INTRODUCTION
I used to own the Canon Prima AS-1 many years ago, back in 1996. I lost it during my trip to Pulau Tioman of Malaysia. It was a pity as it is a very low priced camera, which I can use underwater.
Although I have lost my unit, I still able to get hold of one as a few of the members in my photography club have it too. The low cost associated with the Canon Prima AS-1 make it a very popular camera for underwater photography. I have no plan to purchase it again, as I am looking at the like of Nikon Nikonos model now.
The Canon Prima AS-1 was release back in April 1994, and during that time, it was simply one of the best value for money for this sort of purposes.
BUILD
The Canon Prima AS-1 has a strong and waterproof body. It has the capability to go underwater to as low as 5m.
The shape and size of the Canon Prima AS-1 is very bulky and ugly, not so much to my personal liking. But considering most underwater camera look rather similar due to the extra protection needed, I have not much to complain.
FOCUSING
Above water, the Canon Prima AS-1 uses a 3 points Smart Autofocus with near infrared beam. But when underwater, it is using a fixed focus.
FEATURES
The Canon Prima AS-1 also provides the following features
1) Panorama
2) Built in Flash
3) Autodate Function
LENS
The Canon Prima AS-1 employs the Canon fixed focal length lens of 32mm f3.5 (6 elements in 6 groups)
QUALITY TEST
I still remember when I first got the Canon Prima AS-1 back in 1996, it was recommended by the chairman of my photography club. I am still a student then, so I guess that is why we are recommended with a cheaper priced unit, and not the better Nikon Nikonos models.
After so many years, I have no impression how much did I pay for it then.
The Canon Prima AS-1 is a very simple and easy camera to use. In fact, it is just a point and shoot camera. I just need to flip and scan through the manual to get myself going with the camera. If you are confident and experience enough, you might not even need the manual at all.
The layout of the Canon Prima AS-1 is easy to understand and use. It does not have the complex layout of SLR cameras, so most users will not be frighten off by the Canon Prima AS-1.
The shape of the Canon Prima AS-1 is well designed for easy handling. Although rather bulky when compared to other point and shoot cameras, it does not give me much problem to shoot in any position, be it vertical or horizontal, it is as easy.
I have tried the Canon Prima AS-1 on both above water and under water.
When used above water, the camera will allow 3 points Autofocus. Developing the photos, it shows no different from any point and shoot cameras. The only plus point is that it is using Canon lens.
When transferred to under water, it will be switch to fixed focus. Using it under water is not as easy as it is above water. Maybe it is due to my inexperience to shoot underwater, especially if you have to hold your breath underwater.
The Canon 32mm f3.5 lens provided in the Canon Prima AS-1 is generally okay in quality. Pictures taken are of good quality, if not excellent.
The Canon Prima AS-1 provides a Built in flash, which fire automatically when needed during low light situation. I am not impressed by the flash capability, which offers a low Guide No. of only 7.5.
Another interesting and useful function provided by the Canon Prima AS-1 is the capability to shoot panorama. It is very useful when underwater, as well as on land.
SUMMARY
If underwater photography is not your main photography emphasis, the Canon Prima AS-1 is more than capable for the need comes. The strong body makes it very lasting, and with great care taken after every underwater usage (especially sea water), it will not get damage that easily.