For Immediate Release:

SEALIFE’S NEW DC500 DIGITAL CAMERA

The Most Advanced Underwater Digital Camera Makes

MOORESTOWN, N.J. – The New 5 megapixel, DC500 Digital Underwater Camera captures ultra-sharp, high resolution images anywhere in the Great Outdoors in addition to the underwater world! The DC500 offers several features specifically designed to overcome the inherent natural challenges to excellent outdoor photography like rugged environment and quick moving wildlife.

Developed with input from professional photographers, the new DC500 features SeaLife’s exclusive “Shark Mode™” that addresses one of the greatest concerns for outdoor and underwater photographers who use digital cameras -- “shutter lag.”  Shutter lag refers to the delay between when the shutter button is pressed and when the camera actually takes the picture, a necessary delay for traditional land-based cameras that allows their internal focus system to identify the subject and adjust focus accordingly.  Since there is less light and less contrast underwater, most land cameras struggle to determine focus range underwater, resulting in missed opportunities as the subject darts from range or out of frame. The problem is particularly acute when photographing animals like sharks, whose contrast-free gray color and quick movements present a great challenge to traditional digital cameras.

The DC500’s “Shark Mode™” virtually eliminates shutter lag by allowing users to compute and save focus range before taking the photograph, and this works for wildlife photography too!  By pressing the camera’s “OK” button, the camera remembers the last focus range and uses it when the shutter button is pressed, capturing the image almost immediately.  Taking photographs of fast-moving fish and wildlife, has never been easier.

             

Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 200 feet, the DC500 measures merely 3.5” x 5.5” x 3.4” (HxWxD) and weighs under 17 ounces in its housing, yet features a large 2-inch display screen, a 12X Mega Zoom (3X optical zoom plus 4X digital zoom) two underwater exposure modes (Sea Mode, External Flash Mode) and six modes for use on land (auto, sports, night, macro, portrait, landscape).  The radically new design is not only more compact but maintains the ease-of-use characteristic with one-button operation, full rubber armoring, and ergonomic button designs. The long-life lithium-ion rechargeable battery is an important feature for those planning extended use between charges.

“Great pictures in a rugged environment are now totally possible in the water or on land,” said Joe Ifi, SeaLife’s Director of Sales & Marketing.  “The DC500 allows users to create professional-quality photos of rare wildlife in or out of the water, or ultra-crisp snapshots of family and friends participating in their favorite outdoor activity, with simple one-hand, one-button control,” he said.

             

The camera’s external polycarbonate shell is rubber armored for sure-grip handling.  Shutter release and all other mode buttons are easily accessible through the housing, even when wearing gloves.  The super macro autofocus system permits close focus to within 2.3 inches of subject.

             

The small, 1”X 2.5”X3.5” internal camera can be easily popped from its airtight housing through a convenient side-mounted latch for use without the housing.  The camera includes a self-timer and features a video mode, allowing users to capture mpeg digital video with sound.

             

The SeaLife DC500 features 16 MB of built-in memory, and an SD Card can be added for up to 512MB of memory.  It features an Auto Power-Save function that preserves battery life during extended dives, and it’s powered by a rechargeable lithium battery (included, with AC adapter) capable of taking approximately 200 pictures on a complete charge.  The camera comes complete with Photo Express and Photo Explorer software.

             

The SeaLife DC500 is available at dive and photo shops nationwide at a suggested list price of  $550.00, and it is compatible with SeaLife’s entire line of accessories, including Digital Flash, Flash Link, Wide Angle Lens, External Flash (slave unit), and protective carrying cases.

             

For more information on SeaLife Cameras please contact us at Pioneer Research, 97 Foster Road, Suite 5, Moorestown, N.J. 08057.  Tel.  1-800-257-7742.  or visit the SeaLife website at www.sealife-cameras.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

ROB FANCHER

TEL: 401-245-4461

FAX: 401-245-9791