Wondering about possible rental or buying of camera and or video camera for underwater photography while snorkeling. I am not looking for professional or expensive equipment as I am very much a novice. Just wondering if there is something between (and better than)the one-time use waterproof camera and the pricy/elaborate professional set ups? Anywhere on the island that rents or sells such cameras?

Check out the offerings from Sea & Sea. I have the MX-10 with YS-40 strobe and it is awesome!

www.seaandsea.com

As you can imagine, with the number of divers and snorkellers coming to Cayman and camera equipment being duty free, I would suggest your best option is to rent or buy on the island.

To buy I suggest Cayman Camera or Cathy Church, to rent... almost any diver operator will rent you equipment with an underwater housing.... I woudl suggest a digital camera.

thanks for the great advice guys! I'll check out the options on the island when i get there.

It may sound really silly, but those disposable cameras that are sealed in a waterproof container are GREAT for novices! I've used them myself for photos while snorkeling, and they come out GREAT!

i bought a $16 panaview camera at Target last year and the pictures turned out great! It comes enclosed in a waterproof case

If you are really wanting professional pictures then visit Cathy Church.
She is famous for her underwater photograhpy.