After two weeks of beach vacation I can give the following tips and tricks:
- Batteries can really forget - they're much too quickly. But quality 850 mAh NiMH batteries (with low self-discharge, type "Eneloops") ranging from completely for a day at the beach. Always have a second charged couple had it, but never used it.
- In the blazing Mediterranean sun can be seen on the screen is actually nothing seen - with difficulty even if the camera is ever at, could not be better. But these, do not be discouraged. Keep camera just in the right direction and press the shutter - below and above water. You do that often enough, so many nice results is. A little practice will help!
- Note: Only where there is much light, the photos will be what - a low-cost CMOS sensor can not stop without. So do not expect miracles on shady days underwater. Rule of thumb: Can you see everything clearly on the screen, it is too dark for good photos. You see nothing on the screen (almost), there are ideal shooting conditions! :-)
- Not too much of the video sound expected. Sound just off the camera distorts quickly, otherwise it is understandable, but somewhat dull.
Apart from that, the camera has uncomplainingly tolerate sand & saltwater.
One annoying thing is, however, to report. Over two days, it is - perhaps due to large temperature fluctuations during the transfer from the hot beach in the relatively cool seawater - come to moisture condensation inside the lens. This was once a large area - all pictures were then a strong gray haze - and even selectively. In the latter case there was an ugly gray spot on the side of several images. Since you can not see anything on the display in direct sunlight, you should therefore take a look at the lens after major temperature changes - here you can see the condensation significantly and wait in doubt until it has dissolved (which was always the case after a few minutes ).
All in all, did the camera what I expect from a 50-euro-camera. I have photos to break up with her in the water, which would not have survived my other equipment. It is small and compact, and despite the barely readable displays easy to use - what could confirm all family members.
The Rollei is a pure "Summer Water Fun Camera" - no more, no less. Those who expect noise-free images at high ISO speeds, easy to read display and universal applicability for a variety of purposes, should as far as possible look for another camera. But those who can not be put off by the described deficiencies and diligently pressed the trigger, will be rewarded with wonderful vacation memories.
