digital underwater cameras

[daffydoc69]

I have done alot of research into underwater cameras.  Most people say to stay away from the Sealife setups.  I have researched canon, sony and olympus.  I would like one with a large amount of zoom.  I've noticed that they have popup internal flashes and no ports for strobe setups.
Any suggestions for a good underwater digital camera, housing and strobe?

[louis]

You are correct about SeaLife.  Both Canon and Olympus compact digital cameras do very well underwater. Long zoom lenses do not do well underwater and in most cases can not be put in a housing because of the extension of the zoom lens hits the front port and damages the zoom mechanism.  Look at the Canon SD-800 or SD-900 as a starting point. There are several flash units that work well with these cameras and housings. Check out the Epoque DS150 and the Fantasea Nano-Flash for example.  For more money and more features the Ikelite Housings and flash units do even more. You can find most of that information on this website or go dirrect to the Ikelite, Canon, or Olympus sites for more information. Thank you for asking.