Canon PowerShot SD800 IS

[Fouremco]

I'm still in the hunt for an u/w camera. Though the camera isn't available yet, the specs for the SD800 IS suggest that it might be a good choice. Comments?

 

[CompuDude]

Source of specs?

Edit: Nevermind, found it.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=14227

*******s are going to make me want to buy another camera. *g* Wide angle lens and 7mp with IS and ISO1600 (even if not usable, it should raise the bar on the other ISOs), all in a tiny Elph body? Looks fantastic!

 

[Fouremco]

Source of specs?

A couple of places, including http://www.canon.ca/english/index-whatsnew.html

Since posting the above, I've been looking at the G7 as another very good possibility. Unlike the G6, Canon will have its own u/w housing, and I imagine that Ikelite will too, either a new model or a re-release of the one for the G6, if it will fit.

 

[REII]

I am about to buy the Canon SD700. I am upgrading from an old Powershot S70 (I think that's what it is). My canon has held up pretty well thru a number of dives over the past couple of years.

On the SD700, I like the 4x zoom, and the 6mp. It also uses the rechargeable batteries that last a good while. I don't understand why a lot of the digitals out now use diposable AA batteries.

So the SD800 has 7.1 mp, I wonder what else is different?

TOM

 

[scuba-charters]

Okay... shouldn't have visited this forum... something new on my wish list... But, am on my 3rd canon powershot with u/w housing, and am still extremely happy. I don't have the time to play with a camera. I just pull it out of my bag, jump in the water and start shooting. Never fails unless I do something idiotic...

 

[JamesD]

AA Batteries are good because you can get them anywhere, rechargable proprietary batteries are bad because you have to recharge, so if they run out while in the middle of nowhere you are stuck.

 

[CompuDude]

AA Batteries are good because you can get them anywhere, rechargable proprietary batteries are bad because you have to recharge, so if they run out while in the middle of nowhere you are stuck.

It's called planning ahead. I bring two or three of the proprietary batteries, and rotate them through the camera and the (tiny!) charger. Works perfectly in all but the most remote of remote locations. Way better than piles of environment-choking AAs... or even piles of rechargable AAs and a bulky charger.

For land-based use, AA's aren't so bad. But when traveling and/or boat diving, stacks of AA's are just a PITA, IMO.

 

[CompuDude]

A couple of places, including http://www.canon.ca/english/index-whatsnew.html

Since posting the above, I've been looking at the G7 as another very good possibility. Unlike the G6, Canon will have its own u/w housing, and I imagine that Ikelite will too, either a new model or a re-release of the one for the G6, if it will fit.

Sure, very nice cameras, but aimed at a totally different segment. The SD800is is all about tiny size and convenience. The G series trade bulk for features. Which is not bad... I love features. But I don't love bulk. So you have to decide which is more important.

If I buy an SD800is, it will be as a compliment to my S80. My manual controls are great with a bulky strobe and big Ikelite case with external lenses, but when I want to jump in the water in Jamaica and not think about anytime complicated, and then keep the tiny little camera in my pocket to grab vacation snaps while I'm there, I'd MUCH rather have the SD800is.

As much as I love my S80, there are times I miss my SD550 (stolen, and replaced with the S80).

 

[CompuDude]

I am about to buy the Canon SD700. I am upgrading from an old Powershot S70 (I think that's what it is). My canon has held up pretty well thru a number of dives over the past couple of years.

On the SD700, I like the 4x zoom, and the 6mp. It also uses the rechargeable batteries that last a good while. I don't understand why a lot of the digitals out now use diposable AA batteries.

So the SD800 has 7.1 mp, I wonder what else is different?

Image Stabilization, a wide angle lens , and better low-light performance with the addition of ISO1600 are the ones that jumped off the page, for me.

There you go.

Note that if you're coming from an S70, you're giving up manual controls and raw. Up to you what's the most important.

You should sell your S70... because of said raw capability, there are lots of people who still love them.

 

[Fouremco]

Sure, very nice cameras, but aimed at a totally different segment. The SD800is is all about tiny size and convenience. The G series trade bulk for features. Which is not bad... I love features. But I don't love bulk. So you have to decide which is more important.

If I buy an SD800is, it will be as a compliment to my S80. My manual controls are great with a bulky strobe and big Ikelite case with external lenses, but when I want to jump in the water in Jamaica and not think about anytime complicated, and then keep the tiny little camera in my pocket to grab vacation snaps while I'm there, I'd MUCH rather have the SD800is.

As much as I love my S80, there are times I miss my SD550 (stolen, and replaced with the S80).

I hear you, CompuDude, but what if you could only have one camera? Scary thought, huh? Given the choice of buying an S80, an SD800is or a G7, which would you choose? I'm only thinking of u/w shots, as my PowerShot S30 still meets my vacation snap needs. I'm looking for the best potential for good quality u/w photos, and camera/housing size is not a major criterion.