ReefMaster Cameras

[rfreddo]

I'm looking at the various ReefMaster models, and I've seen a lot of reviews on the web about lackluster performance when not in u/w mode. There also seems to be a recurring issue with lock up that seems to occur, if at all, when switching between u/w and land modes.

Any experienced ReefMaster users have any thoughts? I like the idea of one camera for vacation photography, but the truth of the matter is I'll be taking more land shots than u/w, and I hate to give up quality.

Thanks in advance!

[CaptainRon]

I have the reefmaster mini and it seems to work well both above and below the water. Of course, you would not have a telephoto lens like many of regular digital cameras have. That may be a reason to have a separate camera for regular land use. These are some pictures I took with mine. The videos I took with it are also are really good.

[Dark Wolf]

I have a Reefmaster Mini and have had few problems with it. The only problems that I have personally had are:

1) I had the strobe base break, but I think that this was due to the fact that the air temp was 27F on New Years Day.

2) I lost a couple of pictures on the same day. I got a "format error" when trying to view the pics. Now keep in mind that these pics were taken below the rated depth for the camera. Camera still works fine, but the memory card is kaput.

Note: If you are diving in the MidWest, save yourself some trouble and buy the external flash. The internal flash is only good to about 35' here in MO.

For what it's worth,

DW

[dbh]

I will guarantee that 99% of shooters won't be happy with a camera that doesn't have manual control after a very short while. For appoximately the same money why not go with a Canon A570 and housing:
Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Electronics

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Electronics

There are auto settings for newbies and manual control for when you gain a little more experience. Pop it out of the case and you have a nice topside camera. Even add an external strobe and wetmate lenses at a later time. This camera will grow with you.

Dave

[FishFood]

Originally Posted by dbh

I will guarantee that 99% of shooters won't be happy with a camera that doesn't have manual control after a very short while. For appoximately the same money why not go with a Canon A570 and housing:
Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Electronics

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Electronics

There are auto settings for newbies and manual control for when you gain a little more experience. Pop it out of the case and you have a nice topside camera. Even add an external strobe and wetmate lenses at a later time. This camera will grow with you.

Dave

What sort of manual control do those cameras have that the Sealifes don't?

Pending "dbh's" reply, and as a DC600 owner, Id have to say skip the Reefmaster. Im really not happy with my DC600 at all. For the amount of money spent I was expecting something better. The case is really nice, but the camera is on the cheap side.

I believe that when most people recomend the Reefmaster, it's because they are in denial about it being a poor value.

[Dark Wolf]

If anyone is interested in seeing some pics that I have taken with a Reefmaster Mini, you can follow the link:

NetNotWorking - Network Not Working?

Go to Dark Wolf's albums.

DW

[dbh]

Manual control is when YOU can set the aperture & shutter speed. SOMETIMES underwater modes will work or get you close but there are so many variables underwater that it will not work consistantly. You will get more consistent results shooting manual and can be more creative (such as narrowing your DOF to get part of your subject in focus and blur the rest).

Dave

[FishFood]

Originally Posted by dbh

Manual control is when YOU can set the aperture & shutter speed. SOMETIMES underwater modes will work or get you close but there are so many variables underwater that it will not work consistantly. You will get more consistent results shooting manual and can be more creative (such as narrowing your DOF to get part of your subject in focus and blur the rest).

Dave

Ahh. Spot on there...!! Wish someone had told me that before, because that's been one of my complaints since I bought the camera

If you're shooting anything but bright light with the reefmaster, hang it up.

[FishFood]

Also, here's a link to the UW case for the camera DBH posted. Do the math. Camera + Case for $300 vs $500 for the reefmaster. Don't make the reefmaster mistake.


Case:

Amazon.com: Canon WP-DC12 Waterproof Case for Canon A570IS Digital Camera: Electronics

[scubacat80]

Has anyone used the Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with the waterproof case? How did the photos come out? On land it is a great camera for a point and shoot.

What strobe or other attachments would someone suggest to attach to this?