SeaLife Micro 2.0 photo-video camera - diving impressions

I recently received a new and quite nice camera/apparatus by SeaLife to test. It was a Micro 2.0 model with 64 GB of built-in memory, 16 mp sensor and 1080p video mode.

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The neat packaging and the light weight of the camera (along with the 2000 lumen flash) had me positively excited to look inside. I opened the zip and saw the components of my new kit.

SeaLife manufactures their cameras and camcorders to be functional and intuitive. The kit can be confidently assembled without looking at the manual, especially if you have dealt with various such before. For those of you who reach for the product for the first time, however, I recommend confronting the next steps with what is written in the manual.

The camera itself is light, small and immediately ready to use, because thanks to the “Piano Key” button used by the manufacturer, we can easily access the menu and we will be guided through it without difficulty. However, the most important for us divers or freedivers, is the fact of a great solution that has already appeared in earlier models. It is the use of Permanently Seal. And what does it mean? Well, the camera/camcorder does not have any elements on the opening or maintenance of which its tightness depends. The camera has no doors, closures, replaceable ports, valves or other seals which would cause the necessity of replacing o-rings. This is very good information for forgetful people. You do not have to perform leakage tests or remember about lubricating seals with silicone.

The camera has a mode for taking photos (movies) on land and in the water. You can switch this on land or only under water with two clicks. 64 GB of memory is sufficient to take thousands of photos and a lot of footage, and you can take stills while filming.

SeaLife Micro 2.0 features a 16MP Sony® CMOS image sensor. This enables you to get very good shots of still images. This is put to good use on land and when photographing wrecks. A built-in fisheye lens with a 130º angle of view also makes this possible.

The mentioned Permanently Seal also makes it unnecessary to replace the battery. The manufacturer has used internal lithium-ion batteries with a high capacity of 2400 mAh. The product is also equipped with WiFi, so you can wirelessly download and share photos (videos) with the free SeaLife Micro Cam app.

The product is waterproof to a depth of 60 m, which is quite a lot. Very good for water sports fanatics. It can be easily operated both with and without gloves. Suitable for amateur photographers. To take a good picture underwater especially at depths below 5 m, in poorer light, you need a flash. The 2000 lumens torch used during the tests is suitable for caves and diving in low light conditions. Let us remember that we have to be as close to the object as possible to get a satisfactory picture. 2000 lumens is not enough for filming from a distance greater than 1 m.

Photos from cold waters, especially from deeper places and taken from a greater distance will be greenish or grey-green.

The lens will focus from as close as 30cm (using a dedicated Close Up Lens for Macro 10x the lens will focus from 15cm to 61cm), but as with Fisheye lenses it will round the sides of the image.

The camera weighs just 279g, which is a definite plus when packing airline luggage.

SeaLife products are easy to upgrade. The handle and lamp arms are easily installed. The Micro 2.0 can be structurally expanded with one or two Sea Dragon lights and Flex-Connect trays, handles and other accessories.

Finally, the camera is completely rubber-armoured and shockproof. Nothing but to jump into the water with the Micro 2.0, which, thanks to the clip-on strap beforehand, is already on our hand, and snap photos. And if it’s June 2016, you might still have time to enter our competition!