Dive Computer or Underwater Camera???
- Thread starter gr8fulr2
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BIGSAGE136
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Camera. Now go to your room and memorize your tables. Computers rot your brain!
Computer will give you more underwater time, but if what you want is underwater time to take pictures, then you are in the proverbial Catch 22. A decent camera setup with flah will cost more than a basic air computer.
gr8fulr2:
I am biased since I am not much of a fan of computers. But, unless you are buying one of the truly ridiculous computers out there now, there is a big price difference between a computer and even a basic camera housing, tray, arm and strobe.
flyinghuntster
Guest
I'd second that!!! You can't "bring back" the dive with your Computer but you can with your Camera. Share the experience with others!!! 
My.02
My.02
Damselfish
Contributor
Not enough info in that question. It's like asking if you should buy a car or a washing machine...
teknitroxdiver
Contributor
What do you plan to do most on your dives? i.e. what is the goal of most of your dives?
H2Andy
Contributor
i think of a computer as an essential element of my diving. it is part of my core
package.
a camera, on the other hand, is an accessory that i may or may not take with
me, depending on the day, mood, location.
thus, if I were answering the question, i would say i would buy the computer.
once i have my basics in order, then i would branch out to accessories.
by the way, computers don't rot your brain anymore than tables do.
i mean, who here goes out and actually CALCULATES the tables for themselves?
you just take someone's word when you use them.
computers are just like tables, only easier to use.
it's all in how you use them.
package.
a camera, on the other hand, is an accessory that i may or may not take with
me, depending on the day, mood, location.
thus, if I were answering the question, i would say i would buy the computer.
once i have my basics in order, then i would branch out to accessories.
by the way, computers don't rot your brain anymore than tables do.
i mean, who here goes out and actually CALCULATES the tables for themselves?
you just take someone's word when you use them.
computers are just like tables, only easier to use.
it's all in how you use them.
Firebrand
Contributor
You need to ask yourself how much you want to invest in underwater photography. You can start off simple with some point & shoot digital cameras from Sea Life that will probably accomplish the basics, and Sea Life also produces macro lenses to attach to the camera housing. However, as a topside photographer, if you are looking at getting serious macro photography, or want some wide-angle UW shots, a digital SLR would be the (somewhat costly ) way to go. Note that I suggest digital cameras for your underwater photography, as traditional 35mm film cameras will limit the number of exposures to 36, and you will not have an image preview pane, and therefore, not know whether the subject was framed and focused correctly. Also, if you plan on shooting more than one roll of film with a 35mm film camera, you could end up "bounce" diving and subject yourself unnecessarily to a case of DCS. I personally own two 35mm film SLR cameras, and a UW housing for one will cost about twice the price of the camera itself. As stated earlier, if you have a digital UW camera, then you may need a dive computer to monitor your bottom time, depth, and other information as your limiting factor may switch from the number of exposures to your maximum bottom time. Overall, I agree with H2Andy in that a computer would be a wiser investment before a UW camera.
menemsha43
Contributor
I would go with a computer first. It is an important piece of equipment and provides useful information, even if you aren't pushing the limits. I think the computer allows for safer diving. For me, when I use a camera it has occasionally seemed like somewhat of a burden. It is great to have the pictures though.
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