Waterproof to 10 Feet!
Underwater Digital Camera with 9 Special Photo Effects
10 MP default resolution, 16 MP max resolution
Aquapix W1024 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 10.0 Mega Pixels CMOS sensor, strong flash light and most amazing of all its special lomo and pencil sketch photo effects, 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 card), and uses 2 x AAA alkaline battery. Battery life lasts for 2 hours. For cost saving purpose, you may choose to use hi-power rechargeable battery. 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 at a depth of 10 feet underwater for a continuous one hour. 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 one-hour underwater use!
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 and the digital zooming mode is in the right place for easy operation.
This digital camera is designed to be waterproof without any external housing. It weighs 4.5 oz (128g) 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 10.0 MP (3648 x 2736) is stable, sharp and vivid. When the interpolated 16.0 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.
Lomography with Underwater Digital Camera
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 CLASSICS, MOSAIC, NEGATIVE, GREEN, BLUE, RED and MONOCHROME can be processed on the camera after the original photo is taken! Simply go to the playback mode, 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. See some samples in the photo section below.
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 10.0 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 16.0 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 "Centre" mode is recommended 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 recommended for general photography. Maual modes from ISO 100 to ISO 800 can be selected for specific photo environments.
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 9 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.
Specifications
Description : Aquapix W1024-Y waterproof digital camera (Aquapix is an easypix brand)
Sensor : 10.0 Mega Pixels CMOS sensor
Max Resolution : 16.0 Mega Pixels (interpolation)
Lens : F2.8, f=8.5mm
Digital Zoom : 4X
Focus Range : 0.5m to infinity (normal), 11cm to 18cm (macro)
White Balance : Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Tungsten / Fluorescent
ISO : Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800
Flash : 1.2 ~ 1.8m with Auto / Off / Force Mode
LCD Display : 2.4" Color TFT LCD display
Memory Card : Card Slot supports MicroSD cards up to 32GB (MicroSD card is also called TF card)
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),
10MP (3648 x 2736; default), 16MP (4608 x 3456) (interpolation)
Self-timer : On / Off
Interface : USB2.0
Language : English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Spanish, 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, user's manual
Weight : 128g with battery and strap
Dimension : 90.3 (W) x 63 (H) x 25.3 (D) mm
Color : Yellow
Max Depth : 10 feet (3 meters)
Packing : original cardboard box packing
Supported OS : Windows XP / Vista / 7 and MAC 10.4 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.
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
(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.
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