Sealife Mini II Underwater Camera with L.E.D. Video Light Review

In keeping with their reputation for designing products geared towards simplicity and ease of use, Sealife has designed a rugged and easy to operate 9 megapixel camera that is sure to fill a much needed niche for active adventurers. The Mini II features a slim, compact design that is fully encased in a soft, easy to grip rubber armor. This coating also gives the camera shockproof protection from drops of up to 2 metres. Depth rated to 40 metres, the easy operation of the camera both above water and under is made convenient by the large, wide spread of the 3 buttons that operate its functions. The large 6cm TFT Color LCD screen gives the user a crisp and clear view of their subject to ensure that no shot is missed as well as making the easy set-up screen clear to read in any condition. Designed to be easy to set up the Mini II offers modes for land, underwater, snorkeling and external strobes to always assure proper exposure control for the conditions and help to eliminate the 'blue' effect many underwater photographers experience.

Even with simplicity as the major goal, the Mini II offers some nice advanced features such as video with sound at 30fps, putting it on par with some of the more popular digital camcorders on the market. With a depth rating of 100 metres, the SL980 L.E.D. Video Light has been designed as an affordable, multi-purpose light with a primary function of offering bright, color correct lighting for underwater video using the latest in L.E.D. technology. Offering innovative functions such as a simple, push button operation, designed to be used conveniently with one hand, that changes between a variety of power or use settings, and a flexible ball joint arm easily offering an unlimited amount of aiming choices even the novice diver or snorkeler can be quickly taking sharp, brilliant underwater video. The light will also let the diver detach the head and hold it for the perfect illumination in the tightest and closest of shots. And while designed for use as a video light it more than holds its own as a primary light for close up, still photography.

Sealife again adapts the light for use by all ranges of underwater photography by utilizing customizable pin switches inside the housing the user can adjust power levels to adapt the light for any of the conditions the diver may experience underwater. Finally, both have proven to work quite well with the newer quick-charging batteries. Sealife has developed a camera and video light combination that for most divers would normally be a cumbersome, power hungry headache and turned it into a convenient and efficient 'must have' piece of gear for any underwater photographer.