Canon A710 IS vs. A640

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Phacops

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Messages
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Location
Libertyville, Illinois
# of dives
100 - 199
Just would like people's views of the A710 IS and A640, especially from people who have had experience with Canon cameras. Currently shooting with an Olympus C8080/Inon D2000 but would like a more compact rig.

I've also heard that the shutter lag for Canon equipment is much better than Olympus. That, and the focus, which I have had to work around a lot.

Have a SS200 that I've only used with my Nikonos and am wondering how best to sync it with digital. Was going to try out the Ikelite slave unit and set the flash to slave. I can do this with the C8080 but would like to know if it can be done with the Canons.

Appreciate the advice.

ps. Any recommendation for a good Elf series? My spouse has an old 3.1 Mp Elf, is more into taking uw snapshots and I'd like to get her something better. Reason - I hate to admit, but some of her shots are better than mine. She has a good eye for framing.
 
I've been thinking about switching to the A710 myself. Like you I have INON's D2000. However, it doesn't appear that INON has made a mount base for the A710's WP-DC6 housing so I'm not sure how my strobe and external lenses will work.

Additionally in my internet research, I've seen comments that INON is working on the mount base, but no eta.
 
I'd talk to the guys at Reef Photo for details and options on getting your strobe to work with the new rig. www.reefphoto.com will get you the contact details for phone and email.

The Elf series are fab (SD range for some). I bought my Mom the SD400 and it's fantastic - can't find that one anymore but the newer ones are all really nice from what I've seen. Don't think you can go too wrong with any of them - just choose the one that's in your budget (and available!)

I haven't used the newer A710 as yet, but the IS is probably a nice feature, especially on land. Not sure that camera is worth the extra $$ but hopefully others who have used one of both of these models will chime in soon. Not sure if you've compared them side by side but www.dpreview.com has an easy to use comparison chart and it should also link you to reviews.
 
Thank you both for the replies. I found out that Inon may not support a mount for either of the cases for the 710 or 640 because of the oval port. That may also be a problem for close up or wide angle lenses. It seems like Canon didn't think ahead on that. I could probably improvise, though.

Also checked out imaging-resource.com and from the reviews am tending towards the 640. I'd think about the Olympus SP-350 but from experience have gotten tired of the focus problems and shutter lag from that manufacturer.
 
There's always the Ikelite case if you really like the camera. You can always use add-on lenses with the Ike cases. They're spendy, though.

The SD800is is an amazing little camera. I am dying to get one for my topside (and occasional vacation UW for weight reasons) shots, as it's an incredible little package of happiness compared to my current S80 + Ike case + Inon D2000. (which is a big package of happiness, but not as travel-friendly as you might want)
 
alcina:
Yup, if you're going to add lenses and the Canon offering has the oval port, go with the Ikelite housing.

While I don't disagree with Alcina (she knows alot more about this than I do...) I have the Ike case for my A620 and the INON WA lens - there is significant vignetting on the edges. I do know that with the macro lens it is superb.
 
Ok, I will chime in here, but, forgive me, I'm very new to the whole underwater photography thing. I got the Canon A710IS with the Ikelite housing for Christmas and am very happy with it. I thought the IS would be a big help topside (it is) and I liked the small size and weight (with just 2 AA batteries, you don't have to worry about being out of power). I looked at the G7, but since it was heavier and more expensive and doesn't use AA batteries, thought the 710 was better suited for me & the water.

I took it on a trip to Curacao, and was very happy with it. You can see some shots here, but remember, my first time underwater with a camera, so be gentle. The UW shots were all taken with the internal flash w/diffuser. I have a strobe too (thanks Santa), but, figured that I'd go slow and figure the camera out first. I'll try the strobe next trip :D

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=2194
 
Jay - good to know. Did you try to zoom just a touch? Sometimes this can eliminate the problem and still leave you with the widest possible result. It's a balance between what you can get by cropping the edges and what you can get by doing a tiny zoom. This has long been a potential problem with add on lenses for many different housings/systems and is not limited to this particular set up.

OHGD - looks like you had a great time on your trip! Thanks for the first hand user info on the 710IS!
 
alcina:
Jay - good to know. Did you try to zoom just a touch? Sometimes this can eliminate the problem and still leave you with the widest possible result. It's a balance between what you can get by cropping the edges and what you can get by doing a tiny zoom. This has long been a potential problem with add on lenses for many different housings/systems and is not limited to this particular set up.

OHGD - looks like you had a great time on your trip! Thanks for the first hand user info on the 710IS!

Actually I did try that - it made it worse even tho that makes no sense as I also thought it would then use only the central part of the lens. BTW - wedding pix are awesome.
 

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