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Summary of Contents for Sealife DC1400

  • Page 1 Go to www.sealife-cameras.com/service/manuals.html for ENGLISH, FRANÇAIS, DEUTSCH, ITALIANO, ESPAÑOL and NEDERLANDS versions...
  • Page 3 Intel Corporation. ®  Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.  SD™ and SDHC™ are trademarks.  SeaLife is a registered trademark of Pioneer Research. ® Product Information  Product design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 4 Read and understand all Warnings and Cautions before using this product. Warnings Continued use under the following conditions may cause fire or electric shock. Contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer for repair service if the product is damaged. If foreign objects or water have entered the camera, turn the power off and remove the battery.
  • Page 5 Cautions Do not fire the flash close to anyone’s eyes. This might cause damage to the person’s eyesight. Do not subject the LCD monitor to impact. This might damage the glass on the screen or cause the internal fluid to leak.
  • Page 6 Notes on Battery Usage When you use the battery, carefully read and strictly observe the Safety Instructions and the notes described below:  Use only the specified battery (3.7V) provided with the camera.  Extremely cold environments can shorten the battery life and reduce camera performance.
  • Page 7 Replace O-ring every year to ensure proper seal. Only use approved SeaLife O-ring designed for the DC1400 (Item # SL72017). Replacement O-rings are available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer, or online at www.sealifepartsdirect.com (USA Only).  Carefully close lid and latch to seal housing and make sure there are no...
  • Page 8  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.
  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS 11 INTRODUCTION Overview Package Contents 13 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA Front View Rear View LCD Monitor Display 18 GETTING STARTED Preparation Charging the Battery Speed Scrolling and Menu Navigation Initial Settings Choosing the Language / Formating Memory Card 23 CAPTURE MODE Capturing Images (Taking Pictures) Setting the Focus...
  • Page 10 Erasing Images and Video Clips in Playback Mode 45 MENU OPTIONS Capture Menu Setting Manual White Balance (WB) Video Menu Playback Menu Setup Menu 58 TRANSFERRING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER Downloading Your Files 59 EDITING SOFTWARE 60 SPECIFICATIONS (INNER CAMERA ONLY) 61 APPENDIX Possible number of shots (still image) Possible recording time / sec (video clip)
  • Page 11: Introduction

    - you [and your camera] just need a light to see it. You will be amazed at the great underwater pictures you can take with the addition of the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (item # SL961). Please visit your local dive shop or www.sealife-cameras.com for more information about the SeaLife flash.
  • Page 12: Package Contents

     SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (SL961)  Moisture Muncher capsules 10-pack (SL911)  SeaLife 3-in1 U/W Photo-Video Dive Light (SL980)  Accessories and components may vary by retailer.  Visit your local SeaLife dealer or www.sealife-cameras.com for a complete listing of accessories. NOTE...
  • Page 13: Getting To Know Your Camera

    GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA Front View Zoom lever (Menu scrolling lever) Flash ON/OFF Power button Status LED Self-timer LED Microphone Lens Rear View A. LCD monitor B. USB and AV OUT terminal C. Strap Holder D. Battery / Memory card cover E.
  • Page 14: Lcd Monitor Display

    LCD Monitor Display Capture mode 1. Zoom status 2. Available number of shots 3. Image Stab. 4. Storage media ] Internal memory (no card) 8. [ ] Exposure compensation (It can not be used in below ] SD/SDHC memory card modes: Tv, Av, Intelligent Scene, 5.
  • Page 15 14. Date and time 20. Slow shutter warning 15. Quick shot 21. Mode icon / Scene mode 16. Capture mode icon ] Program AE ] Single ] Dive ] Spy mode ] Snorkel ] Continuous ] Ext Flash Auto ] AEB ] Ext Flash Manual (Auto Exposure Bracketing) ] Album Shot...
  • Page 16 Video mode 1. Zoom status 2. Storage media 3. Battery condition 4. Focus setting 5. Flash off 6. Self-timer icon 7. Video resolution 8. Elapsed time / Available recording time 9. Main focus area 10.Date and time Playback mode - 11.
  • Page 17 Playback mode - Video playback 1. Protect icon 7. Video status bar 2. Folder / File number 8. Video condition icon 3. Storage media 9. Elapsed time 4. Battery condition 10. Set key: Play / 5. Volume mode Pause hint icon 6.
  • Page 18: Getting Started

    GETTING STARTED Preparation Attach the camera strap. [Important: Camera strap must be removed when using camera inside the waterproof housing] Open the battery/memory card cover. Insert the supplied battery with correct orientation as shown. Insert an SD/SDHC memory card (Sold separately)  The camera has 32MB internal memory (23MB available for image storage), but you can load an SD/SDHC memory...
  • Page 19: Charging The Battery

     To prevent valuable data from being accidentally erased from an SD/SDHC memory card, you can slide the write protect tab (on NOTE the side of the SD/SDHC memory card) to “LOCK”.  To save, edit, or erase data on an SD/SDHC memory card, you must unlock the card.  To prevent damaging of an SD/SDHC memory card, be sure to turn off the power when inserting or removing the SD/SDHC memory card.
  • Page 20: Speed Scrolling And Menu Navigation

    Speed Scrolling and Menu Navigation There are two ways to navigate the menus: I. 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.
  • Page 21: Initial Settings

    Initial Settings Setting the Date and Time Follow these steps to set the correct date and time. Press the MENU button. Select [Setup] with the p / q buttons and press the SET button. Select [Date/Time] with the p / q buttons, and press the SET button.
  • Page 22: Choosing The Language / Formating Memory Card

    Choosing the Language Specify in which language menus and messages are to be displayed on the LCD monitor. Press the MENU button. Select [Setup] menu with the p / q buttons and press the SET button. Select [Language] with the p / q buttons and press the SET button.
  • Page 23: Capture Mode

    CAPTURE MODE Capturing Images (Taking Pictures) Your camera is equipped with a 3” full color LCD monitor to help you compose images, playback recorded images/video clips or adjust menu settings. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the power on. Press the MODE button and set the camera to Capture mode (not Video mode).
  • Page 24: Setting The Focus

    Setting the Focus The camera uses an auto focus lens system. You can select among the six focus settings described below. Press the [ ] button and the t / u buttons to select the desired focus mode. The table below will help you choose the appropriate focus mode: Focus mode Description Select this setting and the camera will automatically focus...
  • Page 25: About Easy Set-Up 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.
  • Page 26: Setting The Scene Mode

    SeaLife photo-video light accessory. Ext Flash + Light Underwater mode with auto exposure program when using SeaLife external flash accessory AND photo- video light combination. Select this mode when you want to capture fast mov- ing subjects in fast shutter speed, or capture still subjects in slow shutter speed.
  • Page 27 SeaLife external flash accessory AND photo- video light combination. Select this mode when you want to capture fast mov- ing subjects in fast shutter speed, or capture still Scene mode Description subjects in slow shutter speed. Select this mode when you want the camera to select...
  • Page 28: Taking Images With Intelligent Scene Mode

    Select this mode when you want to capture your pets. Ext Flash + Light Underwater mode with auto exposure program when Shoot from their eye level. using SeaLife external flash accessory AND photo- video light combination. Natural Green Select this mode when you want to capture the green Select this mode when you want to capture fast mov- scenery background such as forest.
  • Page 29 About External Flash and External Light Modes If you are using the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (SL961) and/or Photo-Video Light accessories (sold separately), set the camera to one of the following Scene modes: ] – Ext Flash Auto or Ext Flash Manual modes.
  • Page 30 Exposure adjustment when the camera is in Ext Flash Mode: Icon Scene mode Description Automatic exposure control with external flash. In order to achieve proper image exposure, press the [ ] flash button to switch between one of the following three exposure settings: Ext Flash [Blank] - This is the default setting ideal for most Auto AND Ext...
  • Page 31: About Dive And Snorkel Modes

    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.
  • Page 32 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 (item SL961 - optional accessory).
  • Page 33: Recording A Subject Onto An Existing Background Image

    Recording a Subject onto an Existing Background Image (Pre Shot mode) Pre-Shot helps you get the background you want when asking someone else to take a picture for you. Basically, Pre-Shot is a two-step process. Push the Mode button to select [Capture mode] (not video mode). Press the MENU button.
  • Page 34: Combining Shots Of Two People Into A Single Image

    Combining Shots of Two People into a Single Image (Couple Shot Capture mode) This mode lets you record images of two people and combine them into a single image. This makes it possible for you to include yourself in group images, even when there is no one else around to record the image for you.
  • Page 35: Taking And Combining Panoramic Pictures

    Taking and Combining Panoramic Pictures Pictures are manually shot, and the camera automatically combines pictures in the camera. Press the MODE button, and set the camera mode to [Picture mode], and press the SET button. Select [Panorama PanCapture] with the t / u/ p / q buttons and press the SET button.
  • Page 36: About Spy Mode

    About Spy Mode This mode is used to capture continuous images at a preselected time interval. This mode is useful for taking a sequence of images, like a sunrise or sunset, and later selecting the best image. 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.
  • Page 37: Hd Video Mode

    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. Press the Mode button [or UW housing Video button] to select Video mode [ Compose the image.
  • Page 38: Playing Back Video Clips

    To cancel pause, press the SET (or Shutter) button again.  Video clips cannot be displayed rotated or enlarged.  In low light conditions or night time, use the SeaLife Photo-Video Light accessory (Item SL980 - sold separately).  Windows Media player or QuickTime Player is recommended to play NOTE back the video clip on your computer.
  • Page 39: Playback Mode

    PLAYBACK MODE Playing Back Still Images You can play back the still images on the LCD monitor. Press the [ ] button.  The last image appears on the screen. The images can be displayed in forward or reverse sequence with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever).  To view the previous image, press the t button (or turn Zoom lever left).
  • Page 40: Removing Red-Eye

    Removing Red-eye You can use this function to remove the red-eye effect after an image is taken. Press the [ ] button. Select the image that you want to edit with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever). Press the MENU button. Select [Fix Red Eyes] with the p / q buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  • Page 41: Attaching Voice Memos

    Attaching Voice Memos A maximum of 30 seconds of audio can be recorded as a memo for captured still images. The voice memo can be recorded only once. Press the [ ] button.  The last image appears on the screen. Select the image to which you want to attach the voice memo with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever).
  • Page 42: Protecting Images

    Protecting Images Set the data to read-only to prevent images from being erased by mistake. Press the [ ] button. Select the image that you want to protect with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever). Press the MENU button. Select [Protect] with the p / q buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button.
  • Page 43: Canceling The Protection

    Canceling the Protection To cancel protection for only one image, display the image on which you want to remove the image protection. Press the [ ] button. Select the image that you want to protect with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever). Press the MENU button.
  • Page 44: Erasing Images And Video Clips In Playback Mode

    Erasing Images and Video Clips in Playback Mode Press the [ ] button.  The last image or video clip will be displayed on the screen. Select the image / video you want to erase with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever).
  • Page 45: Menu Options

    MENU OPTIONS Capture Menu This menu is for the basic settings to be used when capturing still images. Press the Mode button and select [ Press the MENU button to enter the capture menu. 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.
  • Page 46 Size This sets the size of the image that will be captured. 4288 x 3216 3264 x 2448 2304 x 1728 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 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.
  • Page 47 ] 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 (See page 50 for details about setting manual white balance.) Sharpness This sets the sharpness of the image that will be captured.
  • Page 48 Capture Mode This sets the recording method at the time of capturing images. ] Single: Captures one image at a time. ] SPY: For continuous pictures at set time intervals. (See page 36) ] Continuous: Permits continuous capture of up to 3 images. ] Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): Permits 3 consecutive images in the order of standard exposure, underexposure and overexposure compensation.
  • Page 49: Digital Zoom

    Quick Shot When the Quick Shutter is set to ON and you quickly press the shutter button down fully, the camera takes image without using auto focus. The auto focus will be locked to the last focus setting used before turning on Quick Shot. However, if you power the camera off and on when Quick Shot is enabled, the auto focus will be locked to infinity.
  • Page 50: Setting Manual White Balance (Wb)

    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.
  • Page 51: Video Menu

    Video Menu This menu is for the basic settings to be used when recording video clips. MENU MENU Press the MODE [video] button and set the camera [ Press the MENU button to enter the Video menu. 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.
  • Page 52 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 Refer to section in this manual titled “Digital Zoom”...
  • Page 53: Playback Menu

    Playback Menu In the [ ] mode, choose which settings are to be used for playback. MENU MENU Press the [ ] button. Press the MENU button. 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.
  • Page 54 Rotate If you wish to rotate a still image 90 degrees to the right, select +90°; if you wish to rotate it 90 degrees to the left, select -90°. Video clips cannot be rotated. * +90° / -90° Protect Refer to page 42 of this manual titled “Protecting Images” for further details. Voice Memo Refer to page 41 of this manual titled “Attaching Voice Memos”...
  • Page 55: Setup Menu

    Setup Menu Set your camera’s operating environment. MENU MENU Press the Mode button to [ ] or [ ], or press the [ ] button. Press the MENU button. Select the [Setup] menu with the t / u buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button. 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.
  • Page 56 Beep This sets whether or not to mute the camera sound each time you press the camera’s buttons. * On / Off Display This sets the image information display state. * Standard / All / Off Video Out This sets your camera to match the system of the equipment that you are going to connect to the camera.
  • Page 57: System Info

    Media Info. This displays the free capacity of the internal memory or the memory card. System Info. This displays the firmware version of the camera. Sys. Reset This returns all basic settings to the camera’s default settings. The time setting will not be reset.
  • Page 58: Transferring Files To Your Computer

    TRANSFERRING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER System Requirement (Minimum requirements) Windows Macintosh  Pentium III 1GHz or higher  PowerPC G3/G4/G5  Windows XP/Vista/7  OS 10.3.9 or later  512MB RAM  256MB RAM (512 MB + recommended)  150MB hard disk space  128MB hard disk space  Available USB port  Available USB port...
  • Page 59: Editing Software

    EDITING SOFTWARE Almost every computer already includes photo editing software, like Windows Photo Gallery or Mac iPhoto, which allows you to open, organize and edit your pictures. If your computer does not include any photo editing software, you may want to purchase one. Here are some links to popular photo editing software that you can purchase.
  • Page 60: Specifications (Inner Camera Only)

    SPECIFICATIONS (INNER CAMERA ONLY) Item Description Image sensor 1/2.33” CCD sensor (14 megapixels) Image <Still image> resolution 14M (4288X3216), 8M (3264 x 2448), 4M (2304x1728), 2M (1600 x 1200), VGA (640 x 480) <Video clip> HD(1280x720p)/30fps, VGA(640x480)/30fps, QVGA(320x240)/30fps LCD monitor 3.0”...
  • Page 61: Appendix

    APPENDIX Possible number of shots (still image) The table shows the approximate shots that you can capture at each setting based on the capacity of the internal memory and the SD/SDHC memory card.
  • Page 62: Underwater Housing Instructions

     Fully-multi coated optical Front view of underwater housing glass lens port for high light transmission.  Accessory mount for attaching SeaLife Digital Pro Flash and/or Photo-Video Light accessories.  Large shutter button and wide spread buttons for easy control with dive gloves.
  • Page 63 O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces become damaged. Do not use underwater housing if O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces are damaged. Replacement O-rings are available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer.  Make sure O-ring is completely seated into O-ring groove before sealing housing.
  • Page 64 (ideal distance is 2ft to 6ft/ 0.6m to 2m).  Use SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (SL961 - optional accessory) to enhance colors and reduce backscatter. Store housing at room temperature in a clean and dry place.
  • Page 65 Maintaining a waterproof seal Every SeaLife housing is tested for quality and a waterproof seal. It is your responsibility to properly care for the O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces to maintain a waterproof seal. Carefully follow these important O-ring care instructions.
  • Page 66: Quick Waterproof Test

    Carefully dry housing before opening it to inspect for a leaks. If the housing leaks, carefully inspect O-ring or replace O-ring as described above. Repeat the above test. If housing still leaks contact your local authorized SeaLife Dealer for repair service.
  • Page 67: How To Install And Remove O-Ring

    HOW TO INSTALL AND REMOVE O-RING To Install O-ring: Important: The O-ring and O-ring groove must be completely clean before installing O-ring. Step 1: Lay the O-ring over the O-ring groove making sure the O-ring is not twisted. Orient the O-ring with the more rounded corners on the hinge side of the housing.
  • Page 68 To Remove O-ring: Step 1: Push O-ring along groove until it lifts. Step 2: Gently lift and remove O-ring from its groove.
  • Page 69: How To Open And Close Waterproof Housing

    HOW TO OPEN AND CLOSE WATERPROOF HOUSING Step 1: Push in locking tab to open latch. Step 2: Open latch all the way to lift and release latch from housing.
  • Page 70 Step 3: Open Housing as shown so inner camera does not fall out. Step 4: Close housing and push down on latch as shown to firmly seat latch into housing. Step 5: Push down latch until locking tab clicks into place.
  • Page 71: Installing The Flash Link Optical Cable Adapter

    CABLE ADAPTER The Flash Link adapter (SL72052) included with your camera connects the Flash Link optical cable to the DC1400 camera housing. This adapter is only needed when using the SeaLife external flash accessory. Optical cables (item SL962) and Digital Pro Flash, (SL961) are optional accessories sold separately. For more information about these accessories, please contact your local SeaLife dealer or visit www.sealife-cameras.com.
  • Page 72 Step 3: Once the cable and adapter is firmly attached, run the cables along the bottom of the flash base and up the flash arm. The cables should be secured to the flash arm using the Velcro ties provided with your flash accessory.  If using two Flash Links, attach other cable in second groove and follow above instructions.
  • Page 73: How To Set-Up The Waterproof Housing

    Carefully inspect O-ring for damage and make sure O-ring is firmly seated in its groove. If O-ring is damaged and requires replacement, contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer. Clean the housing glass lens port using clean, dry cotton cloth. It is recommended to apply anti-fog solution to the inside surface of the housing lens port.
  • Page 74 Carefully clean O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces with cleaning brush provided. O-ring must not be wet when sealing housing, allow these areas to dry. O-ring must be absolutely clean of all hair, sand or other small particles. Do not allow any water droplets to get inside housing. This may cause the inside of the housing to fog.
  • Page 75: Using And Cleaning The Underwater Housing And Camera

    Do not jump into the water with the housing in your hand. Have someone hand it to you after you have entered the water. For tips on taking pictures, see “Great Underwater Pictures Made Easy” on page 77 or visit the SeaLife website www.sealife-cameras.com for an online guide to underwater photography.
  • Page 76 After using housing underwater Before entering dive boat, hand the housing to someone on the boat. Make sure the sealed housing is placed in a fresh water tub available on most dive boats. Press each button a few times to rinse out the salt water trapped under the buttons.
  • Page 77: Great Underwater Pictures Made Easy

    60 feet (18 m), you should keep your shooting distance to within 6 feet (1.8m). Using the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash will reduce the “backscatter” effect. If you are not using the external flash accessory, Keep the camera’s onboard flash turned OFF.
  • Page 78 50ft/15m, depending available sunlight and water visibility, The most effective way to compensate for lost colors is by using artificial light, like the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash. The Flash easily mounts to the bottom of the housing. The flexible arm allows you to direct the flash at the subject.
  • Page 79: Troubleshooting Guide

    TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Refer to the symptoms and solutions listed below before sending the camera for repairs. Any updates may be found on the SeaLife website at www.sealife- cameras.com. Look for “Techncial Updates” section. If the problem persists, contact your local SeaLife dealer for service.
  • Page 80 Solutions / Corrective Symptom Cause Actions Although it is set to The lens is dirty. Wipe clean with a soft, dry auto focus, it does not cloth or lens paper. focus. The distance to the Get your subject within subject is smaller than the effective focus range.
  • Page 81 6ft/2m while underwater Dirty lens Inspect and clean lens Picture grainy Low light conditions Use SeaLife Digital Pro (pixilated) Flash Accessory in low light conditions or deeper depths Blue or green pictures Water absorbs red and Set camera to Sea Mode...
  • Page 82 Select “Far Flash” accessory. [Press the flash button] to brighten the picture exposure level. Increase external flash accessory brightness by rotating brightness control knob counter-clockwise. Other troubles? Please refer to online troubleshooting guide for updates at www.sealife-cameras.com.
  • Page 83: Housing Specifications

    HOUSING SPECIFICATIONS Underwater Housing: Depth: Individual depth tested to 200’ (60m) Controls: Control buttons to access all camera functions - Power, Mode (video), Shutter, Zoom, Playback, Menu, Flash, Focus. The Zoom lever can be used to scroll through menus and the Shutter button functions like the Set button when the menu is open.
  • Page 85 Photos taken with SeaLife DC1400 Pro SL72025 Flash Set at Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia Revised January 2012...

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