The Cressi Da Vinci is a versatile, wrist-style scuba dive computer engineered for recreational and advanced divers who want modern functionality without the complexity of a full technical platform. Built around the highly reliable Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, this dive computer balances critical decompression safety with a highly intuitive user experience.
For underwater photographers and travel divers, the major advantage is immediate readability. The crisp, full-color 1.54-inch TFT LCD screen uses a high-contrast layout and large numbers, allowing you to track depth, NDL status, and ascent rates at a glance while keeping your attention on your camera rig or marine life.
Beyond its display, this Cressi dive computer offers excellent room to grow. It features dedicated Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes, with the advanced capability to manage up to 4 distinct gas mixes (ranging from 22% up to 100% $O_2$). Navigation is handled seamlessly via an integrated digital compass providing direct headings and reverse headings—ideal for plotting accurate return paths to the reef line or boat anchor. Combined with modern conveniences like a rechargeable USB-C battery and seamless Bluetooth logging to the DiveSync app, it stands out as a strong contender for the best dive computer in its class for modern, detail-oriented divers.
- Best for: recreational scuba divers, Nitrox divers, travel divers, and underwater photographers who want easy-to-read dive data.
- Main advantage: full-color 1.54" TFT display with large numbers for fast readability underwater.
- Compatibility note: works as an independent dive computer and is not tied to a camera, housing, port, or lighting system.
- Major differentiator: manages up to 4 gas mixes, including Air, Nitrox 22%–99%, and 100% O2.
- Navigation value: built-in compass with headings and reverse headings helps you return to a reef line, mooring, or boat pickup point.
- Tradeoff: air integration is not listed in the provided specifications; choose a transmitter-capable computer if tank pressure on-screen is required.
Full-Color Display Built for Easy Underwater Reading
When you are carrying a camera rig, managing buoyancy, and watching a subject, you do not want to hunt through a cluttered screen. The Da Vinci’s 1.54" TFT color display and large numbers help you check dive data quickly and get your attention back to the dive.
- Large numbers help with quick depth and time checks
- Color layout improves at-a-glance readability
- Useful for photographers who glance between subject, camera, buddy, and computer
Multi-Gas Nitrox Support for Flexible Dive Planning
For divers moving beyond simple single-gas diving, the Da Vinci can manage 4 different gas mixes, including Air, Nitrox 22%–99%, and 100% O2. That flexibility is useful for advanced recreational planning, repetitive dive days, and divers who want room to grow.
- Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes
- Adjustable PPO2 setting from 1.0 to 1.6
- User-selectable deep and safety stops
- Audible warnings for ascent speed, decompression, and PPO2 violations
Compass, Bluetooth, and USB-C Charging for Travel Diving
The built-in compass helps with reef navigation and return headings, while Bluetooth makes it easier to sync dives after the boat ride. USB-C charging also reduces battery-management hassle when you are packing camera chargers, lights, strobes, and dive electronics.
- Headings and reverse headings for navigation
- Bluetooth transfer to the DiveSync app
- Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging adapter
- Included bungee strap for drysuit or thick exposure protection setups
Cressi Dive Computer Comparison
Cressi Da Vinci vs Cressi Raffaello Dive Computer
Both are capable Cressi dive computers, but they are built for different divers. Choose the Cressi Da Vinci if you want a newer color-screen computer with built-in Bluetooth, USB-C charging, Bühlmann ZHL-16C, and 4-gas support. Choose the Cressi Raffaello if you prefer a large high-contrast display, simple operation, freedive mode, and a more traditional battery-powered computer.
| Feature | Cressi Da Vinci Dive Computer | Cressi Raffaello Dive Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Divers who want a modern color-screen scuba dive computer with multi-gas support, USB-C charging, Bluetooth logging, and a built-in compass. | Divers who want a large, easy-to-read high-contrast display, straightforward controls, Air/Nitrox/Gauge/Free modes, and long battery life. |
| Algorithm | Bühlmann ZHL-16C with customizable conservative factors / safety management. | Cressi RGBM algorithm. |
| Dive Modes | Air, Nitrox, Gauge. | Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free. |
| Gas Mix Support | Up to 4 gas mixes: Air, Nitrox 22%–99%, and 100% O2. | Up to 3 Nitrox gas mixes. |
| Display | 1.54" full-color TFT LCD screen with large, bright numbers for quick underwater reading. | Large high-contrast monochrome display with very large numbers and backlight. |
| Compass | Built-in compass with headings and reverse headings. | Digital compass listed for Raffaello in Cressi product/package information; verify exact regional SKU before publishing. |
| Battery / Charging | Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging adapter included. | Long-lasting user-replaceable battery. |
| Connectivity | Built-in Bluetooth for quick dive log transfer to the DiveSync app. | Optional / interface-based Bluetooth or USB dive log connectivity depending on package and accessory configuration. |
| Safety Features | Audible alarms for ascent speed, decompression, and PPO2 violations. User-selectable deep and safety stops. | Surface time, desaturation time, no-fly time, low battery warning, backlight, and Air/Nitrox dive program features. |
| PPO2 Setting | Adjustable PPO2 setting from 1.0–1.6. | PPO2 setting range should be verified by SKU/manual before publishing. |
| Depth Rating | TBC | 120 m / approximately 394 ft listed in Cressi content. |
| Included Items | Pre-installed screen protector, bungee strap, hex keys, and charging adapter. | Included items vary by package; verify current Bluewater Photo SKU contents before publishing. |
| Main Advantage | More modern feature set: color display, built-in Bluetooth, USB-C charging, Bühlmann algorithm, and 4-gas management. | Simple, readable, rugged-feeling dive computer with freedive mode and a large high-contrast display. |
| Bluewater Photo Recommendation | Choose Da Vinci if you want the newer, more feature-rich scuba dive computer for travel, Nitrox, multi-gas diving, and easy digital logging. | Choose Raffaello if you want a simpler big-screen Cressi dive computer with freedive mode and traditional battery operation. |
Buy With Expert Support
Cressi is a well-known scuba equipment manufacturer with a long history in dive gear, and the Da Vinci brings practical modern features into a compact wrist computer format.
Content reviewed by Bluewater Photo staff, recognized as the #1 online retailer specializing in underwater photography and scuba diving equipment, with real-world experience supporting, selling, and configuring underwater camera systems.
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Specifications
Dive Computer
- Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C
- Operating modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge
- Gas mixes: 4
- Nitrox range: 22%–99% and 100% O2
- PPO2: Adjustable 1.0–1.6
Display & Navigation
- Screen: Full-color TFT LCD
- Screen size: 1.54"
- Compass: Built-in digital compass
- Heading support: Headings and reverse headings
- Depth rating: [VERIFY]
Power & Connectivity
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Charging: USB-C charging adapter included
- Wireless transfer: Bluetooth
- App: DiveSync app
- Battery life per charge: [VERIFY]
Safety & Included Items
- Audible alarms: ascent speed, decompression, PPO2 violations
- Stops: User-selectable deep and safety stops
- Included: screen protector pre-installed
- Included: bungee strap
- Included: hex keys and charging adapter
- Da Vinci Computer
- screen protector pre-installed
- bungee strap
- hex keys
- charging adapter
Cressi Da Vinci Dive Computer FAQ
Is the Cressi Da Vinci a good dive computer for underwater photographers?
Yes. It is useful for underwater photographers because the color screen, large numbers, and wrist placement make it easy to check dive data while handling a camera rig.
Does the Cressi Da Vinci work with my camera housing?
The Da Vinci is an independent scuba dive computer, so it does not need to connect to your camera housing. Camera, housing, port, lens, and lighting compatibility should be confirmed separately.
Can I use Nitrox with the Cressi Da Vinci?
Yes. The Da Vinci supports Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes and can manage up to 4 gas mixes, including Nitrox 22%–99% and 100% O2.
Does the Cressi Da Vinci have a compass?
Yes. It has a built-in compass with headings and reverse headings, which is helpful for reef navigation, shore diving, and returning to a mooring or exit point.
How does the Cressi Da Vinci charge?
The Da Vinci uses a rechargeable battery and includes a USB-C charging adapter. Charge it before travel and before repetitive dive days.
Does the Cressi Da Vinci transfer dive logs?
Yes. It has Bluetooth connectivity for transferring dive data to the DiveSync app, where you can track dive history and stats.
Is the Cressi Da Vinci air integrated?
Air integration is not listed in the provided specifications. If you want tank pressure on your wrist computer, ask Bluewater Photo to help you compare transmitter-capable options.
What comes in the box?
The Da Vinci includes a pre-installed screen protector, a bungee strap, hex keys, and a charging adapter.
