New Digital

Hi, I have never tried any underwater photography before (apart from a bit with a disposiable) but now I am starting to think about getting a proper camera that i can use underwater.

To start of with this is just to be used in a photography project in a swimming pool/lake but this sumer I am going on to do my open water and already do alot of snorkling (to quite reasonable depths).

For this I am looking to get a camera which I can control the shutter speed and apature although set it to auto if I just want to snap for a bit.

I do however want it to go to reasonable(ish) depths for when I get my open water (nothing to serious though).

Looking for over 8mp hopefully and reasonably compact and stylish but with a good waterproof housing.

Basically I don't even know which company to start looking with and I was wondering which you guys think is the best I can get on a £500 budget (for camera and housing).

Thanx in advance for all the help.

there had been a number of discussion thread about the Canon G7 or Alex Mustard just reviewed the Fujifilm (but no shutter speed/aperture control though)

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19755&hl=

MJ

As a personal opinion, i like Canon A series cameras, they have full manual if you like.

I really like my A610, it uses AA batts which last a really long time if you use Nimh rechargeables.

I believe the A640 is the newest. The Canon housing is fairly robust as well.

Oly, Fuji, and Nikon are all popular as well.

All of the above also come with Ikelite housings if you are looking for something a little more flexible as a housing.

Sea and Sea has also just released a new 10mp camera