Lots of point-and-shoot come with very basic shooting modes. If you can only see an "Auto" button, stay away from these, there're the secret for blue and out-of-focus pictures. In order to shoot acceptable pictures underwater you need a camera that lets you set your apperture or your shutter speed. On Canon models a Tv (priority shutter) or Av (priority apperture) mode should be available in addition to the "P" mode. In addition you should be able to easily turn on and off the flash. Stay away from menu driven mode switching which requires a lot of button pressing which is not always easy with 7mm thick gloves and 2ft visibility (yes, I dive *and* shoot in these conditions), prefer big huge dials.