A tray and quick-release arm system hold everything together in a small format.
In the Field The Micro 2.0 is just a little larger than our dive computer console and weighs 9oz (280g). Add a Sea Dragon+tray/arm and it’s just short of 2lbs (900g).
Depending on your needs, the Micro 2.0 beats a GoPro: no separate housing, large viewing screen, easy to read information on the back LCD, oversized controls. The piano keys are labelled Up/
Video – Down/Menu – Back/Play. They control all functions. The Micro 2.0 features an Easy Adjustment mode where you select a land or underwater scene and then, snorkeling or diving. Underwater, shutter speeds vary from 1/45 to 1/2000 sec.
Image settings provide access to various white balance options: shallow, deep or green water. Other adjustments include exposure compensation, single/continuous/ time-lapse/auto bracketing/burst (5 images in one second), field of view or FOV (130°, 100° or 80°), picture resolution up to 16Mpixels, video resolution up to 1296p 30fps, ISO from 100 to 800 and
compression level for the JPEG still images. A choice of different colour renditions includes black and white. Three metering modes complete the settings.
Although the camera lacks full manual control there are enough possibilities to accommodate almost any shooting condition. Transferring images to your computer means connecting the included USB cable or using the built-in Wi-Fi option. The same USB cable charges the camera in a couple of hours, allowing for 1000 still images or 3 hours of video. The Micro 2.0 comes with 32 or 64GB of internal memory.
An Honest Performer We completed our test dives at Blue Heron Bridge and in Crystal River, Florida. In both cases shooting conditions were far from ideal, which allowed us to see how this digicam would perform. We found the Micro 2.0 to be fairly
responsive. The absence of focusing system shortens shutter lag. Focus extends from 12” to infinity. Ideally, camera-to-subject distance should not exceed 1m/3ft as the water column progressively degrades your images, something that is true for any underwater picture.
Camera-
selected FOV of medium
(100°), with Sea Dragon LED
light increasing contrast
For those who need to shoot smaller subjects, a +10 close-up lens brings focus range to 6”-24” (15cm - 60cm).
Price point and size make the
Micro 2.0 an ideal choice for those shooting for memories. Most people display their images on a Facebook or send a folder to friends. Occasionally they may print a few or use a multimedia projector for a club meeting. In such cases, this SeaLife camera provides suitable images. Of course, there are limitations.
It is hard to judge the focus of an image on the camera’s small screen, bifocal wearers may have more difficulty reading the LCD screen information, a strobe will always overpower a Sea Dragon and you may wish for more control such as a full manual mode. Higher ISO means increased noise level so we suggest staying between 100 and 400 ISO. The price/quality ratio combined with the amphibious nature of the camera makes for an honest performer. The small package travels easily and does not eat up space on dive boats. You can also leave this SeaLife in the hands of kids or inexperienced divers. As Schumacher wrote, Small is Beautiful and the Micro 2.0 proves it. Happy Bubbles
www.divermag.com 53
Photos: Alary-Gilbert/SUB-IMAGES
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