Underwater Camera ~$150?

[JayG]

I am looking to pickup a water proof camera for infrequent use at the most two or three times a year.

I have been looking at this camera but wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a better camera in the same price range (Under $200).

 

[lazybees]

Jay, just to get you thinking along another path. Consider one of the many Canon point & shoot model digital cameras that are relatively inexpensive. Many of them have Canon branded waterproof housings for under $200. And....I have heard that Canon is clearing a lot of shelves and for example the housing I bought for $170 is now going for $76.

This gives you a camera you can use any time and on a vacation even when not on a dive day. One you are probably more familiar with as you would use it more than 2 to 3 times a year. You can get excellent resolution on many of these which lets you compensate by cropping a picture taken further away than optimum.

Just another thought.

Donna

 

[marcaumarc]

You might also try to find something used, either in the classifieds forum here or on ebay. The camera you link to doesn't look like it would do that well in low light (ISO up to 400 only).

 

[hcsf_25]

Agreed. I purchased a A570is (has UW setting) on Craigslist for $60 and then snagged one of the housing cases on Canon's e-store for $80. Ended up paying $140 for the entire set up. I haven't taken it into the ocean yet, but have run a few tests in the tub and so far so good. Much better than my 35mm film camera I've been using for the past couple of years.

Here's the link:
Camera Accessories Promotions - Canon eStore

Apply this coupon code at checkout for 15% off: 15105

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Jay, just to get you thinking along another path. Consider one of the many Canon point & shoot model digital cameras that are relatively inexpensive. Many of them have Canon branded waterproof housings for under $200. And....I have heard that Canon is clearing a lot of shelves and for example the housing I bought for $170 is now going for $76.

 

[Roko]

Edit: just checked the date, so maybe my response is a bit late.

JayG, those Intova camera's aren't the best in the world, but you can get some good pictures from them. When my girlfriend lost her good camera, she picked up that Intova package with underwater case since she was a starving student and couldn't afford a good camera and case at the time... We've been using it for a year now, and have gotten some good pictures.


One big gripe, though, is battery life. Don't even think about using alkaline batteries, you'll have to buy quality rechargeable NiMH batteries since this camera chews through alkalines like there's no tomorrow.

It won't be the quality of a good Canon camera and dedicated case, but for a cheap camera that includes a case, it's not bad... But I'd still recommend spending a bit more on a Cheap, but quality Canon camera and case if you can.


About 60-70 feet, illuminated with a 10 watt HID...

About 100 feet, internal flash only with no diffuser (so the case's shaddow is in the bottom left)