Advice on equipment?

[Diver Dennis]

Hi iDiveChick. I use a Canon Rebel XT or 350D which is only 8MP. The new Rebel XTi has 10MP. I haven't posted any photos here but I do have a lot on another board you could take a look at. Rebels are relatively cheap, it's the housings and strobes that are expensive. The D200 is very nice but a lot more $$$.

As far as lenses, I've never seen flip down macro. I use a 10-22mm wide angle and a 100mm macro. I do have a Woody. Woody's diopter that is, it is a wet mount lens that I use shooting macro. Inexpensive and it works well. I'll post some photos here later.

[Mike V]

D200 is a great camera, you will definitely be happy with it.

Lenses, i would start with the 60mm for macro and fish portrait type photos. Then add a WA zoom for some flexibility, say the Sigma 10-22. Or if you want one "do it all" lens i would suggest the Sigma 17-70mm, it has a macro setting so that is good.

The flip down macro is something similar to what Dennis is referring to, a Woody Diopter that fits on the front of the flat port and can be taken on and off underwater. But i wouldn't worry about that quite yet. Start with two lenses and go from there, one macro and one wide.

I would suggest the Inon 240 or Ikelite DS125 for strobe.

Housing: what sort of budget and where do you live? Recommendations will differ if you are in Europe or N. America

And of course... you should really enroll in a photo class so you can learn to use it all! Your local dive shop might have one or you can go on location to any number of places, many pros offer on location workshops in prime areas.

[Sarah]

I'm in Southern California. I want a high quality housing as they should last.

[Diver Dennis]

Hi Mike! Mike taught me how to take photos in Nov. 2005 in Yap. I also went to his terrific photo workshop in Bali last November. It was so good, we signed up again for October this year. Great course, wonderful location.

A good photo course is what I would recommend to anyone starting out in U/W photography and Mike is one of the best.

[Mike V]

being in the US i would contact Ryan Canon at www.reefphoto.com he can put a great package together for you. He is in Florida

I would suggest Aquatica, Sea and Sea, or Nexus as high quality products that are not over the top in price.

You can also look at www.backscatter.com in Monterey or www.h2ophotopros.com in LA. If you are close to LA i highly suggest going to someplace like h2o and getting your hands on some of these housings. Different sized hands and the balance of rigs etc is pretty important. They will let you try out several housings on a rental/try out basis.

Best thing with a dedicated shop is you have help right there when you need it

[jonix]

you want beers to go with the advice?