UPDATE -- The REEF MASTER MINI 2 is now available. Read the Review Here.

The SeaLife Reefmaster Mini is a Waterproof, and Shockproof, 6 Megapixel Digital Camera. The Reefmaster Mini borrows technology and craftsmanship from the high end SeaLife dive cameras. The ruggedness and durability make this a camera that all outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy.

I tested the camera in a variety of outdoor environments: Fly Fishing on the Snake River, Backpacking in the Wind River Mountains and Mountain Biking at Albion Basin. During all these outings, the ReefMaster had no problems, took great photos and is still on the first set of batteries. You can see some photos I took with ReefMaster Mini at the bottom of this post. Here are the Specs:

6.0 mp CCD Sensor - For sharper images
Depth Rated to 130ft / 40m
Shockproof Tested to 6ft / 2m
Large 2" TFT LCD for easy viewing and aiming
Video mode with audio
Spy Mode - Takes continuous pictures at set time intervals
Fast start-up time and shutter response so you don’t miss the action
Long battery life powered by 2 AA Batteries
Instant Focus - from 2ft / 60cm to Infinity
Fully rubber armored for sure grip and extra shock protection
SD Card Expanded Memory up to 1 GB

Buy Reef MasterMini

SeaLife ReefMaster Mini Controls

Operation of the ReefMaster Mini is very straightforward. The camera is designed for underwater use, so there's no fancy gadgetry like you'll find in most digital camera's. The green "OK" button turns the camera on and off, and provides the zoom. You can quickly switch between still frame and video, with a touch of the "MODE" button. The lightening bolt controls the flash with just one push. You get the point, it's very easy to use and doesn't require much time or thought to control the settings.

SeaLife ReefMaster Mini Flotation Strap

The SeaLife ReefMaster Mini comes with a wrist strap, but I would recommend this floating strap. If you plan on spending time around or in the water with the camera, its better to be safe than sorry. The camera is waterproof, but it doesn't float and will sink if you let go of it.

PROS

I've ruined a few cameras because I've got them wet or they've been smashed during transportation. That will not happen again with this camera. While testing this camera, I slipped into the Snake River and was soaked from head to toe. I had this camera in my shirt pocket, and it was just fine. The durability, picture quality and price make this is a great camera to have for any outdoor activity. You don't have to worry about dropping it, getting it wet, or crushing it while you're traveling.

I really enjoyed taking underwater photos and videos. I've never had a camera that had that capability and it's quite fun. At first I was drawn to the ruggedness of this camera, but it's cool to be able to capture and share the underwater outdoors (see the video below).

CONS

Low light and indoor pictures come out grainy. Also if you zoom in on the subject, you'll loose resolution and the picture will come out grainy. It's hard to take the memory card out of the camera without removing the batteries. Of course, once you remove the batteries you'll loose your time and date settings. One trick I came up with is to use a paper clip to push on the card to "pop" it out and then use the paperclip to push the memory card back into the slot.

BOTTOMLINE: THE CAMERA TO HAVE ON ALL YOUR EXCURSIONS

Read More Reviews | Buy Reef MasterMini

SeaLife ReefMaster Mini Underwater Video

National Outdoors captured this video of a Snake River Cutthroat Trout.

SeaLife ReefMaster Mini Run Over By Car

Photos Taken with SeaLife ReefMaster Mini