Opinion: Save tax return for dive camera or dive trip?

[emttim]

Alright, so I'm getting about five hundred bucks back for my tax return, and as with most people it's just "extra" money to me so I'm at a loss inbetween spending it on dive trips or getting an underwater camera with housing. Which would you guys suggest? The only other alternative I can think of is investing it, but I already have an investment portfolio going anyway so I don't really have too much need to do that...plus this is probably one of the few times this year I'll have the cash to buy a underwater camera.

 

[fppf]

Given your current skill level, I would suggest to go out and dive, dive, dive.
Underwater photography takes really good scuba skills first. When you can have good buoyancy control without thinking about it, then add a camera in the mix.

 

[Trixxie]

what a dilemma - if you get a camera you can't go anywhere to take pictures but if you go then you don't have a camera to take pictures of all the cool stuff down there... I say dive. you can always rent a camera for a day on your trip.

I'm kinda in the same boat - I need a new housing but why spend the money for a housing for my old camera when I want to upgrade to a new camera...

 

[ClayJar]

I'd say get in as much diving as you can. For the one thing, you can work on buoyancy and skills that will help you when you have a camera. Almost equally important, however, is that by not having a camera, you're almost *assured* of seeing some *really* cool stuff. (Every photographer knows that you almost always see the best things the one time you leave the camera at home.)

Seriously, though, I wouldn't say you can't or shouldn't buy a camera right now. I'm sure I'd want to if I were you. Still, given a choice between more diving and no camera, or a nice camera and no diving, I know which one I'd end up doing.

If you *really* want a camera, just get one. On the other hand, if you'd really like one, but you can live without it, do the diving. Just do yourself a favor and promise yourself that when you see something really cool, you'll be happy you saw it and not sad you didn't have a camera. (You can easily justify it by the old, "Ah, it wouldn't have turned out (from this distance / with this viz / in this lighting / etc.) anyway." That line works almost every time. )

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Go dive! It just gets better!

I just brought a camera (A570IS with housing for $300). Its really cool, but to be honest, its making me feel like a noobie. I though I had bouyancy down pat. A couple of dives with the camera and I realize I have some work do do. Also, once you buy the camera, then come the stobes, the focus lights and all sorts of really expensive gizmo's. With your posted level of experience, you may find it difficult to get good shots and maybe right now is not really the best time. Of course, it its what you want, go for it.

 

[Doc]

What they said above. Improve that "air hog" thing you have been struggling with. Use the money for some... buoyancy lessons?

Or do what I did. Take the money and throw down for a singles personal ad in a local high end magazine. Marry well. Go on dive trips.

If she dives and looks good in wet rubber, so much the better.

 

[RJP]

Save tax return for dive camera or dive trip?

Tax return?

I'm not sure I understand the premise of your question!

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Go on a dive trip. $500 probably in the US. Maybe Florida or Gr Lakes??? Many other great places to go.

RJP - I think the OP overpaid taxes throughout the year so he is getting some (In my case very little) of his money back (with out interest) and want's advice on how to spend it. Many people call it a refund to me it's just an interst free loan that I gave the government.

 

[emttim]

Go on a dive trip. $500 probably in the US. Maybe Florida or Gr Lakes??? Many other great places to go.

RJP - I think the OP overpaid taxes throughout the year so he is getting some (In my case very little) of his money back (with out interest) and want's advice on how to spend it. Many people call it a refund to me it's just an interst free loan that I gave the government.

Yeah my bad, tax refund would have been a more accurate statement....and yeah, basically a coerced, non-voluntary interest-free loan that you gave the government out of the goodness of their own heart (or lack thereof).

Yeah it's actually looking at this point like that $500 is going towards my Channel Islands trip just to save the trip because it's looking like an arm injury I've had which has been steadily getting worse is going to cause me to go on workman's comp for a month or so...gotta love getting paid 9.50/hour to get injured to the point where you can't work because patients weigh too damn much.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Yeah my bad, tax refund would have been a more accurate statement....and yeah, basically a coerced, non-voluntary interest-free loan that you gave the government out of the goodness of their own heart (or lack thereof).

Yeah it's actually looking at this point like that $500 is going towards my Channel Islands trip just to save the trip because it's looking like an arm injury I've had which has been steadily getting worse is going to cause me to go on workman's comp for a month or so...gotta love getting paid 9.50/hour to get injured to the point where you can't work because patients weigh too damn much.

Ok, I'm not trying to be a jerk but, it sounds like you are not happy with your current job (I wouldn't be either). Maybe you should take the $500 and Start a new career path or advance the one you are on. Then there will be more money for dive trips and cameras. Probably not the answer you want. With the information that you added its hard for me to give you advice on how to spend more than a week of your pay.