If you don't mind a little work to get the best underwater photo buy one.

This is the underwater camera by which all other underwater cameras are and should be judged. I have a Nikon problem, and a SCUBA problem as well so this camera was a perfect fit for me. I own two of these bodies and I am never disappointed when my film comes back ever. As long as you get these cameras serviced regularly and grease the O-rings every time you use the camera it will continue to serve you well.

The Nikonos V can be used down to 130 feet, and on land, I have shot entire vacations above and below the water with these cameras and I can not complain. Well, I could complain a little and that would be about this camera not being an SLR so focusing is by guess, but if you close the aperture enough it is not a problem at all. I shoot slides, the most unforgiving film there is and this camera always does a great job. A used DSLR in a used case will run you over $1500 USD, a Nikonos V with a lens or two, caring case, flash with cords and brackets, and serviced (after you buy it, and before you dive it) will run you about $500. Yes you only get 36 photos per dive, but with the money you save you can buy film, go out on a dive boat 9 times then process all the film you shot. You could also do a nice dive weekend in the islands and again still have money for all the film. You are just not going to shoot better photos than you can with this camera unless you spend at least 3 times as much. This is not a Kodak fun saver underwater camera, it is a quality instrument for quality underwater photos.

I'm still using this after many years & I'm very happy with it.

It's not a point & shoot camera by my definition! It's an amphibious, range-finder with auto exposure capability or manual exposure. I've used a Nikonos camera since 1969 & it's the best underwater film camera system for the money. Granted, it's not being made anymore & film is mostly passe, but the quality is amazing despite limitations. This was the camera of choice for professional uw photographers for many years & I still prefer to use this to switching to digital. A comparible digital system is still way more expensive & I've built up my Nikonos system over a long period of time. A new uw photographer can get a Nikonos system very inexpensively & can easily learn to take fantastic uw photos with this camera.

Go with the Nikonos V!

If your camera has a tiny problem, such as having to be tilted slightly for the shutter to fire, that's NOT a problem! "It's NOT a bug! It's a FEATURE!" is a common joke among software programmers! Same with this camera.

You'll be underwater, you'll be moving around, likely using your arms to hold your position (or chase down that fish!), so you'll likely tilt the camera anyway!

The Nikonos V is a great camera! I suspect it's nothing more than some wayward gear grease that's causing a tiny piece to stick. It works in every other sense (though I haven't tested it in the water yet). At the absolute worst, if it leaks, I have a good lens and I can gut the camera for parts. I'm way ahead on this one!

The best solution without spending a fortune

I am very pleased with the overall quality of the Nikonos V camera.
Also it is very easy to use and the A mode is very helpful.
The photometer is accurate enough for the right exposure.
By using an aperture of f/8 in 3 to 5 meters underwater you still have enough light and the result will be quite sharp.
The price/performance and price/fun ratios are the best they could be, so I would certainly recommend this camera to everyone who wants to work in underwater photography.

when wetness is a factor

This is an aperture priority or manual control viewfinder 35mm FILM camera. While you cannot change lenses underwater, the camera is also highly useful for foul weather, difficult situations, and "when the world seems to be coming to an end" photography.

The line of underwater lenses is fairly extensive, but ONLY the 35mm and 80mm lenses were designed to be used both underwater and out of water.

If you are running into a waterfall, being hit by fire hoses, caught in the rain-- or just enjoy playing around, this is a great camera for the job.