Underwater Photography - it's damn expensive.

As if conventional photography (digital, I mean) isn't pricey enough, if you want to take it underwater you're looking at adding significant cost.

For example, a Nikon D3 'deep sea' housing runs about $4500 USD. That doesn't even include the camera. Used D3's still run upwards of a few thousand, if you can find one.

Then let's not forget about lighting. This setup and this set both still will cost you a considerable amount. Then add in tethers, battery packs, among other things as well, and you're spending big bucks. Oh yeah, you also need to be certified (at an additional training cost of $250) to be able to take photos underwater. (Professionally that is...)

It's easy to become disillusioned with photography when it's something you have a strong passion for, but the cost of enjoying it as a hobby or a profession prevent a large portion of people from getting into it. The kicker? You can't get a job as an underwater photographer unless you have a portfolio of underwater shots, and the certification. Awesome.

I figure for myself, I will likely go with a relatively 'inexpensive' point+shoot setup with built-in flash, good for 200 feet depth. Few hundred bucks in, and I can take snaps of some memorable moments in the sea. Sure, the photos won't be top quality, but in this case, it's more about preserving a memory, and showing people what they're missing underwater.

(Shown above is a 'professional grade' underwater shell for a Nikon D40/D60. Costing a 'reasonable' $1500.)