I would by my gear in this order (the big stuff anyway):
- Mask, Snorkel, Fins
- Dive skin
- Wetsuit (3mm jacket and 3mm farmer john, in that order)
- B/C
- Regulator & Octopus (I recommend air integrated inflator)
- Nitrox Computer
- Weights
- Tanks
- Everything else
The 3mm jacket/john will let you dive from April to October, and imo is much more versatile than a jumpsuit. It's also easier to get a good fit with a 2-piece. Henderson is the best in my opinion. The dive skin will make it much easier to don/doff, and will keep the jelly critters at bay during the warmer months.
You don't need the best bc you can afford, they're all pretty much the same. Make sure you get something that's weight-integrated, and has good pockets. The rest is just gravy. Don't get back inflate if you plan to do any surface work. They're great for photography underwater, but topside they tend to put you face-down.
Get the best regulator you can afford. Atomic Z2 is where I would start, but the B2 will give you the best of both worlds. (T2 is not worth the extra $$$ though) I also recommend Atomic frameless mask, Atomis "smoke on the water" fins w/spring straps. You will thank me for the spring straps after your first beach or boat dive.
Oceanic makes the best computers imho. Get the Geo and/or Veo 100nx unless you can afford something nicer. Oceanic is good in that they stand behind their products 110%, and their tables are not too liberal or conservative.
Don't give in to on-line temptation for the purchase of your regs or computers. In the long run, it's much, much better to get those items from an authorized LOCAL dealer, this is especially true with Atomic and Oceanic lines. They really, really stand behind their gear, and will often stretch the length and breadth of their warranties for stuff purchased from reputable dealers.
Wait until you're certified to get your camera gear. You need to be completely comfortable with your diving skills and buoyancy control before you muck about with a camera (AND ESPECIALLY A SPEARGUN).
When you get ready to buy a camera, find the best strobe you can afford, then save up another $300 and buy one better than the first. You can have a $3000 slr with a $3000 lens, and a $7000 housing, and I'll still take better pics than you because I have a better strobe. No joke. I really like the Inon D2000, but the Inon Z240 has all the latest bells and whistles and does not cost much more. I shoot a Canon A570IS with a hacked memory card, and a Canon housing. If I was going to buy a camera today, I'd go for the Canon G10, with a Canon housing and ULCS or Inon tray/arms. Ideally you would shoot with two strobes, but that's serious money and weight, and you need to be damn sure you want to take photos before investing in a second strobe.
Again, the camera is less important than the strobe in underwater photography.
Hope that helps.
-H
