We want to take our digital camera and use it for our dives, but it will cost $500 to buy a housing for it - and we just don't dive often enough to justify that amount. Do any of the dive shops or photography stores on the island rent housings?

Thanks. Carlea

I can't say I've seen housings alone rented, but you never know.

Personally, if I were running a shop I'd be concerned that someone renting only a housing from me might set up the housing wrong, flood their camera and then blame the housing and try to sue. But then again, I'd also be concerned that someone rent both a camera and housing from me, set up the housing wrong, and kill one of my cameras.

I guess that's why I'm not running a shop renting camera equipment.

Another thought: I think the shops in Bonaire would be hard-pressed to stock every conceivable housing for every camera put out. It may be that they stock some and rent some, but not necessarily one for your camera.

Your best bet may be to get the names of shops and contact them directly.

When shopping for a digital camera that you plan to dive with ... its a really good idea to look at what housings are available. The after market housings are always more expensive, as you say. A housing for certain Sony, Canon, Olympus cameras is much less from the cameras manufacturer.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not sure how we'll proceed but I have a feeling we're just going to rent a camera down there. Thanks again. Carlea