Waterproof to 10 Feet! Shockproof!
Underwater 14.0 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
with dual display and special photo effects
NO GIFTBOX
Product Description
aquapix W1400 Waterproof Digital Camera is an ultra compact IPX8 level waterproof digital camera. It captures the motions underwater up to a maximum depth of 10 feet (3 metres). With a high precision 14.0 Mega Pixels CMOS sensor, strong flash light, anti-shaking capability, shockproof, dual display for normal and self phototaking, and most amazing of all the special lomo effect and pencil sketch effect, this underwater digital camera qualifies as the ultimate gadget for snapshot photography and underwater video shooting.
This waterproof digital camera supports up to 32GB MicroSD memory card (also called TF memory card), and uses 2 x AAA alkaline battery. Battery life lasts for 60 minutes for phototaking, or 30 minutes for video recording. For cost saving purpose, you may choose to use hi-power rechargeable battery (not included; to be bought separately). I tested Energizer Recharge (1000mAH) AAA battery and found that the performance is excellent.
The camera is designed to withstand water pressure for a specific amount of time under total submerged condition. It is IPX tested and was graded IPX8, the highest waterproof level in the waterproof scale. It can be operated up to a depth of 10 feet underwater for a continuous 45 minutes. Thereafter, the camera shall undergo 10 minutes cleaning period for removing sand and drying the sea water. Then it can go for another round of underwater use!
Please note that the IPX8 standard indicates the highest waterproof level ("8" is the highest rating), but it is not tested for intrusion of solid objects ("X" means not tested). This camera is NOT sandproof. As far as possible, please use with care and keep this camera away from sand and other small particles while in use. This will help to avoid the sand and small particles compromising its waterproof function.
For the convenience of user, the camera has a one-touch M button to switch between still photo and video mode. The macro mode is also easy to reach. The LCD switch button is located on the top of the camera. Press it to switch between the 2.7" LCD main screen for normal phototaking, and the 1.8" LCD front screen for self phototaking.
This digital camera is designed to be waterproof without any external housing. It weighs 5.36 oz (152g) with battery and strap on, and is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, boating, surfing, skiing, as well as beach and camping activities. A detailed English user manual is included with the camera, while the on-screen operation menu supports English and multiple European languages.
Finally, the moment of truth comes. The picture quality at the default 14.0 MP (4320 x 3240) is stable, sharp and vivid. When the interpolated 20.0 MP mode is chosen, picture quality is sacrificed for the higher resolution. For video filming, the VGA video mode with sound (640 x 480 at 30fps) give good quality motion pictures. Since this camera is designed for use in a darker underwater environment, it has performed well in the twilight. Watch the video in the video section of this listing page to get an idea on its performance.
Lomography and Sketch Effects
As lomographers, you are encouraged to take a lighthearted approach to your photography, and use techniques such as over-saturated colors, off-kilter exposure and blurring. This attitude works for digital camera as well and it applies even in underwater environment. This camera is the first of its kind to bring lomo underwater. Besides lomo "black corner" effect, the "pencil sketch" effect is astounding! Most importantly, several special effects such as B&W, SEPIA, NEGATIVE, LOMO, PENCIL SKETCH, RED, GREEN, BLUE, and VIVID can be processed on the camera after the original photo is taken! Simply press and hold the menu button, go to the "photo effect" sub-menu, choose the desired effect you want, then press the shutter. The special effect photo will be generated and saved as a separate photo in your memory card.
Other Functions
To fully utilise the functions of this camera, here are a brief descriptions of the various functions available in the on-screen menu:
1. Resolution
The 14.0 MP resolution is the default resolution. This resolution matches the resolution of the CMOS sensor and gives the best picture quality. The maximum resolution is 20.0 MP.
2. Quality
Super Fine quality is preferred, while other quality options help to save memory space.
3. Metering
This function helps the camera determine the exposure. "Center" means "Center-weighted average metering". In this mode, the meter concentrates 60 to 80 percent of the sensitivity towards the central part of the viewfinder. The balance is then "feathered" out towards the edges. "Multi" means "Multi-zone Metering". The camera measures the light intensity in several points in the scene, and then combines the results to find the settings for the best exposure. "Spot" means "Spot Metering". In this mode, the camera will only measure a very small area of the scene (between 1% to 5% of the viewfinder area). This will typically be the very centre of the scene.
The "multi-zone metering" mode is set as default for general phototaking.
4. White Balance
The "Auto" mode is suitable for most of the cases, while other modes can be used for specific photo environments.
5. ISO
The "Auto" mode is set as default for general photography. Maual modes from ISO 100 to ISO 800 can be selected for specific photo environments and amazing photo effects.
6. Exposure
The range of exposure setting is from -2.0 to +2.0 in 13 levels. EV +0.0 is the default setting. Subject to the light environment, you may choose different settings to general a better photo output.
7. Self Timer
There is an On / Off setting, with the default set to OFF.
8. Sharpness
Hard, Normal and Soft can be selected to achieve different degree of sharpness or softness to the target objects.
9. Effect
This is an important sub-menu. The default setting is in "Normal", while nine special effects such as LOMO and Pencil Sketch can be chosen. You will find phototaking a great fun with the amazing photos you create.
10. Date Stamp
The default setting is OFF. When the date stamp is turned ON, the date appears on the photo.
11. Quick View
This function allows a quick viewing of the photo you have just taken before the display goes back to the viewfinder.
* More delicate calibration of auto mode in white balance, ISO and exposure, giving overall better image quality in various light conditions
* Continuous immersion under water is extended from 30 minutes to 45 minutes
* The "power on / off" button is designed as a "hidden" button to prevent accidental switch on / off
* Re-designed gift box giving a more exciting presentation of this compact but powerful underwater camera
Specifications
Description : aquapix W1400 waterproof digital camera
Sensor : 14.0 Mega Pixels CMOS sensor
Max Resolution : 20.0 Mega Pixels (interpolation)
Lens : F2.8, f=8.5mm
Digital Zoom : 4X
White Balance : Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Tungsten / Fluorescent
Exposure Compensation: -2.0 EV ~ +2.0 EV in 0.3 step
Shutter Speed : 1/13 to 1/2000 seconds
Battery Life : 30 minutes for video recording; 60 minutes for photo taking (under CIPA criteria)
** CIPA stands for Camera & Imaging Products Association
ISO : Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800
Flash : 1.2 ~ 1.8m with Auto / Off / Force Mode
LCD Display : 2.7" LCD Color TFT display (main viewfinder), 1.8" LCD Color TFT display (front viewfinder)
Internal Memory: No internal memory for photo storage. All photos and videos will be saved to the memory card
Memory Card : Card Slot supports MicroSD cards up to 32GB (MicroSD card is also called TF card)
** The camera package does not include a memory card. Please buy your own memory card separately.
Movie Clips : MJPEG (AVI), resolution at VGA(30fps) with sound track, QVGA (30fps) with sound track
Still Image : JPEG, resolution at 0.3MP (VGA 640 x 480), 3MP (2048 x 1536),
5MP (2592 x 1944), 8MP (3264 x 2448), 14MP (4320 x 3240, default) / 20MP (5184 x 3888, interpolation)
Self-timer : Off / 10 sec.
Interface : USB2.0
Language : English, Deutsch, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Japanese
Auto Poweroff : Off / 1 minute / 3 minutes
Power Source : 2 x AAA alkaline battery
Accessories : USB cable, CD-ROM software disc, camera pouch, strap, English user's manual
Weight : 152g with battery and strap
Dimension : 99 (W) x 63 (H) x 29 (D) mm
Color : Orange
Max Depth : 10 feet (3 meters); continuous immersion up to 45 minutes
Packing : camera to be packed in bubble bag, then in padded envelope
Supported OS : Windows XP (SP3) / Vista 32/64, Windows 7 & Windows 8 (32/64) and Mac OS X 10.6.8 or above
VALUE ADDED TAX
Value added tax, usually abbreviated as VAT, is the import tax for the item you purchased. It is also called "customs duty" or "duty". Buyers of this item shall be responsible for paying the VAT.
Different countries will have their own VAT relief threshold, as well as the VAT payable for items above the relief threshold. The following information comes from the Hongkong Post postal intelligence section. The information, which is last updated in November 2011, is given as reference only. Please refer to the relevant authority in your country for updated information.
For accessing the links, please go to the Hongkong Post "postal intelligence" section. Here is a link to this page:
http://www.hongkongpost.com/imailR/eng/intelligence/vat/index.htm
Please copy and paste this link in your browser to gain access to the page.
According to the information presented in this table, buyers with delivery addresses in USA, Australia, Singapore and Japan will enjoy VAT relief, since the value of this item does not exceed the corresponding VAT relief threshold.
Buyers with delivery addresses in UK, for example, have to pay 20% VAT according to this table. Please be aware of this hidden cost when you consider to buy this item.
International Buyers - Please Note:
a) Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
b) Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
Best Performance Guidelines
Hold the camera with your right hand, with the middle finger near the shutter. Now use the nail of your right hand thumb to push the self-retractable door lock to the up position. Keep the door lock in the up position.
Then slide the battery door to the right with your left hand thumb. While you are sliding the door to the right, you still have to keep the self-retractable lock in the up position.
(B) MicroSD / TF memory card
Sandisk and Toshiba TF cards are more reliable. They have better performance from our experience.
(C) Battery
Make sure the AAA battery you use is "alkaline" battery. "Energizer" is a commonly used alkaline battery type which provide a stable performance. There are two types of Energizer alkaline battery: The Energizer Advanced is a more longlasting alkaline battery, while the Energizer Max is an everyday use alkaline battery.
Rechargeable battery can be used for cost saving in the long run. The Energizer Recharge is a typical high capacity rechargeable battery which is suitable for digital cameras. Please choose the highest capacity type (1000mAh) when you choose rechargeable AAA battery.
(D) Use in sea water
To enhance the life time of this camera, please follow these advices as much as possible:
Before using in seawater, user must:
1. ensure the area surrounding the battery door has no sand, dust or foreign objects on it;
2. ensure the battery door is closed and locked properly;
During the time of use in seawater, user must:
1. avoid opening and closing the battery door with wet hands;
2. avoid going to a depth greater than 3 meters;
3. keep the camera away from highly pressurized water such as water jets;
4. avoid bumping or knocking the camera underwater, otherwise the battery door might accidentally open.
After using in seawater, user must:
1. put the camera in fresh water with battery door properly closed. Soak the camera in fresh water for 5 minutes;
2. After that, wipe the camera and the lens dry with a small absorbent cleaning towel;
3. Place the camera in a well ventilated cool place to dry naturally;
4. Wait until the camera is completely dry, then open the battery door. Use a soft cleaning cloth to clean away seawater, sand and impurities around the door cover and the edge of battery compartment;
5. do not use any soapy water, mild detergents or alcohol to clean the camera. They may make the camera less resistant to water.
6. The camera can go for another round of use under seawater after cleaning.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SELLER
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