Help choosing camera suitable for underwater use

[fishgirl]

I've been doing a ton of reading on-line, and think I have narrowed down my search to either the Olympus c770 or 7000. I like the size and speed of the 7000, but I really like the 10X optical zoom and versatility (e.g. additional lenses) of the 770. I also like that it's not too big (if it gets too clunky, I have to admit I won't use it).
My question is whether anyone has any other suggestions of cameras with a good zoom (5x or greater) that I should be looking at. I really like the looks of the Panasonic, but as it has no underwater housing I have to rule it out - I already have a Minolta that I love (3X optical, 4MP), but it has the same problem of no housing. If I am going to justify an upgrade, I want to make sure that an underwater housing is an option. Canon, Olympus and Nikon seem to be my best bets for that. Anyone have any thoughts? Thank you!

Holly

[D70FAN]

I've been doing a ton of reading on-line, and think I have narrowed down my search to either the Olympus c770 or 7000. I like the size and speed of the 7000, but I really like the 10X optical zoom and versatility (e.g. additional lenses) of the 770. I also like that it's not too big (if it gets too clunky, I have to admit I won't use it).
My question is whether anyone has any other suggestions of cameras with a good zoom (5x or greater) that I should be looking at. I really like the looks of the Panasonic, but as it has no underwater housing I have to rule it out - I already have a Minolta that I love (3X optical, 4MP), but it has the same problem of no housing. If I am going to justify an upgrade, I want to make sure that an underwater housing is an option. Canon, Olympus and Nikon seem to be my best bets for that. Anyone have any thoughts? Thank you!

Holly

You will have a tough time finding a 5X zoom DC with underwater case. Try the Canon -A75 or A85. They are smallish, 3X zoom, and have an underwater case available. AND you will use it in normal mamalian life as well.

[fishgirl]

Thank you! I did forget to mention that both the 770 and 7000 do have optional housings, which is why I'm considering them...

[ReF]

the canon S1 IS also has an underwater housing

[TheObiJuan]

the sony p-150 (3x) has a great 7.2mp sensor and has an optional high quality underwater case, filters, light strobes, and etc.

[Billiam]

Ikelite makes an underwater case for the Canon G6.

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/5can_g6.html

Definitely not a cheap combination, but it would give you a 4x zoom, a fast lens (f2 at wide angle) and plenty of pixels to allow cropping (or even a little digital zoom). A fast lens would be a very good thing underwater where light gets scarce.

[ReF]

hey Billiam, your last name doesn't start with a T does it? had a friend that I lost track of that I used to call "Billiam" but his first name was William.