Panasonic DMC-FX35 or Canon SD870IS

I found Wetpixel a few weeks ago and have to say what a helpful community it is. I'm looking for some advice on compact cameras and housings. My Powershot A80 and Canon housing has reached end of life...

I was going to buy the Canon SD870IS with another Canon housing but then saw that the new Panasonic DMC-FX-35 comes with a 25mm equivalent wide angle lens.

I only dive a couple of times a year so I'm after something to capture the moment rather than win competitions. Much as I'd like to get a housing for my trusty Nikon D70 I can't justify the cost, weight or bulk.

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with either of these cameras and how much difference will the 25mm wide end make? is the existence of the canon CHDK firmware reason enough to go with the Canon?

Are there any other cameras I should be considering?

Thanks for your help

Tom

Hi Tom..

I am not familiar with either offering you have listed but i would look for the following options.

full manual settings and manual white balance capabilities.

if both of these offer both of those then i would say its a toss up i would think. however, you may also look into which one has more options available to it such as wide angle or macro conversion lenses. i don't think the WA of the Panny is that big a deal when add on WA lenses are an option as well.