1. Updates for SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera Firmware and Android/iOS Apps
On September 24, 2020, SeaLife released software updates for the SeaLife Micro 3.0 camera firmware and SeaLife Micro 3+ apps for iOS and Android. The new camera firmware and smartphone app versions are all version V1.05. The updates include the following enhancements:
WiFi connection bug for Android devices
Compatibility updates for Apple iOS 14
App user Interface enhancements
Improved quality of RAW capture image files
Other minor bug fixes
You must first update the app on your smartphone/tablet before updating the camera firmware. Please follow these steps:
To update the app on your iPhone or Android smartphone/tablet, go to the Apple App Store (for iPhones/iPads) or Google Playstore (For Android smartphones/tablets) and download the SeaLife Micro 3+ app update. This is like updating any other app on your smartphone/tablet.
After updating the app, wirelessly connect the Micro 3.0 camera to your smartphone/tablet. For instructions on making a wireless connection to your smartphone/tablet, please refer to page 24 of the Micro 3.0 user manual.
When the Micro 3.0 camera is WiFi connected to your smartphone/tablet, a “Camera Update” message will appear [A]. Select OK and open the Settings menu, which is a gear icon on bottom right of the display [B].
Scroll down the Settings menu and select “Firmware Version” [C]. A “Camera Update” will appear [D]. Select OK. The app will begin transferring the file to your phone/tablet [E].
After the firmware file is completely downloaded, the app will disconnect, and camera will power off. Power on the camera and the firmware will begin updating, which takes about 1 minute.
Important
After the firmware update is complete, you will need to reset the camera’s date/time.
For iPhone users only: If your iPhone is not able to make WiFi connection to the SeaLIfe Micro 3+ app after updating the app, force-close the app and open the app again. For iPhones with home button, double push the home button and swipe up on the app to force-close it. For iPhones without home button, swipe up halfway on the app. All open apps will be displayed. Swipe up on the SeaLife Micro 3+ app to force close it.
2. Cannot make wireless connection with iPhone and Micro 3+ app
If you are unable to make wireless connection with iPhone and Micro 3+ app, please try this:
Check the Micro 3+ app settings and make sure the following permissions are set properly. To locate the app settings, go to Settings and scroll down to the SeaLife Micro 3+ app. Locations = While Using; Photos = All Photos; Local Network = enabled; Siri & Search = [any setting is okay]; Cellular Data = disabled. Here is a screenshot showing the correct app settings:
Turn off the iPhone’s Cellular connection or turn on the iPhone’s Airplane mode and then turn WiFi on. Cellular and Airplane mode settings are located at the top of the main settings menu.
Disable any VPN app that may be running in the background. VPN setting is located under Settings >>> General >>> VPN.
The Micro 3.0 is permanently-sealed and depth tested to ensure the camera is waterproof. Here are two known causes for the camera to take on water:
a) Spray-on sunscreen damaging to reefs and plastics It’s a known fact that many sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to reefs and marine life. These same chemicals are also damaging to some plastics, including polycarbonate commonly used to manufacture underwater camera housings and diving equipment. Test results confirm that spray-on sunscreens are particularly aggressive causing a chemical reaction that can make the material become brittle and crack.
SeaLife UW cameras/lights and some accessories are manufactured from a high-quality grade of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is used in many products where high impact resistance and/or optical transparency is important. Such products include sports safety equipment, medical devices, automotive parts and electronic device housings, to name only a few. Despite polycarbonate’s impressive engineering characteristics and expansive presence in modern life, it is unfortunately susceptible to damage from some sunscreens.
We highly recommend using sunscreens that are advertised as safe for oceans and reefs. If you use a spray-on sunscreen, never apply it around your diving equipment or UW cameras/lights. Always wash your hands after applying sunscreen to avoid contaminating plastic material when handling it. Soak and rinse your cameras, lenses and lights for 20 minutes and allow to completely dry before storage.
b) Caution when connecting accessory to tripod mount Do not connect any accessory to the camera’s ¼-20 tripod mount where the screw length exceeds 0.3” (7.5mm). Using a ¼-20 screw that is too long will bottom out in the tripod hole and create a high degree of stress to the camera housing material that may result in cracks and consequential flooding.
Also, never apply thread-locking compound or any chemicals to the tripod mount area. These compounds may cause chemical reaction that permanently damages the camera housing material and consequential flooding.
In Playback mode, single view or thumbnail view, you can delete the selected photo or video by pushing and holding shutter button. The camera will display “Delete this file” or “Delete all files”. Select the desired option using the up or down buttons. The camera will display “No” or “Yes”. Select Yes to delete or select No if you do not want to delete the file.
Note: You may also format the camera to delete all files.
If the camera does not respond when connecting to your computer or wall charger, do this in order:
Thoroughly clean the gold-plated USB contacts on the camera and USB adapter using a cotton swab or cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use pencil eraser or other abrasives to clean the contacts as that will remove some of the gold plating. If you see any sign of corrosion on the gold contacts of the camera, notify your local service center for repairs. If you see any sign of corrosion on the gold contacts of the USB adapter, replace the adapter (item # SL50103). Note: The USB adapter is not waterproof and needs to be replaced if it got wet.
Make sure to only use the USB cable provided with your SeaLife Micro camera. Other micro-B type USB cables may not be compatible because of insufficient conductivity or lack of proper shielding. Replace the USB cable (item # SL51004) if you see any signs of corrosion or damage.
We are not aware of any problems that would cause the camera to lock-up. In the unlikely event you experience a camera lock-up, push and hold the shutter and power buttons for 5 seconds to force-off the camera. Please report any lock-ups to SeaLife service center at service@sealife-cameras.com. Include camera serial # and any details about when the lock-up occurred.
The camera includes a microphone located inside the waterproof enclosure, which may be turned ON or OFF. When the microphone is turned ON, the volume is preset to the highest possible setting, however the video recording audio is minimal because of the waterproof design. Underwater, you will hear the diver breathing. Above water only loud sounds will be recorded. We recommend using Windows Movie Maker, Apple iMovie, YouTube or video editing software to add music or narrations to your final video production.
The camera maintains 85% of its original power after 500 recharge cycles and 70% after 1000 recharge cycles. If the battery life becomes noticeably shorter, considering having it replaced by an authorized SeaLife service center for a cost of $75. The service includes a new Li-ion battery and waterproof depth testing to 200ft to ensure reliable waterproof seal. For more information, contact the USA SeaLife Service Center at service@sealife-cameras.com or contact the SeaLife distributor in your country by clicking here: https://www.sealife-cameras.com/dealer-locator/
9. Connecting Micro 3.0 to smart phone or tablet with USB cable
Here is how to connect the Micro 3.0 camera to any smart phone/tablet using a USB cable and camera adapter. A wired connection results in much faster download speed compared to wireless connection.
Android You will need a USB adapter that plugs into your phone or tablet’s USB port, converting it to a standard USB-A port. Most Android phones today have a USB-C type USB port. Here’s an example of a USB-C to USB-A adapter:
Insert the USB adapter into your phone or tablet and connect the SeaLife Micro camera USB cable into the adapter, just like you would with your computer. Power on the camera and select “PC”.
On your Android phone, open the “My Files” app and select USB Storage. There you will find a folder called DCIM containing all the photos and videos saved in the camera’s memory.
iPhone / iPad You will need an “Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter”, which is available at most Apple Stores or online.
Here’s a diagram showing the connection configuration:
A = USB wall charger. Important: For iPads, you must use a larger 5V 2A wall charger. For iPhones, you can use a 5V 2A or 5V 1A wall charger. B = Apple Lightning USB cable C = Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter D = SeaLife USB cable included with the Micro camera. E = SeaLife USB adapter included with the Micro camera.
Here is a video showing the connection procedure –
10. Can’t make WiFi connection to laptop or desktop computer
The SeaLife Micro HD+, 2.0 or 3.0 cameras only support wireless connection with Android or Apple smart phones / tablets, not with laptop or desktop computers.
11. Battery life when using camera in extreme cold temperatures
The camera is designed to be operated at temperatures of 0°F to 120°F (-18°C to 50°C) on land and +33°F to +110°F(.5 °C to 44°C) underwater. When using the camera in extreme cold temperatures, the battery life at full charge will be less than when operating at normal room temperatures.
The Micro 3.0 camera is capable of recording continuous video as long as there is sufficient memory space and battery power available. The continuous video will be saved as individual files about 6 minute in length (approximately 430MB) to make transferring and managing video files easier.
There are many factors that may contribute to pictures or videos not being sharp. Most common is shooting in low light conditions, which can cause a grainy image or motion blur. Consider purchasing a Sea Dragon external photo-video light ideal for capturing sharp, colorful pictures and videos underwater or in low light conditions.
The camera uses a fixed focus lens that is sharp from 15” (38cm) to infinity. Make sure to maintain at least 15” (38cm) distance between the camera and the subject. For closer shooting distances consider purchasing the SeaLife Super Macro Lens (SL571) or SeaLife +10 Close Up lens (SL572) at your local SeaLife dealer. To find a dealer near you, click here: https://www.sealife-cameras.com/dealer-locator/
