I am planning my 3rd trip to Bonaire in October and would like opinions about what would constitute a good beginning camera outfit for underwater digital photography--decent macro capabilities with reasonable portability...any suggestions for a novice would be appreciated!

Do a Keyword search at the bottom of this page. There has been a lot of discussion pertaining to different cameras so you should find the info you need.
Andy

Keith unless you have excellent to unbelievable buoyancy, like people comment on it to you, I would take a buoyancy clinic before picking up a camera. I had hundreds of dives before I ever snapped a picture underwater.