3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome!!, February 7, 2011
This review is from: Dicapac Waterproof Digital Camera Case Sony Cybershot P1 P2 P5 P7 P8 DSC-P9 DSC-P10 DSC-P71 DSC-P72 DSC-P73 DSC-P92 DSC-P93 DSC-S60 DSC-S90 DSC-W1 DSC-W5 DSC-W7 DSC-W12 DSC-W15 Toshiba PDR-5300 (Electronics)
------------- Why Buy the DiCAPac? --------------
I was going on a trip to the Caribbean and being the camera trigger-happy person I am, I really wanted to take underwater photos. Now, my camera is about 6 years old, one of the Sony Cybershot DSC W5, bought when it first came out. It has served me well over the years but it is getting old and I wanted to upgrade. Since I wanted to have the capability to take underwater photos, I tried a Fujifilm Finepix XP 10. Worst idea EVER. That camera took terrible photos. Set it up with the same settings as my old camera and ran some tests and no way could that Finepix stand up to my old camera. Returning that camera within a few hours of purchase I pondered my options.
Most reviews of waterproof cameras (both digital and non-digital) always came out the same: Poor quality photos unless in special lighting situations (and unless you wanted to pay a ton of $$ which I wanted to save for my trip). Searching online I found the DiCAPac waterproof case. I had been skeptical at first, fearing that it would leak and my camera, which had served me well for so long, would die by drowning. However, I only had 2 days left before my trip. Taking a chance and using the 2 day shipping, I got my DiCAPac right on time. It worked GREAT and I managed to take great photos both underwater and above. It also will float if you allow some air to stay in the case when you put your camera in. Best of all, it costs far less than buying a new camera and they fit most point-and-shoot digital and non-digital cameras (provided that you buy the right size).
------------- Suggestions for Use --------------
Like all products of this nature, you can have some surprises. So, to best enjoy this product I wanted to share with you the following precautions from both my experiences and the reviews of others that I found useful during my experiences:
1) It is a plastic pouch and if treated poorly it will leak. While this product is pretty durable, I still made sure to be very careful to keep it away from sharp objects and out of prolonged sunlight. I also dried it out after every use and did not use abrasives to clean it. The inside surface, especially where the zipper is located, is a plastic that adheres to itself to help keep a tight seal. Keeping this clean and free of particles is a must! Also, be sure to clean the glass lens. This helps keep your camera images clear. I also recommend carrying the case (whether it has your camera in it or not) in a soft, cloth pouch when not in use.
2) As mentioned, the case will float if you put enough air in with your camera. If you keep an eye on it, and their is a leakage for whatever reason, you should notice.
3) Beware of sand. Sand can get in the lens cap threads and zipper and may mess with your seal so try to dust them off before sealing them.
4) The lens moves and can get in your shots. It is a plastic bag after all. Make sure you line it up properly (perhaps even rig it to stick to your camera) and you will have no problems.
5) Underwater vision can be tricky. I had trouble with seeing the images on my camera screen when underwater so I frequently had no idea what I was taking a picture of. This has nothing to do with the case. Most camera screens are difficult to see in specific lighting conditions so that is not a flaw of the case itself in my opinion. There are some ways around this problem (like casting a shadow over the camera or setting the lighting beforehand) so don't get too discouraged. Even with this problem I still took great pictures.
6) Follow all instructions in the box! The steps they give you for removing your camera will help you prevent getting your camera wet when you remove it from the case. It also helps to dry off the case a bit before taking your camera out.
7) Make sure you order the right size case. They give you sizing instructions so make sure you check so that you are not disappointed. Also, if you have a camera brand that they don't list, use the measurements they use. They are pretty accurate and that is how I checked to make sure mine would fit.
8) Finally, hold the base of the telescope lens while twisting on or off the lens cap. If you do not, you could inadvertently tear the plastic around the lens. I forgot to do this from time to time and I did not have problems myself but based on my perception of the design, it would be a good thing to do. Besides, it gives you better leverage for a good seal and it is easier to get the lens off if you hold it the way I described. :)
Overall, a great, inexpensive product that fits tons of different cameras! By the end of the trip, I was recommending to our cruise line camera store to sell the DiCAPac!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
More than I expected, June 29, 2011
This review is from: Dicapac Waterproof Digital Camera Case Sony Cybershot P1 P2 P5 P7 P8 DSC-P9 DSC-P10 DSC-P71 DSC-P72 DSC-P73 DSC-P92 DSC-P93 DSC-S60 DSC-S90 DSC-W1 DSC-W5 DSC-W7 DSC-W12 DSC-W15 Toshiba PDR-5300 (Electronics)
I bought this case for my scuba diver certification. My instructor told me to not trust completely in this case but I did. I made 5 immersions, including one to 80 ft! My camera went out a little wet but I had no problems whit it. One tip: In that deep the pressure pushes all the buttons of the camera at the same time, so take a picture is not easy, but I did take a picture of a shark! Anyway, please follow the original instructions!
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