Pro Underwater Photographer Review GARMIN MK3i (Descent Series)

[@DaresPhrygius]

Finally. Been waiting for an actual review. Thank you for making this video!

[@MaximeCheminade]

I am really happy you liked it! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@LGguedo]

Is it too large for a daily wear?

[@MaximeCheminade]

@LGguedo it depends on your wrist size. It felt heavy at the beginning but then I got used to it and it’s like it disappeared. ☺️

[@mikedugan3253]

At 4:44 in the video you mention the light, and I love the light, but how did you get it to turn on under water? I know I've had to assign a hot key sequence to mine to make the light come on (Start+Up), but I'm wondering if you found a simpler way that doesn't use up a hot key sequence? BTW, great review... And I LOVE both my Mk2i and Mk3i computers...

[@MaximeCheminade]

Hi! Double tap on the top left button :)

[@mikedugan3253]

@@MaximeCheminade Very odd, I tried that multiple times in the pool a couple of weeks ago and it never came on. I'll try it again... Thank you for the reply..

[@cjudotcom]

Good review, thanks. I appreciate the comprehensive, practical, and down-to-earth review. I have about 150 dives on the Mk2i and have been very happy with it. I am looking for a higher-end redundant computer and I may just have to grab this.

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thanks a lot! I think an mk3 could be a great adition :)

[@mikevondebag]

They should have a tech mode and recreation mode. If in rec mode it won't show you optioo which you don't have training for

[@MaximeCheminade]

I had the exact same remark when I tested the mk3i. I reached out to Garmin about this choice and this was their answer : Single Gas is not just recreational dive mode: Although we expect recreational dives will mostly be executed with Single Gas mode, certain technical dives can leverage Single Gas mode as well. Technical divers still can and do make decompression and/or cave dives (the definition of technical) with only one gas. This is common when the deco plan is simple enough to not be worth managing an extra gas mix. Wreck penetration and cave diving, even without deco, is considered technical diving, and often air is the only gas used if deco isn’t expected. And it actually kind of make sense to not separate both as rec / tec, but based on the gas you carry.

[@bernardperrier2430]

Hi Maxime, can you confirm please that the Mk3i register entry and exit point automatically when on Auto select mode without pressing any buttons please

[@MaximeCheminade]

It does if you enter the dive mode before starting your dive. It wont if you just go diving and the watch / computer changes mode when you get underwater

[@bernardperrier2430]

@@MaximeCheminade Many thanks for your answer, mine does register entry point if i enter the dive mode before but won't register exit point automatically

[@martinzagar1954]

Hi, I'm in dilema to buy the smaller version or better go with 51mm.. I know flashlight is missing on smaller one, but that is not a problem.. I'm concerned about readability on smaller and operation with thick gloves.. What is your opinion? I'm leaning towards 43mm because I'll use it for other sports and everyday use, but don't want to miss some important feature what is offered by full size

[@MaximeCheminade]

There is also a lot of difference in battery. Question is how big is your wrist? I personally love the 51.

[@martinzagar1954]

@MaximeCheminade My wrist is 19-20 cm.. I'll could pass with 51 mm.. I don't like oversize watches like Diesel, but understand that with diving watches are bit on functionality side😊

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

I cannot not figure out how to use the blue triangle for Alternantive Time Zone...Maybe a quick video on that?

[@MaximeCheminade]

I had to send my preview model back 😣 but as soon as I have one, i can definitely do that 🤩

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

Thank you@@MaximeCheminade

[@alexkramer7351]

Zodra je zelf een mk3I bezit maak je dan weer een review van na bv. 100 dagen gebruik met T2 zender ? Hopelijk wel zou zeer gewaardeerd worden M.V.G. Alex

[@MaximeCheminade]

Il try my best :)

[@bertrandhartman1783]

Great review Maxime - thanks for sharing your experiences! I just had my old Suunto Vyper die on me (battery flooding issue) and was looking at the Garmin Descent Mk3 or the Shearwater Perdix 2 as an upgraded replacement. While I like the many additional features of the Garmin, I can't help feeling some are a bit gimmicky (and fiddly when underwater) and that the screen is a bit small. The Perdix 2 appears to be a more purpose-built watch. I know you use both Shearwater and Garmin DC's professionally - would you consider a scenario where the Garmin is your only DC or would you mainly use it as a second DC alongside a more dedicated DC like the Shearwater?

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thank you so much for the kind words ☺️ It very depends on the kind of dive / use you have. I still love and dive my shearwater (and haven't got my mk3i yet). But Garmin computers are super popular with divers (especially the g1 series) and I have to say I really like these. Also bear in mind most of my dives need me to have 2 dc. But I could run a Garmin computer primarily for OC without a problem.

[@maurotrudu8412]

Does it give the dive profile during the dive?

[@MaximeCheminade]

It doesnt.

[@axelsalloch3749]

Thank you for the special Information about technical diving usecases, CCR use etc. - the most interesting for me is the comparsion to the shearwater perdix, I normally use for CCR Diving on my AP Inspiration as an backup computer. What is your experience in the comparsion to the Perdix ?

[@MaximeCheminade]

They are quite different computers and I wouldn't part from my Perdix for an Mk3i. But I love all the health features and heart rate monitoring… and that's also priceless. So I would wear both 3 during CCR dives. And Perdix / mk3i during my oc dives

[@Rrrick369]

Is the watch face easily readable on a hike out in bright sunlight (like the transreflective Garmin watches like the Mk2? Thanks!

[@MaximeCheminade]

Yes, absolutely. While I have not made big hikes with the watch, I had no issue using it in the sun, even with the sun directly on the screen.

[@Rrrick369]

@@MaximeCheminadethanks!!

[@MaximeCheminade]

Anytime :)

[@robertnowak949]

Have they improved/change communication frequency so it is NOT heard by diver as it was/is on Mk2

[@MaximeCheminade]

I am not sure 😅 I couldn't get any transmitters during my review.

[@cwilliams6884]

garmin uses sonar instead of rf so it will always make the sound, that being said you can adjust the power so probably can turn it down enough to not hear it

[@lopeped]

Hi. Thx a lot for the revue. Can you tell me if there is the possible to use the Heart belt with it. I will dive a lot dry.

[@MaximeCheminade]

Hi! You are very welcome. Do you mean heartbeat/ heart rate while diving?

[@OriandtheMachines]

Hi maxime, thanks for this great review. Would you feel confident taking this dive computer for technical dives, or does it seem limited to a "recreational" interface? I'd be interested to understand the degree of customization, notably on the communication of total ascent times (apparently in seconds?), the usefulness of the computer without the probe? etc... Thanks for your great videos!

[@MaximeCheminade]

Hi! Yes absolutely. I haven't used the probes and you are right, the is in seconds. I honestly didn't miss anything from Shearwater except the GF99. But I wouldn't be surprised if this feature comes to MK3i via update. You can customize more of the screens than a teric. I love the big numbers mode. Check up on my new video where I used it as a training device for expedition diving :)

[@OriandtheMachines]

Merci Maxime !! Keep on the great work

[@antongrun1077]

R u diving with an xdeep zen?

[@MaximeCheminade]

I am! I was trying it for a while and just finished a review :)

[@antongrun1077]

@@MaximeCheminade man, I got one 10 days ago, but with the ghost bp (ultralight version). That thing is just amazing, big shout out to xdeep, the really delivered, just an amazing bcd. I’ll check later on mine, but I think u can switch the left and right padding to solve your hose issue.

[@MaximeCheminade]

@antongrun1077 it wouldnt change anything on mine 😅 but the product is amazing!

[@mrjojo2829]

For apnea and diving if I'm not interested by the probe, mk3 is efficient no? Or mk3i is very different ? Thanks!

[@MaximeCheminade]

It depends of your wrist size. The mk3 is only available in 43mm while the mk3i is in 51mm

[@zackw7587]

How is the finish on the Mk3? The MK2 seemed prone to wear/scuffing. Did they change the finish on the titanium?

[@MaximeCheminade]

Hi! The finish seems to be the same material, but i havnt managed to scuff or scratch it in the 2 weeks period.

[@alexandrejannuzzi2973]

Do you know how to set deep stops on it?

[@MaximeCheminade]

I wouldnt set any deep stop as theses are quite dangerous 😅

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

I think your comment about having a separate dive watch and smart watch is spot on. I was super excited, as an Apple Eco System user, when the AUW 1 came out with a dive computer. The fact that it's subscription-based, and locks you out (and has no AI) turned me off to that. If Apple ever came up with a watch, that had the capabilities, along with the battery life of the Garmin MK3i, I would be sold. That is not the case. The best you can hope for with an AWU, is about 19-24 hours, tops. . .

[@MaximeCheminade]

Also the depth limitation are nowhere near the garmin. But they both address different markets. The AWU is more of a luxury tool that can help you in many sports situations without being a specialized tool. The garmin is an rugged outdoor smartwatch built with deep diving in mind that wont feel out of place if worn every day. I used to have an apple watch (serie 1 and serie 3) and i generally love watches (my casio F91w 🥰) and for me between both, its garmin all the way. Also subscription to get access to the algorithm.. thats crazy. 🤯

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

I just got mine this weekend, and first time Garmin (fanboy). Question. Can you "click out" of the dive app, once you are submerged? That's the only thing that concerns me in using a smartwatch, with a dive app, vs a 100% dive computer (like the shearwater) Thanks@@MaximeCheminade

[@MaximeCheminade]

You cant, its only a dive computer while diving. There is no way to get out of the dive mode while underwater.

[@Phat-rj3jo]

AW will never have the battery life of Garmin, it’s a smartwatch constantly connected to the phone. I have both AWU and Garmin, AWU daily Garmin only for diving.

[@lynnielyn6485]

Great review! I just bought it yesterday at Adex. It’s perfect as I always loved the garmin fitness watches and I always wished I could see my heart rate while diving and now it’s together! Been waiting for the smaller version with the integration to be released. Curious to know, were you not able to customise different fields for the dive screen? I’m interested to understand cos I used to customise my running fields. Thanks again for the review

[@MaximeCheminade]

Oh I was at ADEX too! Some of the fields are mandatory, but you can create custom ones ☺️

[@omarsantiago7735]

Great video. Do you happen to have an IPhone and if you do, did text message work on the mk3i?

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thanks a lot! I did and it worked (also WhatsApp / messenger)

[@calum5144]

Awesome video, I’ve been torn between getting something like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or a Garmin decent series watch I’ve only started diving this month and have been on 5 dives already and plan on doing more as the year progresses! I work in the maritime industry and will be travelling to some very remote tropical places which will be perfect for diving. Do you think as someone at my starting level it’s worth getting a Mk3 or buying a second hand mk2? I really want to get a fitness watch but the additional functionality of also acting as a dive computer is whats tempting me! Especially considering the Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t seem to be the most accurate and is a subscription based service to use the diving app What would you recommend? Cheers!

[@MaximeCheminade]

I would personally go garmin all the way. Fitness features, diving, long battery life… theses are amazing. But you might be interested by their cheaper and almost as good G1! If i was on a budget, this is what i would get.

[@calum5144]

@@MaximeCheminade awesome, I’ll probably swing towards buying a garmin descent series! I need a daily driver to wear during work and exercise and I plan on diving a lot this year so it will be the best of both worlds Would you recommend going all in with the Mk3 or get an earlier model like Mk2/Mk2s

[@MaximeCheminade]

Id say either G1 (budget / solar) or mk3. I wouldnt go to the mk2.

[@bowmentumarchery6125]

I think you said you had the 51mm , but mentioned display being 1.2 inch ? I think it is 1.4 inch

[@MaximeCheminade]

Yeah i made a mistake 😅 1.2 is the smaller version not the bigger one.

[@ekjellgren]

Istn't it too big to wear for everyday use?

[@MaximeCheminade]

I thought too! Especially that I wear a f91w most of the days. But it was just great

[@daryldevil]

Are you able to pick up calls from the watch itself and speak from the watch?

[@MaximeCheminade]

I dont think you can without phone

[@Frindleeguy]

No, Garmin makes rugged watches mostly. They don't have any LTE watches, and the only one with a mic and speaker is the Venu series after 2 plus. All garmins have a beeper (ss enunciatior) but that's it.

[@robertnowak949]

Second Q. Does this have multiband GPS? (not multisystem)

[@MaximeCheminade]

I believe it does

[@CopyRightJT]

Thank you very much Maxime. Very nice Video as always. Do you know if the smaler verion 1.2" has all the same features? Or will you lose the AI for example because of the smaller case? Keep up these great videos. Whish you happy holidays!

[@MaximeCheminade]

As far as I know, only the flashlight is missing. The rest is there :)

[@CopyRightJT]

That is really impressive! thx again! @@MaximeCheminade

[@ivanchu23]

Very nice video exactly what I want to know. Quick question, what languages does it support? Does it support Chinese? Thanks!

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thank you so much for your kind words ☺️ I believe it does!

[@cornerstoneful]

Thanks! Been waiting for a review for ages. Have you used the fitness tracking apps much? Do you find it heavy when running or swimming?

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thanks :) I have tested running and scuba and it didnt feel any heavy. Actually it permitted me to leave my phone home and use spotify directly from the watch for my running activities.

[@cornerstoneful]

Awesome, mines on backorder, hopefully they become available soon! Garmin pay is another feature I want it for my 245 music doesn't have it.

[@MaximeCheminade]

@cornerstoneful I haven't tested Garmin Pay (as this was a test sample) but quite excited to use it when my own watch ☺️

[@MrJanRed]

Thank you for the video :) do you have experience with the Garmin Air integration? I'm thinking about whether it's better to use a digital pressure gauge and buy the model without AI. I'm afraid the sound of the sonar will drive me crazy. Hence the question of whether air integration is really worth it or is just a loud gimmick

[@MaximeCheminade]

I unfortunately couldn't try it. The new T2 isn't on the market and no T1 was available. I also heard both great and bad things about it... I will give them a try as soon as the t2 is on the market.

[@IDive2]

I have been diving the mk2i since release. The beep early on did bother me, however they introduced lower power settings and it has not bugged me since. For me AI is amazing and offers so much as far as in dive features like ATR, current RMV and I can watch my buddies air when i look at mine.

[@MaximeCheminade]

I have to say, i love the AI (Swift AI) feature. I use it mainly on my ccr's O2 tank. But i also got some very concerning disconnect during normal use at the beginning.

[@DaveStern2]

I don't even hear the beep on my mk2i with T1 transmitter on regular power. I feel like everyone makes such a big deal about it online and then in the actual water, it's not. And the T2 is supposed to be quieter. I do get a disconnect sometimes under water (transmitter generally on my right side on a 6" hose off my 1st stage and watch is on my left wrist) .. it typically comes back within 30 - 40 seconds.

[@eriknodland8352]

We don’t need to protect people from themselves. If they change the backgas to hypoxic and don’t change it back before diving, that’s not on Garmin… Things like this are why we have computers that default back to air mode of out of gauge mode and actually put people at risk. Someone setting their backgas to hypoxic without being trained will just shorten their bottom time and change the max depth (but the mod of air is already so far out of recreational limits) so there isn’t any extra risk here. When nitrox trained, they should be familiar with the risks of not setting their computer to the right mixes anyway. Other than this, really good review.

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thanks a lot for your comment! I partially agree with you. I think both should be available. There is some things that bothers me (and preparing the 6 month review as we speak :) ) with both single tank and more advanced modes (CCR tec mode). But i think a dive computer shouldn't permit to breath dangerous gas mix at the surface as the only back gas or at least display a warning. At least on the modes that are intended for recreational diving or even just allow a "advanced mode" that unlock such features. Hypoxic mixes normally also contain helium (yes even in single tank mode), and this creates very different profile than an air dive.

[@adrianleira]

Do you like the Garmin Dive app?

[@MaximeCheminade]

I did ! I think its just one of the best all in one logbook / data app there is. And you can use it to change the settings of the dive computer. But i only tested the iOS version.

[@Frindleeguy]

It's weird how it has sich a high rating. It must be good, but these kinds of apps usually has so many connection issues that it gets enough 1 star reviews to be lower than it should be. Seems the Garmin dive android store app doesn't suffer from anything major.

[@MaximeCheminade]

@Frindleeguy on the iphone i havnt experienced anything like this. Cant speak about android tho.

[@jamespaterson9703]

Great review. I just bought the Mk3i and T2; as good as it gets! Agree with the totally crap battery life of the Suunto D5. I had that unit for 2 years and it was total dogsh1t. Glad to finally have this Garmin Mk3 beast!

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@IDive2]

Good review! Just as a note, Mk2i has had surface GF for quite a long while now.

[@MaximeCheminade]

Thanks a lot for your comment. I tested the MK2i when it came out and the feature wasn't available. This is what I based my comment on as I do not own the computer.

[@alek6857]

What kind of discount did Garmin give you to buy the mk3i?

[@MaximeCheminade]

None. They just let me test it for a while before having to give it back. Hope that helps.

[@mellamodiego8458]

i bought one wearing it now

[@MaximeCheminade]

Great buy! :)

[@jodeci888]

Good video. You said the screen was 1.2", I read everywhere that it's actually 1.4".

[@MaximeCheminade]

You are 100% Right! the Small version is 1.2" and the Bigger is 1.4"

[@jodeci888]

@@MaximeCheminade Thank you for the quick response. Great video and I'm not subscribed. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@MaximeCheminade]

@@jodeci888 No worries for not being subscribed :) I am just getting started on this, il make sure the informations are more accurate in my next video. Happy Holidays!

[@jodeci888]

@@MaximeCheminade meant NOW. Sorry, fat fingers here. 😂

[@MaximeCheminade]

Ahah Thanks a lot for your support!

[@saltyhairdontcare]

Thank you for the review Max. (:

[@MaximeCheminade]

Anytime! :)

[@mertozbayrak3821]

Türkçe alt yazıda eklerseniz sevinirim

[@MaximeCheminade]

I think there is auto generated caption you can use ☺️

[@00bikeboy]

Is this a sponsored review?

[@MaximeCheminade]

Hello! ☺️ As I stated at the beginning, its not. The dive computer is back at Garmin, and the review wasnt paid or watched by garmin beforehand.

[@00bikeboy]

@@MaximeCheminade Great, thank you.

[@bigmaxcc]

Cost almost the same as my canon r5😳

[@MaximeCheminade]

Unfortunately :(

[@asmith5488]

I wish it came in silver and not just black for 51mm ( watched your review on mute so I did not get distracted by clown music drowning you out )

[@MaximeCheminade]

I agree thats a bit of a bummer 😅. On the other hand there isnt any “clown music” on the review 🤔🤣