Canon A720 is

[russ29]

Ok so heres the scoop. I have a Canon A720IS. I see the Ikelite case is no longer available but I can pick up the Canon case for $150 at Amazon. Problem is, the Canon case does not have a filter, which I am told we need for UW pix...

So do I risk another dive and use the A720 IS with the Canon case w/o a filter or...Do I go with the Ikelite case, filter and SD1300?

 

[flareside]

If you read around the forum a bit, you will find that most have quit using red filters and either set the white balance manually or fix the problem in post processing. Stick with the A720 but if you have time to wait for a housing, give consideration to picking up one on Ebay. Often, these housings have only been in the water once or twice, if at all.

 

[annasea]

I have the A720 with both housings you mention and have never used a filter. Instead, I set the camera to u/w and most importantly, use the 'Mandrake process' for postprocessing. Not as good as having an external strobe, but certainly an improvement over just the u/w setting.

 

[Gilligan]

Ok so heres the scoop. I have a Canon A720IS. I see the Ikelite case is no longer available but I can pick up the Canon case for $150 at Amazon. Problem is, the Canon case does not have a filter, which I am told we need for UW pix...

So do I risk another dive and use the A720 IS with the Canon case w/o a filter or...Do I go with the Ikelite case, filter and SD1300?

IMO go with the Canon case and use your internal flash for macro shots and the "Mandrake" process like annasea mentioned (if you have Photoshop) for your non-strobe shots. Forget the filter.

If the camera has "custom" white balance you may want to try that but you have to calibrate the WB off a white card at varying depths/conditions during your dive.

 

[tripntx]

I have for sale on EBay both a Cannon WP-16DC housing and an Ikelite 1640.72 housing. Both have a buy it now option, bidding started around 1300 hrs today with a 7 day listing. I'm texcrasher on EBay.

Why am I selling? Because I have a new to me E-PL1 I received last week and I just ordered a PT-EP01 for it. So, selling 720 housing, once they are gone, then I'll sell the camera. Both are in excellent condition.

 

[Carl-Johan]

Have a 710is in a Canon housing. Sadly the built in flash w diffuser attached is almost totally useless in macro shots, you will get a shaded area in most of the pics.

"Magic filters" can be cut to fit the lens and taped in place. AM1 is used with 'manual white balance' and CM1 with 'auto WB', i got the AM1.

A focuslight is a very good investment. It can also be used for lighting macro shots and as a macro video light. DIY video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKsuZBV-ps4

Tweaked my cam with CHDK, a very good program that is stored on the SD-card. For example you get optical zoom capabilities in video, not even the S95 and G12 got that.
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK