ReefMaster Mini and ECOshot

Tips and Technical Updates

1. Fatal Error with Windows XP and Vista when connecting camera to computer.
2. A "Card Error" or "Format Error" message appears on the LCD display
3. Camera takes long time (about 10 seconds) to power on when using SD memory
4. Using 2GB SD or 4GB SDHC memory cards
5. List of compatible brands of SD memory cards
6. Problems connecting camera to your computer.
7. Tips to maximize battery life
8. Camera flash not firing when focus is set to macro
9. Poor image quality in low light
10. Tips to prevent fogging [Inside the camera lens port]
11. Tips for avoiding rust stains on stainless steel parts
12. Picture is not in focus
13. The SeaLife Flash accessory (SL960 or SL960D) frequently misfires (i.e. fires SOMETIMES but not ALL the time)
14. If the Digital Flash (SL960D) accessory does not fire AT ALL when connected to my camera
15. Only getting a few pictures with SD memory card inserted in the camera
16. Underwater pictures have black corners when using the Mini Wide Angle lens

1. Fatal Error with Windows XP and Vista when connecting camera to computer.

We are aware of a few cases where a computer experiences a Fatal Error (Blue Screen) when downloading PC CAM Driver and connecting camera to computer USB with Microsoft XP (Service Pack 2 and 3) and Vista. This is a bug in Microsoft's USB controller drivers. Microsoft acknowledges a problem and has developed a solution. Although Microsoft states that this is only a problem with PC computers using the AMD chipset, we have seen this problem with Intel chipsets and the solution that Microsoft offers does appear to fix the problem.

If you experience this problem after downloading the PC CAM driver, go to the Microsoft Support website (Link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949033) and follow the instructions. In order to get the "hotfix" file, you have to click the "View and request hotfix downloads" at the top of the page. That will bring you to a form where you specify your email address and fill in a CAPTCHA. They will email you a link where you can download the file, and a password that you can use to unzip the file (the zip file is password protected). After unzipping the file, you run it, and it will update your USB Controller drivers. After that, you need to reboot. Once rebooting, the fix worked for us - No crashes after multiple connections to the camera, and we were able to plug in other USB devices without it crashing too.

Once the above solution is applied, and the problem is resolved, DO NOT attempt to reinstall the PC CAM driver to your computer. SeaLife cameras DO NOT require a driver to automatically connect to Microsoft or Apple computers.

If there is any way we can provide further assistance with this issue, please contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service.

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2. A "Card Error" or "Format Error" message appears on the LCD display

If you experience a "Card Error" or "Format Error", do this::

1) Make sure the SD card is completely seated and "clicks" into position when inserted into camera.
2) Make sure the card is not locked
3) Make sure the contacts on the card are clean and the card is not damaged.
4) Check that there is no debris lodged in the memory card slot. Blow or shake-out any dirt or debris in the memory card slot. Do not stick any object into the memory card slot – this can damage the camera.
If the camera still displays "Card Error" or "Format Error", format the memory card. Format the memory card. Caution: Formatting the memory will delete any pictures in memory. Turn the camera power on with the memory card inside. Set the slide switch on top of the camera to Playback and push the Menu button. Select "format" under the Set-Up tab and Execute
If the camera still displays "Card Error" or "Format Error", reinstall the firmware. You can download the latest camera firmware from the SeaLife website - http://www.sealife-cameras.com/service/firmware.html After installing the firmware, make sure to format the camera´s internal memory. Caution: Formatting the memory will delete any pictures in memory. Turn the camera power on without the memory card inside. Push the playback button and then the menu button. Select "format" and execute. Repeat the format process after installing the new memory card.
If the camera still displays "Card Error" or "Format Error", replace the memory card with a new, undamaged card When you get the new memory card, make sure to format it before using it. Caution: Formatting the memory will delete any pictures in memory. Turn the camera power on without the memory card inside. Push the playback button and then the menu button. Select "format" and execute. Note: If you have pictures on the damaged memory card with a "Card Error" or "Format Error" problem that you cannot access, there is image or data recovery software available that can recover the pictures from the memory card. Sandisk recommends a data recovery software called RescuePro. For more information about this image recall software, please refer to Sandisk product support website at https://www.customernation.com/pls/ps/ps.ps_main?p_host=304&p_supplier=5096&p_parm=PSHPP If there is any way we can provide further assistance with this issue, please contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service.

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3. Camera takes long time (about 10 seconds) to power on when using SD memory.

SeaLife has discovered a compatibility issue with recent releases of SanDisk SD card memory cards. The two symptoms are:

1. Camera takes about 10 seconds to power on (Should be 2 seconds)
2. The number of pictures remaining displayed is overstated. For example, the display shows 1232 remaining for a 1GB memory card when the actual number of pictures should be 300.

No other brands of SD card brands that we tested have this issue – only SanDisk "standard" type SD cards. While we are working with SanDisk to resolve this issue, we have already developed a solution which requires reinstalling the camera firmware. Please contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service. SeaLife does not offer this firmware download on its website for this model, but service can provide you with the firmware and installation instructions via email.

1. You can download the latest camera firmware from the SeaLife website - http://www.sealife-cameras.com/service/firmware.html

2. After installing the firmware, make sure to format the camera´s internal memory. Caution: Formatting the memory will delete any pictures in memory. Turn the camera power on without the memory card inside. Push the playback button and then the menu button. Select "format" and execute. Repeat the format process after installing the new memory card.

If there is any way we can provide further assistance with this issue, please contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service.

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4. Using 2GB SD or 4GB SDHC memory cards:

SeaLife recommends using a1GB SD memory card which will take about 300 hi-res images or ½ hour of video. Our tests with larger memory cards, like a 2GB (SD) indicate no compatibility problem, however we have experienced problems using 4GB (SDHC).

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5. List of compatible brands of SD memory cards:

SeaLife no longer recommends using ONLY SanDisk, Panasonic, or Toshiba brand memory cards. Our testing over the last several years indicates that these brands are reliable cards, but many other brands have also proven to be just as reliable. We have not found any compatibility problems with brands like Delkin, Lexar, Kingston, PNY, Kodak, Polaroid, Kingmax, and Eye-Fi (wifi card). SeaLife cameras are designed to work with any brand of SD memory card.

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6. Problems connecting camera to your computer.

The ReefMaster Mini and ECOshot cameras are compatible with Windows operating system versions 98, 2000, ME, XP, and later, and MAC operating systems version 9.0 and higher. The DC600 camera will automatically connect to your computer when following the connection instructions outlined on page 67 of the Reefmaset Mini and ECOshot instruction manual. Here are some tips if you are still having problems connecting the camera to your computer.

1. Make sure the camera battery is fully charged.

2. Reboot your computer and try again. Most connectivity problems are fixed when you restart your computer.

3. For Microsoft Vista users, the computer may take 4 to 5 minutes to recognize the card. Consider using a card reader which plugs into your computer's USB. These card readers only cost about $20 and offer a convenient, reliable way to transfer images from the camera to your computer.You can also download the latest camera firmware from the SeaLife website, which will allow a faster connection for Vista users -
   http://www.sealife-cameras.com/service/firmware.html

4. For other Windows operating system users, visit the Microsoft support site at http://support.microsoft.com/. Search on "Digital Camera" for a list of helpful tips from Microsoft.

5. For Mac operating system users, visit the Apple support site at http://www.apple.com/support/. Search on "Digital Camera" for a list of helpful tips from Apple.

6. Again, consider purchasing a SD memory card reader which connects to the USB port of your computer. You can quickly transfer pictures from your camera to your computer by removing the SC card from the camera and inserting it into your card reader.

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7. Tips to maximize battery life:

You should get at least 1 hour of use or approximately 100 pictures depending on the type of AA batteries used and how you conserve battery power. It is always recommended to have spare batteries with you as back-up. The AA batteries included with the camera are for DEMO purposes only and are not recommended for normal use. Here are some tips to maximize battery life:

1. Use only the following type of batteries:

1. Use SeaLife or other quality brand of Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries. Carefully follow charging instructions provided with the batteries and charger. The NiMH battery power rating should be at least 2500 mAh hours.
2. Lithium non-rechargeable batteries, like the Energizer E2 or "Ultimate" battery. Energizer recently tested the SeaLife camera and compared regular Alkaline batteries to the Energizer E2 Lithium battery and found it took over 588 pictures before the battery died (wow!)
   
3. High-Energy alkaline batteries intended for high power consumer electronics.

2. Keep the Auto Off setting set to 3 minutes. This setting is located under the set-up mode menu. The camera will power off in 3 minutes to preserve battery power.

3. Turn the camera power off when not in use.

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8. Camera flash not firing when focus is set to macro.

When you set the focus to macro, the cameras flash is disabled and will NOT fire UNLESS the camera is set to Sea mode or Ext Flash mode. If you want to take a land picture in macro focus with the flash on, select the Ext Flash scene mode

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9. I'm getting poor image quality with my camera.

In general, the brighter the light condition is, the better the image quality will be. Even in low light, we offer solutions for sharp colorful pictures. If you experience graining pictures in low light conditions (i.e. Indoor, night time or underwater), please do one of the following:

1. If NOT using the external flash accessory, turn on the camera’s flash (i.e. set to FORCE ON or AUTO) and limit your shooting distance to 6 feet on land or 2 feet underwater.

2. If using the external flash accessory. This powerful flash results in bright colorful pictures at shooting distance of about 2m / 6ft underwater or 7m / 20ft on land. The camera's Scene Mode must be set to "Ext Flash". Us the flash button to switch between Macro, Normal or Far flash to change the pictures brightness (exposure). For more information about SeaLife flash accessory, contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service.

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10. How can I prevent fogging inside of the camera lens?

Humid air or small water drops trapped inside the waterproof camera may condense on the cooler glass lens port and cause fogging. Here is the best way to prevent fogging:

1. Keep the inside of the camera perfectly dry. Make sure you and the camera are dry before opening the waterproof door. Even one small water drop that drips into the camera can evaporate and condense (fog) on the lens port.

2. Avoid opening the waterproof door in high humid areas. Load the batteries and SD memory card in a dry environment, like an air-conditioned room. This will help to avoid trapping humid air inside the camera.

3. If you do experience fogging or if a water drop gets inside the camera, insert two fresh Moisture Muncher desiccant capsules (item # SL911) inside the battery compartment for at least 24 hours. It is highly recommended to store the camera with fresh Moisture Munchers in the battery compartment, to keep the camera optics and electronics clean and dry. See your local SeaLife dealer to purchase Moisture Muncher.

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11. Will the stainless steel parts of the camera rust when wet?

SeaLife cameras use only marine grade stainless steel hardware, which is ideal for use in saltwater and marine environment. If not cared for properly, rust stains may appear on surfaces. Make sure to rinse off the camera with fresh water after each use. Dry before storage. Keep all metal surfaces clean. Avoid contacting metal camera parts with other metals. This may contaminate the stainless steel. Rust stains should wipe off with soft plastic bristle brush or clean moist cloth. A great source for more information on stainless steel is http://www.ssina.com/knowledgebase/..

If the rust stain does not clean off, or if you see that rust stains have entered inside the shaft of the metal buttons [which usually will result in the button sticking], contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service.

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12. Picture is not in focus

If the picture is not in focus, your shooting distance is probably too close. Here is a quick reference chart of shooting distances for land and underwater pictures. You will see that the Mini Wide Angle lens accessory (item SL973) allows you to take underwater close-up pictures down to 12" (30cm):

Underwater (WithOUT Mini Wide Angle lens (SL973)
Macro: 45cm (1.5ft) to 75cm (2.5 ft)
Normal: 75cm (2.5ft) to infinity)

Underwater (WITH Mini Wide Angle lens (SL973)
Macro: 30cm (12") to 75cm (30")
Normal: 45cm (18") to infinity

Land (Mini wide angle lens not recommended for land use)
Macro: 60cm (2ft) to 1m (3ft)
Normal: 1m (3ft) to infinity

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13. The SeaLife Flash accessory (SL960 or SL960D) frequently misfires (i.e. fires SOMETIMES but not ALL the time)

SeaLife flash accessories will automatically fire when the light sensor located on the bottom of the flash detects the camera's flash. However, the light sensor may not fire the External Flash if it does not "see" the camera's flash firing.

Here are some common causes for the External Flash not firing:

1. The ambient light (surrounding light) is so bright that the light sensor is not able to "see" or sense the light from the camera's flash. For example, a white sandy bottom may "blind" the flash light sensor, so it does not "see" the camera's flash.

2. The flash head sensor is blocked or obstructed in some way.

3. The flash head sensor is not directed at the camera's flash. It should be located close to the camera's flash so it "sees" the camera flash firing

Solutions:

Make sure that the flash sensor farthest from the camera is covered with the small black rubber Flash Sensor Cover. See instruction manual for more details or Contact your local SeaLife dealer for more information about SeaLife flash accessory.

Special Note: All SeaLife camera sets include the Flash Link optical cable accessory. SeaLife did not include the Flash Link accessory for the first one hundred ReefMaster Pro Sets (item SL325). As of July 1, 2007, SeaLife started including the Flash Link. If you did not receive the Flash Link cable with the ReefMaster Mini Pro Set, please contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer or the distributor/service center in your country for repair service.

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14. If the Digital Flash (SL960D) accessory does not fire AT ALL when connected to my camera

There are a few important steps that will ensure the External Flash fires:

1. 1. Set camera´s scene mode to Ext Flash mode.

2. Set Digital Flash Pre-Flash switch to "0". Make sure Camera and External Flash batteries are fully charged. Turn Flash to ON and wait for green ready-light to turn on.

3. Here's an easy test to make sure the External Flash is firing and synchronized with the camera. Take a picture of the External Flash, pointing the camera at the flash sensor. Do this with the camera removed from the flash base and without the Flash Link optical cable connected. The picture should show the flash firing. If you do not see the flash firing in the picture make sure you followed the set-up step #1 defined above.

4. If the external flash still does not fire, contact the SeaLife service center.

5. If the flash fires SOMETIMES but not ALL THE TIME, see check the other tips and technical advice below.

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15. Only getting a few pictures with SD memory card inserted in the camera

Most likely is that the SD memory card is not completely inserted into the memory card slot. Make sure memory card is completely seated and "clicks" into position when inserted into camera. The camera may also lock up if the card is not fully seated into position.

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16. Underwater pictures have black corners when using the Mini Wide Angle lens

Make sure there no air is trapped between the camera lens port and Mini Wide Angle lens accessory (SL973). Air trapped between the wide angle lens and the camera will cause vignetting (the black corners).

Air trapped between the lens and camera causes vignetting (black corners)	"Burp" out the air trapped under the wide lens to eliminate vignetting

Sealife Service Center
c/o Pioneer Research
97 Foster Road, Suite 5
Moorestown, NJ 08057
ph. 856-866-9191