SeaLife ReefMaster RC

Review Date
November 26, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.67 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by
dmossmo , Casual

Price Paid
$350.00

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Outdoor

Summary
I recently took the reefmaster RC with strobe on a diving trip to Jamaica. My first experience with an U.W. camera. I was amazed with the quality of the pictures taken. Just stay close and use the 3x lens. Very simple to operate. Viewfinder easy to use if you take your time.

Strengths
Ease of operation. Adjustable strobe arm helps to aim the flash precisely.

Weaknesses
None found.

Similar Products Used
None

Review Date
April 16, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by
Robert Hohlt, Jr. , Beginner , from Fort Worth, Texas

Price Paid
$179.00 at Reefmaster RC

Photography Experience
0-1 years , Other

Summary
After 1 scuba photo trip I know I need more practice. Lack of
clear understanding when using viewfinder troublesome. Also got too close to subject on several occasions. Closeup macro lenses are easy to put on and apparently a must buy.

Strengths
Cost, depth; better depth ability than it is rated at.

Weaknesses
Viewefinder needs more instruction than you get with the manual. Not spectacular camera out of water.

Similar Products Used
None

Review Date
March 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by
william Van Der Giessen , Intermediate , from Sherman texas

Price Paid
$347.00 at online

Photography Experience
2-5 years , Other

Summary
Great buy,easy to use and carry,fantastic picture taking camera for the money. From beginer to above this camera almost works itself.

Strengths
Great pictures and very easy to use. Rugged and compact no problem to take on any type of dive..I have taken magazine quality pictures with the reefmaster pro with the strobe.

Weaknesses
macro is a little tricky but with some practice it can be mastered

Similar Products Used
boica king

Customer Service
fantastic..used them for instruction manual. have had no problems with the camera

Review Date
January 10, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Rob Backstrom , Intermediate , from Ontario

Price Paid
$189.00 at Rental

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Outdoor

Summary
For the price I would think it is OK. However, my Canon Sureshot WP takes better photos on land and down to 20 feet. It has a large viewfinder and more powerful flash and cost $100 cheaper. If Canon made a 200 foot camera with a strobe it would beat this one hands down. I will stick with my MX-10 untill I afford an Ikelite housing for my Nikon F100.

Strengths
Easy to use. Tough construction.

Weaknesses
Weak flash. TINY viewfinder. Sportsfinder not accurate. Flash takes some time to recharge. Very limited range. Does not take great photos on land.

Similar Products Used
MX-10 Sea and Sea.

Customer Service
Not used.

Review Date
September 15, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by
Dan M , Intermediate , from Florida

Price Paid
$179.00 at Dive Shop

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Outdoor

Summary
I would, and do, recommend the Reefmaster RC to all of my diving friends. Even works great at the pool! It is easy to use for all skill levels and is an all around favorite in the places I dive. Very affordable and takes great U/W photos!

Strengths
Tough, versatile, and easy to use. Takes great pictures in or out of the water.

Weaknesses
I wish there was a way to turn the camera on/off with it in the U/W housing. If you forget to turn it on, before going over the side, there is nothing, aside from surfacing (big pain!) that will allow you to turn the camera on. Also the internal flash unit is useless from more than about 6' and varies wildly in intensity depending on water clarity.

Similar Products Used
I have used everything from the disposables to my Nikonos V and the RC is much easier to do "shoot from the hip" kind of photography, which is my primary use. I always take it even if I am hunting and have gotten many of my better shots this way.

Customer Service
I have never had any problems with my RC, but I have heard from other owners that it is excellent.