SeaLife SL545 SportDiver II Compact 35mm Underwater Camera

• Camera is buoyant and waterproof
• Lexan housing is small enough to fit into most BC pockets
• 35mm compact inner camera is perfect for dry land use
• Large "Push Here" shutter makes it a breeze to shoot photos
• Fully compatible with all SeaLife accessories

Amazon.com Product Description:
With the SeaLife SL545 SportDiver II Compact 35mm Underwater Camera you'll be ready to snap great photos at depths up to 164 feet. The SportDiver II design features two major components: a small inner camera and a sturdy, waterproof Lexan housing. The Lexan housing is small enough to fit into most BC (Buoyancy Control) pockets, so it is the perfect companion on your favorite dives. The SL545 is both completely waterproof and slightly buoyant. The camera will not sink, but it is heavy enough that if it slips from your hands while you're diving, it won't rush towards the surface. The compact inner camera can be removed from the housing and used on dry land for excellent vacation snapshots above the sea. The buttons are easy to access and a large "Push Here" shutter-release lever makes it a breeze to snap a shot at any depth--even wearing gloves. The fully automatic 35mm camera has a built in flash and the SportDiver II is fully expandable with all SeaLife accessories. This is a perfect camera for diving, snorkeling, boating, playing by the pool, and just about any other water sport.

For Budget Buyers Only!:
I went on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The pictures I took with this camera were ok. I'm glad I got the email of someone else on the boat and got their digital photos, they were beautiful. I'd recommend to anyone going diving to pony up enough to get a decent digital camera. Oh, and if you do buy this one, remember to TURN IT ON before you dive. Nothing will infuriate you more than lining up a white-tip reef shark then realizing you have to open up the case to turn the darn thing on. Why they didn't design it to be turned on underwater is a mystery.

unhappy results:
I purchased this camera for a friend to use in Hawaii. We had nothing but problems getting it to wind properly and the pictures both on land and underwater were all blurred and my friend was very unhappy and I was frustrated. I do not know if this is just a bad camera or what.

A reasonable alternative:
I bought this camera for my honeymoon, as I expected to do a lot of snorkling and thought that the price compared favorably with purchasing several waterproof disposable cameras. The camera and case functioned properly and were easy to use. The pictures taken on land turned out swell. The undersea pictures were okay, but could have been better. The flash is automatic and, in my opinion, the camera would have taken much better photographs if it could have been activated manually. All in all, great for an inexpensive vacation camera, but don't expect to take pictures like Jacques Cousteau.

Sport Diver II Camera:
I used this camera once and have no good photos to show for it. It took 5 frames then skipped several and took 2 more, then nothing for the rest of the roll. We swam with sharks and I have nothing to show for it. Should have bought a disposable one.

SeaLife Camera SL545:
Camera is decently made for the price. But range of use is limited to between 3-8 ft. Should come with shroter focal length lens as standard.