What do folks see as the limitations to the A570/A720 approach?

[JCT_UCB]

Hi all,

I've been devouring the web site in preparation for a dive trip in a few weeks and have learned a ton.

I currently use a MMIIEX + YS60 setup (and a Nik V many moons ago), but I would really like to give digital a try as my son has expressed some interest in at least trying a shot or two.

I posted in the OLY forum originally as I was going to default to an SP-350, but everytime I get ready to take the plunge, the fact that it is a discontinued camera stops me a bit short-- hard to invest in an expensive housing when the camera may become completely unobtainable soon, not to mention the difficulty in finding one.

So I read more and found many good comments about the A570/A720 pair (still vacillating on which).

I would eventually go with the INON strobes, but for now would try the Heinrichs-Weikamp DA2 converter with my YS60. I also own a S&S 20mm lens that I might try to attach.

It seems like a relatively low-cost way to get my feet wet (bad pun) --- but as I want to make sure I thought I would ask if anyone would like to weigh in on possible limitations or downsides.

Any other advice would be appreciated as well.

Thanks,

JT

 

[StSumwhere]

I own the A570is with the canon housing and like it very much now that the RAW hack is done. The camera is versatile enough with built-in macro, image stabilization and manual white balance, all of which work well under water. This WB feature is critical to me because I use the Magic Filter rather than a strobe (although this is always an option if I choose). The setup is compact and adds minimal bulk in the water.

When shooting with the flash (on land), the only drawback is the lag time between shots as the flash recharges. I imagine the A720 has the same drawback as they both use two AA's.

My wife - a novice photog with no desire to go further - uses my A570 more than her Nikon D70 DSLR (too big, bulky, & complicated for her). I may put that setup on e-bay and upgrade myself to one of the new generation Canons: Macworld | Canon announces four new PowerShots

 

[diver 85]

I was in your (almost) EXACT position 1 year ago ie used the S&S MM II EX with YS 50 strobe, 16 mm WA lens since '95--son used the Nik V twin strobe since '97......I decided to go digital(Canon A570IS last spring)) & honestly even with the limitations of the P&S, IMO I'm still getting 5 times better results vs my old S&S...I'm thinking I used to come out with maybe 1/15 good shots on 35 mm(If I was lucky)---now I'm getting 1/3 good shots.....I use no external strobe for now & love the results....My advice is get one of the Canon's----you'll NEVER regret it....

 

[JCT_UCB]

Thanks guys and awesome pics, diver 85 -- your shots helped sway me over to the Canon side.

I'm going to go with the A570IS since I can get an awesome deal -- I think this represents a nice basic way to stick my toe in the digital side without investing huge bucks right off the bat.

Have you ever tried to use your old 16mm lens on the Canon setup? Or your strobe for that matter?

I may take a shot with one of the Heinrichs-Weikamp DA converters and try to use the YS60TTL/s with it at some point. Might take a bit of fiddling, topside, but I don't mind.

I have a feeling this might be a bit of a gateway drug to the other side-- but who knows?

Thanks all and any input regarding settings or approaches would be appreciated.

Best,

JT

 

[Rickg]

I just recently purchased a Canon A720 IS. The only limitations that come to mind are:

- 2 batteries vice 4 means a bit slower flash recycle time and more frequent battery changes. I've found that I usually change my batteries every other dive whether they need it or not. That said I picked a 2-battery camera for the smaller size.

- no ability to shoot RAW. But since I never have I don't really know what I'm missing.

- not the best system if you want to add a W/A lense and are using a Canon housing. Not a problem though if you go with the Ikelite housing.

All that said, I would hesitate to buy go with the A720 IS again or else a A570 IS. They are both amazing cameras for the price.

 

[JCT_UCB]

And after all this the more (?) practical husband pushed to go with the SP-350 because our other "water" travel camera is an Olympus SW720 .

But given that much of the advice on all of the specialty brand boards is generally applicable, it's all good.

So thanks again-- oh, and anyone who is looking for a backup A570IS, Staples has them for $129 this week, less if you can dig up one of their coupons.

Best,

JT