Time for a new P&S camera - ultra compact?

[mike_bayer]

Hi everyone,

It is time for a new camera and I'm hoping to get some advice.

I would like to get a ultra compact P&S and housing that I can fit with a wide conversion lens.

My last setup was an S400 & WP DC800 which actually produced some decent macro images.

So I'm wondering what model camera, housing, conversion lens, flash combination's are working well?

Many thanks!

regards,

Mike

 

[xaveri]

A couple of questions:

- What's your budget for each part? ( Camera, housing, lens and strobe )
- When you say ultra compact P&S, you mean those that are small, purse like cameras? Same as the S400? Or more like a Canon G9?

Whichever your decision is in the end, I wouldn't even consider a camera that doesn't have Manual mode. Having the chance to completely control how your photos are taken is a must for underwater. Sure, in the beginning you can use the underwater mode with P mode. But as you progress, you'll want to go to Manual mode.

I recently purchased a Canon A590 IS and I'm really impressed with it. It's small, but packs a punch. Full manual controls, Image Stabilization and the works. Canon doesn't make a housing for it, but Ikelite does and it is sweet.

B & H Photo is selling a kit with both the camera and the housing for under $300.

Check it out:
Ikelite | 6140.59 Housing f/ Canon PowerShot A580 | 6140.59

Still you could go for a better camera if your budget allows for it. Hope this helps, and answer for us those questions above.

 

[mike_bayer]

thanks - I'm looking for something really small if possible - sd1100 size - I don't have a budget in mind - i can always try to rent the flash and conversion lens if necessary

your setup is a good value for sure

 

[Firefyter]

B & H Photo is selling a kit with both the camera and the housing for under $300.

Check it out:
Ikelite | 6140.59 Housing f/ Canon PowerShot A580 | 6140.59

Not to be argumentative, but I read that ad as being for the housing only...

 

[Nemrod]

I think so also but nonetheless, the 590 is one of the few remaining full manual control, manual strobe, manual focus capable P&S available. Get the sleek little auto everything camera for your pocket, get the 590 for your underwater rig. It is also one of the few that works well with wet mount lenses as the OP did ask about wide angle. But, each to their own, very few have been disappointed with the A570/A590 series cameras. N

 

[xaveri]

Not to be argumentative, but I read that ad as being for the housing only...

:depressed: You are absolutely right. The sad thing is that it seems that B & H has eliminated the camera / housing kit for the A590 IS. Such a shame. I may have been the last one. You can still get it separate.

Here is a list of other kits they have, but not as good IMO:

Underwater Still Housing & Camera Kits | B&H Photo Video

 

[mike_bayer]

Any opinions if the ikelite housings are worth the extra over the canon or olympus housings? Any more recent compact or ultra compact P&S with full manual controls out there?

thanks,

Mike

 

[driftin' by]

I have a Canon housing for my A-95 and now a Ikelite housing for my G9. Two totally different cameras. When I bought the housing for my A-95 it wasn't in my budget to spend $400 for the Ike housing so I opted for the $180 Canon housing. The Ike housing did not offer any benefit over Canon's so without a budget constraint, it would have been difficult to justify the extra cost.

With my G9, the Ike offers TTL, 67mm threaded wet lens capability plus the ability to use the scroll wheel on the back of the camera. So the choice was clear and worth the extra money.

In general, the Ike housings are solid and indestructible. For your needs with an ultra compact camera, Ike offers an ultra compact housing line. I've not seen one personally, but they appear to be made of a thinner plastic. They also appear to be more form-fitting to the camera so less bulk. Besides having a steller company that stands behind their products 100% like Ikelite, I'm not sure there is going to be a big difference. The one thing that does seem obvious from what I've seen is that the ultra compact Ike housings are depth rated to 200' whereas the Canon ones are to 130'.

They have this combo package deal with a Nikon L20 and a housing for $390. Not a bad deal.

 

[marcaumarc]

Canon just came out with a bunch of new P&S cameras. The SD780 and SD960 shoot HD video, and there's definitely a Canon UW housing for the 780.

 

[mike_bayer]

If I make the compromise of not having full manual controls what are the best options. The compact or ultra compact form factor is the most important aspect for me.

thanks,

Mike