Total rookie, here. I'm curious as to what depth the pics without strobes are taken. I'm about to invest in an underwater camera set up, and with the strobe, I'm lookin' @ about $900.00.
For that price you might want the Canon S90 with the Ikelite housing and dual AF35 strobe set in this link:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/canon-corner/319754-s90-ike-housing-w-20-a.html
The Ikelite AF35 strobe can be set up as a double strobe or single. It is a somewhat simple strobe but priced well and it obviously works.
That would be my choice for 900 dollars and a bit more.
It is very difficult to take underwater photos with a "pure" automatic typical pocket camie. Of course, the poor photos they produce are offset often by excellent video modes. It seems most of the fully controllable cameras have lesser video modes because it is assumed photographers will buy them, not videographers, while the cute little pink and green and snappy looking little pocket camies are meant for the you-tube folks who shoot lots of video clips and a few party pics.
If you want to have the flexibility to shoot in varied conditions you need exposure compensation at least in an easily accessible mode and preferably full manual control. The tiny little S90 can do both. It has the same sensor and processing engine as the G11 and full RAW capability and a faster lens and a larger LCD.
Sure you can take good photos without an external strobe, you can, but, I cannot, I am not so good, I admit, I cannot. It is hard enough with a strobe set. With a strobe it becomes a matter of skill, without a strobe it seems more a matter of pure luck.
Comparative size of typical P&S housings, Canon type, Ikelite "box" type and the new FIX90. Of note is that the Ikelite for the S90 is not the box type but a smaller molded case.
Ikelite AF35, single or double strobe kit:
http://www.ikelite.com/af35/autoflash.html
I would prefer the more expensive Inon D or S2000 but they are more expensive, more power, more coverage, more control, more capability all around.
Just a side note that applies to many things, you can run out and buy the first thing you see and maybe save some money and then spend more money and time trying to make it do what you want or do some research ahead and then buy the "item" that has the capability to do what you want straight up front. So, you have to identify the features that you need first and then look at your budget. It is my favorite saying, "some people will go to any expense to save a dollar" and ultimately those folks are dejected and sore headed at their achieved outcome.
Good luck to you.
N
