After looking at all the various makes and models of P/S cameras out there I finally decided (with permission) to get a Canon G7. I spent several trips to Kitamura Camera Shop here in Japan looking at it and was very impressed with its operation and various bells and whistles. The manual mode to adjust shutter speed, aperture, exposure etc are quick and easy to see. I was able to accomplish the "black background" effect I read about here on Wetpixel with ease almost instantly in the store and now, around the yard looking at bugs and flowers. For me as a consumate novice this was very pleasing! The LCD screen is very detailed and easy to see in direct sunshine as well.
I called Ryan at Reef Photo and ordered the Ikelite housing and DS51 strobe package as well. Unfortunately I will have to wait for several weeks for that to make its way across the Pacific and am very much looking forward to the day it arrives. The whales are singing right off the shore right now and the turtles are also nearby, with the water temp already at 70-72 its a great time to be in the water.
Anyway, just wanted to share my good news! Woohoo! 
p.s. the camera was 46000 yen if anyone is looking at prices
