Looking for rental compact

So i would like to get 1 or 2 new rental cameras.

I currently have 2 Oly 3040s in Tetra housing, these require an external strobe and are bulky, not good for the average play around diver.

I also have 1 Nikon 4300 with a Fantasea housing, not impressed with it either. The housing does not have an on/off switch nor does it let you turn the flash on/off...

The problem with both of these cameras is that the batteries need to be changed out after every dive. As you can imagine i get a bit nervous letting these cameras go out and letting someone change the battery! Not good

So, what i am looking at for new cameras is:

1 - a battery that will last for 2 dives

2 - small, compact housing

3 - internal flash

4 - add on red filter

5 - inexpensive!!!!!

6 - 4 or 5 mp is fine

7 - On/off switch and all controls accessable

8 - does not need full ability of shutter and aperture, but does need a +/- for exposure compensation

I think the biggest thing is the battery and inexpensive, preferably less than $500 for the whole kit, camera and housing.

I don't need the latest and greatest, these are for rent and will get knocked around.

Any ideas? I have no brand loyalty....

Hi Mike,

Some time ago, I discussed with a guy who has quite a number of digtal P&S for rent on the GBR. He used Sony DSC-T3, I think, and was pretty happy with them.

This camera seems to fit your description and your budget.

Cheers,

Mat

Soo, ordered a Canon A520 and Canon housing. Both for $388 from Adorama! Cheap....

Was thinking of the Sony's but couldn't find a camera that fit one of the housings, seems the housings are out of date except for the T33 which was out of stock..

Hopefully the Canon is ok, anybody got one?

M

Tried it out a couple of weeks ago. Not much shutter lag and rich colours. Also, the shop from which I always buy my camera stuff had just got a couple hundred of those in, so I'd say it is a good choice...

Mat

I've been using the Canon A series Powershot cameras for years. Started with the A20, and have made it as far as the A80 at this time.

I'm very happy with the cameras - good bang for the bucks that you pay - I'm sure you'll agree when you get a chance to test it that it's good for someone who doesn't want to spend $3000 on a setup, yet still wants decent photos.

Kim

Thanks for that Matt and Kim, sounds good.

I think you can't go wrong

One of the five photos I just had in published in Melbourne's Sunday age Travel section (the photo was printed at A4 size) was from the Canon A70 3.2MP