If you're in the market for an underwater camera system and do not already have a camera, shop for the underwater housing and strobes first. Although there are many fine cameras available, only a few lend themselves well to underwater photography. These are the models for which manufacturers make the most housing and underwater accessories.

If you already have a camera, your options include buying an underwater housing – if one exists – having one custom-made, and investing in a separate camera and housing for underwater use. When you select a camera system, be sure you have available:

• a strobe
• the widest-angle lens possible for diver/general pictures, and/or
• a close-up lens for macro photos (shots of tiny creatures)