Underwater Photography

[Chrisfish]

Greetings All!

This question is for anyone that knows about, has or enjoys underwater photography!

I want to get into underwater photography. I recently bought a cheap 35mm disposable underwater camera and was not impressed but the results, but hey, I only paid 100 bucks for it! I am into snorkeling and I really want to get into diving and may take my Padi course in the next few weeks. I was looking at spending 500 dollars or so.

I already have a canon S2 IS but understand that Canon will not be making an underwater housing for this camera, that sucks. But I have been thinking about two cameras and am very open to others that I may not know about and you do!

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemIndex_41/CategoryID_971/Context_965/Sort_Price/DescSort_1/SLFDC5P.html

The SeaLife DC500 ProSet looks really good. Is 3X zoom enough underwater? It seems really tough to find a camera with more than that. Also, would it be worth buying the external flash with it? that adds on another 150 bucks..

the other is the

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/ItemIndex_60/CategoryID_971/Context_965/Sort_Price/DescSort_1/BONSP6.html

The Bonica Sea Pix 5.25 looks pretty similar to the Sealife model.. 3X zoom, 5mp, similar screen and depth rating. It also has the macro which is a nice touch.

If you read this far, thanks for your interest and if you have any advice about underwater pictures, it would be great if you could share it.

Thank you

Chris

[Chrisfish]

These links many be more helpful when looking at the specs of these cams.

http://www.sealife-cameras.com/cameras/dc500.html

http://www.bonicadive.com/webpages/Sea-Pix.html

thks.

chris

[TheObiJuan]

why not sell your camera and get a digital camera with an optional water housing?
It seems that would be most cost effective.
I had the sony p150 with the underwater housing and got excellent results.