A80 a goner - What next? A720IS?

[gladtobehere]

My beloved A80 is done for due to an unfortunate drop after 4 years and many dives. Time to move on.

The A720IS with Canon case seems like the next camera for me. A few questions:

- Is there any reason to talk me out of the A720IS? Does the CHDK work with this camera? Might be fun to try.

- Is there anything "new" coming out in the immediate future that it would be a good idea to wait a little while loner for.

- Any other Canon camera I should consider that I haven't noticed?
I looked at the G9 but never had RAW before so not really concerned and the extra heft is not appealing and the AA battery option has come in handy when rechargeables can't be recharged.
I am really going to miss the swivel screen but the A650IS way heavier for topside use plus 2 extra batteries to power it.
I like the manual controls so the SD series isn't an option either.

Looking to see if my line of thinking is right. I do use this uw and topside. I liked the A80 because it was right in between a really big camera with a lot of functionality (I used to have a 35mm SLR) and really small camera with limited functions but very portable.

Money is of course a consideration but I take care of my gear and am willing to get what I pay for so I stay open minded in that area.

Thanks!

Marc

 

[realdiver7]

I took around 700 pictures, topside and underwater, plus about 30 minutes of underwater video with my Canon A720IS camera with Canon WP-DC16 housing on a recent trip to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Used a high speed (Class 6) A-data 4 GB SD card, internal flash only (no strobes), and have been very satisfied with this camera. I highly recommend it.

Hope this helps.

 

[alcina]

I think the 720 will be just fine It's a great little camera that will be a good replacement for the A80. Go for it!

 

[Crush (Virginia USA)]

Butterfingers.

That's all I got. I know nothing of either cameras but thought I should just remind you to get one with a strap. ;-)

 

[gladtobehere]

Might as well. Just ordered from Amazon. Camera, housing and two Class 6 8GB SD Cards for under $500 - can't really go wrong!

Hope to post some uw photos real soon!

Thanks!

Marc

 

[Rickg]

Might as well. Just ordered from Amazon. Camera, housing and two Class 6 8GB SD Cards for under $500 - can't really go wrong!

Hope to post some uw photos real soon!

Thanks!

Marc

I think you will quite happy with your choice. It is a helluva little camera.

 

[piratesmate123]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the 570 vs. the 720? I am debating between these 2 cameras? Thanks. Linda

 

[alcina]

I went with the 570 - the differences weren't enough to make me spend the extra cash.

Best place to view the differences side by side is Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ

Either one will work just fine, imho

 

[Rickg]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the 570 vs. the 720? I am debating between these 2 cameras? Thanks. Linda

Like Alcina says, about the only real difference between the 2 when it comes to shooting U/W pictures is about $50US at today's prices. The cameras are like identical twins and you should be happy with either one.

If you use the Scubaboard search engine and entire A570 or A720 you will find a lot of discussion on this exact subject.

 

[piratesmate123]

thanks everyone. I've been reading the old comments and I'll probably get the 570 with the Ikelite housing, but no strobe. Has anyone used a good u/w flashlight to help illuminate your subject, but save a little money? Linda