Customer Reviews

Canon Waterproof Case WP-DC900 for Powershot A80

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This enclosure performs wonderfully with the Canon A80. You get full access to virtually all camera features while underwater. Buttons are easy to work and have good tactile feel. It is easy to switch between photo modes for changing conditions, though if you need to rotate the mode selector through 180 degrees, it will take a few twists of the knob. Framing photos and reviewing shots through the LCD display makes underwater photography a snap. Just remember to rotate the display so it is visible before you seal it up! This enclosure has high quality construction and feel.

You should be quite familiar with the camera before using this enclosure, as not all button labels are clearly visible through the enclosure, but I was able to competently handle everything I needed, including taking short video clips, after only a single above-water trial session with the camera instruction book.

Flash illumination with the A80 is adequate, but sub-optimal for deeper shots. As usual with built-in flash cameras, shallower photos and close-ups will result in better colors.

I am an avid snorkler and over the years I have used a variety of 35 mm point and shoot underwater cameras -- Canon and Minolta's Weathermatics. So I was excited to see what digital could do for underwater shots. Good news and BAD news.
The quality of the shots is excellent; look at the shot, looks horrible, put it in photoshop, Auto-Levels and BANG! Great color.
However, the big problem is the A-80's LCD . The housing covers the viewfinder, and there is no "sport-finder" (external finder). The LCD is totally unviewable in bright sun, which is necessary for decent underwater shots. A true Point and Pray. Really disappointing. Shooting moving targets is hard enough without even being able to put them in a viewfinder.

The case is well designed and laid out, expect for one major exception, The view finder is blocked and unusable. You must frame your pictures via the LCD, which while snorkeling is difficult if pointing the camera down to take a picture. We bought this to use on our trip to the Turks and Caicos, as it was used for a older A80 camera that is no longer our primary camera. We took about 100 pictures, most had to be taken while guessing what was in the frame. A few rare times we were able to aim in a more horizontal direction (as opposed to down with sun glare making the LCD usless) and those pictures were great. Definitely constructed well, but overall usability was OK.

I bought this case and used it on a week of snorkeling in the islands. Although it takes some time & practice to shoot photos while swimming around
the reefs, the photos I brought home wouldn't have been possible without it.

Also, this case allows you to use your camera in other wet or dirty conditions without fear of damage.
It also works with my Canon A95.

We took our new waterproof case on a trip to Mexico, where it got great use when we snorkled or just relaxed on the beach. Very easy to use, and put our minds at ease regarding getting sand in our Powershot.

No need to say a word! If you're a diver and like photographs, just buy it!