What New Camera

[bodthediver]

Hi, I'm looking at getting a new compact and case to replace an old Minalta Dimage X 2mp . Main reason for this is the tiny 1" LCD is not easy to use. I'm looking for a large Lcd But a Small Case ( No large sticky out bits). I have seen goot shots both Green and Blue water from the fuji 31 as a few club members have these. But me Being me wants something different. I have been looking at the Canon Ixus Range, But not seen any underwater images. Land shots seem quite good but as it's main use will be submersed not a good example. Can anyone offer and advice or links to sample images to aid me in this decision. Many thanks Adrian

[Cussy]

Bod,
The age old question of which camera.....

We had Duxy from Cameras Underwater at the East Midlands Underwater Photographers earlier in the month. He said that although there are a lot of cameras available for underwater, there are usually only a couple that are any good. He did list the Fuji fd31 as one and a Canon Ixus - but I didn't catch which one. Give the London office of CU a call and ask Duxy which one he recommended. He also had some pretty impressive compact camera photos using a Canon and the Fuji.

A mate has the fd31. It seems good, but the lack of RAW is definitely an issue if I was buying one. I find it easier to post white-balance with RAW, you can only do so much to a very blue/green JPEG.
HTH,
Rob

[bodthediver]

Thanks for a Very Quick Response Rob. I'll Give Duxy A call Later. I was thinking about RAW but all cameras supporting seem large , Not easily crammed into your stab pocket. I'm trying to get the impossible perfect quality , no noise , inexpensive and small. I think i need to compromise on a few things. Well i still have 25 day before chrismas to find this miracle.
Thanks Adrian

[Cussy]

Adrian,
I've just had a quick look on digideep.com :: list of all underwater housings suitable for digital photography and videography.... See what you mean, none of the small cameras have RAW. There is an alternative though. The Sea & Sea DX-1G (not the cheapest though). This is small (ish) and shoots RAW, it also has a claimed short shutter lag. I know someone with one if you want me to find out if he has gotten it wet yet; I've seen it and although not tiny it isn't as big as my old Olympus 7070. Being S&S you can get excellent strobes and useful accessories for them.
Rob

[bodthediver]

Hi Rob, After 18 months of greef from a friend in london i gave in and visited him. As i was so close i thought it rude not to call in to Cameras underwater and had a chat to duxy and Adam. After about an hour of holding,pressing & viewing most cameras on display i went with the canon ixus 950 duxy suggested on entering the shop.

Current recomendation this weekend (until something new arrives) from cameras UW Is the Canon IXUS 950is.

[carly]

Hi Rob,

I'd be interested in how your friend gets on with the DX-1G, I'm looking at getting a new compact and at the moment this is the closest match to what I'm after (fully manual controls, RAW and wide angle lens). It still close between that and the G9 with an Ikelite housing, but the wider angle lens on the GX-100 means at the moment its just in front. Although I don't plan to get this until after Xmas so there's still plenty of time to change my mind several times!

Thanks,

Carly