Obviously, this camera is meant for harsh weather and sporting-under-water uses such as snorkling and canoeing. To expect it to be on the same level as a top of the line slr is unresonable. For what it was designed to do , it does a very good job.

Not really weaknesses, perhaps limitations...it is not meant for absolute clarity and unlimited focal-length...just a good quality waterPROOF, knock-around, easy to use, point and shoot.

Again...for anyone who finds themself out at the lake or on a small boat, camping near water or just at the pool for the afternoon(especially with kids), this is THE camera.

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no need yet...

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Owned an older nikon underwater...but after repairing it twice decided to get a new one.

I'd just bought this camera few weeks ago and I didn't yet take any photos with it (didn't go to the shore yet), so my review only take in account its build quality that I found very solidy. The viewfinder is clear and the zoom worked great (It even work underwater!). It has a good size for underwater use, but is something big for "dry" use. I liked the arm strap suplied. It seems very usefull underwater.

The zoom range is very limited (only 30-60mm that is equivalent to 38-63mm in 35mm format). The viewfinder is pretty small, but as I said I didn't have tried underwater and I don't know if it's a real problem in that field.

I promisses to write a new review about it's optical quality as soon as I have some films processed, but I acquired this camera as a toy camera and I don't expect any wwwoooowwwwws. (I usualy use a Canon EOS5 (A2E) and a IXUS Z70 (Elph 370Z) as my "normal" cameras). I found this camera a little overpriced (I'd paid USD360,00 with taxes).

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I haven't used.

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Never used a underwater camera before.

Nicely built.

Optics seems to work the best between 5 to 10 ft. and near the water. Date displays on the panel but does not print on each frame.

Good for causal uses near swimming pool or on the beach.

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Rugged, waterproof, easy to use. Brightly colored/floats. Zoom, auto-focus, and flash work in or out of the water.

APS film size (24mm) isn't as clear at 35mm.
Film jammed during rewind on first roll of film rendering camera useless till repaired.

Pros: For the casual snorkeler, the Vectis Weathermatic Zoom seems ideal. It's loaded with features which make using it while at the beach or boat a pleasure. With the supplied belt/arm-strap clip the camera can be easily carried without requiring the use of your hands. Since it floats, the brightly colored (yellow/black) camera is easy to spot should you drop it in the water. The 33 foot depth rating is more than adequate for most snorkeling adventures. The underwater autofocus makes possible great pictures even for the amateur photographer.

Cons: This mechanism seems plagued with rewind problems. In my Internet research I've found at least 2 others who have reported film-rewind jams. Maybe Minolta has a fix, but I'm concerned that such an expensive point-and-shoot camera should experience film-transport problems which render the camera unusable.

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Have had this camera for 2+ years. Use it both on land and while snorkeling. In the water it works well when you have bright sunlight (such as the Galapagos where we went). The flash is of limited use in the water unless you are really close. It floats, which is good.
On land, it has worked surprisingly well. Even the panoramic shots (in good light) are commendable. Also, during a rainy biking vacation, it's wonderful not to have to worry about destroying your camera. I have not had rewinding problems (as reported by others) and I have used it a lot. After 2 years, it's still waterproof. Also, never any dust on your lens (it's sealed off); the window in front of the lens is easily cleaned.

Zoom is limited (2x). For on land use, it's a bit bulky, There are such nice little APS cameras now. No mid-roll change.

For an outdoors activist who likes the water and is not afraid of rain, this is a good choice. Picture quality on land is not bad at all, even panorama shots. Under water, it clearly has limitations; more expensive underwater cameras use huge flashes to get enough light, but when you have good light, it works.

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Not used yet. I took B&H extended warranty thinking that this camera might encounter more rough situations than the average camera.

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I own several cameras including an SLR, but tend to take this one along because of its ruggedness. I am an outdoorsy type.

Two cameras in one: for underwater and normal use

Limited zoom range, especially in the short focal lenght range

Perfect for those trips where you must take with you only what's really needed. Ideal for snorkelers.

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Disappointing

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In this field, none. This machine is unique.

Rugged, nice size, above average quality of construction and good set of features.

Optical quality leaves much to be desired. The colours tend to be "flat" and uneven, brighter at the centre and less so at the edges. If pictures of clear blue sky are taken, it'll appear more like dirty blue and no matter where the sun is, the centre appears brighter. Flare is also evident. this may be due to the protective glass in front of the lens. Overall the photoes tend to turn out dull, and sharpness is not all that great either.

Flash is totally inept beyond 20 feet.

There is no mid roll change for this APS camera.

Rugged and reliable but do not expect outstanding photographs.

Customer Service

No experience as yet

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Minolta Weathermatic Dual, which actually gives better pictures.

This camera seems to be suitable for all types of field photography where one would be afraid to take SLRs and high end point and shoots. APS features are nice, but the jury's still out. This camera has a surprising fast lens for an APS, and a decent range of shutter speed (though far from fast enough).

APS, because of the size of the film (24mm) will always lack the clarity of standard 35mm, but I have seen pictures come out nicely, and have heard from many satisfied APS users. Unfortunately this camera doesn't have the wide angle capability (after conversion to 35mm) that this smaller film size blesses most APS cameras with. A definite shortcoming.

Disregard my ratings. Okay, here's the bottom line. I don't own this camera, and have never used it. I have researched it though, and having studied photography for a few years, and having several years of photography experience throughout Asia (where I now live), I am incredibly impressed with the features this camera boasts. I have never in my life strayed from SLRs (Canon EOS), however, after a particularly rugged trek in Thailand, I decided I needed a smaller, more affordable, more durable, and more portable camera, that could accompany me on further adventures with giving me constant heart attacks! This camera seems to have it all, but I refuse to invest in it without hearing about how pictures turn out (and I tend to have fairly strict standards). My email is listed, so if you own this camera, or have any info at all, please contact me. Thanks.

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