Contents: Safety Warnings .................................................................................................................................3 Check What You Got .........................................................................................................................4 Optional Accessories .........................................................................................................................5 Product view with call-outs: FRONT ..................................
Safety Warnings Always inspect and clean the O-ring before underwater use. Follow the important waterproofing instructions on page 37 of this manual. If water has entered the camera, immediately turn off power and discontinue use. Remove batteries and memory card, and allow the inside to dry. Contact the SeaLife service center for repairs. Do not attempt to repair the camera. Doing so may result in electric shock, fire and will void the warranty.
Check What You Got Cleaning Brush / Tool SL256 SeaLife Camera (w/SL32070 strap) Two AAA Batteries Soft Camera Case SL33090 SD/SDHC Card Reader SL33010 SeaLife Mini II Wide Angle Lens SL974 (Only included w/ ReefMaster Mini SL332) Spare O-ring SL33008 Flash Link Adapter SL33052 4
Optional Accessories Available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer. Visit www.sealife-cameras.com to find a dealer near you.
Product view with call-outs: FRONT Front / Side parts 1 - Shutter button: Shoot picture, Start/Stop Video, Delete in Playback 2 - Power button: Power camera ON and OFF 3 - Flash window 4 - Lens: 9 megapixel, F3.
Product view with call-outs: BACK Back parts 1 - Status LED: Camera ready when solid; Not ready when blinking 2 - Zoom/Directional button: Adjust zoom setting or scroll left/up 3 - Flash/Directional button: Adjust flash setting or scroll right/down 4 - Strap connection 5 - Mode button: Push to cycle through Camera, Video, Playback and Easy Setup modes.
Product view: BOTTOM / Waterproof Door Bottom / Waterproof Door Parts 1 - Battery door: 2 x AAA Batteries 2 - O-ring 3 - SD/SDHC memory card slot 4 - Waterproof Door: Serial # located inside door 8
Opening Waterproof Door 1) Push and hold red latch lock tab away from latch 2) Lift latch (Do not force beyond stopping point) 3) Push end of latch away from door to release door 4) Open waterproof door 9
Closing Waterproof Door 1) Push down on waterproof door and hold. 2) Push end of latch over waterproof door (Make sure latch is unlocked as shown in the illustration) 3) Close latch (Latch lock will engage automatically) Important: Before closing waterproof door, make sure O-ring and opposing contact surfaces are perfectly clean (Refer to How to Maintain a Waterproof Seal on Page 37). Make sure nothing is trapped under the door to prevent it from closing and sealing properly.
Loading Batteries 1) Slide battery door cover to unlock position. 2) Spring-loaded door will open. 3) Insert 2 new or freshly charged AAA batteries according to the polarity markings on the camera. 4) Push down battery door and slide to locking position.
Inserting /Removing Memory Card (Optional) Expand the camera’s internal memory by inserting a SD/SDHC memory card. 4GB is recommended. Do not exceed 8GB. 1) Insert memory card in correct orientation as shown. 2) Push card into slot all the way until it clicks in place. 3) To remove card, make sure camera power is turned off. Push lightly on the edge of the card and it will eject. Use end of Cleaning Brush / Tool provided for easier removal of card.
Taking a Picture (Camera Mode) 1) Power ON camera. 2) One of the Camera mode icons [ , , , ] is displayed on the upper left corner of the LCD monitor. 3) Compose the image on the LCD monitor, hold the camera steady and push the Shutter button to take a picture. Notes: • Refer to page 18 for more information about the four different camera modes. • The camera will automatically go into power save mode when no buttons are pushed for a period of one minute.
Recording a Video (Video Mode) 1) Power ON camera. 2) Push the Mode button once to select Video mode. 3) The Video mode icon [ ] is displayed on the upper left corner of the LCD monitor. 4) Compose the opening scene on the LCD monitor and push the Shutter button to start recording video. 5) The “REC” icon and elapse time is displayed on the bottom of the LCD monitor indicating the camera is now recording video. 6) Hold camera steady and pan slowly when recording video.
Viewing Pictures and Video Clips (Playback Mode) 1) Power ON camera. 2) Push the Mode button twice to set camera to Playback mode. 3) The Playback icon [ ] is displayed on the upper left corner of the LCD monitor and the last recorded picture or video clip will be displayed on the LCD monitor. 4) Push the left or right Directional button to scroll through the pictures and video clips stored in memory. Note: • Video clips will start playing automatically.
Deleting Pictures and Video Clips (Playback Mode) 1) To delete a picture or video clip, use the left or right Directional button to scroll through the pictures until the picture or video clip you want to delete is displayed. 2) Push the shutter button. 3) The LCD monitor will display “Delete This Image?” - “Yes” or “No”. a. Push the left or right Directional button to select “Yes” and push the Shutter button to delete the picture or video. b.
Easy Set-up Mode The Easy Set-up mode is a fast and easy way to set the camera for underwater or land use. 1) Power ON camera. 2) Push the Mode button three times to set camera to Easy Set-up mode. 3) “Easy Set-up” is displayed on the upper left corner of the LCD monitor. 4) Follow the on-screen guide using the left or right Directional button to make your selections. 5) Push the Shutter button to confirm selection.
Easy Set-up Mode (Continued) When finishing the Easy Setup, the camera will be set to one of the following four shooting modes: Land Auto – Ideal for taking pictures or video clips on Land. Underwater ➡ Camera+Flash – Ideal for taking underwater pictures or videos when using the optional external flash and/or photo-video light accessory.
Using the Zoom Function The camera is equipped with 3X digital zoom, which is useful to magnify far away subjects. Use a tripod or place the camera on a stable surface when using 3X zoom to avoid blurry pictures. 1) To activate the zoom push and release the Zoom button. 2) Each push and release will increase the zoom by one step up to 3X. The magnification is displayed on the LCD monitor.
Setting the Focus The camera is equipped with a Focus Lever for taking pictures or videos at close-up or far away subjects. 1) Turn Focus Lever to Landscape [ of 4ft to infinity (1.3m to infinity) ] for shooting distances 2) Turn Focus Lever to Macro [ ] for close-up shooting distances between 2ft to 4ft (0.65m to 1.
Using the Flash Function The camera’s built-in flash is useful for taking pictures in low light conditions, like indoors or at night. There are 4 possible flash modes: Auto, Flash ON, Flash OFF, Red Eye Reduction. 1) Push the Flash button to change flash to desired setting. The flash setting options are described below. 2) The Flash setting will be displayed on the LCD Monitor. Flash mode Description Auto [no icon] The flash fires automatically according to the lighting conditions.
More About the Flash Function • The Flash cannot be used when recording video. • It is recommended to keep the flash turned off when taking underwater pictures, unless you are shooting in perfectly clear water at close-up shooting distance inside of 3 ft/1m or using the optional external flash accessory. Keeping the flash turned OFF or using the optional flash accessory reduces backscatter (figure 1).
Using an External Flash or Photo-Video Light (Optional Accessories) SL961 Digital Pro Flash SL980 Photo-Video Light • Use the SeaLife SL961 Digital Pro Flash and/or SL980 PhotoVideo Light (optional accessories) for brighter, more colorful underwater pictures or videos with reduced backscatter. Visit www.sealife-cameras.com for more information. • When using the optional SL961 external flash or SL980 photovideo light accessories, follow the Easy Setup mode to set the camera to UNDERWATER ➡ CAMERA + FLASH.
Advanced Setup Menu The camera has a hidden advanced Setup menu used for changing the Date/Time, Language and other one-time or advanced settings. 1) Power ON camera. 2) Push and hold the mode button for 3 seconds until the Setup menu is displayed on the LCD monitor. 3) Use the right or left Directional buttons to scroll up and down the setup menu. 4) Use the Mode button to confirm the desired setting.
Changing the Date/Time 1) Select “Date/Time” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the Date/Time setting screen. 2) The time is displayed in 24-hour HH:MM format and the date is displayed in MM/DD/YYYY format. 2) Adjust the number values using the left [or right] to increase [or decrease] the value and push the Mode button to confirm each setting. Note: • The Date/Time setting will not be saved if the battery is removed for more than 3 minutes.
Using the Spy Mode (Continued) 1) Select “Spy Capture” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the Spy Capture setting screen. 2) Two options are displayed: “Single” for taking one picture at a time and “Spy” for taking continuous pictures. 3) Select “Spy” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to confirm. 5) The “Set Time Interval of Capture” screen is displayed on the LCD monitor.
Changing the Auto Off setting The Auto Off function will automatically turn OFF the camera power when the camera has not been operated for a fixed period of time. You can set the desired Auto Off time period (1 min, 2 min or 3 min) or disable the Auto Off feature (Off). 1) Select “Auto Off” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the Auto Off setting screen.
Changing the Display setting The LCD monitor will display the camera setting icons, date/time and other status information. You can set the camera to display all icons (ALL) or no icons (OFF). 1) Select “Display” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the Display setting screen. 2) Select ALL (display icons) or OFF (do not display icons) using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to confirm.
Changing the Light Frequency setting Change the camera’s light frequency setting to match the electrical system used in your country. This will prevent the LCD monitor from flickering under fluorescent lighting conditions. Select 60 Hz (default) for North and Central America and 50 Hz for Europe and most other parts of the world. 1) Select “Light Freq.” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the Light Freq. setting screen.
Changing the LCD Monitor Brightness setting (Continued) 2) Select “LCD Bright.” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the LCD Bright. setting screen. 3) Select Standard or Bright using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to confirm. Formatting the Memory Card or Internal Memory Use this function to reset or clear the memory card or internal memory. Caution: All images and data saved on the memory card or internal memory will be deleted.
Media and System Information Media Information (Media Info.) will display the memory card size and amount of memory storage remaining in megabytes (MB). System Information (Sys. Info.) will display the firmware version installed on the camera. New firmware may be released to repair bugs in the operating system or improve the camera performance. Any new firmware versions would be posted on the www.sealife-cameras.com and available for free download. 1) Select “Media Info” or “Sys. Info.
Using the System Reset Function Use this function to restore the camera’s original default settings. The time setting will not be reset. 1) Select “Sys. Reset” using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to enter the Sys. Reset setting screen. 2) Select Yes (reset) or No (exit) using the right or left Directional buttons and push the Mode button to confirm.
Changing Battery Type setting For improved accuracy of the battery power indicator, select the battery type to match the AAA batteries being used. For longer battery life, we recommend using Energizer Lithium or NiMH rechargeable batteries, not alkaline batteries.
Transferring Pictures and Video Clips to Your Computer Use the SD/SDHC Card Reader provided to transfer pictures from the memory card to your computer. • Remove the memory card from the camera. Refer to page 12 for information on how to install/remove the memory card. • Insert the Memory Card into Card Reader and Card reader into the computer USB port as illustrated. • Your PC or MAC computer will automatically detect the card reader.
Transferring Pictures (Continued) • For Windows, double click “Computer” located on the desktop, and look for “Removable Disk”. • Double-click “Removable Disk” and you will see the DCIM folder, which contains the pictures and video clips saved on the inserted memory card. • Copy or Cut the pictures and video clips contained in the folder and Paste to the desired folder location on your computer. Notes: • For Mac, double-click the “Untitled” or “Volume 1” folder that appears on your desktop.
Editing Your Pictures and Video Clips Almost every computer includes picture and video editing software, like Windows Photo Gallery, Movie Maker or Mac iPhoto. Editing software allows you to open, view, organize and make edits adjustments to your pictures and video clips. If your computer does not include editing software, you may want to purchase one. Here are some links to popular photo editing software: Google Picasa: Adobe Photoshop Elements: Arcsoft Photo Studio: Ulead PaintShop: 36 www.picasa.
Maintaining a Waterproof Seal - IMPORTANT The camera uses one O-ring to maintain a waterproof seal. The O-ring is located under the waterproof door. Follow these important O-ring care instructions or the camera may flood • Do not lubricate O-ring. • Inspect O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces for damage (cuts, scratches, tears, cracks, dents and any other imperfections.) before each use. Replace O-ring if damaged or have camera serviced if the O-ring contact surfaces become damaged.
How to Clean the O-ring 1) Remove the O-ring using the end of the cleaning brush provided. 2) Inspect O-ring(A), contact surface(B) and O-ring groove(C) for cuts, scratches, tears, cracks, dents or other damages before each use. Replace O-ring if damaged or have camera serviced if the O-ring contact surfaces become damaged. 3) Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces, removing all sand, hair and other debris.
Replacing the O-ring Replace the O-ring if damaged or at least once per year. Only use approved SeaLife O-ring - Item # SL33008. One spare O-ring is included. Additional O-rings may be purchased at your local authorized SeaLife dealer, or online at www.sealifepartsdirect.com (USA Only). To Remove O-ring: 1) Open the waterproof door. Refer to page 9 for instructions on opening and closing the waterproof door.
Maintenance and Care Instructions - IMPORTANT Follow these important camera care instructions or the camera may become damaged or flood. • Soak and rinse sealed camera under running water or in fresh water tub for about 2 minutes after underwater use or when dirty. Press each button several times to clean out any saltwater, sand or dirt that may be trapped under the buttons. Towel dry and place camera button-side down to allow excess water to drain from the buttons.
Great Underwater pictures made easy Most people are familiar with taking pictures and videos on land, but there are plenty of challenges that photographers face in the underwater world. The following information summarizes the basic principles of underwater photography. Crystal clear water is essential for good underwater pictures. Low visibility, caused by fine particles suspended in the water, will diminish the picture and video quality. Limit your shooting distance to 1/10 of the water visibility.
Control your buoyancy and set yourself up in the ideal position before taking a picture or shooting video. This allows you to hold the camera steady and control your shooting distance. Good buoyancy control will help you avoid stirring up the sandy bottom which will cloud-up the water and cause backscatter. Controlling your buoyancy is very important for your diving safety so don’t start shooting until your buoyancy is under control. Compose a good picture. Avoid shooting down on the subject from above.
Video tips Hold the camera as steady as possible and move (pan) very slowly. A jumpy, fast-moving video is hard for anyone to watch. Avoid shooting video clips more than 1 minute. It is difficult to edit a lengthy video clips because the large file size. You can always patch together short video scene into a longer movie using video editing software, like Microsoft Movie Maker. Practice makes perfect There is no better way to learn than from your mistakes.
Troubleshooting Guide Camera does not power ON Check the battery polarity and if batteries are new or fully charged. Blue or dark underwater pictures/videos Use Easy Set-up mode to set camera for underwater. Keep flash turned off unless shooting close-up distances in clear water, or unless using the optional external flash accessory. Turning the flash ON while underwater disables the underwater color correction feature.
Specifications Image Sensor: Color: Image Resolution: Picture file format: Movie Resolution: Video file format: Lens: Focus type: Zoom: Shutter speed: Flash: Picture modes: Shooting modes: LCD: Memory: External: EXIF Format: Operating Environment: On-Screen language: Instruction manual: Power: Battery life: Certifications: Weight: Dimensions: Depth: Buoyancy: Operating temp: Storage temp: Tripod mount: Warranty: 9.
Parts and Service SeaLife guarantees the original purchaser of this product, for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, that the product is free from defects in workmanship and materials. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty statement included with the product. In the event the original purchaser believes there is a defect in a product, it is recommended that the purchaser first visit www.sealife-cameras.com for product updates and technical advice.
June 2012 Item #SL33025