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This new compact 5.1 megapixel digital camera has its own purpose-built 55m depth-rated underwater housing, which has an LCD monitor hood and accepts an auxiliary wide-angle adapter lens. It is also part of a system that embraces a variety of purpose-built underwater flashguns with fibre-optic connections and versatile mounting arms. An auto-focus 3:1 zoom lens that focuses down to an amazing 10cm, plus an image grabtime of a very quick 0.12 seconds, makes this camera among the first of its type to be designed with the problems of underwater digital photography in mind. It has an internal memory and otherwise uses SD Memory and MultiMedia cards. Complete with YS-15 Auto external flashgun, fibre-optic connection and mounting, the DX5000 costs £1249.
Sea & Sea 01803 663012
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Is this the most versatile travel pack you can find? The Stahlsac Deluxe Daypack has organisation in every one of its pockets. It has straps to pull everything tight, an external pocket for rainwear, and a hydration-bladder pocket. It is said to be as comfortable to wear as it's good-looking and, like all Stahlsac products, is guaranteed for life. £45.
Markat 01935 815424
Previously available only in America but now with full European specification, the Luxfer SA80 is an 11.1 litre cylinder with a 207 bar rating and a 25mm x 2 thread size to accept a normal range of valves. Far taller and narrower than current 10 litre cylinders, SA80 cylinders are much prized among technical divers in the USA for use as side-mounts as well as for normal scuba.
Sea & Sea 01803 663012
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There are times when heavy wetsuit boots are just too much Ð perhaps when you're wearing a 3mm suit or just a Lycra skin because the water is that warm. These 2mm neoprene Splash Shoes fill the gap between going barefoot in slipper fins and doing the full nine yards with a heavier layer of neoprene. An elastic strap stops that down-at-heel feeling and a gusset keeps them snugly on the feet. Originally intended as beachwear, they are right up there with tropical divers' needs. Available in a range of sizes 4-13, they cost £20.
Oceanic SW 01404 891819
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Feeling top-heavy? If you don't mind looking a wally, add a bit of buoyancy with a humorous hood. Masquerade as a tiger shark or a hammerhead. If that's too much, be a Nemo look-alike. A Batman hood will keep you warm not only on a dive but also if you're protesting on a London landmark. As for the manufacturer, well, it's very lonely during those long winter evenings up in the Orkneys! £50 - £80 each inc. p&p.
Scapa Scuba, www.scapascuba.co.uk
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Despite an enviable 50-year-old reputation for the quality of its wetsuits worldwide, O'Neill has kept a low profile in the UK - up to now. Why? Because this California-based manufacturer was focused more on surf- and snow-boarding than diving, and Britain can hardly be regarded as a major surf or snow destination. Cheap air travel has changed all that. Take this O'Neill 3000X 3mm super stretch wetsuit, for example. It has been designed, says O'Neill, so that there are no seams in the areas to flex and take stress. It costs £99. The FX-5 5mm boots (£30) seen with it have a silky soft lining.
O'Neill, www.oneilleurope.com
For those divers who have to make long and often boring deco-stops, Delta P Technology has added a novel upgrade to its VR2 and VR3 diving computers. Called Deco Books, it allows the user to download an electronic book or any text file from a PC into the computer. Capacity equals 20,000 words or around 40 pages of a typical paperback, and it can be opened only at 6m or less. It costs £25 extra when added as part of the Prolog software package (£147).
Delta P Technology, www.vr3.co.uk
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Yet another clothing company set to compete for divers' favours, Dive Buddy uses traditional embroidered designs combined with the latest printing technology. Available by ordering online, prices can be kept competitive. T-shirts are priced from £12.50, sweatshirts from £17.50, and hooded sweatshirts like the one illustrated from £22.50. Individual requirements such as your name or that of your dive club can be easily added, too.
Dive Buddy, www.dive-buddy.co.uk
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Have you experienced trouble with your tank slipping out of its camband? Apollo says it has the answer with its Bio-Tank Lock. It easily substitutes for the camband already on your BC, and does up instead with a spring-loaded bolt. It promises 10 times more torque than a conventional camband system, and easy adjustment even with a gloved hand. £49.95
Apollo, www.bluesports.co.uk
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