Canon A570is or Reefmaster Mini.. Which would you recommend?

[Scuba Sweetie]

Help!
I know very little about underwater photography, & am trying to do as much research as possible to buy DH a camera for Christmas.
I was leaning toward the Reefmaster mini, but several people have recommended I check out the Canon A series. The A630 is a bit too pricey at the moment, so i was looking at the A570is.

Hubby has a point & shoot film camera, & it has been adequate for showing friends pics. But I know he wants to learn more. Will probably sell this one down the line to eventually upgrade. Can either of these cameras 'grow' with him?

Any thoughts? Can you please give explanations for your choice? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[diversteve]

It just seems a better camera all around. Unless you want the simplicity of the Mini's all-in-1 design over bettter performance.

The Mini is a 6.0 Megapixel camera. The A570IS is a 7.1 Megapixel camera.
More MP's = better image quality.

The Mini has a 2" LCD screen. The A570IS has a 2.5" LCD screen.
Not much difference but every little bit helps looking through a mask.

The Mini has a 4X Digital zoom. The A570IS has a 4x Optical zoom. Optical is better since all Digital does is basically increase the size of the pixels.

The Mini is also a fixed focus camera. I don't think I'd like that.

The A570IS has Optical Image Stabilization. If the Mini does, they don't mention it.

The Mini is cheaper. But for $75 more I'd buy the A570IS/WP-DC12 housing. Adorama has both in stock.

My buddy shoots an A620 (7.1 MP like the A570IS) in a Canon housing. He's taken some good shots and last year bought an external strobe. Now he gets good shots often for being an admitted novice. Here's an example:
http://forum.scubatoys.com/gallery/files/9/2/shark.jpg
(if you get an error page, just click reload - not sure why...)

 

[Jim Ernst]

Canon Canon Canon did I mention Canon!

I am stating my opinion due to experience with both Sea-life reefmaster, AND The camera's of choice that I own and use now.......Canon!

I am not trying to bad mouth any brand, But I would and will never use any sea-life equipment again.

Though I MUST say , they (sea-life) do have outstanding customer service.