Sd870is Elph 8.0 Mp?

[Barry Goode]

Hi,

My Canon Powershot A60 bit the dust on my first dive in Curacao this March. I had been told that the canon underwater housing for the A60 was not very reliable. It worked fine in the USVI last Spring Break & in Cozumel last August, but for some reason it was a complete malfunction this time. By the time I got to the surface the camera was a goner.

I'm looking for a new digital camera for all purpose shooting and underwater. I like this model because it's thin (slips into a pocket easily), has a huge screen on the back, & has a wide angle lens (28 mm). In addition, I'm already familiar w/ Canon digital cameras.

However, I'd like to hear some feedback from anyone who has used this camera as to the reliability of the underwater housing before I buy.

Thanks!

 

[diver 85]

Do a search typing in sd870is & you'll find many threads about the camera--best I can tell most agree the A570($300+ for camera & Canon UW housing) or 720 will be a better choice...For instance, here's one thread I found, click link...good luck, let us know what you decide......

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/canon-corner/220624-torn-between-a570-sd870.html

 

[bliew]

Here's my informal review of my experience with the SD870IS:
visit Belize - visitBelize.in - Canon SD870IS underwater in Belize

I can post some photos and links to video if you want...

Cheers!
Bryan

Hi,
However, I'd like to hear some feedback from anyone who has used this camera as to the reliability of the underwater housing before I buy.
Thanks!

 

[srcalDiver]

I use an 870 with auto-magic filter. I am quite happy with the camera, housing and filter configuration. Regarding the filter, it's sold as a thin sheet that you cut to fit within the lens tunnel. I just tossed it in without fixing it to the housing and find that it works fine.

One disadvantage of using the filter is that it make surface shots look quite red, as you'll see in the video I made below...

YouTube - Coral Street Monterey Diving

 

[peterbj7]

I saw someone on my boat a few days ago, on the way out to the dive site, take his camera housing out of the rinse bucket, pop the housing open and make an adjustment on the camera, then quickly slam the housing shut.

He didn't dry the housing off before he opened it, nor did he feel along the O-ring and mating surface to check that there was no foreign object there. He got away with it, but he was very lucky. If you aren't meticulous in your handling of any underwater housing you can be sure that it WILL flood, you just don't know when.