Description Designed for sports enthusiasts, the A-1 was engineered to perform under the toughest conditions. Beneath the Sure Shot A-1's rugged exterior lies an impressive array of sophisticated electronic ...
Summary Excellent camera for this price. Designed for nonprofessional underwater use. There is no digital equivelent today, unfortunately. After 3years of use, battery seal leaked during diving and saltwater damaged my camera. I was very unhapy.
Strengths rugged housing, wide lens, fast shutter, large viewfinder, ergonomic and easy to use
Summary This is an overseen little jewel from Canon,once you get hand of a good exemplary with a good sharp lens,youre sold.If youre that lucky to find one,Youll get very good pics,and you have done a lifelong investment.
Buy it.
Christian M Fisker
Strengths sharp though relaible strong versatile;
underwater and over
Summary The Canon A-1 is a tough camera that takes great pictures on land (as good as can be without zoom), and decent underwater pictures too. It takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Bought it for about $225 Cdn.
I've used this camera for casual use (around town, parties, etc.) and for outdoor use both in and out of the water. I've done lots of snorkelling with it on various trips. If you don't have good lighting from the sun, you won't get a clear picture. The flash does seem weak. But unless you get a professional underwater camera, you can't expect too much.
I never had a problem with it until my recent trip where I was snorkelling in salt water and it just stopped working while being used underwater. Water got in somehow and unfortunately its unrepairable.
Strengths Durable and rugged.
Great for trips as you can use it on land and underwater.
Picture quality on land has been quite good.
Fairly light. Size is a little on the big side compared to the newer cameras today, but it was easy to hold when taking pictures.
Weaknesses No zoom. Weak flash. The function dial could easily be bumped so the camera is on - just means you have to check it more often.
Similar Products Used None. I have used disposable underwater cameras (Kodak) which took decent pictures. I also own an Olympus Stylus Epic Zoom.
Customer Service I have an extended warranty through London Drugs (which has great customer service) which I recently have needed to use. I never had to deal with Canon directly for service.
Reviewed by Charles Lo
, Intermediate
, from Hong Kong
Price Paid $1200.00
at Camera Shop
Photography Experience 11-20 years
, People
Summary I got this camera for more than ten years. I bought it since I prefer to get a tough unit for sport. A reliable camera when you want to take snapshot or vacation with your family but you don't want to bring along with the standard 35mm camera. It is easy to use and now my daughter (7 years old) always get it to take photo for me.
Strengths Lower price and can have good quality picture 3R size. Tough in body and suitable for almost every occasion.
Weaknesses Flash seems not enough when taking photo under water
Customer Service Need forward back to the mtc center since mal-function in its data back. Not sure if it is the power issue.