HELP w/ digital camera & housing

joby:

Hi, we are going to buy our 1st digital camera. We are divers and want to use the camera for regular everyday pictures too. We now have a Pentax IQ Zoom that we've had for 15 years. It's still a good camera, we just think we want to go digital and be able to use it underwater too.

We want to use it topside and underwater. We want a great zoom feature, simple to use and a camera that will last us for the next 10 years or so.

Our local camera shop suggested the Canon S1 IS (~$299 locally). They say it has a great zoom w/ stablization, is reliable and easy to use. It is a 3.2 mp, but they say if we only want to use it for smaller than 8X10 then it will be fine.

I have looked at online sellers and found if for $60 less than locally. Is it wise to buy it online? What if you have trouble with it? Should we go w/ a Canon authorized dealer. Some sites say they are "an authorized dealer" but when I look them up on the Canon website they are not listed.

As for U/W housings--Canon has a housing for this camera. It is a WP-DC 20. Online I have found it for ~$158 and above. Same question--is it a good idea to buy it online? Should we go w/ an "authorized dealer"?

We had an inexpensive $99 Bonica Snapper that flooded this June in Cozumel on our 1st dive. It was the 3rd year we had used it.

Suggestions?

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alcina:

I haven't had any problems ordering online. I've used several companies and besides a dedicated camera place like B&H have found www.buydig.com very good to work with. Great delivery time, never high pressure add-on sales, items in good shape and as described.

Check out www.resellers.com for info on a particular company - be sure to READ the reviews as some people will give a bad review for things out a company's control.

Have fun!

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