K2 Equipment: Sealife Mini II (SL-330) New for 2011 , A Thoughtful Review

If you’re one who will probably really like spending your holiday getaway time near beach locations as well as diving and snorkeling places as opposed to the great outdoors in high altitude far away from civilization, then you would be well advised to tote around some sort of underwater-capable digital camera. We’re looking at either an underwater case for your photographic camera, or if you need to get more direct, a watertight shooter.

SeaLife promises to appeal to that particular market with their new Mini II Dive & Sport digital camera, as this 9-megapixel shooter could very well be small in stature, but it is most certainly no slouch when it comes to performance. Capable of snapping shots all your great underwater and outdoor adventures, the Mini II also comes with an intuitive interface so that you need not squander precious oxygen underwater when having an anxiety attack on messing with it's control buttons.

One standout feature of the Mini II would be its ruggedness - how many of you can say the same for your underwater equipment? Granted, this is a whole lot cheaper than the professional gear that you tote around, so the Mini II clearly targets casual users instead of seasoned professionals. The truly amphibious shooter is both waterproof and shockproof, where it is guaranteed to function underwater at depths down to 130 feet without the need for an external housing.

Not only that, its rubber armor also delivers a surefire grip, even when it is wet, and will still be able to keep on shooting even if you drop it from 2 meters high. An unbreakable ruggedized body approximately helps make the Mini II virtually crushproof, however we wouldn’t need to go ahead and take possibility by just having a shark bite into this since we’re sure it will likely be destroyed in no time.

There are new underwater modes in the Mini II, making it a snap to use and eliminate the common blue hues of images taken underwater. With the Terrain Auto setting, it will automatically handle direct exposure and internal flash. When you’re under the water, the Sea Mode brightens up the exposure while reducing the “blue effect,” and also the Snorkel Mode handles exposure and color correction in shallow-water settings.

Would you pay $229.95 to take the SeaLife Mini II with you on your next diving grand adventure?

Edwin G.

 

Thanks so much Edwin, what a great write-up for this amazing new camera.  Folks, we just got a shipment in, so ping us at 866-523-4846?!  Don’t wait too long, we sell out fast!

Tevis

K2 ROCKS: We Have SeaLife DC 1200 12 MegaPixel Maxx & Elite’s In Stock! Come and Git Em!

We are tickled to share with our Tribal Peeps that we have come thru for you!  We received today, an undisclosed amount of SeaLife DC-1200 12MP Maxx & SeaLife DC-1200 12MP Elite’s In Stock!

These completely new and yet to be released and wont be in production until the middle/end of July or August 2010.  You can get them now, you can get them here!  We have satisfied all of our pre-orders.

We will take care of Tribe Members first. . . who have previously purchased. . .

We will then take care of K2 Tribe Members, before the general public!

Membership has its Privileges!

Here is the scoop in this amazing and innovative brand new technology!

 

Travel ready with everything you need for professional quality UW pictures 

SeaLife has created the ultimate digital dive camera system which includes all the popular accessories and a 2GB memory card. The Maxx is outfitted with the DC1200 camera, wide angle lens and two Digital Pro Flashes in a deluxe hard travel case. Dual flashes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Light up the deep and capture spectacular underwater images with the brightest colors you ever imagined.

Set the camera to Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure control with the Digital Pro Flash, resulting in vibrant colors and reduced backscatter. The Ext Flash Manual mode offers advanced UW photographers manual aperture and shutter speed controls.

Quick shutter response for fast action photography. Long lasting lithium battery for all day of diving. Automatic focus from 2" to infinity. Large format continuous video recording with sound. Depth tested to 200ft.

Fully rubber armored for shock protection. 1-year warranty covers the underwater camera and flash accessory.

Includes

SeaLife DC1200, 12 mp camera – (SL700) 2GB Delkin SD Pro Series memory SeaLife Wide Angle Lens with Lens Dock – (SL970 + SL972) (2) SeaLife Digital Pro Flashes - (SL961) (2) NiMH Charger Sets - (SL190) (2) Diffusers for Digital Pro Flashes Buoyancy Weight (SL966) Deluxe Hard case with special die cut foam for all components

With the Sealife DC1200 Maxx Kit you can take photographs as you explore the ocean world both above and below the water. This easy to use 12.0 Mega-pixel camera is good to depths of up to 200' (60 m). Of course it is also ideal for taking worry-free pictures in the rain, at the beach, or on the ski slopes.

The camera features a large 2.7" LCD screen. This allows precise framing underwater. When shooting underwater without flash the camera has 4 underwater white balance settings. One is for blue ocean water less than 25' (8m). The second is for blue ocean water deeper than 25' (8m). The third is for green water less than 25' (8m)and the last for green water deeper than 25' (8m) . With the Spy mode feature you can set the camera to automatically take photos in ten second, thirty second, one minute, or five minute intervals. By setting this up on a tripod and swimming away you can photograph very shy creatures.

The camera housing allows access to all camera functions underwater. The sure fire flash connection system holds your fiber optic cable in the perfect position so the flash will fire every time. The camera is part of a system that will nurture your creativity and allow expansion of your underwater photography skills.

The kit includes two Sealife SL961 external strobe. Dual strobes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Since water absorbs the red and yellow light spectrum resulting in blue pictures, you need a flash to bring out the intense colors of the underwater world. It also reduces the backscatter problem that normally will occur when using a camera with a built-in flash.

When using the Auto Mode Setting, the strobe automatically adjusts the brightness for optimal image exposure. You can also shoot in manual mode. The strobe features variable flash control enabling you to dial the flash power up or down for better image exposure. Also included is a flexible, rubberized arm for easy aiming and a sure grip. This will allow you to position the flash for the best possible lighting.

One of the most important secrets to quality underwater photography is to to be as close to your subject as possible. For large subjects the included Sealife Wide-Angle Lens is extremely important. It will increase your field of view by 50%. You will be able to capture that 5' shark from 5' away or fit a group of divers into one frame. You can get as close as 12" to your subject to insure bright colorful pictures.

DC1200 Camera

• Easy 1-2-3 graphic on screen guide takes the guess work out of setting up the camera for great pictures

• Sea mode with 4 UW color correction settings for blue and green water conditions at shallow or deeper depths

• Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure settings when using one or two external strobes

• Ext Flash Manual mode for manual aperture and shutter speed exposure controls when using one or two external strobes

• Spy Mode - Spy on nature with automatic continuous shots at pre-set time intervals of 10, 30 seconds or 1 and 5 minutes

• Plus 11 Land modes - Automatically pre-sets the camera for the type of scene; Includes Anti-shake and aperture/shutter priority

• Expandability with Sealife wide angle lens

• Pocket-size removable inner camera

• Rechargeable lithium ion battery for extra long battery life

• Big shutter button and widespread controls for easy access, even with dive gloves on

SL961 Strobe

• Dual strobes eliminates shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides

• In Auto Mode the strobe automatically adjusts the brightness for optimal image exposure

• In manual mode you have a variable brightness control dial for better image exposure

• 60° angle of coverage

• Recycle time of 7 seconds (Full power)

• Up to 100 flashes with full power batteries

SL970 Wide Angle Lens

• Snaps easily on and off

• Changeable underwater

• Focusing as close as 12" (30cm)     

Git Jiggy Wit it y’all K2, Bad Divers & DiversOne Beach BBQ in MALIBU Sunday June 27th!

K2 D1 BadDivers Beach Party and Demo Day – Sunday the 27th Starting at 10 in the morning till ‘bout 5p Come kickoff the summer we are calling a shout out to the cherished members of the Tribe K2! We love our RSS Feed PEEPS and Facebook Tribe! Malibu at Nicholas Canyon: http://bit.ly/VtSnV Rain or shine (We're gonna get wet anyway!) Fun starts at 10 am (or dive early so you can get your party on): Treasure hunt for pirate's booty (if we feel up to setting all that crap up)! Contests, prizes and giveaways! We are bringing Zeagle Wicked BCDs, Zeagle Regs and computers, as well as Big Blue Dive Lights to demo-cool new product demos and more!   Chef Mark Mullen will be on the grill! So just bring something to burn on the grill and he will make it tasty! Booyah! Also, come empty handed. . . prepare to pull out your wallet! Weenies bump up to $20.00 So bring something to burn on the grill, and a side dish that can feed one more! We are also gonna raffle cool scuba junk off. . . just a BBQ dive a drink a stravaganza! This is the Tribe Called K2 so I am sure generosity abounds. Read the Same Thing You READ HERE on Facebook About DiversOne   Divers Trevor Lattin and David Lanza founded DiversOne in 2009 to connect divers worldwide via the latest Web 2.0 technology.  DiversOne is an independent social media site for divers to share trip reports, photos, videos, reviews, comments, social events and all things scuba dive-related!  We hope you find it a valuable addition to our beloved sport. We are based in Southern California and have created DiversOne to be an international central place for divers. A portion of our profits from advertising goes to impactful causes that help protect our water planet...remember, without a healthy ocean to dive in, our sport ceases to exist. Please support our sponsors and partners, and tell them you heard about them on DiversOne.  Enjoy! Contact info: For advertising inquiries, please email our Ad Manager, Briana Toelke, at 949.484.4810 or advertising@diversone.com or visit http://www.diversone.com/page/advertising-1 For site support and feedback email us at support@diversone.com Corporate office: DiversOne P.O. Box 4383 Mission Viejo, CA  92690-4383 USA (949) 484-4810 support@diversone.com

Consumer Review of Atomic Aquatics ARC SCUBA Mask

Atomic Aquatics ARC  (Anti Reflective Coating)  SCUBA Mask & Snorkeling Mask

The strongest and most indestructible two-window mask ever. The Atomic Aquatics SubFrame Mask is so durable, it carries a Lifetime warranty against frame breakage.

What is ARC lens technology?

The strength comes from the internal frame (subframe) molded directly beneath the surface of the silicone rubber skirt (patent pending).

This subframe provides incredible strength and rigidity as well as eliminating the bulky external plastic frame in other masks.

A stainless steel retainer locks the lenses in place and provides added strength to the nose bridge area of the mask. A wide field of view and great fit completes the combination of function, style and durability. (US Patent #7,181,778).

Anti-Reflective Coatings
ARC Lens Technology Elevates UltraClear To A Higher Level. Atomic Aquatics developed ARC (Anti-Reflective Coating) technology to reduce reflected light and actually increase the amount of available light transmitted to a diver’s eyes.

The result is a greatly improved transmission of 98% of available light, compared to a loss of more than 14% of light with standard green "float" glass used on the majority of masks on the market.

Anti-Reflective Coatings or “ARC” is a multi-layer metal oxide coating process applied to both sides of the UltraClear lenses. This allows more light to enter the mask by reducing light reflections off the inside and outside surface of the lens. The metal oxide coating is only a few microns thick.

Between 4-14% of light can be reflected back or “lost” by the standard “green float glass” mask lenses used by our competition.

ARC technology lenses are especially important for SCUBA divers underwater, where available light is quickly absorbed by the surrounding water. 
What is the underwater benefit of ARC for divers?
• Clearer, crisper vision. You will see more clearly underwater and objects in the distance will become more defined and acute.
• Increased contrast and clarity.
• Reduces eyestrain, glare, and prevents ghost images on the viewing area of the lens.
• An absolute must for night diving, limited visibility conditions, and underwater photographers.

Consumer Review:

Paul Shanderling gives it 5 stars

I am really pleased with mine, i have had it a couple of years now. This is not a standard mask, it is a precision instrument which does out perform other masks on the market especially on night dives and poorly lit environments. It depends what you demand from your kit. However, the ARC application can make it awkward to defog properly. What is recommended is PSI 500, both from Atomic and from K2 here, once this has been thoroughly cleaned you will not have a problem with it. i would not give it a 2nd thought to buy another one!!!

This puppy retails for $150, give us a call at 818 982 2652 and mention this blog post, or that you are a member of the Tribe K2, and we will give you your extra special, insider schweet dealeo!

or check out Flipilicious today for Mask Monday!

Tevis

The Brand New BigBlue 500 Lumens BB 3x5W LED Diving Torch at Flipilicious! A Review!

Those Crazy folks at Flip! Product Debut  (Dey-Boot)! (in conjunction with those amazing folks of SDG, K2 SCUBA and K2 SNORKEL. . .

10% of the moola (your purchase) will be given to a worthy charity seen on the ScubaDiverGirls Blog page!

The BigBlue 500 Lumens BB 3x5W LED Diving Torch. . .

. . . for TORCH TUESDAY!

 

. . . .delivers ultra-high light output of up to 500 lumens. Combined with a series of smart features and ergonomic design, this powerful handheld device brings ease of use and portability to even the most demanding diver.

1. Our high output 3 x 5W LED system delivers brilliant luminosity with a burn time that is four times that of the ordinary halogen torches.
2. The energy efficient design and excellent quality of the LED guarantees a lifespan of 50,000 hours of burn time, reducing the need for frequent replacement of the bulb.
3. The 6500K white light reflects the true vibrant colors of the underwater world.
4. Only requires 1.5V AA or C Size Alkaline batteries.
5. Also compliant with AA or C Size, 1.2V Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.
6. The Hi-Lo Power Output lets you choose between two output levels, Hi at 100% or Lo at 70%, extending the burn time and reducing reflections on objects at close range.
7. The Rotary Magnetic Switch not only makes it easy to switch between the Hi-Lo power output, but is also built to be insulated from all internal parts, eliminating the risk of leakage.
8. Choose from a range of colors for the main body of the torch.
9. The thermal protection system prevents the torch from overheating by automatically cutting off its power in cases where there is prolonged use on land, or exposure to temperatures above 70°C. As soon as the torch cools off, the light comes back on.
10. The safety lock on the switch keeps the torch from being accidentally switched on during transportation.

Specifications

Light source	3 x 5W LED, 3.7V each, with optical diffusion lens
Light output	500 lumens
Casing material	Non-corroding, polycarbonate plastic case
Colors	A choice of different main body colors: Magenta, Yellow, Crystal Clear, Translucent Black and Blue
Power source	8 AA or C size batteries, Alkaline 1.5V or Ni-MH 1.2V
Angle of light beam	60°
Color temperature	6500K
Light efficiency	Equivalent to a 25 watt halogen bulb
Burn time	AA size batteries: Hi-Output - Up to 12 hours, 1st hrs at 100% - 2nd hrs at 50% - 5th hrs at 25% Lo-Output - Up to 12 hours, 1st hrs at 100% - 2nd hrs at 60% - 5th hrs at 40% C size batteries: Hi-Output - Up to 20 hours, 1st hrs at 100% - 3rd hrs at 50% - 7th hrs at 25% Lo-Output - Up to 20 hours, 1st hrs at 100% - 3rd hrs at 60% - 7th hrs at 40% Gradual reduction of output strength until switched off
Maximum depth	100m
Diameter	80mm
Length	210mm
Weight in air	760gr (net of batteries)
Buoyancy in water	+75g(with AA batteries) -285g(with C batteries)
Switching system	Rotary magnetic switch system
Transportation lock	Closure system with blocking button
Front glass	* Tempered optical glass * Thickness 5mm - 68mm diameter
Lanyard	Included

 

and because you are all flippedy, we are going to twist the factory's arm and send you some surprise junk you caint get nowhere else. . .y'all is special. . .flip on wit your baad self's!

My Friend, Is Your Friend, and Needs Our Help!

 

www.takepart.com/thecove

Thursday is THE BEACH GEAR day at Flipilicious: Tilos UV Protection 6oz Rash Guards

Stolen from Flipilicious!

So Ingrid says to Elmer, "honeykins, do you think I would look as sexy as that sexy hunka lovin' in the picture?" Elmer carefully lobs back, "nope!  But if you don't get sompthin' to put on that pasty skin of yours you are gonna go all lobstery again. . . " 

Can you imagine how cranky a lobstered missus can be?!

Cover up god's creation with this gorgeous 6 oz SPF 50+ Tilos Rash Guard, and save yourself the pain and agony of another peeling, blistering, puss fest as you nurture your open wounds. . . . .

. . .ahem, even grossed ourselves out!

Um, skin cancer kills. . . don't be stingy. . .or be wicked smart cheap and get a bunch of these puppies for friends, you wive's girlfriends, or wife & your girlfriend. . . and the kids!.   They come in white/grey for the men's, and pink for the women's and the tranny's. . .

the intel on your schweet TILOS UV Rash Guards (female & male) short sleeve 6oz

4-way stretch UV flex

Provides excellent protection against UV rays

Highest quality 6oz UV FLEX material

Flat-Stitched throughout entire suit

Waist loop for shorts to tie; secure top from riding up

• Model: RG206 (male) & RGW107 (female)
• Two colors white/grey & pink/white

Sizes available (men's):  S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Sizes available (women's): XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL We will email you and ask what color and size you wish.  No guarantees we will have it so pick two sizes.  Or be the first and get you run of the litter. . . . early bird gets the squishy worm. . .

Think longer than 24 hours, or if we run out while you are pondering lycra, and you will feel like a big fat looooser! Flip on girlfriend. . .Flip on!