I finally ordered a new camera, thanks everyone!

Well I did it, after much research and frustration/deliberation; I have placed an order on a new camera. 

I took fishshim's advice and got the Panasonic Lumix dmcfx35 and and the dive housing for it (rated to 131 feet).  I also got a 8 gig class 6 memory card.  That way I can store a lot of HD video and photo's.  The big selling points for this camera were the quality of pictures seen on some dive sites, and the ability to do high def. video in full 30fps mode.  I actually was eyeballing the waterproof version of this camera, but it is expected to ship in 2-3 months if you can even find it!  GMS III is too close to wait that long!

I got the camera and housing on Amazon, for less that the waterproof version anyways; and I can take this deep.  It was given very high reviews on "out of water shots" with the housing in place.  Obviously that is important on the kayak, as I will have it in the housing to protect it from water and impact.  Actually it scored very high on all the review sites I visited, used for pictures and video.  It is even supposed to have a wind suppression mic for video use.

I am a scuba diver and free diver, so the waterproof housing makes sense and will see a lot use.  I am already planning to film some dives, and spearfishing.  I hope it works out well!  The battery is reported to have good capacity.  I have an inverter in the truck, so can always recharge it overnight.

The camera and case are both reported to be small enough to place in a pocket or BC.

I just want to send out a big thanks to everyone who gave me advise and suggestions.  Thanks again fishshim for turning me onto this.

Now I have to figure out how many keychain floats will be needed so I don't loose it!

Here they are....or will be after I get them 





Matt

Your welcome Matt, get some of the desiccant to put in the housing also. I had fogging in my old set up when the housing was left in the sun and I had touched the camera with less than dry hands.

Check Seahunters videos he uses an older model Panasonic in a housing for his vids.

Nice lookig camera! Now go get the Gozilla grip to go with it 

Nice video!  You should have some good pictures soon MattS.