Omitting the optical viewfinder found in the G15, Canon emphasizes portability with its Powershot S110, which weighs less than half a pound and is just over one-inch thick. The housing is designed to limit additional bulk. Contact: nauticamusa.com MSRP: $900, Housing; $449, Camera

Olympus E-PL5 Camera with 14-42mm lens and Olympus PT-EP10 Underwater Case

›› Micro Four-Thirds sensor size similar to that of SLRs
›› Interchangeable lenses allow for more-flexible compositions and dive planning
›› Olympus housing has two fiber-optic connectors for adding strobes

Like other mirrorless cameras, the Olympus E-PL5 offers the image quality and lens flexibility of an SLR but in a body the size of a compact camera. The large Micro Four-Thirds sensor means superior image quality, and the E-PL5 has an amazingly fast autofocus. The PT-EP10 from Olympus is designed specifically for the camera, keeping the entire system to a luggage-friendly size. Contact: backscatter.com MSRP: $747, housing; $699, camera plus lens kit****

Nauticam NA-RX100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC -RX100

›› Camera has a class-leading 20.2 megapixel sensor
›› You can shoot 1080p full HD video at 60 fps for slow-motion footage
›› Aluminum housing doesn’t add much extra bulk

This system gives new meaning to the term “luxury compact.” Sony stretched the limits of a pocket- size compact camera with the RX100. Built around a mind-boggling 20-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor, and impressive f/1.8-4.9 Carl Zeiss 28-100mm lens, this camera is for divers who want the highest resolution and lens quality in a compact. Nauticam matches Sony’s innovation with its professional- grade aluminum housing, with a dedicated video button for shooting video. Contact: nauticamusa.com MSRP: $950, housing; $650, camera

Canon G15 and Ikelite #6146.15 housing

›› Camera has a 3-inch LCD screen; housing offers access to all controls
›› 5x optical zoom lens with a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8-2.8
›› Electrical TTL bulkhead The popular G-series gets even better: smaller, more ergonomic and just as affordable.

Accessorize with a choice of wide-angle options. Add the DC161 strobe ($1,100) for true TTL communication. Contact: ikelite.com MSRP: $650, housing; $500, camera

SeaLife DC1400 Maxx Duo

›› Camera is specifically designed for underwater photographers
›› System comes with two strobes for adding contrast and color
›› Camera offers easy setup mode

Built for users who want a complete system that’s simple to use, the DC1400 Maxx Duo has a straightforward setup mode and easy-to-operate piano keys on the housing. Also included are two strobes: one for stills and one for video. Contact: sealife-cameras.com MSRP: $1,700

Sony DSC -rx100 and Ikelite #6116.10 housing

›› 28-100mm lens with a 3.6x optical zoom and f/1.8-4.9 aperture
›› The housing offers easy access to all camera functions
›› 1-inch CMOS sensor

High-resolution images and HD video are made easy with fast autofocus and a sharp Sony lens. Add the optional Manta strobe (shown), which adjusts to any shooting mode. Contact: ikelite.com MSRP: $400, housing; $650, camera

GoPro Hero 3 Black with Backscatter Flip3 Filter and Backscatter Flip3 Tray and Handle

›› Package weighs just 2.6 ounces
›› Shoot HD video at 120 fps for super-slow-motion footage
›› Flip3 Filter restores color and contrast to photos and video

Still undecided as to whether you want to shoot stills or video? Consider the GoPro Hero 3. The diminutive camera is smaller and lighter than previous models, and can shoot 12-megapixel stills or 1080p video at 60 fps. The Flip3 Filter and Tray and Handle optimize the GoPro system; you can easily flip on a red filter to correct for color and stabilize the system. Contact: backscatter.com MSRP: $399, camera/housing; $49, filter; $39, tray plus handle

Watershot iPhone Underwater Camera Housing

›› Small system can easily be brought along as a second camera
›› Dedicated app lets you share images with your social network
›› Light and filter accessories will make your images pop

They say the best camera is the one you have with you; and these days, that’s almost always an iPhone. With Watershot’s cool new housing, mobile shooters are no longer limited to topside photography. Built for divers, this housing allows you to take photos with your iPhone 4/4s down to 130 feet. The free app lets you optimize your images and then share them with your social network. Contact: watershot.com MSRP: $100 (housing only)

Lighter than the popular YS -110a and less than half the weight of the pro-level YS -250, the D1 delivers 25 percent more light energy than the YS -110a, making it a powerful strobe. Even better, it’s compatible with many cameras. Contact: seaandsea.com MSRP: $750

Ultralight Control Systems has modified its original hot-shoe adapter. The new part now uses a thumb screw to tighten the ball and plate to the hot shoe, creating a secure attachment — and peace of mind for photographers. Contact: ulcs.com MSRP: $35

For underwater photographers looking for a multipurpose lighting tool, Ikelite’s new cool-looking VegaLED provides plenty of power in a small, travelfriendly package. The Vega is adjustable and can put out up to 2,000 lumens of warm, diffused light and is ideal for use as a video/ still light, focus light for still photography or a bright backup dive light. Contact: ikelite.com

Proprietary Pre-flash Recognition Technology sets up the strobe for you to automatically adjust to camera mode and exposure mode. From the quick-release mount to the large exposure dial, the compact Manta is simple yet refined. Contact: ikelite.com

The port mount has one fixed and one adjustable mount for attaching diopters, focus lights or other accessories to your flat port. The two holders have 67mm diameter threads to screw on Aquatica close-up lenses or Subsea magnifiers. Contact: [email protected] MSRP: $225