i have had one for 2 years know. given the cost of a really good camera, i think they are a great camera to start with and i highly recommend anyone who want to try one start with this type. they are very durable and realtively cheap. there is a lot to learn in the digital water world. i can count at least 10 others that have them and just kinda got out of taken photos, thankfully for them they didnt go all out. myself included. i still use mine but not like i used to. there is alot of extra work in carring on a dive, and you really need to pay VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOU AIR SUPPLY. you will have a tendancy to chase after fish or even just getting excited make you burn unessary air. If you do go this route and decide to stick with the photo taking you can always upgrade and you wont lose that much value with yours old one.
hope that helps
thomas