Canon A95 vs Oly C5060?

[Randall]

How does the Canon compare to the Oly mentioned compare as to photo quality and ease of use for rec use only? Also which has the best factory housings? Is the cameras flash sufficient for clear Carribbean waters? Thanks for your inputs!!

 

[Cecil]

Look at this link to compare the two cameras.

DPreview Comparasion

They are both 5 megapixel, the Oly's more money and the UW housing is more expensive. On the other hand the Oly has a better zoom, will focus closer and has a hot shoe (makes an external stobe happy), all important underwater.

It really depends on your budget and/or needs as a photographer. Either will take great pictures out of the box with the internal flash.

 

[DesertEagle]

This is a tough one. I would have bought a 5060, but if you want to shoot wide angle, you need a dome port. For me that's a deal breaker. If I can't go between macro and wide angle, I'm not a happy camper. It's one reason why so many people prefer the 5050, which also has a faster lens.

I would rather try the A95. The camera and housing are less expensive. You can do macro and use both the Inon and Epoque lenses. The Olympus does have slightly higher reolution (according to the reviews) and does have better strobe options.

Considering that neither is an SLR, they're both pretty good. You will need an external strobe.

 

[alcina]

From your very short needs description, I'd have to say go for the A95...it should produce excellent results as is and you can add lenses and strobes later if you want to.

It is smaller and less expensive. I don't think that there is enough difference in the lenses to be too much of an issue from what you have written.

Have fun!!

 

[Chrissie]

How does the Canon compare to the Oly mentioned compare as to photo quality and ease of use for rec use only? Also which has the best factory housings? Is the cameras flash sufficient for clear Carribbean waters? Thanks for your inputs!!

I was trying to decide between these as well and decided to go with the A95 because of price. I was able to get the camera for $225 and got the housing for $170. I can't wait to use it! We begin our Princess cruise this weekend. I mainly bought it for an underwater camera as I have the Nikon D70 for my regular digital camera.

Chrissie

 

[10X]

I use a C5050 and a PT-015 housing. No external strobe - yet.

I have been trying to convince my wife, a non-diver but a snorkeler, to switch from her film camera to digital. It wasn't until I told her she could use the camera while snorkeling that she consented to give it a try. However, she wanted something much smaller than my Olympus housing, which was too big for her small hands.

After careful research (as best as this novice can do) I selected the A95. It sounded almost as good as my C5050 but came in a smaller package with a smaller housing. The housing and a 1GB compact flash card have been recieved. The camera is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.

She is pleased with the size of the housing and features on the camera sound excellent. Now I'm hoping she'll enjoy it while snorkeling. I might even give it a try down deeper.

 

[alijtaylor]

I wouldn't buy the strobe for your first trip, too much to get your head around and in good visibility you will get good results from the internal flash.
Alison