Canon SureShot A1
Introduced in 1994 the SureShot A1 was also know as the Prima AS-1 in Europe and the Autoboy D5 in Japan.
Not long ago I shot the SureShot WP-1. As I researched the WP-1, I found the A-1 with some confusion between the two.
Only physical difference I can see is the red grip vs a black grip and a fish for the macro icon vs a flower icon. Otherwise they look and feel like the same camera to me. Even the water/weather seal looks the same. For the ones I have the A-1 was built in Taiwan and the WP-1 was built in China.
As I mentioned in my WP-1 entry, the manual for both are online and the WP-1 clearly states that it is not a water camera and the A-1 says it is good to 5 meters. So what is the deal? Are they the same or truly different cameras? Did they get too many people flooding them and backed off the waterproof claim? I know form scuba diving that even at the surface a bad seal can cause a camera to flood and keeping them clean is critical. At even at a shallow depth, a grain of sand is enough to compromise a seal.
My Take:
I like the WP-1 and feel the same about the A-1. This is a simple to use take along camera. It is not the smallest camera I have but it may be the one I would most trust to take the abuse of a visit to the beach. When I shot the WP-1 it was winter so it saw snow, rain and a dunk a hot tub to test. With the A-1 I had a better chance to test the water use. I took it to the beach and make sure to take it snorkeling and free dive down to test it. No leaks and a great water point and shoot camera.
If you have a use for a go to the beach, go for a swim, shoot in the rain, take on an adventure and not worry - point and shoot: may I recommend the SureShot A-1 (or WP-1 maybe). If you find a working one grab it, clean the seals and go get wet. If you have one you don't want send it to me. If someone knows the real story behind the A-1/WP-1, let me know so I can sleep at night.
Lens: fixed Canon 32mm f3.5
Film: FujiColor 100