SeaLife Mini II

STJ · May 24, 2011

Here's some photos I took this past weekend off Shinnecock, Long Island. It was a shallow beach dive - 10'-20'. The camera did ok. (This coming weekend I may test it deep off LI.) I also deleted a number of blurry shots. Ambient light only. The camera seems to do best shooting 'across' and not 'down' on the subject. The camera is a bit finicky but fortunately with digital, no wasted film or prints. The specs say "Instant Fixed Focus Lens" - I don't know exactly what that means. My impression so far is that it is an 'ok' relatively inexpensive dive camera that gets the job done if you want some basic u/w snapshots. But if you have any intentions for even semi-serious u/w photography, this is not the starting point in acquiring equipment - need to go up the ladder a bit. I'm 'ok' satisfied with this purchase so far, but for $269, I think Sea Life could have done a little better and kept it under $300. I understand that's 'cheap' for a camera that goes to 130' but it's not like the camera was $99 or $149 or something like that. It will be interesting to see if adding a light helps.

NJDiverMark · May 25, 2011

Yea I went to dutch springs and the cam took amazing pics. It just doesn't do good in anything but crystal clear waters

NJDiverMark · May 25, 2011

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/dive-ny/381795-dutch-springs-may-7-8-pics-w-sealife-mini-ii.html

STJ · May 26, 2011

Anyone know what an "Instant Fixed Focus Lens" is? That's what the specs say this camera has. Thanks.

Scuba_Dad · Jul 3, 2011

I can totally relate to the issues NJDiverMark is having with his Mini II. I have totally quit using the dive modes. I keep the camera in LAND mode, and I deal with the blue using Photoshop and Lightroom. I can compensate for the BLUE, but I can't get rid of all the RED the filters add to the pictures.

As for the focus issues... Yup! I've experienced them. One of the problems I've noticed is the camera will move a little when I press the shutter button. I've been working on getting rid of any type of movement. Being used to easing the shutter button half way down to focus... it makes it difficult to just click the shutter button without slightly moving the camera.

As for macro mode... to me... macro is inches away... 2-4' is just too far away. I've given up on trying anything in macro mode.

What I do like about the camera is the size. I throw it in my BCD pocket and take it with me in the pool and on the O/W dives. It takes good pictures in the pool, and the open water pictures are OK.

SeaLife has an excellent concept with the Mini II, but they do need to improve the focus and the picture quality. The size is great, and the ease of use is great... quality of the pictures... well... it's OK at best.

I hope we see some improvements on the next generation.

Scuba_Dad · Jul 3, 2011

I can totally relate to the issues NJDiverMark is having with his Mini II. I have totally quit using the dive modes. I keep the camera in LAND mode, and I deal with the blue using Photoshop and Lightroom. I can compensate for the BLUE, but I can't get rid of all the RED the filters add to the pictures.

As for the focus issues... Yup! I've experienced them. One of the problems I've noticed is the camera will move a little when I press the shutter button. I've been working on getting rid of any type of movement. Being used to easing the shutter button half way down to focus... it makes it difficult to just click the shutter button without slightly moving the camera.

As for macro mode... to me... macro is inches away... 2-4' is just too far away. I've given up on trying anything in macro mode.

What I do like about the camera is the size. I throw it in my BCD pocket and take it with me in the pool and on the O/W dives. It takes good pictures in the pool, and the open water pictures are OK.

SeaLife has an excellent concept with the Mini II, but they do need to improve the focus and the picture quality. The size is great, and the ease of use is great... quality of the pictures... well... it's OK at best.

I hope we see some improvements on the next generation.

diverdavrecon · Jul 14, 2011

The Mini II is junk. I've been shooting 35mm and DSLR photography for over 20 years now, and used to have an original Mini as well, but this Mini II cannot take a clear focused picture.
I've tried absolutely EVERYTHING to try to coax a good shot out of it - bright mid-day sunlit land photography, even using a tripod for max steadiness, it can't get a clear shot. Close-up or landscape modes makes no difference, it takes hazy blurry pictures. I'm returning it and buying another used second hand original 1st generation Mini.

youhen01 · Jul 14, 2011

I am new to underwater photography. I first hired a camera on the GBR, I loved the idea of taking photos underwater. It slows your dive down, increases your underwater skill and is a great way to remember what you see! The Mini II has worked well for me. Apart from the first dive when the stock Duracell batteries died (maybe due to the 11c water temp) after 5 photos! i replaced them with lithium ions and it works great. sure the quality isn't great and the light sucks. But who cares!! it costs $200! It is small and tough! if you want good photos buy a proper DSLR camera. It serves its purpose brilliantly.