Underwater Camera Package

- Help with underwater camera purchase?
I am fairly new to underwater photography. I have an older Sea & Sea Dx 5000g setup, but unfortunately the battery leaked while in the camera. Camera still works but has tons of issues. So I am looking for a new setup and was wondering if it is better to get another complete camera package from somebody like Sea & Sea or get a housing made for something like a Nikon coolpix. Price wise it would definitely seem better to get a housing for a Nikon or something as the camera itself is rather cheap to replace versus a camera replacement from Sea & Sea(about $500 for a 10 MP) But when it comes to the cameras themselves are there any underwater picture quality advantages from a brand like Sea & Sea vs. a Nikon or Canon?

A Sea &Sea are pretty good cams. I Have as a backup the DX5 f35 mm film version. My primary rig is a Canon A710IS with the Ikelite housing and strobes. I think you need to ask yourself a few questions. 1/ If I buy a certain camera and then spend the bucks on the housing...what will I do if the camera fails when it's no longer in production but I have an expensive housing made specifically for that camera model? In my case..I bought two 710's. The price was right. The housing still cost more than both cameras combined. I have a back up for that housing..not a back up housing for that camera. Get the picture? 2/ Am I going to want access to all camera controls and be able to switch modes or fine tune images on the fly? If so...an all in one solution like an amphib cam may not be what you want. You'll pick a specific cam or similar cams and find a housing for it. You'll usually also have the ability to add to your system later. Strobes for example or video lights. You can get amazing video out of modern digital cams. 3/ Am I willing to spend the cash to support an underwater shutterbug habit for what I'll be using it for? Only you can answer that one. Bottom line..if you are looking for bang for the buck..an amphib like the Sea&Seas or Bonicas are right up that alley for a very reasonable price. If you're serious about your images then find the camera that has your requirements and then cross search in hopes there's a housing for it that's reputable. To get yourself started in that direction, hit Ikelite's site http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/1digital.html and then work backwards. Ikelite only makes housings for popular underwater cameras. If the camera is a stinker for underwater images...they won't make a housing for it. That simple. Work from that list and narrow down your manufacturer, price range and features required. Since Ikelite is one of the premier housing manufacturers...they do tend to keep on top of what''s hot and what's not as well as what works and what doesn't.

- canon g11 or rebel xti for underwater?
So i am really getting into more underwater photography while diving, and i currently own a canon rebel xti and a canon g11 (which i was using for underwater). Here is my question, i am looking to get a nikon for professional photography (no comments on that please....) and i was thinking about selling the g11 and making my rebel my underwater camera with a ikelight case and strobe. Is it going to be worth the 2500 bucks for the package? or should i just keep the g11 and sell the rebel and get a strobe for the g11? i can not decide which would be more worth it since i am not a "professional" yet in underwater photography although i am trying.

A you can consider Canon PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera * Waterproof to 33 feet, * cold resistant from 14-104 degrees (F) and shockproof up to 4 feet * DIGIC 4 Image Processor; * Evolved Face Detection Technology & Face Detection Self-timer * Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-D10-Waterproof-Stabilized/dp/B001SER460/?tag=ya-ans-camera-20 http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574865779&toolid=10001&campid=5336440665&customid=nktprk&mpre=http%3a%2f%2fshop.ebay.com%2fi.html%3f_nkw%3dCanon%2bPowerShot%2bD10%2b12.1%2bMP%2bWaterproof%2bDigital%2bCamera%26_sacat%3d0%26_dmpt%3dDigital_Cameras%26_odkw%3d.Canon%2bPowerShot%2bD10%2b12.1%2bMP%2bWaterproof%2bDigital%2bCamera%26_osacat%3d0%26bkBtn%3d%26_trksid%3dm270