Photographers in most specialized activities are individuals who were photographers first (e.g., a bicycle photographer is usually a photographer who became interested in bicycling). In diving, it's the reverse. Many – perhaps most – underwater photographers had little interest in photography before they took up diving.

There are few environments that have as many unusual sights, creatures and adventures to shoot. It's as though God created the underwater world just to inspire artists and documentarians. It's hardly surprising that many divers become underwater photographers.

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Photo By Darrell Jones MODEL Mike Smith PADI instructor

PADI U/W Photographer Course Learn the basics for serious or casual underwater photography. www.padi.com Additional Products and Information [pagebreak] Mares Nemo Computer The Nemo is an air/enriched air computer that you can use as a watch when you're not diving. Available in both steel and titanium casings, the Nemo has a decompression model that employs the latest theories. Adjustable for increased conservatism. Optional PC interface. MSRP: $730 www.mares.com 1. Aqualung Legend The sealed, overbalanced diaphragm first stage combined with a controlled venturi second stage offers reliability and adjustable high performance so you can concentrate on the shot instead of breathing. The Comfo-Bite™ mouthpiece reduces jaw fatigue, and four LP and two HP ports let you route your hoses exactly where you want them. MSRP: $495 www.aqualung.com 2. SeaQuest Balance BC Employing the back inflation photographers prefer, this BC uses an integrated weight system and a unique load distribution for comfort and trim control. Also has D-rings for clipping photo accessories until you need them. MSRP: $525 www.aqualung.com ** Oceanic Atom Wristwatch Dive Computer** The Atom is the size of a watch — it is a watch — but it's an EANx hoseless computer that can handle up to three mixes from three pressure transmitters. It's a good choice for the task-loaded underwater shutterbug. Computer interface and downloadable. MSRP: $949.95 complete with transmitter; $575.95 for Atom watch/computer only www.oceanicworldwide.com Bonica SEA-PIX 5.0 Megapixel A lot of camera in a small package, this system features a 200-foot depth rating, 5-megapixel resolution and 16MB internal memory. Macro and a 3X optical zoom make it versatile and convenient. MSRP: $649 www.bonicadive.com 3. Scubapro EverFlex Wetsuit Available in 3 and 7 mm for warmer and colder climes, the EverFlex material offers stretch for comfort and ease of donning with maximum abrasion resistance. MSRP: $273-$349 www.scubapro.com Scubapro Twin Jet fins The popular Twin Jet makes a great choice for models and photographers. MSRP: $189 www.scubapro.com ** 4. Cressi Sub Rondine A Fins** Rondine A's are the newest in the popular Rondine fin line. The A features Cressi's Balance Variable Flex Blade, designed to provide optimum thrust without undue ankle stress. The low-profile quick-adjust buckle minimizes drag while simplifying adjustment. MSRP: $130 www.cressisubusa.com ** Sealife SL148 Reefmaster DC310 Digital Camera** Submersible, digital and capable, the DC310 is a versatile point-and-shoot camera for first- time shooters. MSRP: $600 (as shown) www.sealifecameras.com ** Sea & Sea DX-D70 Housing for Nikon D70** A serious housing for serious digital underwater photography, Sea & Sea's DX-D70 is a full-featured top-end professional housing. Designed to take full advantage of the Nikon D-70's 6.1-mp resolution, the DX-D70 accepts Sea & Sea's multiple flat and dome ports so you can use exactly the lens you need. The DX-D70 is made of ABS resin and polycarbonate. MSRP: $1,995 (as shown, housing only) www.seaandsea.com 5. Oceanic Shadow Frameless Mask Eliminating the frame gives you a wide field of vision in a compact, low-volume, lightweight mask. Available in three sizes, black or translucent. MSRP: $79.95 www.oceanicworldwide.com