Hi Ben,
I've had an ET-100 for about a year now. It is a good "learner" camera. My model doesn't have the mount for the external strobe, and that would make it definitely a better choice.
I dive in British Columbia wearing thick gloves and have found the controls easy to use...if you're in warmer water then you should have no trouble at all.
The built in flash is quite powerful on its own. I stuck a piece of black tape over the light sensor in the viewfinder to ensure that the flash fires at all apetures.
I've taken some nice pictures with this camera (see
http://ca.photos.yahoo.com/craigsterdiver). The underwater pictures are all taken with the ET-100 in cold, turbid Canadian water.
I'd say that the close up lens is an essential must have. The close up lens allows you to focus from 18 inches instead of 3 feet. The neoprene strap attaching mechanism is not too strong, and I've had to "modify" my lens to use thin bungee cord and clips to ensure the lens stays attached to the camera (especially if you're doing backroll entries or giant strides from dive boats).
Lack of a macro lens is a very significant limiting factor with this camera. There isn't a macro lens, and I've not heard of plans to develop one.
After one year with the Epoque I have bought a Sea & Sea MMII-ex with the attachment lenses and external strobes. I'd sell you my ET-100 with close up lens, carry case, extra o-rings, grease, extra battery cover, and sports finder for $200 US, but it lacks the ability to attach the external strobe.
Overall, the camera is easy to use, reliable, excellent optical quality given it's inherrent limitations. The additional external strobe is a must have (based on the experience of not having one), as is the close up lens. A good learning tool, but if you are serious about getting into UW photography the lack of a macro or wide angle lens will frustrate you sooner than later. Option for consideration (although more money) is the S&S MX-10, or even better the MMII-ex.
If you have questions, email me at
craigster@scubadiving.com, only happy to answer.
Craig Thomson
Victoria, BC
Canada
