Dive Computer or Underwater Camera???

[Zed]

Put me in the Computer column. I consider my computer to be part of my basic equipment along with my BC and Reg. I agree that you can gain a great deal by photographing your adventures and I agree that bringing the experience to the landlubbers is great but a computer is a tool that will make your diving safer and give you more bottom time. Also if you are a new diver consider that a new computer will take some time to lean how to use just like any new piece of gear. If you are trying to figure out how to use your computer and take picture at the same time you may find yourself in a frustrating situation. I also look at the graphical dive profile of my dives on my PC when I get home. I think the information will make me a better diver…

With all of that said… I still have my dive tables clipped to my BC along with my slate. I write my times and pressures on my slate in case my computer fails or I am diving with someone that does not have a computer.

My O2

 

[OE2X]

How about getting the computer and only using it for depth and time. Plan your dive and dive your plan. Do everything in your head so that you don't get brain rot. Don't use the computer for anything else. Download the profiles to your computer if you want after your dive.

 

[Uncle Pug]

I also look at the graphical dive profile of my dives on my PC when I get home. I think the information will make me a better diver.

Why do you think that looking at that information will make you a better diver?

 

[H2Andy]

I know you don't understand... you can't understand what you
don't know and you can't know what you can't conceive.

do enlighten the ignorant masses, oh great one

 

[Uncle Pug]

no

 

[H2Andy]

no

lol

thought so

 

[Divesherpa]

Put me in the computer column. If you are going to be diving recreationally, a computer will allow you more bottom time and a more laissez faire experience. Jump in , swim around, have a good time, and come up. That's really all there is to it.

The "computers will rot your brain" speech is mostly from people who talk about diving every day and forgot what it's like to be newer to diving and simply excited about getting in the water.

Also, if you get a computer, air computers are a waste of time. You may want to consider a nitrox computer. If you dive very frequently, you will definately end up diving nitrox in the near future. The benefits are astounding.

Cameras are great, but expense begins to be a factor. The cheap little digitals in the housings take snapshots. If you want quality images, you are going to have to spend some bucks.

Cheers and good luck,
Jamie

 

[Derek S]

Not knowing gr8fulr2's skill level, ect (I assume a fairly new diver based on the evidence so far), I would suggest a bottom timer, getting to know the tables/wheel (if you want to make repetitive multi-level dives), and then going for an underwater camera.

I bought the computer first, but wish I'd had saved my money by getting a BT instead.

 

[Zed]

Why do you think that looking at that information will make you a better diver?

I simply meant that reviewing my logs periodically is a good thing. I guess the way I wrote that it looks like I meant that I could see some deep meaning from the graph of my dives. I will write more better in the future

Hmmm then again…. If you stare at the graphs long enough, then… Oh never mind….

 

[VinceDS]

I'd have to say...put me in the Computer column as well. Now adays, a computer should be considered a part of your basic equipment along with your BCD and Reg. View it as a redundant piece of equipment (a backup to your tables) that will add to your overall dive experience.

To reiterate what has been said on the expense of photography equipment...If you want to do it right, it's gonna cost you some major bucks. I started with a Nikonos V and then moved to strobes, then more strobes, then lens kits, etc. etc. etc.