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Gadgets

DiCAPac WP610 Waterproof Underwater Case for LX3

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In preparation for my upcoming trip to Bali, I went to scout around for a waterproof case for my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 camera so that I can have the option of taking the camera into the water. The research made available a few options for shooting under wet conditions – 10bar underwater housing, Nereus Waterproof Housing WP-500 and DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case. The 10bar housing is definitely over my budget and is more suited for the serious & professional users. The Nereus WP-500 is good value for money (S$45) but I wasn’t really comfortable as the bag is clamped tight with 2 plastic strips and 3 screws. I needed a product that gives faster and easier access such as the DiCAPac which uses Velcro and sealed with waterproof zipper. DicaPac WP-610 for LX3 (made in Korea) is priced at S$89 and comes with free postage in Singapore. The delivery was very fast as well – I made the order on 14th July 2010 and received it on 16th July 2010!

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DiCAPac WP-610 waterproof case is also compatible with various camera models. Check the DiCAPac Fitting Guide if your camera is not listed above. It is most likely that DiCAPac will have suitable case for your camera.

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Another side view of the box. The waterproof casing is recommended for swimming, surfing, kayaking, snowboarding, bathing, rafting, wake-boarding, snorkeling, etc.

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Extracted from http://www.dicapac.com.sg/

Features of DiCAPac

  • Guaranteed underwater performance for up to 30 ft (10m) depth.
  • UV coated polycarbonate lens allow consumers to take clear pictures.
  • With more transparent and flexible case for convenient camera control.
  • Reliable closing system with waterproof zipper and Roll & Double Velcro.
  • JIS (Japan Industrial Standards) waterproof test 8 grades.
  • Individual Quality check up.

Dimension & Weight: 190 x 142 mm (7 1/2″ x 5 2/3″), 130g Fits digital cameras up to 125mm in length and circumference no more than 250mm.

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Contents in package

  • Case & Lens
  • Sponge (for supporting the camera)
  • Silica-gel
  • Neck Strap
  • Extension Connector (for zoom lens)
  • Manual

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Prior to usage, it is recommend in the manual to conduct a leak test by putting a piece of tissue paper in the waterproof case and then submerged it in water, shake it around and leave it for a couple of hours. After that, remove the tissue paper and check whether it’s dry. For my case, I found it to be perfectly dry.

Although I do not expect that the photos will come out professionally but it’s more of having the novelty to snap photos while in the water so that I can have some memories to reminisce. This is a vast improvement from previous experiences where I have to leave the camera on dry land (or even the hotel) when I am out having fun in water sports.

So now it’s really putting it into use during my trip to Bali and then update with a review. 🙂

Updated on 12th Aug 2010. Hey, I am back from Bali!

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Photo above is taken with LX3 inside the DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case. Swimming pool at Kuta Beach Club.

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In the swimming pool with DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case fully submerged.

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Testing in open sea on the way to snorkeling with LX3 inside the DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case.

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Photos of fishes taken during snorkeling.

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It’s pretty difficult to take a good photo as the fishes are swimming around to eat the beard thrown by tourists. Yes, I wasn’t the only group there at the snorkeling site, there was around 6 to 7 boats crowding around.

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Yeah, there was a few scuba divers as well too! 🙂

The DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case was pretty usable and have met my usage requirements. I was able to take the camera out from the case with ease whenever required without using any other tools. The removing of the camera from the wet case does requires a bit more care to ensure that water does not flow into the dry compartment. There wasn’t any leak from when I use it both in the swimming pool (1 hour) as well as the open sea (1 hour). But I did noticed that there was some condensation inside the case while at pool even though I left the silica gel inside the case together with the camera. It was probably due to the strong sun shining at the case while it was floating on top of the water. As for the open sea, there are constant waves splashing against the case at all times so it basically wet throughout. This is my opinion and may not be true. But even with the slight condensation (not touching the camera), the camera was still functional but I was quite skeptical and quickly kept it away from the sun (hide it under a beach towel).

As for the quality of photo taken with the camera in the case on dry land, I wasn’t able to spot any noticeable difference or drop in quality so I reckon that the lens cover clarity was up to par. The only thing I was quite afraid is whether I will scratch the surface of the lens cover when I was having fun or when it’s kept in my luggage bag. So please take note of this! The photos taken in the water was of resonable quality, of course, it will not compare to the professional stuff but it works! Perhaps, I should find another trip to snorkel in more still and clearer water to make further assessment. I also forgot to try taking videos in the water! Yeah, excuses again to go for a trip, right? Haha!

The DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case was rather bulky and it drew the attention and stares of envy from other tourists! So whenever I was not doing any water sports, I will take the camera out from the case for easier carrying around. The neck strap provided made carrying of the case in water easier and it was easy to swim around with the case slung around the shoulder too!

My conclusion is that the DiCAPac WP-610 Waterproof Case serves my purpose well enough and is of reasonable price range. The main thing is that there was absolutely no leak (did not try more than 3m deep) and of durable quality. I seriously consider it a good buy and will recommend it to anyone (casual users) who wants to capture fun memories while engaging in any water activities!

If there is anything you wish to know further, please do ask in the comments. Thanks.

Categories
Gadgets

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Got a mail in the letter box. Errm? What is it? From Andy’s Camera Straps?

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Well, upon opening the envelope (bubble wrapped inside), the above greeted me. Yes, it’s a camera strap!

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Lug mount wrist strap with O-ring at S$18 and additional strap bumper O-ring at S$1 from Andy’s Camera Straps. Prices includes postage within Singapore. Other colours and model are available as well.

My configuration

  • Leather Colour : Black
  • Wrap Colour : Scarlet Red
  • O-ring Colour : Black

Lumix LX3 Accessories

I have attached the new strap to my Lumix Lx3 camera. How does it look? By the way, the strap is 7 3/4” (196 mm) long, hand-made and also 100% genuine cowhide leather! Very great quality camera strap indeed!

Lumix LX3 Accessories

The strap comes with a 1/2” split ring to attach to the lug of the camera. To prevent any unnecessary scratches from the split ring on the body of the camera, I opt for the additional strap bumper O-ring that is positioned between the split ring and lug. In fact, if you don’t fancy the lug mount version, you may want to go with the string wrist strap, neck strap or sling instead. 🙂

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Also have gotten a modified Ricoh LC-1 self-retaining lens cap at S$60 to replace the original lens cap. Before changing to this, every time when I am taking photos, I have to remove the original lens cap and keep it somewhere safe (very much like using a DSLR camera). But with the Ricoh LC-1, there is no need to do so anymore. 😛

[Update]: Refer to http://bit.ly/5iBvRg for Singapore contact to buy the modified LC-1 but I am not too sure whether he provides international shipping. Those who want the original Ricoh LC-1 can get from Amazon (Link).

Lumix LX3 Accessories

Transform and roll-out! Haha! Modified Ricoh LC-1 in action upon power up at 24mm.

Lumix LX3 Accessories

The modified Ricoh LC-1 comes with special filed-down rubber spacer that are added to all the three flaps. No shadows or vignetting at all!

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with both loots and will probably start to source around for a handy protective case for my LX3. Will update soon!

Categories
Gadgets

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Just gotten myself a replacement camera not long ago. Although it packed inside an Olympus paperback but it’s definitely not an Olympus. It’s actually a high-end compact prosumer camera – Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3!

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 costs me S$698 and it comes with the following freebies – 8GB SD Card, mini tripod, cleaning kit, screen protector and a third-party extra battery. For review and specs for LX3, please see here (dpreview.com).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Unboxing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 – comes with all the usual stuffs like battery charger, power cables, mini USB cables, manuals, etc.

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The LCD screen is fitted with the screen protector already. I have asked the folks from the camera store to fix it up to me as I remembered that my clumsy hands did a bad job of putting on Invisible Shield on my HTC Touch Diamond. Haha!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

The new versus the old – Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8. The FX8 have served me well over the years and it was about time to upgrade it for my street photography use. If you want to know more about FX8, please see here. I would also like to lay my hands on the rumored new Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1 too but it’s still a rumor until officially announced. Right? 😛

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

At the side lens barrel of LX3, you can easily change between Autofocus, Macro and Manual Focus. This gives the more experienced folks a bit more control.

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The LX3 screen is amazing. In fact, it’s too good that you might have mistaken that you have taken a great shot! 😛

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Changing aspect ratio is so easy on the LX3 as it’s on the lens barrel. There is no need to go several layers deep into the software menu just to make a change.

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Without going through the manual, I straight away took the new LX3 out for a test shoot (no settings done too!) – the photos as follows are either taken in intelligent auto (to test capturing of inpromptu situations) or manual mode. This evening shot of Capitol Building was taken around 7:15pm.

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St Andrew’s Cathedral.

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My dinner at Subway – Roast Beef Sandwich at S$6.90. Add another S$2.30 for 1 packet of chips and 1 regular size drink.

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Close-up of Roast Beef Sandwich (wheat bread) with mayonnaise, chipotle southwest sauce and black pepper. Yummy!!!!

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Funan DigitaLife Mall at about 8:17pm. A couple was smooching when I took this shot and I didn’t even notice until I was going through the photos. You’ll never know what you will capture when you have a camera by your side! LOL!

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Basement 3 car park at Raffles City Shopping Centre.

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Bought Erdinger Special Pack at Jasons Market Place at Raffles City Shopping Centre at S$27.95 as I wanted the tall Erdinger Pint glass. He he! The pack comes with 2 bottles of Erdinger Weissbier, 2 bottles of Erdinger Dunkel, 2 Erdinger wheat glass and 6 Erdinger coasters. And I will definitely attend Erdinger Oktoberfest in Singapore too!

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Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City.

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Was at Sim Lim Square shopping around for a camera case to hold my LX3.

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Orchard Central – a newly opened shopping mall located opposite The Centrepoint.

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An event at my housing estate – Come Together@ Teck Ghee (Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency). This is to promote “National Day” spirit amongst Teck Ghee residents and the guest-of-honour is Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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Experience Go-Kart racing in the heartlands of Ang Mo Kio!

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I can see that the children are having a lot of fun in the carnival.

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An air-filled children playground.

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A stall selling some quick snacks.

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More food for the hungry folks – Nasi Lemak, Mee Siam and Curry Puff.

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Games for the children and family to have fun! I believe that you have to buy coupons in order to play the games.

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On the stage, a saxophone performance by a talented artist while balancing on unicycle.

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The sky have turned dark. Time for me to go home before it’s start to rain and soak my new LX3. LOL!

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May Phua (local TV actor) is the emcee for the event.

So after viewing all the test shoot photoes, what is your view on LX3? I though it was great and I had a fun-filled time with it. I guess it’s also time for me to go through the manual, menu, controls to squeeze more out of the LX3. Happy shooting then!Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

不久前我刚更换了相机. 虽然是装在 Olympus纸袋里但绝对不是Olympus. 它实际上是一个高级小型专业相机- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

这架Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3相机价值S$698而且附带以下赠品- 8GB的SD卡,迷你三脚架,清洁工具包,屏幕保护和备用电池。审查和LX3, 请到这里(dpreview.com)。

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拆开盒子-配备了所有类似电池充电器,电源线,迷你USB电缆,手册等。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

液晶屏幕配备的屏幕保护。我已要求照相机商店的帮我弄好,记得我拙劣的双手把我的HTC Touch Diamond的屏幕保护弄坏。哈哈!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

新与旧的对比- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3和Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8. 我用了FX8还多年了是时候为了街头摄影把它给换了。如果你想知道多些关于FX8,请看这里。我也想用有新的谣言Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GF1,但它仍是一个谣言。对吗?:P

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

在LX3方镜筒旁边,可以轻松地更改自动对焦,微距拍摄和手动对焦。这给有经验的摄影人多一点控制。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

LX3屏幕真是惊人。事实上,这不太好,你可能会误以为你已经拍了漂亮的照片! 😛

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改变aspect ratio对LX3说是很容易的,因为就在镜筒。无需进入好几层的软件就为了做出改变。

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没有看通过手册我就拿了新的 LX3试拍(没有调设置!)-以下的照片是利用自动式拍的(以测试没有准备的情况下拍的)或手动模式。这Capitol Building的夜景是在7点15分左右拍的。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

圣安德烈教堂

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

我在Subway的晚餐 – 烤牛肉三明治S$6.90。添加S$2.30就能得到一包薯片和1个普通饮料。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

特写烤牛肉三明治(小麦面包)家蛋黄酱,Chipotle西南酱和黑胡椒。美味!!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

晚上8点17分在Funan DigitaLife Mall (福南数码活力广场)。当我在拍照时一对夫妇正在清热,我并没有察觉,直到我再看到照片。你永远不会知道当你拍照时会捕捉到什么!LOL!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

莱佛士城购物中心的下室三楼停车场。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Bought Erdinger Special Pack at Jasons Market Place at Raffles City Shopping Centre at S$27.95 as I wanted the tall Erdinger Pint glass. He he! The pack comes with 2 bottles of Erdinger Weissbier, 2 bottles of Erdinger Dunkel, 2 Erdinger wheat glass and 6 Erdinger coasters. And I will definitely attend Erdinger Oktoberfest in Singapore too!

在莱佛士城购物中心的Jason Market Place 买了Erdinger Special Pack S$27.95 因为我想买它的Erdinger Pint glass 。 哈哈!附赠的2瓶Erdinger Weissbier啤酒,2瓶Erdinger wheat glass,2瓶Erdinger Dunkel和6 Erdinger coasters 。我一定会出席在新加坡Erdinger Oktoberfest (慕尼黑啤酒节)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

新达城财富之泉

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

在森林广场为了我的LX3购物照相机盒。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Orchard Central – 新开张的商场就在The Centrepoint对面。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

一个在宏茂桥集选区的聚会-Come Together @德义。这是为了促进德义之间的居民的“国庆”的精神,和的来宾名誉总理a href=”http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9D%8E%E6%98%BE%E9%BE%99″ target=”_blank”>李显龙。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Experience Go-Kart racing in the heartlands of Ang Mo Kio!

体验在宏茂桥的中心地带赛车!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

我看到孩子们在聚会玩得很开心。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

用空气填满的儿童游乐场。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

卖小吃的摊位。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

还有更多食物- 耶浆饭Mee SiamCurry Puff.。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

儿童和家庭运动会的乐趣!我相信,你必须购买优惠券才可以玩游戏。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

舞台上,一个有才华的艺术家在吹萨克斯管,同时在单轮车上平衡。

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

天空已开始黑了。事实后回家了,免得大雨浸略我的LX3。LOL!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

May Phua (新加坡艺人)是主持人。

所以,看了所有测试拍摄的照片,你对有什么关于看法?我觉得它是不错的。 我想也是时候看看手册,控制,以了解更多LX3的用途。