PIONEERmanREV 11/19/01 6:00 PM Page 48

Great Pictures Made Easy

Taking underwater pictures is much different that taking land pictures. Here are the most important tips to taking great pictures underwater:

1. Crystal Clear water.

Crystal Clear water is essential for good underwater pictures. Remember the human eye can see more detail than a camera. In other words, your eyes see the water as being clearer than it actually is. Floating particles like algae, and silt cause low visibility. Avoid stirring up the sandy bottom with your fins. These floating particles cause small spots to appear in your picture, known as “backscatter.”

Always remember to limit your shooting distance to 1/10 of the water visibility. For example, if the visibility is 60 feet (18 m), you should keep your shooting distance to within 6 feet (1.8m); in 30 feet (10 m) visibility you should be no further than 3 feet (90 cm) away from your subject.

2. Stay within the ideal shooting distance of 2 to 6 feet.

The ideal shooting distance is between 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters). This distance will result in detailed, colorful pictures. The closer, the better. Use your stretched out arm as a measuring tool to keep your minimum shooting distance of 2 feet (0.6 meters). Remember that light does not travel very far underwater. For best pictures, use a 3X Macro Lens at distances from 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).

3. Move calmly and control your buoyancy before taking a picture.

It is very hard to take good pictures when you are moving. Look around for great picture opportunities. First position yourself at the best angle, and neutralize your buoyancy. Second, use the LCD monitor to perfectly frame your subject, check your shooting distance and keep the camera steady. Third, be calm and patient: Sometimes you have to wait a little bit so the fish that were frightened away, come back. Don’t chase the fish, let the fish come to you.

Always be in control of your buoyancy before taking pictures and observe all safe-diving rules.

4. Shoot and review - If you don’t like it, delete it.

One of the key advantages of the SeaLife digital camera is that the monitor displays the picture you’ve just taken. The monitor will display a message “DELETE?” for 3 seconds. If you don’t like it, delete it by pushing the shutter button again. One of the best ways to learn underwater photography is from your good pictures and mistakes.

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Sealife DC100, DC200 manual Crystal Clear water, Stay within the ideal shooting distance of 2 to 6 feet
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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.
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