Newbie question

[RobN]

I own a Canon powershot A85 and I am looking for an underwater housing for it. Is the CANDC30 the only option and is it the best option. I am a novice at underwater photography and am looking for something that is fairly easy to work with and takes good pictures.

I used to have Ikelite housings for disposable and later on cheap 35 mill cameras. They are the only company I am familiar with. It looks like they offer a housing for powershot a80. The price difference between the Ikelite and the canon housing is huge.

Any info on this or any other products I would need to take good pictures with this camera would be helpful.

Thanks
Rob

 

[lukeROB]

I own a Canon powershot A85 and I am looking for an underwater housing for it. Is the CANDC30 the only option and is it the best option. I am a novice at underwater photography and am looking for something that is fairly easy to work with and takes good pictures.

I used to have Ikelite housings for disposable and later on cheap 35 mill cameras. They are the only company I am familiar with. It looks like they offer a housing for powershot a80. The price difference between the Ikelite and the canon housing is huge.

Any info on this or any other products I would need to take good pictures with this camera would be helpful.

Thanks
Rob

For this type of camera I would go with the canon housing. They work great for the money. The ikes I would think are a better built (you also get a handle included in the price) but probably isn't worth the extra for something like the A95. You would be wiser to put the money you save into an external strobe or accessory lenses.

Ike housing has a much greater depth rating and you are also dealing with a company whose business is making watertight housings (better quality, better service, etc). So if any of these things are required by you then go with the ikelite. I am sure the A95 will fit the A80 housing (better email ike) since they are basically identical camera's in everyway. You won't be able to access the direct print button though

 

[KrisB]

A80 and A95 are similar -- PhotoTJ has reported that they can use the same housing.

*HOWEVER* the A85 is different from the A80, A70 and A60. The A85 can use the same housing as the A75, the WP-DC30 -- see http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/co...id=145&modelid=10462&keycode=underwater_photo

I do believe Canon changed the button layout between the A70/A60 and the A85/A75.

FWIW, the A85 is the successor to the A70; the A75 is the successor to the A60.

Hope all that confusion helps rather than hinders!

 

[nitroxphoto]

Here are some good resources for equipment and advice -

http://www.uwphoto.com/
http://www.backscatter.com/
http://www.helixphoto.com/home.html

 

[RobN]

I own a Canon powershot A85 and I am looking for an underwater housing for it. Is the CANDC30 the only option and is it the best option. I am a novice at underwater photography and am looking for something that is fairly easy to work with and takes good pictures.

I used to have Ikelite housings for disposable and later on cheap 35 mill cameras. They are the only company I am familiar with. It looks like they offer a housing for powershot a80. The price difference between the Ikelite and the canon housing is huge.

Any info on this or any other products I would need to take good pictures with this camera would be helpful.

Thanks
Rob

Is there a stobe available for the Cannon CANDC30?

 

[lukeROB]

Is there a stobe available for the Cannon CANDC30?

Sorry for the misleading info before - I thought I read you had an A95. My mistake.

As stated by KrisB the DC30 is what you need. You can attach accessory lens and strobes made by Inon to this housing. As I have recently just flooded my A70 (used it for over 18 months without a problem), you may be interested in some of my gear. I have all the attachments needed to get your setup working and you can check out my gallery for what this system can do. Most of these parts are under 6 months old.

So if you want to save a bit by getting almost new drop me a PM.

 

[KrisB]

lukeROB: have you tried getting Canon to warranty it, or do you know that the flood was caused by your own neglect?

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

Well I am glad you are getting into UW photo. You will enjoy it, and it will bring new excitement to your dives.

Although the Ikelite is a great housing, and in general I would recommend it over the manufacturer's housings, I think for your camera, it is a wiser investment to go with the Canon housing. If after playing with that set up for a while, you really get into the UW Photo scene (which is likely to happen), then it would be time to upgrade and get into a higher quality camera which would warrant the investment of such a housing.

If you have any specific questions, or would like further info, send me an email

Best of luck. If you need anything, dont be afraid to ask.

Mike

 

[RobN]

Thanks Mike

In november i am going to Truk, what kind of memory card and how many would you recommend for a week long live aboard?

Also, if I am a newbie, would you suggest getting a strobe or go with the basics