Hi all,

I’m looking for a good compact digital camera (P&S;), high image quality, RAW format available, and reasonably fast shutter (small shutter lag).  Currently, the consensus seems to be that the Olympus SP350 is the best available compromise.  I appreciate any input people may have.

Thanks,

JD

Out of the box, the Olympus SP350 is one of the few compacts that support RAW.  Also have a look at the Olympus SP550.  I’m not sure if the 350 is still available - it doesn’t appear on Oly’s site in Australia (which is relevant for me, but probably not for you!).

If you are feeling brave you could consider a camera that doesn’t support RAW out of the box, but has been hacked.  There are a number of hacks available on the net, that give cameras like the Canon Powershot A640 RAW capability.  Of course, the manufacturer does not support them, and it probably invalidates your warranty.  Let the user beware..!

As to fast (i.e. low shutter lag), I am yet to be convinced of much difference between cameras.  I have used an Olympus Stylus 400, Sony DCR-P150, Canon Powershot A85 and a Canon Powershot S70 underwater, and frankly, I couldn’t tell you which camera has the lowest shutter lag.  If you habitually pre-focus your shot, I think any differences are beyond human detection.  I have noticed differences in the time cameras take to focus though.  Out of the cameras I have used, I have found the Canon’s the quickest and most consistent at focussing, with the Olympus second, and the Sony the slowest / least effective.

Just my 4c worth!

The next question is ... is there a decent P&S;under $400 that has a housing available?  And I can use my existing YS90 strobes?

I can’t lug my d100 and titan on all dive trips - especially when going with kids.

We were looking at the Canon Powershot A570 IS - but no housing according to this website.

In the Canon Powershot range, the A540 has a housing, as does the A630 and A640.  I have seen some uw pics from an A640 that looked good.  The A710IS also has a housing.  This site is probably the best site on the net for finding which cameras have housings - just identify the cameras in your budget that suit your preferences and look them up!  The Canon range of P&S;cameras is quite well catered for with u/w housings, although there is a bit of a gap in the coverage around the A550, 560 and 570IS for some reason.

Oops - forgot about the strobe question:  I’m not too familiar with the Sea & Sea strobes, but I think it depends on the model of YS90 that you have.  The YS90DX works with digital P&S;cameras (although I think you need to attach the fibre optic cable to your housing in front of your camera’s strobe somehow, and also block the camera’s strobe.) Try the sea and sea website for more info - http://www.seaandsea.jp/products/strobe/index.html

Hope that helps!

On the topic of lugging u/w cameras around on overseas trips with kids in tow, I know a few photographers here in NZ who find it a whole lot easier when the travel with their kids because they can use (some of) the kids’ baggage allowance for their camera gear.