DC1200 built-in flash

[aklinz]

I'm considering buying a Sealife DC1200 camera, but I am getting confused about it's built-in flash. I will be buying ONLY the camera (no external strobe for now). After reading reviews, I get the impression that the flash does not work underwater ! Is this true ? That seems to be a bit stupid, as one ALWAYS needs extra light when taking pictures underwater ! Can anyone illuminate this subject (pun intended) ? In underwater mode, does the camera's built-in flash still operate ? Thanks !
Andrew Klinzmann

 

[SeaLife Joe]

Hello Andrew,

For the DC1200 as all recent Sealife digitals, we have color correction modes which work to bring back the natural colors by introducing a red filter affect. When using any of our camera only underwater modes which have this filter, the cameras inner flash is turned off by the programming. You can override and turn the flash back on if you like but there are a couple things that should be considered:
1) All P&S cameras have an internal flash that has an affective range of about 2 ft.
2) Due to the proximity of the flashes next to the lenses, you will get a considerable amount of backscatter.

These are the two biggest reasons we chose not to have the flash on in the underwater modes.

However to get the brightest, clearest pictures underwater, you would want to consider adding a strobe or Photo-Video light.

Hope this helps illuminate the subject!

Joe

I'm considering buying a Sealife DC1200 camera, but I am getting confused about it's built-in flash. I will be buying ONLY the camera (no external strobe for now). After reading reviews, I get the impression that the flash does not work underwater ! Is this true ? That seems to be a bit stupid, as one ALWAYS needs extra light when taking pictures underwater ! Can anyone illuminate this subject (pun intended) ? In underwater mode, does the camera's built-in flash still operate ? Thanks !
Andrew Klinzmann