Sealife DC200, DC100 manual How It Works

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PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 6:00 PM Page 1

How It Works

A Very Unique Camera

Land & Sea®

Introduction:

The SeaLife Reefmaster Digital Land & Sea camera allows you to choose between Land Mode for taking land pictures and Sea Mode for taking underwater pictures. This is essential for taking great pictures and achieving the perfect picture exposure.

Sea Mode: If the camera is set to Sea Mode and used inside the Underwater Camera Housing, the camera is programmed to automatically find the best exposure control combination in an underwater environment. The internal sensor reads the light conditions through the lens (TTL). It evaluates the whole picture in 64 segments with higher priority in the center. Then it automatically sets the correct exposure time, lens opening, and sensitivity. You may hear a slight clicking noise when you move the camera to different light conditions. SeaLife Research has tested several thousand combinations to achieve the optimal exposure controls. In the Sea mode, the slowest exposure time underwater is 1/30 seconds. If the surrounding light is too dark, the flash will fire automatically. While in the Sea mode, the camera flash will actually fire two times; one weak flash, called a pre-flash, is used to determine the brightness and reflection of whatever you’re taking a picture of. The primary flash will fire 0.2 seconds after the pre-flash (hardly noticeable). Only the primary flash is used by the camera for properly exposing the final picture. The combination of the pre-flash and main flash ensures the optimal exposure setting for the camera.

In order to avoid underwater “backscatter” (spots that show up in pictures caused by tiny particles in the water) and get more vivid colors, we recommend that you use the SeaLife External Flash, which is sold separately. You can even use two external flashes, like the pros do, in order to eliminate shadows in your pictures. When using the SeaLife External Flash, you must set the camera to the External Flash Mode. The External Flash Mode does not use a Pre Flash, since this would cause the external flash to fire during the pre-flash and not during the primary flash.

If you are taking close-up pictures in very low light or even total darkness with the SeaLife Macro lenses and you experience over flashing from a reflective fish or object, you have the choice of immediately deleting the image by pressing the shutter button again within 3 seconds (the monitor will show you the picture and display “DELETE?”). You can then redirect the flash by moving the flexible flash arm or turning the flash diffuser dial to a different setting. The Flash Diffuser is an accessory that can be clipped on to the external slash head in order to modify the brightness by dialing a degree of diffusion. The system gives you many options to create great photos under many different conditions and using the various flashes or lens accessories.

Land Mode: If you are taking land pictures, set the camera to Land Mode. Now the camera is automatically programmed to take great land pictures. The camera evaluates light conditions through the lens. If it’s too dark, the camera uses the built-in flash to fire a pre-flash (to test the picture quality) and a primary flash for taking a properly exposed picture. If you like, you can override the camera’s fully automatic functions. In many cases you might actually take a better picture without flash, such as in longer shooting distances in low light or indoor, and you can select “no flash.” In other cases, even in bright light, you might select “fill- flash” to brighten up shadows and avoid dark areas. Sometimes pictures can be “grainy” if you do not have enough light and do not use the flash. No matter how dark it is, even if it becomes impossible for any camera to take a sharp picture, the camera will

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Contents PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Must do Limited Warranty FCC NoticePIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Vii Table of Contents PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM How It Works Your computer Checking Accessories Optional AccessoriesSystem Requirements Identifying the Parts PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Operating Mode Dial Status LCD / LCD Monitor Connectors On Battery Usage also see Battery Selection Guide on Using the Optional Power Adapter Digital Camera Instructions Holding the camera Press and releasing Shutter ButtonHow to playback images Playback images on TVHow to view image information and thumbnails How to delete images How to set the focus How to set the image resolution & qualityResolution Indicator Image Quality IndicatorHow to adjust the flash setting Advanced Camera OperationsHow to adjust the White Balance How to set the OSD On-Screen Display languageHow to set the Self-Timer How to format the CF CompactFlash cardOperating Modes and Menus Record MenuSetting is reset to Auto when the camera power is off Play Menu Slide Show PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Land & SEA Mode Above settings are conserved even if the camera power is off Reset to Default Delete Mode Transferring your Images to the Computer Downloading Images to computerEditing and Processing images Using MGI PhotoVista must be installed from CD before using Preview the Stitch Create a Full Stitch Additional Information Names and FunctionsOK Button Operating Mode Dial LED Messages Camera Specification SeaLife Reefmaster Digital Deluxe Housing SL111DX SeaLife Reefmaster Digital Housing SL111Must do for underwater housing PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Main O-rings and keeping a waterproof seal Quick waterproof testOpening tab PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Set up camera Set up housingTest camera and housing After using housing underwater Entering the water with housingCleaning housing after use Stay within the ideal shooting distance of 2 to 6 feet Crystal Clear waterShoot and review If you don’t like it, delete it Take several pictures of the same subject ’ 30 cm to infinity. Field of view about 50 % largerPIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 600 PM Ni-MH battery charger item # SL190 Optional accessory How to use charger Lithium Nickel Metal Hydride Ni-MHStandard and High Energy Alkaline Battery Life Trouble shooting guide Problem Possible cause Corrective Action Pioneer Research

DC100, DC200 specifications

The Sealife DC200 and DC100 are popular compact digital cameras designed specifically for underwater photography enthusiasts. These cameras are built to endure the aquatic environment while delivering excellent image quality, making them ideal for divers, snorkelers, and marine explorers.

The Sealife DC200 is a robust camera engineered to provide high-resolution images with its 12-megapixel sensor, enabling users to capture stunning underwater scenes with clarity and vibrancy. It also boasts a wide-angle lens with a built-in macro feature, making it versatile for both close-up shots of marine life and expansive shots of underwater landscapes.

One of the standout features of the DC200 is its user-friendly interface, which is designed to be easily navigated even while wearing diving gloves. The camera has customizable quick-access buttons that allow users to adjust settings efficiently without fumbling through complex menus. Additionally, the DC200 is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD screen that is anti-reflective, ensuring visibility even in bright underwater conditions.

The Sealife DC100, while slightly more compact, does not compromise on quality. Featuring 10-megapixel resolution, it captures excellent images, and its lightweight design makes it convenient for travel. The DC100's built-in flash helps illuminate subjects in murky water, improving visibility and color accuracy. It also supports video recording up to 720p, allowing photographers to document their underwater adventures in motion.

Both the DC200 and DC100 are engineered to be waterproof down to impressive depths, ensuring durability during extended underwater excursions. They feature a shock-resistant housing, safeguarding the camera from accidental drops and bumps on land, as well.

Moreover, these cameras are equipped with advanced technologies such as an optical image stabilization system, which helps to minimize blurring in images caused by hand movements. The cameras also offer various shooting modes, including underwater, macro, and land modes, enabling users to adapt to different photographic conditions seamlessly.

In summary, the Sealife DC200 and DC100 are exceptional tools for underwater photography, combining high-resolution imaging, durable designs, and user-friendly features. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, these cameras are designed to enhance your underwater experience, allowing you to capture the beauty of the ocean with ease.