Canon Powershot S80?

[Aucilla]

I am looking to purchase my first underwater camera, wanting to go digital. I am considering the Canon Powershot S80, but haven't found anything on the board here, searching for that model. Here is a description:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4053790

Canon makes a case, good to 130', for it.

I want to be able to use it without a strobe.

What do you think? I know I could get more for more money, but I want simplicity with some flexibility; and I want to stay in this price range unless I can get something as, or more, suitable for less money, or if I can get something significantly better for a only a little more.

I am preparing for my first carribean dive trip, and would really appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks,
Bill

 

[hvulin]

hm, S series was a great camera but....

S80 switched from compact flash to SD (I don't won't to throw away my cards and microdrive) and I don't see RAW listed under supported formats...

I would rather buy S70 instead of S80 because of this...

 

[Peter Guy]

I've been swinging back and forth between the S80 and the Olympus 350 -- both in the 8 meg. range and both having the newer 2.5 inch LCD (which my old eyes want).

The primary difference seems to me to be that the S80 has a 28mm lens wide angle (35 mm equiv) while the 350 a 38 mm -- but the 350 has RAW while the S80 doesn't.

Which to buy, which to buy!

 

[RonFrank]

IMO the S70 is a better camera for a few reasons... One RAW support. I have always shot RAW topside, and now find that shooting RAW UW is an even bigger advantage when working images.

No CF flash support. I'm an SLR type of guy, and all my stuff uses CF cards. I'm not to thrilled with SD cards.

Other than that the camera's are very similar even if I'm sure the S80 has a few changes. However the S80 is running about $200 more vs. the S70 which can still be found new. IMO no question... get the S70. You can see examples of what the S70 can do in my gallary.

 

[archman]

Dang, my S50 is only 18 months old. Now there's 8 megapixel models out?!

 

[hvulin]

Dang, my S50 is only 18 months old. Now there's 8 megapixel models out?!

don't worry, I still use my S45 (4 MP) and have no need for a new one... (DIGIC2 would be nice and fast but...)

 

[Aucilla]

This is all really helpful. and I really appreciate it! I have to make a decision fairly quicky, and with litte time, or time in the day, to research. So, I know RAW is better. But I do have "old eyes!"

In any event, would Canon's housing be the way to go, at least for starters?

OK, I'm off to look at galleries for a minute, and then to work.

PS ON EDIT: Oh wow, RonFrank! I have dived those places, and will next week> camera in hand, I hope! I better decide tonight on what to get!

 

[hvulin]

canon housing is good enough...

 

[Aucilla]

Too late now! I have ordered the S70 and Canon's case. Also got high speed 2 gig chip. The camera I got online via WalMart, the case via Amazon.

Thanks, all, for your kind advice: I had to make a quick choice, and thanks to you I was fairly comfortable doing that.

Bill