I have an Olympus Stylus 1050SW. As a camera, it's OK. I find that the pictures tend to be washed out (over-exposed whites and under exposed dark areas). I've found that the "Automatic" setting is the worst. In the "Program" mode, it's slightly better - but the controls aren't convenient. Most of the time I switch to a "scene" and pick the "Landscape" mode. It does much better with that. It takes an extra step when starting up (you have to reconfirm the "Landscape" selection). But, I like the pictures MUCH better.

I've linked to a set of photos in the URL below. Another set (w/ underwater pictures) is at:
http://dsetzer.27seconds.com/personal/dsetzer/Photos/default.asp?CatId=410&CatName=2009+June+20+%2D+21+%2D+Ocean+City%2C+MD+%2D+Camera+1

: I'd like to hear about the brands you have and what you liked or did not like
: about them so I can project those characteristics onto the next generation.

I have accepted that all of the waterproof cameras have no viewfinder and their own proprietary battery. The lack of viewfinder doesn't bother me at all - I'm of the digital generation & am used to it. The proprietary battery is a pita, as it's yet another charger and a limited # of batteries.

On the local paddling board, there was a topic about w/p cameras. Someone linked to a review site:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q209waterproofgroup/

: How do you keep water and salt off the lens?

I haven't dealt with salt water at all. For fresh water, I just rinse it and wipe the screen.

: Personal tricks and tips for use?

Play with it a lot - my first hundred or two pictures were crap. Technically, they're still crap - they're just prettier crap now. ;-)

: Any Mac compatibility problems?

Eww, Mac. Boo. Hiss. (j/k)