Camera Choices down to 2

[jormax]

Could anyone compare and contrast (sorry for the 12 grade testing directions) the Canon PowerShot G5 and the Olympus 5050z? Please consider housing cost and choices, strobe choices (if they are different??) and (god forbid) using the camera above water.

 

[ReyeR]

Both cameras are almost neck-to-neck in performance and features. The G5 does use proprietary battery packs though. There's plenty of detailed info to be found:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong5/
http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/psg5/index-e.html
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G5/G5A.HTM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc5050z/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C5050/C55A.HTM

The C5050 will be the cheapest to house with the PT-015. Other options are Ikelite and LMI Tetra 5050. The G5 has the following options: http://www.digideep.com/product.php?pType=camera&mID=7&pID=431

The external strobes will depend on the housing but the most common options for both cameras are Sea and Sea YS90DX, Ikelite DS-50 and DS-125 and the Inon D-180 and Z220. This is a good article written by Jeff to start with: http://www.digitaldiver.info/images/strobearticle/strobearticlescrn2.pdf

 

[Blethrow]

As I posted in another thread, there is going to be a housing for the Sony DSC-V1 from Ikelite. So, I would recommend you compare that camera as well. I own one and I love the thing. It's tiny, takes great 5MP shots, has full manual control, 4X optical zoom, 'Nightshot' (monochromatic infrared recording with built-in IR lamp, stills and video), and does unlimited MPEG at 640x480, 15 fps with sound. With my 512Mb card, I can shoot about 45 minutes of video. You can get the camera for a little under $600, and the Ikelite housing will be another $600.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Sony/sony_dscv1.asp

Justin

 

[Blethrow]

That should be 23 minutes of video, not 45.