works fine
Short version: The camera WORKS as intended underwater, with a decent picture, acceptable video.
I was concerned about the other reviews, regarding leaking issues, etc.. but the price was right so who cares. The wife and I are planning a trip to Thailand in December and want a somewhat reliable underwater camera. Per the reviews, this is a risky move. So as soon as it arrived, charged the battery, then immediately threw it (yes, threw) into the bathtub whilst recording. Works fine, tried under running water, just peachy.
So for the past couple months, we've been taking it to the property and using it in the swimming pool, it's only 4 feet deep but did put it through the same pressures (lots of throwing, etc). The buttons work fine under water, they're a bit small but so is the camera. With goggles or mask (duh), you can see the screen fine, and still managed to get through the sometimes slowly responding menus.
This was mostly 720p video, and some still shots.
The picture quality as far as still digital cameras go, is just OK. My 4 year old Canon Powershot takes far better still photos, of course it's not waterproof and that is really the point of this review. The features are mostly the same as any other camera. There is a fully automatic mode that works fairly well, as well as a face detection mode; in case you forget what a human face looks like.
The video quality is fine for the price range, not stellar, but not terrible. It's not intended as a camcorder but works fine as one, the vids just have to be short. The microphone works fine when emerging out of the water and clears up quickly. The lens works great, water drops roll off most of the time.
The battery/SD card compartment is sealed with a rubber gasket on the plastic door, not much to say just worth mentioning.
Con: don't use the flash, it is worthless. You'll be able to take about 10 pictures before the battery dies, no that is not a joke. It was added as a courtesy, I assume. Depth is only 10ft anyway, should not be an issue.
I will continue to beat up the camera, both above and underwater, and will definitely write if it ends up leaking.
To sum it up, this so far makes a fine underwater video camera, above water still shots? Not so much.
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One use and done! :-(
I used the camera once with nice results. Then took it to Hawaii for some snorkeling fun! Ha! My mistake. Wouldn't even turn on. I tried lots of things and nothing helped. Am trying to return it, but I won't have those images of turtles, dolphins, fish, etc...
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