SeaLife DC1400 Underwater Camera Operating Guide

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Revision as of 13:22, 25 March 2013 by Galloa (Talk | contribs) (→‎Capture Menu)

THIS CAMERA IS RESTRICTED. Proficiency is gained through a workshop. Workshop participants must read this operating guide and bring the written proficiency test answers to the workshop. In addition to reading this operating guide and attending the workshop, it is recommended that you download and read the SeaLife DC410 Manual PDF. Optional reading: SeaLife Underwater Photo-Video Light Instruction Manual and SeaLife Digital Pro Flash Instruction Manual.

Warnings and Cautions

Warnings

Continued use under the following conditions may cause fire or electric shock. Return to Media Loan for repair service if not working or damaged.

  • If foreign objects or water have entered the camera, turn the power off and remove the battery.
  • If the camera has fallen or its case has been damaged, turn the power off and remove the battery.
  • Do not use the camera in areas near water, rain, snow, high humidity, sand, dirt or combustible gas* unless it is properly sealed in the waterproof housing provided.

Cautions

  • Do not fire the flash close to anyone’s eyes.
  • Do not subject the LCD monitor to impact.
  • A camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop it, strike it or use excessive force when handling the camera.
  • Do not remove the battery immediately after long period of continuous use.
  • Do not wrap the camera or place it in cloth or blankets.
  • Do not leave the camera in places where the temperature may rise significantly, such as inside a car.
  • Before you move the camera, disconnect cords and cables.

Notes on Battery Usage

  • Extremely cold environments can shorten the battery life and reduce camera performance.
  • When you are using a new rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery that has not been used for an extended period of time, it may affect the number of images that can be captured. Therefore, to maximize its performance and lifetime, we recommend that you fully charge the battery and discharge it for at least one complete cycle before use.
  • The battery and/or camera may feel warm after a long period of continuous use of the camera or the flash. This is normal and not a malfunction.
  • Always keep the battery terminals clean.
  • To prevent short-circuiting or fire, keep the battery away from other metal objects when carrying or storing.

Important Notes on Waterproof Function and Waterproof Housing

  • The inner camera is not waterproof or shock protected. Seal the camera inside the waterproof housing in areas of water, rain, snow, high humidity, sand, dirt or combustible gas*.
  • Do not use underwater housing if O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces are damaged.
  • Make sure O-ring is completely seated into O-ring groove before sealing housing.
  • Carefully follow O-ring removal and installation instructions contained on page 67 of manual.
  • Carefully close lid and latch to seal housing and make sure there are no obstructions that prevent housing from closing or sealing properly.
  • Soak and rinse waterproof housing in fresh water for about 2 minutes after underwater use or if the housing becomes dirty.
    • Press each button several times to clean out any saltwater, sand or dirt that may be trapped under the buttons.
    • Use clean, soft cloth to dry housing.
    • Store camera and housing only after careful cleaning and when totally dry.
  • Do not let any moisture or dirt get inside housing when opening. This may result in damage to the inner camera.
  • Make sure that you and the waterproof housing are completely dry before opening the waterproof door or changing the batteries or the SD memory card.
  • Avoid opening housing in wet, sandy or humid environments. It is recommended to open and load the housing in dry cool air, such as inside an air conditioned room. This will prevent water or humidity from being trapped inside the housing, which may cause fogging to occur or damage the inner camera.
  • Avoid getting sunscreen or suntan oil on the camera as it may cause discoloration of the surface. If any oil gets on the camera, wash it off immediately with warm water.
  • The waterproof function does not apply to the camera’s accessories.
  • Do not exceed the depth rating of 60m (200ft.) or the housing may become damaged and leak.
  • The camera may sink if dropped in water, so be sure to attach the strap to your wrist or buoyancy control device (BCD) when using the camera in or near water.
  • Store housing at room temperature in a clean and dry place.
  • Do not expose housing to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
  • Do not store housing in extreme high temperatures, such as the trunk of your car.
  • Keep the housing unlatched when storing for more than 3 months.

SDHC Card

Each Media Loan SeaLife camera comes with a 32G SDHC Class 10 card. Please remove your images and format the card before returning to Media Loan. Replacement cost for the SDHC card is a flat $50 fine plus the $15 service fee. Please Note: To prevent damaging the SDHC memory card, be sure to turn off the power when inserting or removing. If inserting or removing the SDHC memory card with the power on, the camera will automatically turn off.

Speed Scrolling and Menu Navigation

There are two ways to navigate the menus:

Speed scrolling

When the Menu is open, use the Zoom lever to scroll through the menus and the shutter button to set the camera. This is how you adjust the camera settings when the camera is inside the underwater housing.

  1. Press the Menu button.
  2. Turn the zoom lever right to scroll down or right through the menu.
  3. Turn the zoom lever left to scroll up or left through the menu.
  4. The Shutter button functions like the Set button when the Menu is open. Press the Shutter button to confirm the setting.

Navigation button scrolling

This is the traditional method for scrolling through the menu. When the Menu is open, use the Nav button to scroll through the menus and press the Set button to confirm your selection. You can use traditional Nav button scrolling or Speed Scrolling when the camera is NOT inside the underwater housing.

  1. Press the Menu button.
  2. Use the Nav button to move up, down, left and right through the menus.
  3. Press the Set button to confirm the setting.

VERY IMPORTANT:

  • Whenever the operating guide refers to ^ / v / < / >, you can use the zoom lever or navigation button.
  • Whenever the operating guide refers to the SET button, you can use the Shutter or Set button.

Formatting the Memory Card or Internal Memory

This utility formats the internal memory (or memory card) and erases all stored images and data.

  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Select Setup at the end of the menu with the ^ / v buttons and push the SET button.
  3. Select Format with the ^ / v buttons, then press the SET button.
  4. Select Yes with the < / > buttons, and press the SET button.
    1. To cancel formatting, select No and press the SET button.
  5. To exit from the Setup menu, press the Menu button.

CAPTURE MODE

Capturing Images (Taking Pictures)

Media Loan's Sealife camera is equipped with a 3” full color LCD monitor to help you compose images, playback recorded images/video clips or adjust menu settings.

  1. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the power on.
  2. Press the MODE button and set the camera to Capture mode (not Video mode).
  3. Compose your image in the LCD monitor.
    1. Turn the zoom lever right to zoom in on the subject, and enlarge the subject on the LCD monitor.
    2. Turn the zoom lever left to zoom out on the subject, and provide a wider angle image.
  4. Press the shutter button.
  5. Pressing the shutter button down halfway automatically focuses and adjusts the exposure, and pressing the shutter button down fully captures the images.
    1. The focus area frame turns green when the camera is in focus and the exposure is calculated.
    2. When the focus or exposure is not suitable, the frame of the focus area turns red.

Please Note:

  • Avoid using zoom while underwater to take pictures of subjects at far away distances. For best underwater pictures, keep your subjects within

2 m / 6 ft shooting distance.

  • If the focus area frame is red, the light conditions or contrast may be too low. Try again until focus frame is green, or try focussing on a subject with higher contrast located at equal distance to the shooting subject.
  • The Flash icon on the LCD display flashes on and off when the flash is charging. When the flash icon is solid, the camera is ready.

Setting the Focus

The camera uses an auto focus lens system. You can select among the six focus settings described below. Press the flower icon button and the < / > buttons to select the desired focus mode.

About Easy Set-up Mode

The Easy Set-up mode is a fast and easy way to set the camera for underwater or land photography. Select Easy Set-up option located in the capture menu. Then, select the best choice from a series of options depending on the shooting condition and the accessories you are using.

Setting the Scene Mode

“Scene modes” are pre-programmed camera settings to automatically give you the best picture possible under specific shooting conditions. You can use the Easy Set-up mode described on the previous page, or select among the following 33 scene modes.

  1. Press the MENU button and select Scene Mode using the down button (or zoom lever) and push the SET (or shutter button).
  2. Select the desired scene mode with the ^ / v / < / > buttons (or zoom lever), and press the SET button (or shutter button).
  3. Compose the image and press the shutter button.

About External Flash and External Light Modes

If you are using the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash and/or Photo-Video Light accessories (supplied with Media Loan's SeaLife cameras), set the camera to one of the following Scene modes:

  • Ext Flash Auto or Ext Flash Manual modes
    • When using the Digital Pro Flash, but NOT the Photo-Video Light, set the Scene mode to Ext Flash Auto. The camera automatically adjusts the image exposure and white balance resulting in sharp, colorful underwater pictures. The camera is preprogrammed to account for the additional flash power resulting in optimal image exposure and brightness. The camera’s flash will always fire, which automatically triggers the Digital Pro Flash through the optical cable connection.
    • For advanced underwater photographers who want to manually control the aperture and shutter speed, set the scene mode to Ext Flash MNL. Refer to the Digital Pro Flash instruction manual for more details on connecting and operating the flash.
  • Ext Light mode.
    • When using the Photo-Video Light, set the Scene mode to Ext Light. The camera automatically adjusts the image exposure and white balance resulting in sharp, colorful underwater pictures and video. The camera’s default setting is set to Flash Off, which is recommended to prevent backscatter. Refer to the Photo-video instruction manual for more details on connecting and operating the light.
  • Ext Flash + Light mode.
    • When using one Digital Pro Flash in combination with one Photo-Video Light (as supplied by Media Loan), set the Scene mode to Ext Flash+Light. This mode functions just like Ext Flash Auto mode, but uses a different white balance for video mode.

Exposure adjustment when the camera is in Ext Flash Mode:

About Dive and Snorkel Modes

The Dive and Snorkel Scene Modes are used to capture underwater pictures and video when NOT using the optional external flash accessory. Dive mode is ideal for scuba diving below 25ft/8m depth. Snorkel mode is ideal for underwater pictures above 25ft/8m depth. The camera will make color corrections to compensate for the loss of red colors typical in underwater photography.

To set DIVE mode:
  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Select [Scene mode] with the ^ / v buttons (or zoom lever) and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  3. Select DIVE mode with the ^ / v buttons (or zoom lever) and press SET (or Shutter) button.
To set SNORKEL mode:
  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Select [Scene mode] with the ^ / v buttons (or Zoom lever) and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  3. Select SNORKEL mode with the ^ / v buttons (or Zoom lever) and press SET (or Shutter) button.


In Dive and Snorkel modes, you can fine-tune the color correction depending on the water color and depth. These color correction options are located in the White Balance Menu. The default white balance setting for Dive mode is Blue Water > 25ft/8m. The default white balance setting for Snorkel mode is Blue Water < 25ft/8m. To select Dive or Snorkel modes, follow the Easy Setup mode described on page 25. You can also set the camera to Dive or Snorkel modes under the Scene mode menu.

Underwater white Balance settings
  • BluWtr<25ft (Blue Water less than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for snorkeling or shallow diving in “blue” water.
  • BluWtr>25ft (Blue Water greater than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal fordeeper diving in “blue” water.
  • GrnWtr<25ft (Green Water less than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for snorkeling or shallow diving in “greener” water with higher algae content.
  • GrnWtr>25ft (Green Water greater than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for deeper diving in “greener” water with higher algae content.


To change the color correction (White Balance):

  1. Press the MENU button.
  2. Select [White Balance] with the ^ / v buttons (or Zoom lever) and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  3. Select between BluWtr<25ft, BluWtr>25ft, GrnWtr<25ft or GrnWtr>25ft with the ^ / v buttons (or Zoom lever) depending on your type of water conditions and press SET (or Shutter) button.


Please Note:

  • The underwater color correction feature should only be used for nonflash photography.
  • When the camera is in Dive and Snorkel mode, the scene displayed on the LCD display will appear red in color when you are on land. This is normal and will appear different when you are underwater.
  • The underwater color correction feature will not work during night time diving or depths greater than 50ft / 15m depending on the amount of available light.
  • For best UW pictures, keep the camera’s flash OFF when in Dive or Snorkel mode. If light conditions are too dark, we recommend using the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash.

About Spy Mode

This mode is used to capture continuous images at a preselected time interval. It is also useful for taking a series of pictures without being discovered by the subject, like Garden Eels or a bird’s nest with an egg hatching. A compact tripod accessory is helpful to keep the camera aimed at the subject. Spy mode is not available when recording video.

  1. Press the MENU button, and select Capture mode with the ^ / v buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  2. Select [Spy] with the< / > buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  3. Select the desired time interval with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever) and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  4. Press the MENU button to exit the menu.
  5. Aim the camera at the desired subject or scene.
  6. Press the shutter button and the camera will start capturing images at the pre-selected set time interval.
  7. The LCD display will now turn off to save battery power. The camera will continue to take images at the preselected time interval, until:
    1. Pressing the shutter button again.
    2. The memory is full.
    3. The battery is empty.

HD VIDEO MODE

Recording HD Video Clips

This mode allows you to record continuous video with sound in 1280x720 (720p HD), 640x480 (VGA) or 320x240 (QVGA) pixel formats.

  1. Press the Mode button or UW housing Video button to select Video mode.
  2. . Compose the image.
  3. Press the shutter button.
    1. The recording of the video clip will start.
    2. Pressing the shutter button one more time will end the recording of the video clip.
    3. The recording time depends on the storage size and the subject of the image to be recorded.
    4. The zoom function cannot be used during video recording.The camera will auto focus at the subject when pushing the shutter button to start recording. Once video recording has started, the auto focus is locked.

Playing Back Video Clips

You can play back recorded video clips on the camera.

  1. Press the PLAY button.
    1. The last image appears on the screen.
  2. Select the desired video clip with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever).
  3. Press the SET (or Shutter) button to start playing video clip.
    1. A press of the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever) during playback allows fast forward play / fast reverse play.
    2. To stop video playback, press the v (or Flash) button. This stops playback and returns to the start of the video clip.
    3. To pause video playback, press the SET (or Shutter) button. This pauses video playback. To cancel pause, press the SET (or Shutter) button again.

PLAYBACK MODE

Playing Back Still Images

You can play back the still images on the LCD monitor.

  1. Press the PLAY button.
    1. The last image appears on the screen.
  2. The images can be displayed in forward or reverse sequence with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever).
    1. To view the previous image, press the < button (or turn Zoom lever left).
    2. To view the next image, press the > button (or turn Zoom lever right).
  3. Push the shutter button to enlarge the center of the image. Each push of the shutter button increases the zoom by one step: 2X - 3X - 4X and back to 1X normal view.
  4. Use the < / > / ^ / v buttons to see other enlarged parts of the picture. This function is not available when the camera is sealed inside the underwater housing.

Erasing Images and Video Clips in Playback Mode

  1. Press the PLAY button.
    1. The last image or video clip will be displayed on the screen.
  2. Select the image / video you want to erase with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever).
  3. Press the MENU button.
  4. Select [Delete] with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
    1. Single: Erases the selected image or video.
    2. All: Erases all of the images / videos except for the protected files.
  5. Select Yes with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
    1. To not erase, select No, and press the SET (or Shutter) button.

MENU OPTIONS

Capture Menu

This menu is for the basic settings to be used when capturing still images.

  1. Press the Mode button and select Camera icon.
  2. Press the MENU button to enter the capture menu.
  3. Select the desired option item with the ^ / v buttons (or zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button to enter its respective menu.
  4. Select the desired setting with the < / > buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  5. To exit from the menu, press the MENU button.

Quality

  • This sets the quality (compression) at which the image is captured. A higher quality setting will result in less compression and larger image files. Fine, Standard, Economy.

Sharpness

  • This sets the sharpness of the image that will be captured: Hard / Standard / Soft

Color

  • This sets the color of the image that will be captured: Standard / Vivid / Sepia / (B & W) / Red / Green / Blue / Yellow / Purple

Saturation

  • This sets the saturation of the image that will be captured: High / Standard / Low

Metering

  • This sets the metering method for calculating the exposure.
    • Center: Averages the light metered from the entire frame, but gives greater weight to the subject matter at the center. This is the recommended setting for most pictures.
    • Spot: A very small portion of the center of the screen is measured to calculate the correct exposure.
    • Average: The entire area of the screen is measured, and the exposure is calculated.

Image Stab.

  • This function minimizes the motion blur caused by hand “shake” or movement when you capture an image. It is recommended to keep the image stabilization: On / Off
    • OFF to save battery power unless taking pictures in low light without flash.
Size
  • This sets the size of the image that will be captured.
    • 14M – 4288 x 3216
    • 8M – 3264 x 2448
    • 4M – 2304 x 1728
    • 2M – 1600 x 1200
    • VGA – 640 x 480
ISO

This sets the sensitivity for capturing images. When the sensitivity is raised (and the ISO figure is increased), photography will become possible even in dark locations, but the more pixelated (grainier) the image will appear.

  • Auto / 64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 3200
White Balance

This sets the white balance for a variety of lighting conditions and permits images to be captured that approach the conditions that are seen by the human eye.

  • Auto
  • BluWtr<25ft (Blue Water less than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for shallow diving in “blue” water.
  • BluWtr>25ft (Blue Water greater than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for deeper diving in “blue” water.
  • GrnWtr<25ft (Green Water less than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for snorkeling or shallow diving in “greener” water with higher algae content.
  • GrnWtr>25ft (Green Water greater than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for deeper diving in “greener” water with higher algae content.
  • Ext Flash WB. Use this white balance setting for underwater pictures when shooting with the external flash accessory
  • Incandescent
  • Fluorescent 1
  • Fluorescent 2
  • Daylight
  • Cloudy
  • Manual
Setting Manual White Balance (WB)

The surrounding light may affect the color balance of your pictures or videos. For example, if a halogen light illuminates a white wall, the wall will have a yellow cast, while in fact it should be white. Underwater pictures tend to be more blue, because the water filters out red colors. The camera’s white balance menu includes settings that compensate for different lighting conditions found on land or underwater. You can also manually set the camera’s white balance if the options found in the white balance menu are not suitable. A digital camera needs to find a reference point which represents white. It will then calculate all the other colors based on this white point.
To manually set the camera’s white balance,

  • Select Manual WB located at the bottom of the White Balance menu
  • Select “New WB” and press the Set or Shutter button
  • Turn the Zoom lever and select “Yes”
  • Hold the white slate (sold separately at your local dive dealer) about 10in /25cm in front of the camera lens, so it fills up the picture frame displayed on the LCD.
  • Hold the white slate at a slight angle in the direction of the light source or sun.
  • Press the SET (or Shutter) button to execute the Manual WB
  • Do not use Manual WB with flash photography
  • Reset Manual WB when changing depths or light conditions
  • Select “Use Data” if you want to use the last Manual WB setting saved to the camera
  • Push and hold the Menu button for about 4 seconds, as a shortcut to access the Manual white balance setting screen

Video Menu

This menu is for the basic settings to be used when recording video clips.

  1. Press the MODE (video) button and set the camera.
  2. Press the MENU button to enter the Video menu.
  3. Select the desired option item with the p / q buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button to enter its respective menu
  4. Select the desired setting with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button
  5. To exit from the menu, press the MENU button
  • White Balance
    • See above.
  • Size
    • This sets the size of the video clip that will be captured.
      • HD – 1280 x 720p
      • VGA – 640 x 480
      • Q-VGA – 320 x 240
  • Quality
    • This sets the quality (compression) at which the video clip is captured: Fine, Standard.
  • Color
    • This sets the color of the video clip that will be captured: Standard / Vivid / Sepia / B&W / Red / Green / Blue / Yellow / Purple
  • Audio
    • This sets whether or not to record audio at the time of video recording: On / Off
  • Digital Zoom
    • We recommend that you do not use Digital Zoom.
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