Good starter camera?

[Sonic04GT]

I currently have an S3 IS and an SD600 but I am looking to get a new digital camera to use mainly for casual shooting underwater, nothing serious. I intend to get an OEM Canon housing with it as well.

What's a good point and shoot for use underwater? I also intend for this to be my anywhere camera so it can't be too big.

I am interested in the SD990 and the SD780 which does HD video. The G10 is also pretty appealing but is that more camera than I need?

Any body have some sample amateur photos they took with a Canon point-and-shoot with one of their housings and integral flash?

 

[stadevene]

I think you already have the answer to your question - the S3. While I never got the housing for it, it's a great little bridge camera that seems to tick all your boxes. I believe Ikelite used to make a good housing for it and you might be able to find a deal on it now. If all you're after is a camera for casual use, the S3 will do the job and will cover off your above water needs too.

 

[I Dive]

I love sealife cameras, they make great land cameras and have a nice compact housing for undewater use that allows full functionality. I've heard of some housings not allowing access to certain camera features but don't have that problem with my SL.

 

[diver 85]

maybe a A720 or A590 from Canon----saying that if you can a 570, grab it.....IMO

 

[under water]

The pictures on this page Fish and this one Invertebrates were taken with a SD700IS in a Canon UW case using built-in flash. You can see the shadow cast by the housing in most of the pix. If you get pretty close you can take great pictures. I found them to be better than the S1 that I was using previously. I have since upgraded to the G9 and find that even better, but the SD700IS (or a newer version) can take great pictures.

 

[Sonic04GT]

The only reason I wasn't using the S3 is Canon doesn't make an OEM housing for it, only for the S5 and didn't want to spend more than $200 on one. I'll look into Ikelite.