Sealife DC800 MAXX User manual

SeaLife DC800 Underwater Camera
Go to www.sealife-cameras.com/service/manuals.html for
ENGLISH, FRANÇAIS, DEUTSCH, ITALIANO, ESPAÑOL, NEDERLANDS
and Türkçe versions

Trademarks >>
1
READ THIS FIRST
Trademark Information
 Microsoft® and Windows® are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
 Pentium® is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
 Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
 SD™ is a trademark.
 SeaLife® is a registered trademark of Pioneer Research.
Product Information
 Product design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
This includes primary product specifications, software, software drivers,
and user’s manual. This User Manual is a general reference guide for the
product.
 The illustrations in this manual are for the purpose of explanation and may
differ from the actual design of your camera.
 The manufacturer assumes no liability for any errors or discrepancies in
this user manual.

Safety Instructions >>
2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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.
If the camera has fallen or its case has been damaged, turn the power
off and remove the battery.
Do not disassemble, change or repair the camera.
Use the supplied AC adapter only with the indicated power supply
voltage.
Do not use the camera in areas near water, rain, snow, high humidity,
sand, dirt or combustible gas* unless it is properly sealed in the
waterproof housing provided.
* Warning - the camera inside the waterproof housing IS NOT certified
to be intrinsically safe. Using the camera in an environment containing
combustible gases may result in explosion or fire.
Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
The battery might cause poisoning. If any part of the battery is accidentally
swallowed, immediately consult a physician.
Do not use the camera while you are walking, driving or riding a
motorcycle.
This might cause you to fall over or result in traffic accident.

Cautions >>
3
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. If the internal fluid enters your eyes or comes into contact with your
body or clothes, rinse with fresh water. If the internal fluid has entered your
eyes, consult a physician to receive treatment.
A camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop it, strike it or use
excessive force when handling the camera.
This might cause damage to the camera.
Do not remove the battery immediately after long period of continuous
use.
The battery becomes hot during use. Touching a hot battery might cause
burns.
Do not wrap the camera or place it in cloth or blankets.
This might cause heat to build up and deform the case, resulting in fire.
Use the camera in a well-ventilated place.
Do not leave the camera in places where the temperature may rise
significantly, such as inside a car.
This might adversely affect the case or the parts inside, resulting in fire.
Before you move the camera, disconnect cords and cables.
Failure to do this might damage cords and cables, resulting in fire and
electric shock.

Battery Usage >>
4
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.
 When you are using a new rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery
that has not been used for an extended period of time, it may affect
the number of images that can be captured. Therefore, to maximize its
performance and lifetime, we recommend that you fully charge the battery
and discharge it for at least one complete cycle before use.
 The battery may feel warm after a long period of continuous use of the
camera or the flash. This is normal and not a malfunction.
 The camera may feel warm after a long period of continuous use. This is
normal and not a malfunction.
 If the battery is not to be used for a long period of time, remove it from the
camera to prevent leakage or corrosion and store it after no battery power
is left. Stored for a long time in a fully charged condition, its performance
may be impaired.
 Always keep the battery terminals clean.
 There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect
type.
 Dispose of used battery according to your local recycling laws.
 Charge the battery fully before using for the first time.
 To prevent short-circuiting or fire, keep the battery away from other metal
objects when carrying or storing.

Important Notes on Waterproof Function >>
5
Important Notes on Waterproof Function and Waterproof Housing
 Read and understand the instructions contained in this manual before
using underwater.
 The inner camera is not waterproof or shock protected. Seal the camera
inside the waterproof housing in areas of water, rain, snow, high humidity,
sand, dirt or combustible gas*.
* Warning - the camera inside the waterproof housing IS NOT certified
to be intrinsically safe. Using the camera in an environment containing
combustible gases may result in explosion or fire.
 Make sure the rubber dust cover provided is completely inserted into the
camera’s USB and Power ports unless charging the camera’s battery or
connecting the camera to the computer.
 Follow these important O-ring care instructions or the waterproof housing
may leak.
* Do not lubricate o-ring.
* Inspect and clean O-ring and O-ring contact su rfaces for sand, hair and
other debris before every use. Clean O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces
with cleaning brush provided.
* Inspect O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces for damage (cuts, scratches,
tears, cracks, dents and any other imperfections.) Replace O-ring or have
waterproof housing serviced if the O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces become
damaged.
* Do not use underwater housing if O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces are
damaged.
* Make sure O-ring is completely seated into O-ring groove before sealing
housing.
* Make sure the O-ring is not twisted when seated in the O-ring groove.
* Carefully follow O-ring removal and installation instructions contained in
this manual.
* Replace O-ring every year to ensure proper seal. Only use approved SeaLife
O-ring designed for the DC800. Replacement O-rings are available at your
local authorized SeaLife dealer.
 Carefully close lid and latch to seal housing and make sure there are no
obstructions that prevent housing from closing or sealing properly.

Notes on Waterproof Function >>
6
 Soak and rinse waterproof housing in fresh water for about 2 minutes after
underwater use or if the housing becomes dirty.
* Push 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.
* Store camera and housing only after careful cleaning and when totally
dry.
 Do not let any moisture or dirt get inside housing when opening. This may
result in damage to the inner camera.
 Make sure that you and the waterproof housing are completely dry before
opening the waterproof door or changing the batteries or the SD memory
card.
 Avoid opening housing wet, sandy or humid environments. It is
recommended to open and load the housing in dry cool air, such as inside
an air conditioned room. This will prevent water or humidity from being
trapped inside the housing, which may cause fogging to occur or damage
the inner camera.
 Avoid getting sunscreen or suntan oil on the camera as it may cause
discoloration of the surface. If any oil gets on the camera, wash it off
immediately with warm water.
 The waterproof function does not apply to the camera’s accessories.
 Do not exceed the depth rating of 60m (200ft.) or the housing may become
damage and leak.
 The camera will sink if dropped in water, so be sure to attach the strap to
your wrist or buoyancy control device (BDC) when using the camera in or
near water.
 Store housing at room temperature in a clean and dry place.
 Do not expose housing to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
 Do not store housing in extreme high temperatures, such as the trunk of
your car.

Contents >>
7
CONTENTS
9 INTRODUCTION
9 Overview
10 Package Contents
11 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
11 Front View
12 Rear View
13 LCD Monitor Display
15 GETTING STARTED
15 Preparation
16 Charging the Battery
17 Initial Settings
19 CAPTURE MODE
19 Capturing Images
20 Setting the Focus
21 About External Flash Modes
23 About Sea Mode
24 About Spy Mode
25 Recording Shots using Face Detection Technology
26 Recording Voice Memos
27 VIDEO MODE
27 Recording Video Clips
28 Playing Back Video Clips
29 PLAYBACK MODE
29 Playing Back Still Images
30 Thumbnail Display
31 Removing Red-eye
31 Attaching Voice Memos
32 Playing back voice memo
32 Protecting Images
34 Erasing Images
36 MENU OPTIONS
36 Capture Menu
41 Video Menu
43 Playback Menu
45 Setup Menu

Contents >>
8
47 TRANSFERRING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER
47 Downloading Your Files
48 USING THE CAMERA AS A PC CAMERA
49 EDITING SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
50 SPECIFICATIONS (INNER CAMERA ONLY)
51 APPENDIX
51 Possible number of shots (still image)
52 Possible recording time / sec (video clip)
52 Connecting to a PictBridge Compliant Printer
56 UNDERWATER HOUSING INSTRUCTIONS
57 MUST DO for underwater housing:
59 Maintaining a waterproof seal
60 Quick waterproof test (before you depart on your dive trip)
61 HOW TO INSTALL AND REMOVE O-RING
63 HOW TO OPEN AND CLOSE WATERPROOF HOUSING
65 Installing the Flash Link optical cable adapter
67 How to set-up the Waterproof Housing
69 Using and cleaning the underwater housing and camera
71 Great Underwater Pictures Made Easy
73 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
77 HOUSING SPECIFICATIONS

Introduction >>
9
INTRODUCTION
Overview
Thank you for purchasing the SeaLife DC800 digital underwater camera.
This is not your ordinary land camera in a waterproof housing. The SeaLife
camera includes special onboard software and exposure programs have been
developed through extensive underwater testing and research to ensure bright,
colorful underwater pictures and video. It is equipped with the latest digital
technology which means the camera is automatic and easy to use.
The SeaLife waterproof housing is constructed from the finest materials to
ensure long-lasting and reliable performance. It’s fully rubber armored body
offers superior shock protection. The durable polycarbonate underbody can
withstand underwater pressure down to 200ft/60m. It’s large shutter button
and wide-spreads controls ensures a sure-grip and easy handling, even with
dive gloves on. All metallic parts are made of high-grade stainless steel to last
the punishing saltwater and marine environment.
There are so many more features and benefits that you will surely enjoy. All
of us at SeaLife hope to exceed your expectations with this new camera.
Happy diving!

Package Contents >>
10
Package Contents
Carefully unpack your camera and ensure that you have the following items:
Common Product Components:
 Digital Camera
 Underwater Housing with lanyard
 Instruction manual and Quick Guide
 Software CD-ROM
 USB cable
 AV cable
 Camera strap
 Camera pouch
 AC power adapter
 International plug adapters
 Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
 Flash Link optical cable adapter
 Desiccant capsules
 Cleaning brush and lens cloth
Common (Optional) Accessories:
 SD/SDHC memory card
 Spare battery (Item # SL1814)
 Travel charger kit (spare battery, charging tray, 12V DC power adapter
(SL1816)
 SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (SL961)
 Moisture Muncher desiccant capsules (SL911)
 Accessories and components may vary by retailer.
 Visit your local SeaLife dealer or www.sealife-cameras.com for a
complete listing of accessories
NOTE

Getting To Know Your Camera >>
11
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
Front View
124
35
87
6
1. Shutter button
2. ON/OFF button
3. Self-timer LED
4. Mode switch
Capture mode
Video mode
Playback mode
5. Speaker
6. Lens
7. Microphone
8. Flash
 The waterproof housing has button controls for all camera functions
except for the mode switch (#4). You can change the camera modes by
pushing the Display button (#3 on the next page) when the camera is set
to any of the underwater scene modes (Sea, ExtFlash Auto or ExtFlash
MNL).
NOTE

Getting To Know Your Camera >>
12
Rear View
124
35
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1. LCD monitor
2. Delete button
3. DISP Display button
4. MENU Menu button
5. Zoom in button
Zoom out button
6. Strap holder
7. DC IN 5V terminal
8. USB or AV OUT terminal
9. Battery / Memory card cover
10. SET / Direction button
 button
Focus button
 button
Flash button
 button
Self-timer button
 button
Backlight/Exposure
compensation button
SET Set button
11. Status LED
12. Tripod socket
 When the camera is set to any of the Underwater scene modes (Sea,
ExtFlash Auto or ExtFlash MNL), the Display button(#3) will cycle from:
Standard  Standard with histogram  No icons - Playback mode 
Video mode  Standard [Repeat].
NOTE

Getting To Know Your Camera >>
13
LCD Monitor Display
Capture mode
1. Zoom status
2. Voice memo
3. Battery condition
[ ] Full battery power
[ ] Medium battery power
[ ] Low battery power
[ ] No battery power
* [ ] AC adapter icon (if used)
4. Flash mode
[
Blank
] Auto Flash
[ ] Red-eye Reduction
[ ] Forced Flash
[ ] Flash Off
5. [ ] Histogram
6. Main focus area (When the shutter
button is pressed halfway)
7. Capture mode icon
[
Blank
] Single
[ ] Continuous
[
AEB
] Auto Exposure Bracketing
[ ] Spy
8. Image size resolution
[ ] 3264 x 2448
[ ] 2816 x 2112
[ ] 2272 x 1704
[ ] 1600 x 1200
[ ] 640 x 480
9. Available number of shots
10. Image quality
[ ] Super Fine
[ ] Fine
[ ] Standard
[ ] Economy
11. Date and time
12. Self-timer icon
[
10S
] 10 sec.
[
2S
] 2 sec.
[
10+2
] 10+2 sec.
13. Slow shutter warning
14. [ ] Exposure compensation
[ ] Backlight correction
(Adjust exposure value with the /
buttons)
15. Metering
[
Blank
] Center
[ ] Spot
16. White balance
[
Blank
] Auto
[ ] Ocean Blue
[ ] Ocean Green
[ ] Lakes/Rivers
[ ] Incandescent
[
1
] Fluorescent 1
[
2
] Fluorescent 2
[ ] Daylight
[ ] Cloudy
[ ] Manual
17. Focus setting
[
Blank
] Auto focus
[ ] Face detection
[ ] Macro
[ ] Infinity
18. Scene mode
[
P
] Program AE
[ ] Sea
[ ] ExtFlash Auto
[ ] ExtFlash MNL
[
Av
] Av
[
Tv
] Tv
[ ] Panorama
[ ] Portrait
[ ] Landscape
[ ] Sports
[ ] Night Portrait
[ ] Night Scene
[ ] Candlelight
[ ] Fireworks
[ ] Text
[ ] Sunset
[ ] Sunrise
[ ] Splash Water
[ ] Flow Water
[ ] Snow
[ ] Beach
[ ] Pets
[ ] Anti Shake
[ ] User Setting
2007/11/01 08:03

Getting To Know Your Camera >>
14
Video mode [ ]
1. Mode icon
2. Zoom status
3. Battery condition
4. Video resolution
5. Available recording time/Elapsed
time
6. Video quality
7. Recording indicator
8. Self-timer icon
9. Focus setting
00:07:30
10S
Playback mode [ ] -
Still image playback
1. Mode icon
2. File number
3. Folder number
4. Protect icon
5. Voice memo
Playback mode [ ] -
Video playback
1. Video status bar
2. Elapsed time
3. File number
4. Folder number
5. Protect icon
6. Mode icon
7. Play mode
8. Sound off icon (When the 
button is pressed during video
playback)
9. Total recorded time
100-0011
3
54
6
Total
Play
00:00:10 00:00:
06
1
2
9
7
8

Getting Started >>
15
GETTING STARTED
Preparation
1. Attach the camera strap.
[Important: Camera strap must be removed
when using camera inside the waterproof
housing]
2. Open the battery/memory card cover.
3. Insert the supplied battery with correct
orientation as shown.
4. Insert an SD/SDHC memory card (Optional).
 The camera has 32MB internal memory
(29MB available for image storage), but
you can load an SD/SDHC memory
card to expand the camera’s memory
capacity.
 Be sure to format the memory card with
this camera before its initial usage.
5. Close the battery/memory card cover and
make sure it is locked securely.

Getting Started >>
16
 To prevent valuable data from
being accidentally erased from
an SD/SDHC memory card, you
can slide the write protect tab (on
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. If
inserting or removing the SD/SDHC memory card with the power on,
the camera will automatically turn off.
NOTE
Charging the Battery
The AC power adapter will charge the battery or operate as the camera’s power
supply. Make sure that the camera is turned off and the battery is inserted
before charging.
1. Insert one end of the AC power adapter into the DC IN 5V terminal of the
camera.
2. Insert the other end of the AC power
adapter into a wall outlet.
 The status LED lights red when
charging has started and the
LED turns off when charging
is completed. The LED lights
green when a charging error has
occurred or no battery is inserted
inside the camera.
 It is recommended that you fully discharge the battery through normal
use before recharging.
 Charging time varies according to the ambient temperature and the
status of battery.
 This camera must use with the specified battery and AC power adapter
for battery charging. Damage caused by using of an incorrect adapter is
not covered under the warranty.
 The battery may feel warm after it has been charged or immediately after
being used. This is normal and not a malfunction.
 When using the camera in cold areas, keep the camera and battery
warm by holding them inside your outer clothing.
NOTE

Getting Started >>
17
Initial Settings
Setting the Date and Time
The date/time needs to be set if and when:
 The camera is turned on for the first time.
 The camera is turned on after leaving the camera without the battery for
an extended period of time.
When the date and time information is not displayed on the LCD monitor, follow
these steps to set the correct date and time.
1. Slide the mode switch to [ ] or [ ],
and press the MENU button.
2. Select [Setup] with the  button.
3. Select [Date/Time] with the  / 
buttons, and press the SET button.
 Select the item’s field with the  /
 buttons and adjust the value for
the date and time with the
 / 
buttons.
 The time is displayed in 24-hour
format.
 After confirming all settings are
correct, press the SET button.
4. To exit from the [Setup] menu, press the
MENU button.
SET:Adj.
SET:Enter

Getting Started >>
18
Choosing the Language
Specify in which language menus and messages are to be displayed on the
LCD monitor.
1. Slide the mode switch to [ ], [ ] or
[ ], and press the MENU button.
2. Select [Setup] menu with the  button.
3. Select [Language] with the  /  buttons
and press the SET button.
4. Select the displayed language with the
 /  buttons and press the SET
button.
 The setting will be stored.
Capture
SET:Adj.MENU:Exit
Formatting the Memory Card or Internal Memory
This utility formats the internal memory (or memory card) and erases all stored
images and data.
1. Slide the mode switch to [ ], and press
the MENU button.
2. Select [Setup] menu with  button.
3. Select [Format] with the  /  buttons,
then press the SET button.
4. Select [Execute] with the  /  buttons,
and press the SET button.
 To cancel formatting, select [Cancel]
and press the SET button.
Play
SET:Adj.
MENU:Exit
Format
SET:Enter
 You should format the memory card before its initial usage or after the
card has been used in another camera or SD card device.
NOTE