"Lee Bell" pounded away at his keyboard
resulting in:

:I really, really, really recommend against a film camera for someone just
:starting underwater photography. For the first year or so, the ration
:between keeper and garbage pictures is quite low. Developing and printing
:are not cheap. The high cost for a low return has turned many a photographer
:away from taking underwater shots. With digital, the shots you don't like,
:don't cost you anything.

Two other reasons.

The back display makes getting good shots so much easier because you
don't need to put the camera against your mask to take a photo.

Digital cameras need less light than film cameras making external
strobes less necessary.

Dan Bracuk
Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do.