Olympus or Canon ???

[flima]

Hello Folks,

Digital .... Olympus or Canon ?!

I am new to this and am trying to make up my mind about one versus the other.
At some point I went to Sony's website and saw one there.
But then figured that Sony is not really a 'player' in this field.

Anyway .... suggestions, opinions, 2 cents, stories .... are all welcome!

Thanks,
- Fred

 

[Dee]

I think Scubatooth answered your question in this thread....

http://www.scubaboard.com/t41343/s.html

 

[Saturation]

Digital cameras are very close in capability for the same megapixel, which models among Olympus or Canon are you comparing?

Which diving cases are you comparing? What's the depth rating?
What's your budget?

Semi-pro to pro photos using digital cameras require a big outlay of bucks, and www.echeng.com is a whiz at this. It will lead you to www.wetpixel.com for the high end stuff.

If you're not going high end, then its just a question of balancing dollars for picture quality.

If you're looking for a basic point and shooter, no fuss, the Canon A60 with its case is more than adequate for recreational scuba.

READ THE WARRANTY carefully, digital cameras flooded in salt water can amount to a total loss and Canon voids new camera warranty once taken underwater, even in their cases, even if brand new. If you buy flood insurance, typically $100/year, its a lot of reocurring expense.

Olympus has just released a set of weatherproof digitals, its just a step away from reasonably waterproof cameras. Its not that you'd dive these cameras without a case, but if water does enter the case, the camera is more likely to survive getting slightly wet.

 

[Craigus]

Flima:

Yah, there's been a lot written on this board about Oly's and Canons - as well as other brands.

We opted for the Canon S50 with the Canon housing. We did also spring for an external strobe. Not only does it make for a good underwater camera. It takes awesome surface shots as it's a compact full featured camera. If full featured scares you a bit, you can just start by using it on the automatic settings and then begin to experiment with the various settings. You can spend less, but that really depends on how long you think you'll want to keep your camera and how much you will be using it - and will you be using it topside as well as underwater.

You won't go wrong with either of these brands. Good luck!

Let's get wet!! :tree: :tree: :tree:

Eric.