I know 3 people that use the olympus 770sw. they all seem to like it and it takes nice pictures. I don't know what the cost is but I think it's reasonable.

I have the Olympus 770sw and it does take great underwater pics. The main problem that I have is the reflection on the screen when you are trying to focus in on your picture. I've been wanting to buy the Liquid Image Snorkel Mask, but I haven't found it available anywhere. It is a snorkel mask with a built-in camera. I'd be curious to check it out and see how the quality of the photos are.

Not sure what you mean by "exorbitant amount of money" but, you can get a digital camera plus underwater housing for less than $100 if you're patient.

I bought a Fuji FinePix A500 which is a 5.0 megapixel off ebay for around $50 (I think it had never been used). Fuji makes an underwater case for it that you can get for less than $50. I know they have ONE at the Captain's Corner store (Sparky's) in St John, because the manager showed it to me when I asked about underwater disposables, but they're often offered on ebay, too. Somebody else makes an underwater case, but stick with the one made by Fuji. At one time, some camera store was selling both camera and housing, but the bidding usually went a little over $100. The housing is called an aquamask.

The camera w/housing is good for 10ft. Fine for most snorkeling.

I'm pretty sure I googled this camera and the housing before I made my purchase, and I'm pretty sure I read favorable reviews somewhere. Since I've had the camera for a few months now, I don't remember all the details.

BUT, I haven't used it yet! If/when I do, maybe I'll report results on this forum.

The Sealife DC 600 is a solid performer underwater, and can also be used topside. Make sure to always use an external strobe underwater. (tu)

Thanks everyone! This information is all very helpful. We will be in St. Thomas March 8-14, and I hope to get some great pictures, both above the water and under!

The Olympus 790SW is on sale at Office Max (St Thomas) this week for $294.99, plus it looks like you get a free Epson 3-in-1.

I've been researching these cameras also. I've been thinking about either the Olympus or the Pentax Optio W10 or W30. The Pentaxes are less expensive.

The Olympus 790 is cheaper on Amazon. At least it was when I bought in before Christmas.

Our kids gave us the Olympus 790SW for Christmas. We used it when we were on St. John in January. We were a little nervous to use it underwater at first, but then discovered that it worked great. As said by an earlier poster it does take a bit getting use to the reflection on the screen, but that was the only complaint I had. For under 270 and simplicity it was great!

I use this camera and the underwater housing and have had great results. I found the housing on Amazon for $48. The same one from a retail outlet in Europe was over $200 - go figure.

VI Bound, what's the "this camera?"

Sorry about that - must have had a "brain cramp". I use a FujiFilm F700 with an underwater housing that I purchased through Amazon for about $48 plus shipping.

Thanks. Maybe one day we can compare F700 vs A500 pix!

Thanks to everyone for your help! This certainly has helped me narrow my search.

Aren't there disposable one's also available? I can't afford to buy a $300 camera while I paying for the vacation at the same time.

If you're looking for disposable cameras there are plenty on the market. Over the years we have tried a variety. Fuji makes one that is pretty cheap (less than $10). However, I have found that the Kodak Sport (around $12) does a better job and the lense doesn't get scratched as easy. Although they are hard to find.

You can find the underwater disposables at many of the souvenir and water sports stores in St Thomas. KMart usually has them, too. Kodak brand.

The Fuji digital cameras with underwater housing are less than $100, and you'll only have to print the good photos so you'll save a bundle on photo processing. If you buy several disposables and process them, you could have purchased a permanent digital and housing. You just have to have the patience to wait for a good deal.

Question about these digital underwater cameras: When they say the cameras can "withstand up to X minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth up to X meters" - can they be in longer than said time if the camera is not on continuously? I'd like one for snorkeling, but I wouldn't keep it on the whole time in the water, but typically am in the water more than say 30 minutes at a time. I'm thinking about an Olympus SW or Pentax W.

Thanks for your help!

if your snokleing you don't have to worry because you have to come up for air. Diving would be another problem.