2 comments about SeaLife SL560 ReefMaster PRO Set 35mm Camera.

1. ....over the Canon Elph. It works at a greater depth. This makes it more versatile at only a slightly higher cost.

   However, the "Pro set" is [no bargain]. Just buy the camera instead.




2. Great camera as far as point and shoot goes. Although you can save money buy direct from SeaLife.

1 comments about SeaLife ReefMaster RC SL515 Automatic Dive Underwater 35mm Camera.

1. The SeaLife ReefMaster RC takes OK pictures but they came out rather blurry and grainy. My guess is that the flash is not strong enough. I went snorkeling with it in La Jolla, CA. It was a bright day with good visibility although never ideal conditions in this area. Perhaps if I was snorkeling in the Florida Keys - which I've done and got good pics with a Fuji one time use underwater camera. I guess in perfect conditions, any camera works well. I've also tried the Sea & Sea MX5-II with no extra external flash. It took better pictures but it looked like water was getting into the housing. The good thing about the Reefmaster RC is that it looks like it stays dry so less worry about that. One further con though is that you cannot turn the camera on/off from the outside of the housing. You must take the internal camera out. To get around this you can leave it always on - it has an automatic shutoff and then you push down the lever a little to activate the camera. Problem is I couldn't tell if the camera was on and took a few pictures of nothing by accident. I was worried the batteries would die as well. Also, the flash ready light is very hard to see. I might try an additional external flash but that means more $$.

5 comments about Canon Sure Shot A-1 Water Resistant 35mm Camera.

1. This camera was very handy to have around. It did everything you would want in a point and shoot (timer,flash no flash,waterproof etc.)The body seemed fairly sturdy. So I thought. One of the hinges on the back broke--water got in---camera was trash. All in all it did a good job before this dreaded event. I would recommend the camera for anyone interested in lots of outdoor activities where water-rain could be an issue.



2. I recently bought a Sure Shot A-1 because I've ruined 2 other very expensive cameras with saltwater & sand. I was a little skeptical about this camera because it is relatively inexpensive and simple compared to my SLR or the Minolta underwater camera. Well, I've shot about 10 rolls now, on the beach, in saltwater, swimming with the kids in Hawaii and hiking. This little camera takes terrific pictures in all settings. I'm especially impressed with the exposure control system which could have easily been tricked with lots of scattered light....but was not. The fill flash works well, even at high noon on Maui, breaking up harsh shadows and brightening colors.

   I've also used the negatives with my Nikon Coolscan IV with great results as well...the digital images from the Sure Shot/Coolscan combination have been nearly as good as my Nikon Coolpix 990.

   Two thumbs up on the A-1




3. I enjoyed this camera in Cancun where the water was very clear, haven't used it underwater anywhere else yet. You have to get fairly close for the underwater pics but they come out nice. The camera also works well on land. Photos come out clear, but you'll want to shoot a little closer that you might think. The color in the scenic shots came out beautiful. Good camera for vacation. I'd recommend it to a friend.



4. ....This camera was darn-near perfect, no matter where I used it, be it under water or all the way to the top of Mount Etna. I made the rounds of the entire island, Germany, Israel, Spain, and a whole bunch of detachments in other places. As good as it was, it was bound to die eventually. I found it's only flaw, you can't cheat on the directions. They say to dampen the seal before swimming, and there's a reason for that. If you don't, it will leak under pressure and short out the whole thing. So be warned, READ THE INSTRUCTION BOOK! It's there for a reason. One bonus, it works to 20 feet, even though they say 16.5. So listen to someone who misses a faithful camera, wet the seal and this bad-boy will serve you for a long time. (I have 2 years of great pictures to prove it)



5. I bought a second hand A1 with reservation. I have a Canon 20D SLR with L-lens and a point and shoot Powershoot A95. On the fishing trip in July 2006 to Alaska, I was thinking of taking my fancy cameras, however, I was affraid of getting water into these cameras because the people that I travel with were really serious fishermen and they were going to be in the water most of the day. Thus, I took my A1 with me since I know the it is resistant to water. I have the camera in my chest wader most of the time so I can be ready for action shots. I finally took my film to Costco to develop in January 2007 (6 months after I took the pictures). To my surprise, the pictures turn out good. I think the pictures are just as good of a quality as my point and shoot digital Power Point camera. I am happy with the quality of the pictures. This camera will definitely be with me this coming summer trip to Yosemite's Merced river swimming trip. I got my used via the internet for fifty dollars...
   
   Have fun taking pictures

5 comments about Canon Elph Sport APS Camera Kit.

1. This is a simple point and shoot auto-focus model which fits nicely into small bags/purses or a coat pocket. Traveling should be fun in any weather and being able to capture memories should be too. Cameras shouldn't shrink with just a few raindrops like the Wicked Witch of the West. The Canon Elph Sport holds up to everything I've been through the past four years: quicksand, ocean waves, swimming pools, road trips, baby drool, hurricanes, blizzards, and much more. The colors come through vividly. Now with black and white Advantix film being available, I can take more classic photos as well. This summer, I tried surfing and the only success was the great photos. The carrying case is great - In it, the camera floats in the ocean. I recommend this camera for anyone who does not want to worry about their camera getting wet on family vacations (think beach trips or theme park rides here) or during frequent outdoor adventures.

   TECHNICAL NOTES: It does not have a zoom option, but it includes a self-timer feature. It doesn't use up batteries quickly. I've replaced it maybe twice in four years.




2. If you are considering buying an APS camera, then you should look no further. Note, however, that APS film is a bit more expensive than regular 35mm film, but it is much more versatile (standard Normal, Group, and Panoramic modes, etc). The reason why this camera so great is most obviously its design. The case is waterproof as well as shockproof. After taking it with me hiking, I tripped three times, each time with the camera in my hand (in its little case), and showed no signs of damage, and still worked great underwater. For me, this is great, as I usually end up losing things in my messy room, and hence they usually get banged around. This camera is durable, and therefore there is no worry. Its waterproofing is great feature, as I am constantly taking pictures on my boat, at the beach, or outside where there is always the chance of rain. You don't have to worry about keeping your camera dry, nor does it become a problem if you leave you bag with the camera in it someplace where it might accidentally get wet. The design is extremely easy to use, and the pictures are great (use 400 speed film, its the most versatile). The only bad thing is that you have to fairly responsible about cleaning the camera after salt-water use. Now, I have never done this, and the camera still works fine. Furthermore, this thing is tiny, suprisingly smaller than the most compact 35mm's. You'll be suprised at how small it is (it's not too small though). It also has bumps on the back to help you grip the camera with one hand. To anyone who is concerned about zoom, on most compact camera, APS or 35mm, they barely make that much of a difference. And to anyone considering going digital, I say just get a scanner. Your picture quality will be much better. Recommended without reservation. Its the kind of camera you can just throw in your bag and never have to worry about. One last thing, when you first put it underwater, you will see bubbles coming out. I was concerned, but found out it was just air on the outside of the waterproofing.



3. My camera has really stood up to the elements and multiple beatings. It has worked well for me taking pictures underwater and in the surf, and has also been to the top of multiple 20,000+ feet mountains. Dropped countless times on rock, snow, sand, and also dunked as much into water. I have learned to force the flash on anything but super sunny days - the pics come out a bit dark in conditions other cameras would have no problem with, and i've found it could really use a filter in intense light situations. Nothing you wouldn't expect from a specialty use camera. Just bought a second spare one for when the first one finally does give up - which i don't think will be for a long time.
   Good camera and good value!



4. I received this camerera as a prize and would recommend it to anyone. We use this camera as our primary camera for everything! I took it in with me when my daughter was born, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and I have now handed it to my now toddler. If you have had a toddler, they can break anything with the exception of this ELPH SPORT. I have had this camera for 4 years and have nothing but good things to say!



5. not what I wanted, was called and offered a replacement because they did not have the camera I ordered. This camera was supposed to be new but it was obviously refurbished. It broke the first time I used it and the display is not functioning properly.

5 comments about Kodak Max Waterproof 35mm Single Use Camera.

1. When I first bought this camera I thought I had made a mistake. I was in Hawaii going snorkeling and I took some pictures of some fish. The fish were beautiful and the colors were vibrant. Thats exactly how my pictures turned out, full of color and detail.This is a really great buy. You get alot for your money! Happy Shooting



2. Admittedly, I had low expectations when I bought one of these for a recent trip to the Virgin Islands. I didn't believe that a disposable camera loaded with consumer-grade film would return anything better than barely acceptable pictures. I guess I was wrong. Not only were the underwater shots crisp and bright, but even the out-of-water pictures look like they came from a much more expensive camera. I have a few complaints about the film advancer sticking periodically and the lens being too sensitive to suntan lotion (this was a beach after all), but overall I was quite pleased.



3. We used these cameras on the beaches and in the ocean while in Hawaii. The picture quality was as good as any permanent camera I own. The only draw back is it has no flash which would have been helpful in a few situations. But you just have to plan around this one fault.



4. I used the camera in Hawaii. It was easy to use, and it was nice to have pictures underwater, but when I tried to take pictures of things on the ocean floor, I discovered that the camera won't work deeper than about 10 ft--the plunger gets depressed by the pressure.



5. I took this camera on my honeymoon to St. Maarten and the pictures came out beautifully, better than the ones I took with my "real" camera. Would definitely use again! Would also love to go to St. Maarten again (but that's besides the point :-) ).

3 comments about SeaLife SCL520 ReefMaster CL 35mm Camera.

1. I bought this camera.
   At 5 meters was full of water...

   BE CAREFULL!!

   DO NOT BUY!!

   -message to amazon:
   you must have no star rating option-




2. please ignore this review.
   I was wrong about the type of camera.....
   (the type that I've tried was Sharkdiver sl301)

   sorry.




3. Unlike the other reviewers I had no problem taking pictures of fish and reefs in Mexico. The camera stayed dry and the housing held up. The only area of caution was keeping sand away from the rubber ring gasket. If you keep this camera and housing clean you should have no problems.

5 comments about SeaLife SharkDiver SL 300 Underwater Reloadable Camera.

1. When a product gets a couple of good reviews and a LOT of bad ones, you have to suspect something is wrong. Listen to your suspicions in this case. Those two good reviews here on Amazon may be true, but then why so many bad reviews? And one reviewer wrote that he put silicon grease on the gasket...nothing in the instructions about that. So one of the positive reviews actually modified the product to make it work!
   
   This is not a quality product. It leaked on the second roll of film, despite extreme care in seating the gasket. I have purchased single-use underwater cameras which give much better results, and I recommended those over this junk.



2. Not bad at all for the price. I had a very sophisticated camera before so this one is a bit simplistic - BUT it still takes photos. I would NOT advise using 400 speed film AND the flash - all the pictures came out a surreal blue. Stays nice and dry - LOVE the wrist strap!



3. After successfully testing 1 roll through the camera at home, the camera broke before my first dive on vacation. The motor drive would not load the film correctly. I bought the cheapest encased point and shoot camera at the dive shop, which worked well.



4. I have used this camera on about a dozen dives to 85 feet and several snorkle trips with satisfactory results and no leaks. Just be sure to keep the seal clean and to inspect it closely after closing to ensure you did not pinch or roll the seal. It's easy to handle and simple to operate in the water. After a couple hundred photos, I made a significant upgrade to a DC600, but the SL300 was a great package for me to be sure the large investment to upgrade would be worthwhile (and to give me confidence in the DC600 housing). My biggest complaint is that the flash button is automatically activated by pressure and the flash is always on below about 20 feet. This drains the battery as well as removes the option to not use the flash. Also, remember after shooting a roll of film, the rewind is motorized, but not automatic.



5. I bought this as a gift for my son in law, who took it snorkeling once. It leaked and is now worthless. Do not purchase.

5 comments about SeaLife SL545 SportDiver II Compact 35mm Underwater Camera.

1. I purchased this camera for a friend to use in Hawaii. We had nothing but problems getting it to wind properly and the pictures both on land and underwater were all blurred and my friend was very unhappy and I was frustrated. I do not know if this is just a bad camera or what.



2. I bought this camera for my honeymoon, as I expected to do a lot of snorkling and thought that the price compared favorably with purchasing several waterproof disposable cameras. The camera and case functioned properly and were easy to use. The pictures taken on land turned out swell. The undersea pictures were okay, but could have been better. The flash is automatic and, in my opinion, the camera would have taken much better photographs if it could have been activated manually. All in all, great for an inexpensive vacation camera, but don't expect to take pictures like Jacques Cousteau.



3. Camera is decently made for the price. But range of use is limited to between 3-8 ft. Should come with shroter focal length lens as standard.



4. I used this camera once and have no good photos to show for it. It took 5 frames then skipped several and took 2 more, then nothing for the rest of the roll. We swam with sharks and I have nothing to show for it. Should have bought a disposable one.



5. I went on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The pictures I took with this camera were ok. I'm glad I got the email of someone else on the boat and got their digital photos, they were beautiful. I'd recommend to anyone going diving to pony up enough to get a decent digital camera. Oh, and if you do buy this one, remember to TURN IT ON before you dive. Nothing will infuriate you more than lining up a white-tip reef shark then realizing you have to open up the case to turn the darn thing on. Why they didn't design it to be turned on underwater is a mystery.

5 comments about Kodak MAX Water & Sport Single Use Camera.

1. I bought this camera and it took great pictures above water, but none of the pictures I took underwater turned out. I looked at the negatives and it was like I never even clicked the shutter. The negatives were blank where I took the underwater pictures.



2. My husband and I bought two of these to take on a cruise for our snorkling outting. Due to weather, the snorkeling was canceled, but we did end up using the cameras. One we used for regular pictures, outdoor only, beacuse there's no flash, and it was okay, though the pictures were a bit grainy. The other I took on a camping trip with some high school kids and the camera jammed a few pictures into the roll, I could turn and turn the winder, and the film wouldn't advance, but it would let me take another picture. After fighting with it the entire weekend, I ended up getting about 10 pictures that could be made out, though these were grainy, too.



3. I was extremely disappointed with this camera. It's a shame there is no option for zero stars, because it doesn't even deserve one. I bought two of them for a vacation to Belize because we were planning to do a lot of activities in and around the water, and we were hoping to capture those memories without risk to our digital camera. Now I really regret not putting a little more money into a waterproof case for our digital camera rather than wasting money on this camera and developing pictures that were only worthy of the garbage can.
   
   All of the pictures from both cameras were very grainy - terrible, terrible quality. The camera that we took pictures with while diving was slightly better than the one we never even submerged in the water. Those pictures were so grainy that we couldn't even tell what the pictures were supposed to be of. Extremely disappointing for a camera that wasn't even submerged in water. Not to mention both cameras said that there were more pictures left on the roll when there were none, so we took shots that we thought were going to be really amazing only to find that they weren't even on the negatives.
   
   I was so disappointed in this camera that I wrote to Kodak and they offered to send me two new disposable cameras. Unfortunately our trip to Belize was a once in a lifetime trip, so I have absolutely no need for replacements - the damage is done. And I have no desire to ever use one of these cameras again. If you are planning on using a disposable waterproof camera for capturing valuable memories, DO NOT waste your money on this one. The only thing you will receive from the photo lab is disappointment. I wish I had done more research before purchasing this one - please don't even bother with it!



4. I work at a professional photofinishing lab, and I can attest to the quality of the film inside this camera. The Kodak Water & Sport camera provides excellent results both in and out of the water. It performs comparably to the Kodak HQ Max Versatility camera; it produces a high-quality image in most situations.
   
   There is no flash on the camera (though using a flash underwater can produce unpredictable and sometimes undesirable effects), so do not plan on using it in low-light situations.
   
   Film does not like to get wet, and accidentally dropping your camera in water could mean that all the pictures you just took are lost forever. So even if you don't plan on taking your camera physically underwater on your family boating expedition, you might still want to consider purchasing a Water & Sport camera as insurance against "splash damage".
   
   If you need a flash, or if you plan to take pictures at depths greater than 50 feet, you'll need to consider a professional underwater camera or camera housing.



5. I just used this camera for a dive in Mexico (my second dive, first attempt at underwater photo).
   
   Although the camera has no flash, it worked perfectly fine at depths up to 12 meters. I guess the lack of flash can be a problem for some other locations or if outside is not a sunny day, but at least for Cancun this camera did the job perfectly.
   
   The wheel that turns the film does a specific noise when the film is correctly positioned and ready for a new shot; this noise is different from when there are no more positions on camera, and the wheel turns continuously - so if you pay attention you'll know when the film is over, even if the position indicator may still show 1 or 2.
   
   Yes, the pictures are grainy (I think it uses ISO800 film so this is expected), but they look "clean" when scaled down on computer at 800x600, and I think the prints will look acceptable, too.
   The pictures will also show vignetting, but this is nothing unexpected for such fixed focus disposable camera lens.
   
   Out of 27 positions, I got 20 pictures I consider good enough and "keepers". The picture turned out crisp - only 2 of them are motion blured. Try to stay still when taking pictures and you'll be fine. For best colors, take pictures of close divers/fishes (less than 1-2 meters away)...
   
   We also used a non-disposable 35mm plastic camera with case and underwater casing, but the Kodak yielded better quality pictures.
   
   As for the viewfinder, it is a bit harder to look through it with the googles on, but I got better framed pictures than with the non-disposable camera that had a "target" sistem.
   
   If you want to spend only 10-20$ and don't plan investing more on underwater casing for digital cameras, this camera is a good choice.
   I don't regret buying it.

5 comments about Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof 35mm Single Use Camera.

1. The figi underwater camera out ranks many others due to the fact after going through the beefed up security scans when developed it has bright color and clarity. others turn dark.



2. On a snorkeling trip we used this camera both in and out of water, and the results were terrific. It produced some hysterical pictures of my husband and I underwater! The fish turned out well, as did the coral. We looked like dorks! It was fun and easy to use.



3. I read everyones review and bought six to take to Jamaica. The underwater photos were grainy and no color vibrancy like I had hoped. on land the pictures in the evening were gray and very grainy. I had a lot of pictures that were a complete waste. I don't know if kodak is better but I will try them next time.



4. We purchased four of these cameras for our son as a christmas gift. We were making our first trip to Hawaii. We had a beautiful day on the water during our snorkeling trip, we saw sea turtles, humpback whales and loads of fish. Almost no pictures turned out and nearly all were shot at less than ten feet from the subjects. The turtles were almost in front of our faces. The ones we could use require extensive work with PhotoShop in order to even make them out. The couple we took from the deck of the boat were fine. The water pictures were a grainy grey green and fuzzy. When you looked underwater while snorkeling you could see at least thirty feet to the bottom. I would not buy these again and will be contacting Fuji!



5. I went snorkeling in Bermuda, used two of these, and they worked great. Easy to use, simple point and shoot camera. Waterproof, easy to shoot and wind in sandy water. Out of the water the pictures were alive and balanced with color. Underwater the pictures were good on a rainy day, focus was ok. To get better pictures get an underwater case for your digital camera. For it's ease of use and being disposable, I recommend this! I checked out the reviews of the other camera's out there and this is a clear leader. It has a large rubber band to help keep the unit at hand. Also note this is a waterproof case around a standard disposable camera.
   
   If you like to save money, you can remove the 35mm film to develop as a standard roll. You can, as I did pry the case open, pry the camera open and viola! - Develop and enjoy