks again for your suggestions!

Good choice! It's a treat to use underwater. You'll see for yourself the next trip.

[quikwhitefox]

Originally Posted by cat64fish Good to see that you have done some research on your own beofre posting ... You might want to try the Panasonic Lumix range (their FX range is small and compact, if size is a consideration). A totally point-and-shoot camera, but good image quality (it uses a Leica lens). Housing is available for the FX-01 and the new FX-50 at Cathay Photo for $39. NB: I haven't figured out the numbering system for Panasonic yet ... very chaotic from what I have seen. If someone knows what system they use please tell me, so I know that I am looking at a new model and not an old one :P Haven't used the Ixus range, but I hear they are very good. Personally, I'd go for the A620 (or the A640, now that is is out), because it uses AA batteries - one less charger and spare battery type to bring along on trips. Good luck! Cheers, Jeff

You mean the U/W housing for Lumix series is only about $40! So cheaP!???