Scuba Diving - SeaLife DC600 Digital Underwater Camera

SeaLife specialize in the manufacture of underwater digital cameras. The DC600 then is another feather in SeaLife’s cap offering niche underwater camera solutions for the diving market. 

But does the SCUBA diving world need another trendy gadget or is the SeaLife DC600 offering just that little bit extra to make it an indespensible tool for your average diver?

What Does the SeaLife DC600 Have to Offer?

Well firstly, the SeaLife DC600 digital underwater camera is not just an underwater camera: like all  SeaLife cameras it can be usd above the waves.

Underwater, the SeaLife DC600 requires its robust and chunky housing, which helps it to withstand pressures of up to 200 feet (60 meters) without permitting a drop of water inside. But when you take the SeaLife DC600’s wet protection off, you are left with a small, lightweight and easily transportable digital compact you can slip into your pocket for dry shots.

So the SeaLife DC600 is truly versatile, but is it a jack of all trades and a master of none?

Main Features of the SeaLife DC600 Digital Camera

• 6.1 megapixels.
• SD memory compatible.
• 3x digital zoom.
• 4x optical zoom.
• 2.5 inch display.
• Safety lock function.
• Watertight to depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters).
• Very robust build designed to resist rough treatment.
• Good quality images both over and under water (the underwater white balance is extremely effective).
• The DC600 can be extended by adding SeaLife lenses and/or strobes.
• Lithium Battery and charger included.
• Its easy to use.

The SeaLife DC600 is a 6.1 megapixel camera that is very well designed for underwater use. Its polycarbonate case can take quite a beating… so accidental bumps against rocks, diving equipment and the like will not cause it much bother.

The case of the DC600 camera has an easy-opening clamshell design so that you can remove the camera for use on land, but you must be careful not to damage its rubber o-ring and ensure that no debris such as hair, sand or dirt stick to it when you close it as this might affect its ability to keep water out. When the SeaLife DC600 is in its case it is very easy to hold and use.

The controls of the DC600 are well marked and easy to use, and it can be further extended with SeaLife lenses and strobes. You can also mount the DC600 onto a standard tripod.

SeaLife’s DC600 has a slot for SD storage cards as well as 10MB of internal memory. It has a 5.5 to 16.5 mm focal length and a 30 fps movie capability (with sound… even when you are filming underwater) at 640 x 480 pixels.

A macro function gives the DC600 the ability to take close ups and a self timer, 3x digital zoom and built in flash further sweeten the deal.

SeaLife DC600 Settings

The SeaLife DC600 has 13 scene modes for use above water and 2 for below it.

SeaLife DC600 scene mode settings:

Portrait, landscape, panorama, night, sunset, sunrise, candlelight, sport, text, firework, spy, splash water, program AE and the two underwater modes, sea and external flash.

Summary Review of SeaLife’s DC600 Underwater Camera

SeaLife have produced another reliable digital underwater camera system in the DC600. It is sturdy enough to take the pressures that recreational diving can possibly challenge it with and it is able to produce good quality pictures at the same time.

The SeaLife DC600 digital underwater camera is a worthy digital compact for recreational divers who want a point-and-shoot but may not offer the quality and functionality that more serious underwater photographers require.

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