Whether you're a dedicated underwater photographer or simply a water enthusiast yearning to capture the magic of aquatic realms, the choice of underwater housing for your iPhone is pivotal. Your smartphone can effortlessly transform into a versatile underwater camera with the right housing. Among the plethora of options available, two leading contenders in the market are the ProShot Dive Case and DIVEVOLK's SeaTouch cases.
In this in-depth comparison, we'll plunge into the features, strengths, and limitations of these two underwater iPhone housings, equipping you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and select the ideal housing to safeguard your iPhone while documenting your underwater adventures.
About the ProShot Dive Case
The ProShot Dive Case stands as a universally compatible underwater housing designed for iPhones. This versatile casing empowers divers to capture high-quality underwater photos and videos with their iPhones, plunging down to depths of 130 feet or 40 meters, all facilitated by an intuitive iPhone app. What sets it apart is the plethora of accessories, optional attachment add-ons, and the comprehensive warranty and protection plan it offers. The ProShot Dive Case is the perfect choice for those seeking adaptability, functionality, and customization.
About the DIVEVOLK Case
The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch case is a robust waterproof phone case crafted for diving, snorkeling, and other water-related activities. It offers an extensive range of model options, catering not only to iPhone owners but also to users of other smartphone brands. That said, the company specifies that your phone must not have a screen protector on it, as it may end up getting stuck. With an impressive depth rating of 196 feet or 60 meters, it is well-suited for both deep-sea dives and water activities like surfing. Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that the warranty protection for the DIVEVOLK case falls slightly short, posing a potential risk to your valuable smartphone.
Depth Ratings
When it comes to exploring the depths of underwater photography, depth ratings are paramount. The ProShot Dive Case boasts a depth rating of 40 meters (130 feet), allowing you to capture the mesmerizing underwater world at considerable depths. In contrast, the DIVEVOLK case pushes the boundaries further with an impressive depth rating of 60 meters (196 feet), offering the opportunity to explore even deeper aquatic wonders.
Underwater Camera App
The ProShot Dive Case comes equipped with a dedicated underwater camera app that is required to operate your iPhone's camera beneath the waves. This app extends its functionality, providing you with the capability to edit photos and apply underwater correction filters. The intuitive interface enables you to seamlessly switch between camera modes using the volume buttons, allowing you to capture photos, start/stop videos, and even perform in-app color correction.
DIVEVOLK, on the other hand, forgoes the inclusion of a specific camera app. If you intend to perform color correction or edit your underwater footage, you would need to purchase additional software separately.
Phone Compatibility
The ProShot Dive Case offers universal compatibility, catering to iPhone models ranging from 6 to 15. It's a one-size-fits-all solution, ensuring that you won't need to buy a new housing when upgrading your iPhone.
DIVEVOLK, while accommodating iPhone models from 6S to 15, requires you to select the model that precisely matches your phone. In addition to iPhones, DIVEVOLK also extends its support to Samsung, Huawei, Google Pixel, and more.
Warranty and Customer Support
DIVEVOLK offers a 45-day warranty and the convenience of returning your product within 2 weeks of receiving it for a full refund. Furthermore, their 24-hour customer service ensures round-the-clock assistance for your queries.
The ProShot Dive Case, on the other hand, includes a free 1-year warranty and iPhone Protection Guarantee, assuring repair or replacement in case of water damage while the product is under warranty. However, their customer service operates during specific hours, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Average Preparation Time
Both the ProShot Dive Case and the DIVEVOLK case offer the convenience of minimal preparation time. With the ProShot Dive Case, you can expect to have your phone securely housed and ready for underwater action within 2 to 3 minutes. In the case of the DIVEVOLK Sea Touch case, the preparation time may vary, but on average, it can take around 5 to 10 minutes.
Attachments and Accessories
The ProShot Dive Case ships with a plethora of accessories, including a floating hand grip mount, an attachment screw, an adjustable wrist strap, foam adjustment pieces to accommodate smaller iPhones, a microfiber cleaning cloth, o-ring cleaners, and a custom protective carrying case. Notably, it is also compatible with all GoPro accessories, offering the opportunity to elevate your underwater footage with its red filter pack, featuring three filter shades tailored to different underwater conditions. You can also enhance your setup with dive lights, a tripod, and action kits, making it an all-in-one solution for underwater photography.
DIVEVOLK provides attachment options available for separate purchases, including dive lights, selfie sticks, macro and wide-angle lenses, and more. However, it's crucial to note that these accessories come at a higher price point. The full DIVEVOLK kit, which includes a range of additional accessories, is priced at $2,299, and you'll need to purchase their specific accessories, as it's not compatible with GoPro mounts.
Touch Screen Compatibility
The ProShot Dive Case, while offering robust protection, does not support touchscreen functionality. To operate your iPhone underwater, you'll need to utilize the ProShot underwater camera app. Operating your phone’s camera underwater with just your volume buttons allows the user to focus on their underwater subject while confidently pressing the volume-up action button instead of focusing on their touchscreen, making it a simple and error-free process. The need to use their ProShotCase app underwater is offset by the user-friendliness and security the case provides, owing to its sturdiness.
The DIVEVOLK case has touchscreen compatibility, a standout feature among housings with such impressive depth ratings. This is achieved through a gel-like substance embedded in the touchscreen, granting you full access to all functions and apps on your phone. The need to operate your phone underwater through a touchscreen has it’s limitations though, with the top complaint mentioning it’s challenging to accurately press where you intend on the touchscreen which in turn requires focus on the touchscreen while filming underwater as opposed to focus on your subject.
Price and Value for Money
The ProShot Dive Case is available at a retail price of $159.99, offering a cost-effective solution for underwater photography enthusiasts. And add-ons, like the red filter pack, are at a great price point as well.
In comparison, the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 is available within a price range of $199.00 to $209.00, depending on the model. While it offers touchscreen compatibility, it comes at a slightly higher price point and doesn't come with any accessories.
User Experience and Reviews
The ProShot Dive Case has garnered praise for its user-friendly design, adaptability, and compatibility with all iPhone models and GoPro mounts. Users have highlighted its snug and secure fit, enabling them to capture stunning images and videos of coral reefs and marine life. Its lightweight design is also commended for its travel-friendliness.
DIVEVOLK's SeaTouch cases have similarly received positive reviews for their ease of use, user-friendly design, and versatility. Users have reported that when instructions are followed precisely, the case performs as advertised. However, it's crucial to note the requirement of removing screen protectors from your phone to prevent potential damage to the case. While the DIVEVOLK case is appreciated for its touchscreen accessibility, some users have reported issues related to leakage and breakage of the touchscreen area under deep-sea pressure. Wearing gloves while cold water diving with the Divevolk case is not feasible as it hinders touchscreen interaction, making it challenging to operate the device accurately. This results in a slower and less efficient interface.
Pros and Cons: An Overview
ProShot Dive Case
Pros:
Universally compatible with all iPhone models.
Compatible with all GoPro mounts and attachments, with a wide array of attachment options available, including dive lights, tripods, and more.
1-year warranty and iPhone protection guarantee.
Better value for money, offering a comprehensive set of accessories.
The preparation time is 2-3 minutes.
Includes Protective Travel Case, Wrist Strap, Floating Handgrip (adjustable buoyancy), and NEW cleaning tools.
Cons:
Not touch-screen compatible.
Reliance on the ProShot underwater camera app for operation.
DIVEVOLK
Pros:
Impressive depth rating of 60 meters.
Touchscreen compatible, allowing access to all phone apps underwater.
Versatility in phone compatibility.
Cons:
Short warranty period.
Prone to leakage below 50 meters.
Vulnerability of the touchscreen membrane.
The preparation time is 5-10 minutes.
Not compatible with GoPro Mounts.
Company Info & Missions
One of the core missions of ProShot & Tidal Sports is to support ocean and marine life conservation efforts. As a small, US company run by divers and snorkelers, they actively collaborate with local and global organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the world’s oceans, and to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Every sale on their site supports two of their favorite non-profits: The Ocean Cleanup & Saving the Blue. By diving around the world with their own gear, they are not just a business but a part of the community that feels the direct impact of ocean conservation efforts. DIVEVOLK, in contrast to ProShot & Tidal Sports, is a large company made up of engineers that operates out of China. They provide no information pertaining to a company mission outside of perfecting the craft of their products. While both companies are dedicated to underwater photography and diving, DIVEVOLK’s location and team may present challenges related to language barriers and personal diving experience when it comes to customer support and service.
In Summary
The decision between the ProShot Dive Case and DIVEVOLK's SeaTouch cases is based on various factors. The ProShot Dive Case offers universal compatibility, a wide range of accessories, and the assurance of an iPhone protection guarantee. ProShot & Tidal Sports also offers an extensive underwater photography guide, covering everything related to iPhone Photography, Editing, and Accessories to enhance your underwater footage, which is always provided in their active blog written by their extensive network of bloggers in the diving industry. In contrast, the DIVEVOLK case provides touchscreen compatibility and a variety of models for different smartphone types, but it comes with a shorter warranty period and the potential for leakage and touchscreen vulnerability.
When selecting the perfect underwater housing for your iPhone, consider your unique needs, the depth of your underwater explorations, and your preference for touchscreen functionality. Both options offer exceptional features and cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can capture the beauty of underwater worlds with confidence and creativity.
