Canon PowerShot A520/WP-DC60 review

My intention was to take underwater photos during a dive holiday in Egypt. I already owned a Nikon D100, but did not like the risk and costs involved in taking this camera underwater, so I looked for a cheaper solution.

After studying information of the Internet on the subject of underwater photography, I decided to buy the Canon PowerShot A520 and the matching underwater housing, the WP-DC60. An important reason for this choice was the camera's special underwater setting, which helps to correct the lack of red (SCN Underwater Mode).

Canon PowerShot A520

The Canon PowerShot A520 is a very compact digital camera and has a nice rounded body, which feels sturdy and gives a feeling of high quality. Starting up the camera is quick: it takes less than two seconds to extend the 4x optical zoom lens and activate the LCD. The image sensor is a 4-megapixel type, more than enough resolution to replace a film camera.

The camera could do with a few minor improvements, but offers value for money and delivers excellent results. Despite its compact size, the A520 has an extensive range of features and this makes it a real all-rounder.

Canon WP-DC60 Underwater Housing

The Canon WP-DC60 has a sturdy construction, and features buttons that handle very well, both above and under water. The camera fits tightly in the housing and an audible click confirms the correct impermeable sealing. The plastic cap does a fine job of keeping out the sun of the LCD at shallower depths. Silicon grease is included for O-ring maintenance.

The set has a positive buoyancy when not using extra accessories; additional weights (WW-DC1) must therefore be added to keep the set from floating to the surface.

A minor issue is the yellow shutter release button: it must be pressed quite deep before a photo is taken. In some cases this results in being to late to capture a moving fish or a blurred photo caused by camera shake.

Sunpak G-Flash Strobe

Many websites discuss the subject of having too little light under water, and suggest buying an external strobe for better results. Taking my budget into account, I decided to buy the Sunpak G-Flash.

In my experience, a strobe is indeed a necessity when going deeper than 15 meters, but do not require the strobe at shallower depths as the sun provides sufficient light there (well, at least in Egypt that is). The strobe's pre-flash setting does its job excellent, even without optical cable between de camera and strobe, and never misses a shot. The included batteries did not get me many flashes, but using good NiMH batteries can last me the whole day.

Summary

The A520/WP-DC60 set delivers the results I was hoping for and is certainly value for money. The Sunpak G-Flash does a nice job and is a nice addition to the set.

Reviewer: Ralph Oudenbroek

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