1. Updates for SeaLife Micro 3.0 Camera Firmware and Android/iOS Apps
2. Cannot make wireless connection with iPhone and Micro 3+ app
3. Lens fogging or water visible inside camera
4. Deleting Pictures and Videos
5. Camera won’t connect to computer and/or charge
6. Camera locks up
7. Low audio volume when playing back video
8. Replacing internal battery
9. Connecting Micro 3.0 to smart phone or tablet with USB cable
10. Can’t make WiFi connection to laptop or desktop computer
11. Battery life when using camera in extreme cold temperatures
12. Recording continuous video
13. Pictures / videos not sharp or out of focus
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:
You must first update the app on your smartphone/tablet before updating the camera firmware. Please follow these steps:
Important
Please email quality@sealife-cameras.com if you experience any issues with this BETA firmware version.
If you are unable to make wireless connection with iPhone and Micro 3+ app, please try this:
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:
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/
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 –
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.
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/