18MP underwater digital camera, Waterproof, Dual Screen, Lomo and Sketch Effects

Waterproof to 10 Feet!

Underwater 18.0 Mega Pixels Digital Camera

with dual display and special photo effects

The 2nd generation Fotopix DW-6P 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, anti-shaking capability, 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 oz (142g) 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 18.0 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 CLASSICS, MOSAIC, NEGATIVE, GREEN, BLUE, RED and MONOCHROME 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.  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 18.0 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.

12. Improvement of 2nd generation fotopix DW-6P over its first generation in January 2012

* 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        : Fotopix DW-6P waterproof digital camera

Sensor               : 10.0 Mega Pixels CMOS sensor

Max Resolution : 18.0 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 (2560 x 1920), 10MP (3648 x 2736, default), 16MP (4608 x 3456) / 18MP (interpolation)

Self-timer         : Off  / 10 sec.

Interface           : USB2.0

Language          : English, German, 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              : 142g with battery and strap

Dimension        : 97.6 (W) x 63 (H) x 23.2 (D) mm 

Color                : Purple

Max Depth        : 10 feet (3 meters); continuous immersion up to 45 minutes

Packing             : original cardboard box packing

Supported OS   : Windows XP (SP3) / Vista 32/64, Windows 7 (32/64) and Mac OS X 10.6.8 or above

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SELLER

For more information about the seller, please click this link: About Me!.

Street View in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong at 5.45PM: filmed with Fotopix DW-6P underwater camera from Eddy Tsang on Vimeo.

Note: The video format has been converted from the original mjpeg to mp4 for uploading purpose. There is a slight deterioration in video quality, and freezes or "hiccups" might happen during your first time viewing. The video improves when you view it for the second time.

Sunset Hecticness, Hong Kong at 6.30PM: filmed with 2nd Generation Fotopix DW-6P underwater camera from Eddy Tsang on Vimeo.

Note: The video format has been converted from the original mjpeg to mp4 for uploading purpose. There is a slight deterioration in video quality. Freezes or "hiccups" might happen during your first time viewing. The video improves when you view it for the second time.

The following pictures are taken with fotopix DW-6P underwater camera

The following special effect photos are taken with fotopix DW-6P underwater camera. The normal (original) photo is first displayed, following by the special ones.

lomo effect

pencil sketch effect

classic "old" photo effect (processed from normal photo in the camera's "photo effect" sub-menu)

normal photo taken with fotopix DW-6P camera

Black and White effect (processed from normal photo in the camera's "photo effect" sub-menu)

Green effect (processed from normal photo in the camera's "photo effect" sub-menu)

Blue effect (processed from normal photo in the camera's "photo effect" sub-menu)

Red effect (processed from normal photo in the camera's "photo effect" sub-menu)

normal photo taken with fotopix DW-6P camera

lomo effect

pencil sketch effect

normal photo taken with fotopix DW-6P camera

pencil sketch effect

underwater snapshot: compliments from a buyer of this camera in Indonesia