Buying my first U/W camera - Canon A570?

[theslyfox01]

Hi guys, I'm off on a dive holiday later this week and would like to capture some memories on a digital camera, my budget is limited (say AUD800 which is around USD600) ..please bare in mind camera set-ups in Oz are far more expensive than in the US (much smaller market so higher prices.)

For $800 I can get the following package:

Canon A570
WP DC 12 Housing
1GB SD Memory Card
4 NiMH Batteries and Charger
Neoprene Camera Pouch (fits camera only)
Micro-Fibre Cleaning Cloth
Quick Release Safety Lanyard

Does anyone have any feedback on the A570? I could get a FujiFilm E900 and housing for $800 but it wouldn't come with all the extras (batterys/charger/memory etc) so I would really be stretching my budget to get the E900 underwater.

Any comments on the Canon setup for for a complete noob appreciated

..I should mention I'm hoping to get some nice shots of wrecks as I'm going to Truk/Chuuk, but I don't know if such a low end camera will work at depth with subjects the size of wrecks.. macro stuff doesn't really turn me on (pity as that's what cameras are obviously best at.)

 

[Zeeman]

You have a few choices for saving $$$. ebay (a lot of local Aussie run ebay stores sell at much better prices than camera shops) you can also buy from the US - a cam with housing, SD card etc is often much cheaper (even shipped) than the local prices.

As for the Canon A series - coming from a fellow noob... They appear to be pretty good in terms of growing with you - you can use it in full auto mode as a point and shoot, or, of you choose to try and develop your skills, you can pretty much use the manual features to learn how this stuff works.

 

[alcina]

The Canon A series are great little cameras that will let you grow as you get into Underwater Photography more. I have and use the Canon A520 quite a bit.

Unfortunately, for wreck shots, you'll want a wide angle lens and that's a) going to be extra and b) may not fit the Canon housing if it has the oval port.

I know some people love the Fuji's but I sold mine pretty much right away, just didn't like it personally. I have a couple of friends who have Fujis and adore them -so much of this is personal preference. If you stretch your budget I have no doubt that the Fuji will work just fine for you, but again, you'll want a WAL for the wreck stuff.

 

[Zeeman]

Just for your info - camerahouse.com.au are having a sale, I am just about to buy an A640 for $349 ($449 retail), a full price housing is $250, and I'm sure I can get a discount for that too. seeing as the retail price for the a570 is the same, you may find a similar discount. I know they have stores in Melbourne. could save you enough money to help with a strobe - or, as alcina suggested, a wide angle lens...

Just remember, the extras are cheap - the microfibre cloth is the sort of thing you can get for free from your optometrist (if not, I'll send you one - I have many of them), I bought a 2gb SD card for $25 two months ago at Australia Post a rechargeable set of batteries and charger may set you back $30 at Dick Smith or Jaycar (or look online for better prices) A lanyard is the sort of thing that comes with the camera housing already - and a soft camera case can be found for $10 - $15 at Bing Lee, or probably $5 at your local markets. Spend the $$$ on stuff you actually want, rather than letting the sales guys convince you you are getting a great deal with stuff that is worth very little.

 

[alcina]

And be careful of the lens cloths - I've scratched an lcd screen using the cheap and nasty one that came free. Thankfully I didn't try it on a lens.

 

[theslyfox01]

Thanks for all the info and suggestions guys, I investigated getting a wide angle lens but the cost was scary (almost as much as the entire package) I'll just stick with the basic model and see how I go.

I hunted around and got a better deal without the fluff (no lanyard/cleaning cloth)

-A570IS
-Battery and Charger Kit
-WP-DC12 Waterproof case
-Sandisk 4GB storage card

$690 delivered. (That's excluding (GST) Goods and Services Tax as I get it duty free when I leave the country.)

Mmmmmm toys!

 

[alcina]

Toys are good Have a great time - learn as much as you can before you hit the water and you'll find it far less frustrating. Check out the Sticky - Pink Link in my sig - for some getting started tips.

 

[Zeeman]

Now there ya go! Good job! Hope to see your pics when you get back! Remember to practice topside - and remember to use manual white balance below the surface!

I hunted around and got a better deal without the fluff (no lanyard/cleaning cloth)

-A570IS
-Battery and Charger Kit
-WP-DC12 Waterproof case
-Sandisk 4GB storage card

$690 delivered. (That's excluding (GST) Goods and Services Tax as I get it duty free when I leave the country.)

Mmmmmm toys!