Panasonic Fuji or casio

[LULA]

Hii

Ok i've been asking about the canon cameras and ive decided by the G7, but there are some other cameras to think of, like the panasonic Lumix series , the fuji F or A series and the Casio Exilim Z models ,I am interessed in the best models of the compact type of cameras , the G7 looks good but is a little big (not a problem but...) what do you guys think about these models ??


Thanks.

 

[alcina]

I'd go with Canon A series.

I have a Casio Exilim and I wouldn't recommend it for anything other than a tiny camera to toss in your bag or pocket. It's low light/higher ISO capabilities suck and there are no controls.

Fuji has some nice little units - with and without manual controls. I still prefer the Canon A series for underwater, however.

The G7 can't really be compared to any of these models as it's a bit of a different beast.

 

[Eli]

I would agree that Canon is an excellent choice, having used Canon, Olympus and Fuji cameras underwater. The G7 is a great camera, if it had RAW and a 28 mm wide lens, it would be perfect. The underwater Fuji casings are very sturdy with double O-rings. Whatever camera you get, make sure you get a model with Aperture and Shutter priority control options, this would rule out the Fuji F40fd.
Below are some links to Fuji F31fd photos. I am impressed by its ability to focus in low light, and its high iso capabilities. I had trouble syncing my Sea& Sea YS90DX with it, in good lighting the YS90DX synced at the preflash setting. In dim light, it synced better at the no preflash setting. Thus I ended up using the F31fd without an external flash. Some sample photos.

http://www.pbase.com/elif/image/83238223

http://www.pbase.com/elif/image/83238217

http://www.pbase.com/elif/image/83733893

http://www.pbase.com/elif/image/82512509

http://www.pbase.com/elif/image/83238215

 

[evil_xander]

I use a Fuji e900, without any additional accessories at the moment (only Ikelite housing of course ), and I find it just perfect for UW in it's class (compact P&S with full manual controls & raw capability). I can recommend it wholeheartedly.

You can check out the photos I made with it (I shoot raw + levels correction in CS2) by clicking the link in my signature. The photos do appear a bit color washed when transfered to the web comparing to those I have on my MacBook, I'm working on resolving that issue...

You can also shoot 'video' with it, also available in the sig. For Youtube it's butchered somewhat, can be made to look much nicer (640x480, 30fps).

If you have any questions regarding it, let me know.

 

[LULA]

Hi
Thank you all for the answers. Evil Xander by the e900 do you mean a900 ? Cause I can't find a e900 camera.

Thank you

 

[Zeeman]

I'd second ALcinas suggestion for an A series Canon - I am buying an a640 as a stop-gap whilst I get myself set for a DSLR. It has a fair amount of manual control and takes quite good pics, and isn't going to break the bank. there is also a hack available that lets you use RAW mode (and it wont void the warranty as it's software that sits on your memory card)

Not a bad deal for a $450 - ish camera (including housing)

 

[LULA]

Ok I've saw the e900 , but it must be Discontinued and the G7 also does not apear on the internet shops here.

 

[evil_xander]

Ok I've saw the e900 , but it must be Discontinued ...

Could be. I gotta get me another one in case something happens to this one, they should be cheap now.

 

[diver 85]

I have the Canon A570....see my pics(in my sig), those were the 1st ones I shot UW with this camera.......easy to use & paid $410 for camera & housing a couple months ago.....btw, the video portion works great, too........

 

[Eli]

Nice photos, diver 85. It looks like you cant beat the Canon A 570 for the money!