Show us your Sealife weekend diving pics!

[krawdady]

I just picked up a sealife mini to play around with. For those of you that have used these, do you have any tips or tricks not covered in the brochure that might help me take good pictures? I do have an external flash from my old sealife camera but a lot of times I will probably just have the camera just in my BC pocket in case I see something interesting. I've read that you shouldn't use the built in flash underwater is that right? Also what is the proper setting for the white balance? I would like to get the little wide angle lens for it, does anyone know where you can get the best price? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[sabbath999]

I do not own a mini but I have played with one... here are my tips (many of which are generic for Sealife cameras).

1) The camera has manual white balance, if you are not using the flash underwater learn how to set this... it is your best friend.

2) Don't use the digital zoom, it is worthless (as are ALL digital zooms)... crop in the computer if you need to.

3) Shoot pictures at the highest resolution and quality 28xx x 21xx Fine

4) 1GB memory card max size, format it in the camera before you use it.

5) Use LITHIUM batteries.

6) Don't grease the o-ring

7) Use a lint-free lens cleaning cloth damp with fresh water to remove any fuzz or hairs from the o-ring before closing it.

 

[krawdady]

Thank you. I'm not looking to get contest winning pictures, just to make the ones I do take the best that I can. Your advice is appreciated.

 

[BonaireDan]

I use my Reefmaster Mini with NO strobe. I just use the Sea mode and set for less than or more than 25 fsw/ffw. Works well. When I get into Photoshop/Elements I generally just use Auto Levels and the result is really quite good.

I also have a D600 with digital strobe but got tired of the hassles and started just using Sea mode with really good results as well.

I like the mini for the BC pocket approach. However I actually have it on a retractor and clip it to my BC. Never in the way. Never dangles so as to damage anything and is readily available.

My only caution is all Reefmaster cameras is to change batteries EACH dive.

Also, I have found my Mini will accept a 2GB SD card even though the specs say no. Go figure. But that gives me tons of pictures so long as the batteries hang in there.

 

[krawdady]

Thank you. Clipping it to the BC is a good idea instead of fumbling for the pocket in a hurry. I called Sealife about the card size and the customer service person told me that the 1GB recommendation was printed in the manual before 2GB were very popular but a 2GB card will work fine according to him.

 

[sabbath999]

Just avoid an SDHC card (these GENERALLY are 4GB or higher, although there are actually 2GB SDHC cards out there... I have no idea why you would want one tho)

 

[mspear]

I recently purchased the DC1000 with strobe and am very pleased with the results. Not contest winners for sure, but great photo album pics. I had zero trouble and just kept taking pictures...great product.

 

[deeper thoughts]

nice..

 

[merxlin]

From last weekend. Viz was less than 10ft (green and silt). So we went in close to the rocks. I was concerned since everything I'd read said the camera is not real maco friendly. I'm very happy with these. The focus is a little soft on some, but with the surge it was probably me.

Small Spanish Shawl just above my finger

 

[Bazooka Joe]

Here's a shot I took eariler in the month using a Reefmaster Mini with a Wideangle lens.
Not shot in Macro mode, and I didn't have my strobe attached.

I love the camera, use a retracter to attach high on my shoulder, it's never in the way.