Well, a650 or g10?

[InDaWata]

Hey all,

I hope someone can help me decide, because if not I may NEVER buy a camera!

Im looking in to getting a Canon A650 .... OR .... a Canon G10 - I dunno.
I am a complete beginner, and will probably never really jump into pro UW photog.
I know that these cameras are similar, but is there some edge that the other has that might make a difference in UW photos?
G10 28mm - 4x zoom
A650 35mm - 6x zoom
.
... etc.

 

[smellzlikefish]

I have the A650 and my girlfriend has the G9 (predesessor to the G10) and I think we are both happy with our cameras. I think we would both agree that I have some better pictures, but I dive much more and have a strobe with my setup. I have used the zoom function to eally get close and it has helped immensely for some of the shier fish I have come across. The G series allows you to get a little more technical with your pictures and allows you to shoot in RAW. If you don't foresee needing these functions, the A650 will work great for you. One final thing to consider, I believe the A650 has been discontinued, so you might be able to get a cheap one. On that same token, you may have issues finding accessories and a housing for it.

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

I would definitely go with the G10! The camera will allow you as a beginner to really learn UW photo, and take your learning to the next level, shooting everything manual. RAW is going to allow you a lot more control over your image. This is a camera that you can really grow into as you advanced. And, there are quite a variety of housings available for the G10. Canon, Ikelite, Seatool (my fav) and Patima.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I too vote for the G10. There are a number of Pro Photographers I know who use a Canon G9 as their camera for "days off" and the G10 is considered even better. I think the G series has a lot more room to grow, if you choose to do more than simple snapshots (underwater or topside)

 

[wally2]

I would also choose the G10 in an Ikelite housing with a DS 160 strobe

 

[H2O Photo Pros]

The Ike housing with a DS-160 is a great package. Others might include the Fisheye FIX with ULCS components and a Sea & Sea YS-110a or an Inon (when they become available)

 

[InDaWata]

Ok then!

So the general consensus is that the G10 will offer more room for growth then?
I dont have the budget to get a 3rd party housing, or any strobe gear yet....
just going to go with Canon's housing.

 

[marcienko]

GO with G10 -100%

 

[InDaWata]

Been poking around a little-

Would a CHDK hack give me functions for the A650 that make it almost as useful as the g10?

Just thinking out loud...

 

[M_Bipartitus]

The CHDK hack can enable RAW files. This is a main feature that sets the G series apart for better white balance and adjustment on the computer.

Some considerations about these two:

-G10 has a wider wide angle setting. This allows you to get closer to you subjects and getting closer to your subject generally improves underwater photos.

-G10 is a new model and likely to be supported for a year or two. The A650 is listed as discontinued, so you may have a harder time getting accessories or a replacement camera if you have a flood.

-The G10 has a Flash shoe. This is important if you want, at some time, to add a good flash for use on land. It also gives more options for TTL flash underwater (no messing with manual strobe settings)

-G10 has a newer processing engine, which should result in lower noise.

-A-series cameras use AA batteries. Easier to find, but often don't last as long. I had a A570 that required changing the batteries between each dive, if I took videos. If possible you want the batteries to last a long time so you don't have to open and close the housing.