Canon A720 IS
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geraldp
Contributor
Yes I was trying to decide between the a720IS and the a650IS. The A650IS cost a bit more, but it has more manual features, and has higher megapixels, so I that's what I went with.
I haven't purchased the underwater housing yet. I'm trying to determine whether or not the Ikelite is worth the extra cost. Plus since the camera is new I can't find anybody selling the Ikelite housing.
geraldp
Contributor
The a640 is a discontinued model so you may get a better deal on it. The a720is has several features over the a640: Optical Image Stability, DigicIII processor with face recognition vs. DigicII processor, 6x optical zoom vs. 4x, and slightly less shutter lag.
We recently purchased a A710 and we are very very impressed with it.
We bought it because you can hack the DIGIC II processor and get all kinds of crazy value added stuff:
You can shoot RAW (huge plus and a bunch of hours on the learning curve)
A live histogram
The ability to run scripts - for time lapse photography, dof "stacking", exposure bracketing, etc.
Heck, you can even use your lcd as an autoscrolling text reader and load a book and read it on vacation
I am NOT making this stuff up! It's perfectly safe too. They are starting to port the hack to the DIGIC III family but there does seem to be some problems specifically with the a720.
Not sure if any of the value added stuff is important to you but for us, the ability to shoot RAW in a sub $200 CANON camera with 7+ mpixels, 6x optical and IS? No-brainer! Add in a sub $150 CANON housing and, in our opinion, GREAT DEAL.
I specifically am not including a link but google "chdk wiki" for all the info you need.
Peace
TeerLkay
Pics from our first underwater excursion with the A710
Video from our first underwater excursion with the a710 (the very last clip on the video is with an a510-you can see the quality difference)
YouTube - Eagle Rays
We bought it because you can hack the DIGIC II processor and get all kinds of crazy value added stuff:
You can shoot RAW (huge plus and a bunch of hours on the learning curve)
A live histogram
The ability to run scripts - for time lapse photography, dof "stacking", exposure bracketing, etc.
Heck, you can even use your lcd as an autoscrolling text reader and load a book and read it on vacation
I am NOT making this stuff up! It's perfectly safe too. They are starting to port the hack to the DIGIC III family but there does seem to be some problems specifically with the a720.
Not sure if any of the value added stuff is important to you but for us, the ability to shoot RAW in a sub $200 CANON camera with 7+ mpixels, 6x optical and IS? No-brainer! Add in a sub $150 CANON housing and, in our opinion, GREAT DEAL.
I specifically am not including a link but google "chdk wiki" for all the info you need.
Peace
TeerLkay
Pics from our first underwater excursion with the A710
Video from our first underwater excursion with the a710 (the very last clip on the video is with an a510-you can see the quality difference)
YouTube - Eagle Rays
scubadobadoo
Contributor
My old canon now does some really cool things thanks to teerlkay! THANKS! It all took me about an hour to figure it all out. This solves every thread that ever said, "I would buy that camera if it shot in RAW." LOL.
Thanks TEERLKAY, very cool...
So now I dont know if I should go for the 710 or the 720, doesnt look like they are going to figure it out for the 720 anytime soon..
So I guess it would come down to if id rather have Digic III or RAW, am i right?
So now I dont know if I should go for the 710 or the 720, doesnt look like they are going to figure it out for the 720 anytime soon..
So I guess it would come down to if id rather have Digic III or RAW, am i right?
scubadobadoo
Contributor
I would go for the digic 3 as someone will hack it soon enough. I recently purchased an sd 870 and that little bugger is fast and it supports more flexible shooting!
But they are having trouble with the a720. Seems the A720 using a different operating system (DRyOS) then other DIGIC III canons. It's the only DIGIC III camera known to use a different OS. Other DIGIC IIIs use VxWORKS, same OS as the DIGIC II Cameras, including the new A650. Strange.
DIGIC III cameras that have been succesfully ported:
A560/a570IS/G7
I would not buy the a720 assuming it will get ported but if that camera has the feature set you want, out of the box, you could do a lot worse!
Peace
DIGIC III cameras that have been succesfully ported:
A560/a570IS/G7
I would not buy the a720 assuming it will get ported but if that camera has the feature set you want, out of the box, you could do a lot worse!
Peace
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