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The Nikon Coolpix 5600 is a 5.1 megapixel compact digital camera with a 3x zoom and 16 pre-set scene modes. It is extremely easy to operate and will not break the average bank. The Fantasea CP-6 is specifically designed to house this (or the Coolpix 4600) camera, which simply drops into place. It provides access controls to the camera's shutter release, zoom, flash mode, focus mode and picture quick-review functions. Together they should represent a fairly painless introduction to the world of digital photography underwater. Camera and housing cost £284 from Big Blue Squid.
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LED is all the rage and this offering from Italian manufacturer Seac-sub uses 12V in the form of eight AA batteries to power up its three Luxeon 3W LEDs. Daylight colour temperature, and up to 16 hours of burntime that includes three hours at full power and then a gradual stepped reduction until switching off automatically, makes this a particularly useful lamp. A depth-rating of 200m should cover the requirements of most divers and an electro-magnetic switch minimises the potential for through-bulkhead leaks. It costs £229 from Beaver Sports
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These stainless-steel spring straps have proved a hit with divers since they were introduced. They simply replace the existing strap and buckles on fins. Now Beaver has introduced the Commercial version, which will fit those black rubber Jetfins so beloved of those who work under water for a living, and those technical divers who like to use black rubber. Available in four sizes, they cost £16.95.
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Ever thought of wearing a Weezle on your head? This Russian-style hat is made in exactly the same way as Weezle's famous undersuits. It compresses down to take up no space in its own little net bag in your dive bag, yet springs out to provide a warm head-covering that will also keep the wind out of your ears during long, cold boat rides. It's fully washable, and costs£25 from Weezle Diving Services
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Available either as Black Steel or Blue Wave, these diving log books will accommodate data from 100 dives, with two pages formatted per dive. They are designed to be quick and easy to fill in, with space for plenty of relevant information. For professional divers, they exceed HSE requirements. £15.99.
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Established in Egypt but new to the UK, Under Pressure offers leisurewear in a wide collection of styles and nine unique designs. Long-sleeved shirts at £24 are made from heavy Egyptian cotton with double-stitched seams, a taped collar and a vented waist seam, and are available in a selection of colours.
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You've seen underwater lamps that employ LEDs instead of conventional bulbs, for cool colour and long burntimes. Well, this one uses no fewer than 44 LEDs! It runs on five AA-size ni-cad or alkaline batteries for up to eight hours and gives out 210 LUX. Depth-rated to 40m, it makes an ideal back-up light or a focusing light for an underwater digital camera. £45 from Big Blue Squid.
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Developed by Samantha Fountain (you couldn't make it up), this little number could be the answer to the prayers of lady divers caught short while out in a RIB. The Shewee is a simple device that allows women to urinate without removing their clothes, either standing or sitting. The manufacturer claims that it will maintain both privacy and dignity. No more bare bottoms, then, but the maker obviously doesn't realise the tragic effects that cold air-temperatures have on male divers, or it could have doubled its potential market! Anyway, this £5 device could just push up demand for a comfort zip in women's drysuits.
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Why carry a flask of coffee on board your club dive-boat when you can carry a flask of hot water and a variety of drinks to suit your mood? Drinkpacs are lightweight, sealed, single-serve drinks with more than 50 varieties of famous brands from which to choose. They are ready mixed with milk/sugar options and the range includes chocolate, soups and cold drinks too. Just add water! A special introductory offer to new customers includes 100 assorted drinks for £13.94 with delivery.
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