camera advice for a newbie!

[The Publisher]

The Canon G9 and G10 are quite well regarded. Same goes for the Olympus cameras. I think Canon's have an underwater setting which adds reds to the photo, which really helps.

I prefer a mechanical zoom to a digital one. Get as close to the subject as possible for the best color, and as long as you are close enough, use the flash where it always triggers, whether needed or not.

I know many have the Canon G9 and now 10 in an Ikelite housing, which allows them to later buy an add on strobe which really makes a difference, but you don't have to get a strobe right away, but the housing will support it.

[greenturtle]

Welcome! If you're into this long term, G10 would be a good buy. You can upgrade and add strobes along the way. I've seen divers using G10 and the photos are very pretty!

BTW, I'm just using a compact HP (what's that!? camera with an underwater casing, works for me since I dive only couple of times a year.

[acelockco]

....in an Ikelite housing, which allows them to later buy an add on strobe which really makes a difference, but you don't have to get a strobe right away, but the housing will support it.

Just so everyone knows, you don't have to get the strobe right away, but you should if you can afford to. It makes a HUGE difference in your photo quality, especially if the other option is a built in flash. Backscatter- caused by the flash reflecting off small particles in the water will ruin your photos, a strobe is on an angle which helps to reduce or eliminate this problem.

Just as an example, I have a housing that uses disposable 27 exposure cameras. When using it without the strobe the photos really are just a waste of time, however when I use that same setup with a strobe the photos really come out really nice.

Just my $.02

[rusejery]

Hi acelockco.
You described it nicely and the use of strobe function is very helpful and awesome..