Sea&Sea versus Sea Life

[gNats]

Hi everyone...

I'm starting the process of uw camera research (eeeep!) and have narrowed my interests to 2 models. The Sea & Sea 1G and the Sea Life 800.

I know that there are some major differences that would need to be considered when judging one camera over the other. The Sea Life is auto focus only, whereas the S&S allows for multiple focusing methods.

However, aside from these differences, there is still an evaluation of camera comfort holding, ease of use (adjusting settings), and ability to clearly see image in LCD preview window.

So, could you please chime in any pros and cons you have for either camera (or even just the manufacturer) and if you can compare and contrast the two models that would be great.

FYI: I have taken several land digital photography classes, have a Rebel XT with multiple lenses/flashes, and play with all the bells and gagets on my Canon.

I am really interested in Macro photography both on land and in sea.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[DevilDiver]

These are really 2 different cameras. The DC800 is really more compared to the DX1200 HD. If you shoot a Canon XT top side and are used to manual controls you will really be happier with the S&S 1G (the S&S 2G comes out in spring 09) and ST has a great price right now.

I have owned 2 Sealife cameras and I currently have the S&S 1G, if you have any specific questions I can try my best to answer.

**If you primarily want to shoot macro you should look at getting the 2x close up lens for the 1G and the UN LCD magnifier.

http://www.divervision.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=80 3

Focal length: 125mm (equivalent to close-up lens No.8)
Magnification can be multiplied by stacking them.
It can offer 62mm threaded port camera housing.

http://www.divervision.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=820

It's like a 20" tube TV vs. a 47" HD flatscreen......

[roby jeff]

I'm getting reasonable results for a non skilled photogragher with my S&S 1G but i have had poor results with macro underwater. seems really slow to fucus by the time it shoots either my subject or me have moved and blurred the shot or left the scene. I have not tried a 2X LENS to see if that would improve things or not. i find on land its fun to use the manual and apature priority and i can usualy get improved results over the Auto setting. But when diving i find it difficult to adjust things and 90% of my shots i just use the auto setting which works best when there is a variaty of colour so it gets a good colour balance. I started of with the ys

[roby jeff]

To continue i started with the S&S ys 27 stobe but have just bought a ys 110 and with a target light and with a couple of other features it is probably a better strobe to have. I think because the 1G has alot of adjustments soon I will have improved my camera skills to a piont i can hand it over to my son & i'll be skilled enough for a Nikon 90 DSLR. Although i have to say it would be hard to beat the 1G for being light weight and easy to carry or swim around with.

[scubadiver888]

Originally Posted by DevilDiver

**If you primarily want to shoot macro you should look at getting the 2x close up lens for the 1G and the UN LCD magnifier.

http://www.divervision.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=7&products_id=80 3

Focal length: 125mm (equivalent to close-up lens No.8)
Magnification can be multiplied by stacking them.
It can offer 62mm threaded port camera housing.

http://www.divervision.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=820

It's like a 20" tube TV vs. a 47" HD flatscreen......

DevilDiver,

Have you used the LCD magnifier? Does it actually work when wearing a mask? I would have thought it would be awkward. Does the type of mask you have make a difference? That is, would it work better with a low profile mask?

I bet the guys at the camera shop would look at me funny if I tried out the camera with my mask on.

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by scubadiver888

DevilDiver,

Have you used the LCD magnifier? Does it actually work when wearing a mask? I would have thought it would be awkward. Does the type of mask you have make a difference? That is, would it work better with a low profile mask?

I bet the guys at the camera shop would look at me funny if I tried out the camera with my mask on.

The LCD magnifier is great!! It is actually cool looking into the viewfinder (it is bigger than it looks) it really makes you focus on the composition and the photo instead of all the distractions. (you still need to be aware of yourself and your dive buddies-safety first)

Really no issues with a mask, the focus point is about 1-1.5" away from the view finder so you do not have to put your mask against it.

They make an open faced one as well but the one in the original post is what I have and if you look there are loop connectors near the eye piece (both sides) and you can use these to attach bungee or line to wear around your neck or attach to the housing or tray if you prefer.

Here is the open faced version vs the eye piece one:

Both attach to the housing by rails that you add (my housing S&S 1G already had rails for a hood). The only issue would be if your housing did not have room for the addition, I emailed the vendor for conformation.

As far as what it does, here is an example of what it looks like to me. The open faced version might be different as you would not have to place as close to your eye.....

Regular 2.5" view:


VS.

LCD Magnifier view:

[scubadiver888]

Originally Posted by DevilDiver

The LCD magnifier is great!! It is actually cool looking into the viewfinder (it is bigger than it looks) it really makes you focus on the composition and the photo instead of all the distractions. (you still need to be aware of yourself and your dive buddies-safety first)

Really no issues with a mask, the focus point is about 1-1.5" away from the view finder so you do not have to put your mask against it.

They make an open faced one as well but the one in the original post is what I have and if you look there are loop connectors near the eye piece (both sides) and you can use these to attach bungee or line to wear around your neck or attach to the housing or tray if you prefer.

Here is the open faced version vs the eye piece one:

Both attach to the housing by rails that you add (my housing S&S 1G already had rails for a hood). The only issue would be if your housing did not have room for the addition, I emailed the vendor for conformation.

I'll keep this in mind when buying a housing. For now, I'll see what it is like without the hood.

I do photography at dog sports (dogs racing over jumps, tires, ramps, etc.). With the dogs moving at break neck speeds I've learned to watch the composition with my right eye and everything else with my left eye. I do the same thing diving now. I have one eye on things underwater and the other eye on my buddy. Occasionally though I do lose focus of my buddy.

[silverbone]

I have a Sea&Sea 1200 HD that I am trying out on Silver Banks humpbacks and in the FL Keys. Does anyone know if the LCD magnifier will work on this camera's housing. Apparently it will work on the 1G model.

[DevilDiver]

Originally Posted by silverbone

I have a Sea&Sea 1200 HD that I am trying out on Silver Banks humpbacks and in the FL Keys. Does anyone know if the LCD magnifier will work on this camera's housing. Apparently it will work on the 1G model.

It should, email Divervision and they will be able to confirm. I believe the 1200hd has rails for a hood already that comes with the housing.