we bought one of the first mx-10 cameras when we first started diving oh about 18yrs ago..wife took great pics..decided to go digital,didn't do research and spent about $1000 on a sea & sea system with the 2 strobes..pics have been very poor, no color, not clear...bad choice...wanting to buy before next trip in october..would like to have a max budj of $1500..preference would be with strobe and macro capability..need suggestions..did a search and didn't really find info i was looking for..hope this isn't too much repetitive info to ask for..haven't been on site in a while...thanks

I called Reef Photo for recommendations. Might want to give them a call. Very helpful. I ended up with the Canon G9 and an Ikelite case and am very happy with the results. Since I snorkel, didn't need the strobe at all. But if I need one in the future, the case can handle it. About $1K for the camera and case. Fully manual if you choose, with raw so you can post-process. Some photos below a few messages. No retouching done at all. I had the same experience renting a SeaLife last year while on Bonaire.

Monty you might want to explain what you are looking for. Are you a serious photographer (then go DSLR)? Serious novice (point and shoot)? Snapshots for your own enjoyment (low end point and shoot)?

I am in the second category and use a high end point and shoot without a strobe. This you can do for $500. The DSLR route will come in $1,500 on the low end to $3,000 depending on the glass you buy.