The Sealife DC1200 is an incredible waterproof camera. The price and the performance place this camera at the top level of the point and shoot waterproof cameras. If you want more, you’ll have to buy a DSLR camera plus housing, which means not less than $2000.
SeaLife has been creating underwater digital cameras since 2000. They offer a full line of unique underwater cameras and accessories. The best part is that each of the lenses and strobes are interchangeable with any other model of SeaLife cameras. The camera models are all basic digital cameras that are optimized for use underwater. This allows cameras such as the SeaLife DC1200 to be a great camera without complicated features.
First of all, this is not simply an underwater camera, like the other models on this website. This is a housing with a digital camera inside. If you are new to the world of the underwater cameras, you are maybe wondering why Sealife has made this choice when the other competitors offer much cheaper waterproof cameras. The reason become apparent if you look at the performance: competitor’s cameras can resist under water up to about 30ft/10m maximum, while the Sealife DC1200 is tested up to 200ft/60m. So, while every point and shoot underwater camera is good only for snorkeling, this is the only camera of this category suitable for scuba diving.
Sealife offers also a complete solution for scuba diving; camera plus external flash at an affordable price.
Maintenance of your Sealife DC1200 camera
A special mention must be made regarding the maintenance of the camera. I’ve decided to add this paragraph to my review because I’ve noticed on the Amazon website that one purchaser complains about this camera. It is my opinion that this person didn’t know that he wasn’t buying an ordinary waterproof camera. First of all, every housing has an O-ring, that is the element that keeps the water out. The O-ring requires a special care, especially if you use the camera in salt water. Every time you finish using your DC1200 (for example at the end of the day) the housing must be opened and the O-ring washed with soft water in order to accurately remove all the salt. The salt crystallizes when it dries and acts like sand on the seal, destroying it. You must have this same care for any housing you buy for any camera, even the cheapest one, if you want to prevent water leakage.
Performance
Watch the video below to see the incredible capabilities of the Sealife DC1200.
Opinions from the Buyers
Pros
- The cheapest “with case” underwater camera you can find
- It floats
- If you plan to go a lot in salty water this is the best choice
- Big keys easy to operate even with gloves
Cons
- Someone complained about the white balance
- Need some expertise to be used in its full potential
- There are some complains about photos over exposed. However, as a customer stated, you should read carefully the instructions to be able to manage the exposure. Remember that this camera is made for underwater photography and it is optimized in particular for this use.
Conclusion
To be honest, if you have $2000 to $3000 to spend you’d better buy a DSLR with housing. But if you are a passionate photographer and don’t want to become a professional, the Sealife DC1200 camera will give you performances comparable to a DSLR at less than a third of the price.
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