difference in Canon Models A, SD

Want to go from a SEA&SEA MMII EX to digital. A friend has a Canon SD700IS, which takes great pics.

Read that a Powershot A710 IS takes very good pics, but don't know if this is as good for an underwater

pic as the SD700IS. Any other models applicable would be appreciated. My husband is a beginner in digital.

The big difference between the "SD" models and the "A" models is that the SD models are automatic exposure only, while the A models have the ability to shoot in manual mode which will allow you to have independent control over shutter speed and aperture.

Having independent control over strobe output, shutter speed and aperture are keys to getting the right exposure underwater.

You may want to take a look at the A570, or the G9, or even the DX-1G from Sea and Sea as well. These all have manual mode. I recommend these cameras because they also have the ability to use wide angle attachment lenses, which are key to any attempt at shooting something bigger than a basketball effectively underwater.

The A570 in the Canon housing will allow use of the Inon lenses. The G9 with an Ikelite housing and the short port upgrade will allow use of 67mm threaded wide angle lenses. The DX-1G from Sea and Sea has a bayonet mount on the front of the housing to accept the Sea and Sea wide angle lens.

Ikelite have a housing for the A710 that will take wide angle lenses. I would chose a camera with manual controls over one of the SD cameras if you haven't purchased one already.

Best regards,

Jim

Thanks very much for this info. That helps alot. Haven't puchased a camera yet and it may be a few months before we do. I'm trying to do as much research as possile. Thanks again.

The difference in "A" and "SD" has been outlined spot on. Will you have more control over your images if you have a camera with manual controls? Yes. Can you still take good images with a "SD"? Yes. Can you add a strobe and lenses? Yes. Do you have control of a strobe? Yes?, on the strobe. Do you have two steps +- of exposure control in the camera? Yes. You can take good images with an SD. Will it grow with you if your interests grow in the hobby? No. Would it be an acceptable back-up for the unforeseen failure of a better kit? Yes. Is it a good platform to learn the diving side of good underwater photography? Yes.

YMMV

Jeff

P.S. Our Zenfolio page below has a 2007 Bonaire folder which was taken with a Canon SD 700 IS

I have the Canon A570IS with Canon WP-DC12 housing and have had no problems with this setup at all. Have only had this setup for a few months and am very pleaseed with my purchase. Used it for the first time whilst diving in bali back in October and very happy with picture quality. This is my first underwater camera and find it very easy to use. I would however buy the Canon WW-DC1 weight set, as I found camera is positively bouyant, have only just added these weights to the housing and camera is a lot easier to dive with now.