Underwater phone housings make beautiful underwater photography accessible to every snorkeller, diver, or water enthusiast. But choosing the right model is essential for snapping the best shots and having the best experience overall. Housings, like the ProShot Dive Case and the SeaLife Sport Diver Case both provide an opportunity to capture stunning photos and videos without the need for bulky camera gear. In this article, we will look at ProShot Dive Case vs. SeaLife Sport Diver Case to help you make an informed choice.
About the ProShot Dive Case
The ProShot Dive Case is a universally compatible underwater housing designed specifically for iPhones. Divers can confidently take their iPhones down to depths of 130 feet (40 meters) using this versatile casing. What sets it apart is not only its compatibility but also the array of accessories, optional add-ons, and the comprehensive warranty and protection plan it offers. The ProShot Dive Case is the go-to choice for those seeking adaptability, functionality, and customization.
About the SeaLife Sport Diver Case
The SeaLife Sport Diver Case is a compact and lightweight underwater housing designed for smartphones. It enables divers to capture photos and videos with their smartphones down to 130 feet (40 meters). The Sport Diver Case is compatible with most Android models and all iPhones from iPhone 8 through iPhone 15 Pro Max. This housing is constructed using a mix of Polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, and optical-grade glass, offering durability without excessive weight. It also features a leak detection system to alert users in case of any water intrusion.
Depth Ratings
When venturing into underwater photography, depth ratings are of utmost importance. The ProShot Dive Case and the SeaLife Sport Diver Case both offer a depth rating of 130 feet (40 meters), making them suitable for a wide range of underwater photography scenarios.
Underwater Camera App
The ProShot Dive Case comes with a free underwater camera app that is essential for operating your iPhone's camera underwater. The intuitive interface enables you to switch between camera modes using the volume buttons, simplifying photo and video capture, while also providing advanced camera settings, like shooting with the iPhone Pro's telephoto lens, and shooting footage in RAW format or in Wide Gamut Color. Once you're above the water, you can use the app to edit your photos and videos as well.
The SeaLife Sport Diver Case also requires you to use its app for camera operation. There is a free app available for both iPhone and Android. The app offers different modes, including photo, video settings, and playback. It allows you to make various adjustments, such as selecting the number of lenses, white balance, tint, video resolution, and portrait mode. However, keep in mind that some settings may not be available depending on your smartphone model. Unlike the ProShot Dive Case, the SeaLife Sport Diver Case app connects to your phone via Bluetooth for housing control.
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.
The SeaLife Sport Diver Case is compatible with iPhone models 8 through to 15 Pro Max. It also extends its compatibility to Samsung Galaxy S9 and newer models.
Warranty and Customer Support
ProShot Dive Case provides a free 1-year warranty along with an iPhone Protection Guarantee, covering repair or replacement in case of water damage during the warranty period. Customer service is also available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET if you need to get in touch with the team regarding any issues.
The SeaLife Sport Diver Case comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which can be extended for an additional fee. An extra year costs $39.95, and two extra years cost $59.95. It's important to note that the limited warranty does not cover any damage to your smartphone, so if there is a leak, you will need to replace your phone yourself. If you can prove that there is a defect or leak in the case, they will repair the case, but this doesn't cover smartphone damage.
Average Preparation Time
The ProShot Dive Case offers 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 1 to 2 minutes, regardless of the model of your phone. There’s no complex process to go through to install the phone into the housing. Just open up your ProShotCase app, slide your phone into the housing, and dive in.
On the other hand, the SeaLife Sport Diver Case has a more involved setup procedure. You'll need to install a range of grip tabs based on your phone's size, insert batteries, and a moisture capsule to absorb any trapped humidity. After opening the app, you'll need to place your phone in the housing and wait about 60 seconds for a Bluetooth connection. Additionally, you'll have to apply silicone lube around the edge of the O-ring before sealing it. Using the vacuum pump to remove air out of the housing for pressure equalization is also part of the process. As you might expect, this can be time-consuming, and the entire setup can take at least 10 minutes or more each time.
Attachments and Accessories
The ProShot Dive Case comes with a range of accessories, including a floating hand grip mount, an attachment screw, an adjustable wrist strap, foam adjustment pieces for smaller iPhones, a microfiber cleaning cloth, o-ring cleaning tools (new!), and a custom protective carrying case. It's also compatible with all GoPro accessories, offering the opportunity to enhance your underwater footage with a huge variety of extra mounts. There is also a red filter pack available which features three filter shades for different underwater conditions. And you can further customize your setup with dive lights, tripods, and action kits.
The SeaLife Sport Diver Case also comes with some accessories, including spare O-rings, a wrist strap, 2 AAA batteries, a red color-correction filter, and a carrying case. There are also other accessories available for purchase, such as a retractable pole and an adapter to make it compatible with GoPro mounts and colored filters. Unlike the ProShot Dive Case, which is already adaptable with GoPro mounts and accessories, you need to purchase the adapter separately for the SeaLife Sport Diver Case.
Touchscreen Compatibility
The ProShot Dive Case prioritizes durability and protection over touchscreen functionality. To operate your iPhone underwater, you'll rely on the ProShot underwater camera app. Using your phone's camera with the volume buttons simplifies the process, allowing you to concentrate on your underwater subject. The volume-up button becomes your confident tool for capturing moments, eliminating the need to interact with the touch screen. While the app is essential for underwater use, it ensures user-friendliness and security by reinforcing the case's rugged construction. The same goes for the SeaLife Sport Diver Case. It doesn’t have touchscreen compatibility and will need to be used with the dedicated app.
Price and Value for Money
The ProShot Dive Case retails for only $159.99, making it incredibly competitively priced compared to others on the market. Add-ons and accessories are also priced attractively, making it one of the best value options available for underwater housing while maintaining a high level of quality. The SeaLife Sport Diver Case retails at $349.99, which is more than double the cost of the ProShot Dive Case. While it might seem to have all the bells and whistles due to its showy design, in reality, it doesn't offer any notable increase in functionality compared to the ProShot Dive Case.
User Experience and Reviews
Users have praised the ProShot Dive Case for its user-friendly design, compatibility with all iPhone models, and its ability to work with GoPro mounts. Its snug fit and lightweight design have been commended, making it a popular choice for underwater photography enthusiasts. It's also very easy to use when compared to other underwater phone housings and quick to install your phone.
The SeaLife Sport Diver Case has received many reviews for photo and video quality, along with users saying that it worked as intended. However, many have cited challenges in getting the case set up and performing the pressure test successfully. Relying on the batteries and needing to continue to buy the ‘Moisture Munchers’ pods can be a pain, and the cost of the housing is also a big deterrent.
Pros and Cons: An Overview
ProShot Dive Case
Pros:
Universally compatible with all iPhone models.
Quick and easy setup.
1-year warranty and iPhone Protection Guarantee.
Compatible with all GoPro mounts and attachments, with a wide array of attachment options available, including dive lights, tripods, and more.
Very cost-effective
Includes Protective Travel Case, Wrist Strap, Floating Handgrip (adjustable buoyancy), and NEW o-ring cleaning tools.
Ability to shoot footage in RAW format through the App.
Cons:
Not touch-screen compatible.
You need to use the ProShot underwater camera app to operate the camera.
SeaLife Sport Diver
Pros:
Ability to shoot footage in RAW format.
Comprehensive video and photo settings.
Compatible with a range of smartphone models, including Androids.
Leak detection alarm.
Cons:
Expensive.
Complex setup.
Pressure test doesn’t always work properly.
Required to buy new batteries and Moisture Munchers.
Warranty doesn't include smartphone protection.
Company Info & Missions
ProShot & Tidal Sports, the company behind the ProShot Dive Case, has a core mission of supporting 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 maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Every sale on their site supports two fantastic non-profits: The Ocean Cleanup & Saving the Blue.
SeaLife Cameras sell a range of cameras, lights, and accessories focused on diving, snorkeling, and watersports. They offer an extensive range of equipment including underwater camera lenses, grips, mounts, underwater lighting, cameras, and more. While the company has been operating for many years, there isn’t a firm mission to note, although they do state they are continuing to seek ways to broaden interest in underwater life.
In Summary
Both the ProShot Dive Case and the SeaLife Sport Diver Case have their merits, but the ProShot Dive Case stands out as a more budget-friendly and user-friendly option for most underwater photography enthusiasts. It offers universal compatibility, a comprehensive set of accessories, and quicker setup. While the SeaLife Sport Diver Case offers some advanced features, it comes at a higher cost and involves a more complicated setup. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and level of comfort with setup and operation.
