Which camera to go with?

[NitroWill]

Hi Everyone,
Ive, unfortunately, been stuck with a cheapo 35mm underwater camera and I want to start looking at a digital option. I *highly* prefer Canon (for many reasons) but will consider other options if you must insist.

The camera will be for land AND UW use.
I want something that will last and grow with me as I better define my skills.

I am going to slowly start piecing the equipment together. Digital camera will come first obviously.

My budget is as little as I have to spend For the camera, Id LIKE to stick in the $300~ range give or take. - As long as I can get a high quality housing for about the same price.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Will

[mmakay]

Canon brand housings are all under $300 and come for a variety of their cameras.

Picking the camera you need to look for one thing in particular; the ability to shoot full manual. For good underwater photos, particularly once you add an external strobe (flash), manual control is critical.

Slightly less important, but still a priority, is to get the widest angle lens available. The inherent magnification you experience underwater is like adding a tele-converter, and many point and shoots are already lacking in that respect. Wet-mount wide-converters are available, but pricey, and may not work well with an OEM housing without adding even more cost for adapters, etc. Ikelite housings typically accept such lenses, but the housing will be quite a bit more $$.

When you are ready to spend the money for a strobe (and you'll want it) the new Inon models with STTL do a great job of mimicking the internal flash, or you can use pre-flash cancel for manual flash. Highly recommended.

[NitroWill]

I know the science behind it - just looking for recommendations for a camera..Theres so many different Canon lineups (and others) im not sure where to start..

I use to have an S1 IS which I loved for land photography..but dont think they make a case for the new S5 IS camera...I have an SD400 now, but unfortunately no UW case available for it..The G7 was an option but a bit on the pricey side..The A series probably is the best way to go..just have to look at all the features and the corresponding housing + options

[torrey]

I've got an Olympus SP-350 right now, but if I were going to do it all again right now from scratch, I think I would go with a Canon A-series.

[NitroWill]

I want to stick with Canon if I can. The A630 seems nice, about $200 on the camera, $160 on the canon case - not too bad. I am wondering if the camera is a bit overkill though. I will only be taking pictures for sure joy and memories - nothing really professional..Maybe I could get away with a cheaper camera...

[Jaymeany]

I'm gonna go with the sealife dc600 when i hit 250 posts! I know its not a cannon but a pretty sweet set up with options.

[NitroWill]

Im considering that path as well..but id like a camera for topside as well - and I dont think that would be a good performer..

Edit: Well I guess the D600 would be ok for land - but the mini probably not..

[NitroWill]

At 450$ after or 10% I am thinking it might not be a bad way to go..After my $60 thatd be just under $4 which is probably the cheapest i could get a cam/uw setup..

[Jaymeany]

Nitrowill we seem to be on the same page. My exact thoughts!

[NitroWill]

Althought the mini or ecoshot wouldnt be a bad way to go either...then i could choose a nicer land camera..