Waterproof Camera or Underwater Casing?

[dangergoinoff]

Just wondering if anyone with any experience with either waterproof camera's or underwater casings can offer some advice.

We are heading to Puerto Morelos in Mexico in June and plan on doing a fair bit of snorkelling while we are there.

My wife needs a new camera before we go so we will be buying one regardless but I was wondering if people thought we would be better buying something like a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT1 or an Olympus MJU 6010 for underwater shots or would a better option be to get a DiCapac SLR waterporoof pack for my K-7 and just get her a canon P&S that doesn't go near water?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[PhotoXopher]

If you've never done underwater photography before I'd just get some disposables and enjoy yourselves.

1. Don't shoot toward the sun.
2. If you have flash, don't aim it in front of you.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

How about these?
'Waterproof' Camera Group Test (Q2 2009) Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

 

[dangergoinoff]

How about these?
'Waterproof' Camera Group Test (Q2 2009) Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Yeah as I said we would be looking at either something like that or something to encase my camera.
If we buy one of the waterproof P&S's we want it to still be a decent camera for above ground shots as well otherwise it is a very expensive camera to buy for 2 weeks use.

 

[dhilberg]

Underwater housings are usually pretty expensive. Not sure about your Pentax, but I can't find one under $1500 for my Nikon. I would try the waterproof P&S route unless you have money to burn.