SeaLife ReefMaster DC100 Review

Review posted 8/12/02

Click on the Reefmaster DC100 for a QuickTime VR tour The SeaLife ReefMaster DC100 Digital Camera is the first dedicated underwater digital camera. It's rated to 100 feet and can be set to three different automatic exposure modes: Land, Sea, and Sea w/external flash. The "Sea" modes set the camera for optimal color reproduction in the deep blue. The 'one-button' operation makes it easy to use underwater, just aim and shoot. The large 1.8 inch LCD makes aiming easy, the rubber armored outer housing fits just right in your hands. The instant review and delete function practically guarantees great pictures on the spot. The real beauty of digital photos is that you can save just your good shots and delete the bad ones. With the Instant Delete function, every time you shoot a shot it will be displayed on the large 1.8-inch monitor with a "Delete Current?" prompt for 4 seconds. If you like the shot - just wait a few seconds. If you don't like it, simply hit the shutter again and it will remove it from memory without having to change modes! This makes it easier and faster to insure you get only the shots you want! Get long, two-hour battery life when using SeaLife 1800 mAh rechargeable NiMH batteries. The DC100 can also be expanded with all SeaLife accessories like the macro kit, external flash and wide angle lens. The perfect gift for the warm-water tropical vacationer or diver in your family! ReefMaster DC100 Features 1.3-Megapixel CCD, creates 1280x960 or 640x480 images Land Mode, Sea Mode and Sea Mode w/External Flash Sea modes generate vivid colors in low light Review and Instant delete option in both Sea Modes One-button operation Automatic TTL exposure control in 3 programs 10 second self timer Automatic power save mode Expandable with all ReefMaster lenses, flashes and accessories Depth tested to 100 feet (DC200 model to 200 feet) Double O-ring for extra safety and maintenance-free use The ReefMaster DC100 outfit is available now and includes: 1.3-Megapixel DC100 digital camera, Underwater housing, wrist and safety strap, CD with MGI Photo Suite software, USB cable, Video cable, Care Kit with anti-fog desiccant cartridges, Full color manual, Detailed instruction book, Soft case for inner camera. Physical Views The DC100 is -not- waterproof unless it is inside of the underwater case.

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Reefmaster DC100 Specifications Rated Depth: 100 ft. Effective Pixels: 1.3 Megapixels Image Quality: 3 levels (Super Fine, Fine, Normal) Image Sizes: 1280 x 960 or 640 x 480 File Format: JPEG, EXIF 2.1 Exposure Modes: Land, Sea, Sea w/external flash Lens: ~38mm fixed focus lens, 0.6m to infinity When in macro 0.3-0.6m Exposure Compensation: -1.8 to +1.8EV in 0.3EV steps Digital Zoom: Yes, 2X TTL Exposure Control: Aperture: f/2.8 or f/8 Shutter speeds: 1/30th - 1/800th Shot-to-Shot: approx. 4 seconds in Land mode w/out flash approx. 8 seconds in Sea mode w/flash White Balance: Auto, Sun (5500K), Shade (6000K), Fluorescent (4000K), Tungsten (2850K) Flash Modes: Auto, on, off, pre-flash Red Eye reduction Self timer: 10 seconds Slide Show: YES Color LCD: 1.8 inch color monitor 280 x 220 pixels Data LCD: Flash, Quality, Battery status, Number of images Optical Viewfinder: Yes, with 85% frame coverage Memory: 8 MB builtin plus CompactFlash card slot Number of pictures: 8 MB 17 high quality, 138 e-mail quality 32 MB card: 64 high / 852 e-mail 128 MB card: 256 high / 3,400 email Connectors: Video/USB/DC IN Video Signal: NTSC or PAL selectable Playback Features: Single image, image with information, multi-image 3x3 thumbnails, slideshow, delete, DPOF Power: 4X AA alkaline, NiMH (recommended), lithium Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.75 x 2 inches Weight: 7.0 oz Underwater Housing Construction: Crystal Clear Makrolon Hardware: Stainless Steel O-rings: Yes - dual o-rings Closure: single latch Lens Port: New Snap Port for secure lens attachment Specifications as represented by the manufacturer

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