Smartphone Housing vs. GoPro vs. Waterproof Digital Cameras: Which Is Best for Underwater Photography?

Underwater photography is full of surprises. Visibility changes with the weather, fish dart away just as you press record, and sometimes the most magical moment happens just as your battery flashes red. With so many variables out of your control, the one thing you can control is the gear you carry. Some swear by the simplicity of a GoPro, while others like the rugged security of a waterproof digital camera. And then there are those who unlock their phone’s full potential with a waterproof housing, turning their smartphone into a reliable tool for capturing life below the surface.

If you’re choosing between a smartphone housing, a GoPro, or a waterproof digital camera for underwater photography, the best all-around option is usually a smartphone housing. It gives you the image quality of your phone’s camera, instant editing and sharing, and compatibility with GoPro-style mounts. A GoPro is the winner for action-packed video, while waterproof digital cameras offer rugged durability and optical zoom, but often lag behind in image quality. Let's look at all the options in more detail.

Jump to quick comparison table

Smartphone Housing for Underwater Photography

If you’re like most people, your smartphone already has a camera you love and know how to use. With a waterproof housing, you can take that same familiar camera underwater — no need to learn a new interface or compromise on convenience.

Modern housings aren’t just about keeping your phone dry; they unlock serious functionality. For example, the ProShot Touch 2.0 is a universal iPhone housing that’s waterproof to 50 feet (15 meters) and allows full use of the touchscreen when above water. For divers, the ProShot Dive Case extends that capability down to 130 feet (40 meters). That means whether you’re snorkeling on the surface or diving on a reef wall, you can trust your phone to capture the moment.

On top of that, ProShot housings are compatible with GoPro mounts, which opens up a whole ecosystem of accessories. You can attach your phone to a camera tray for added stability, use a floating grip or extender pole for creative angles, or add dive lights to restore color and clarity at depth. That flexibility makes your smartphone every bit as adaptable as a dedicated action cam.

Pros:

• You get to use the high-quality camera you already own.

• Easy editing, sharing, and backups right from your phone.

• Affordable compared to buying a second camera system.

• Compatible with a range of accessories, like red filters, dive lights, and trays, to level up your shots.

Cons:

• Dependent on your phone model’s camera specs.

• Requires careful maintenance of O-rings and seals to avoid leaks.

• Battery life is limited to your phone’s performance.

Best suited for: Travelers who want a mix of convenience and quality, snorkelers and divers who want a versatile solution, and anyone who doesn’t want to invest in a second standalone camera system.

GoPro for Underwater Photography

Credit: GoPro

GoPro has become almost synonymous with adventure sports. These compact action cameras are rugged, versatile, and designed for shooting in extreme environments. The latest GoPro HERO12 Black, for example, is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) out of the box, and with an additional dive housing can reach down to 196 feet (60 meters).

GoPros excel at video, especially wide-angle shots and point-of-view perspectives. If you want to mount your camera on a surfboard, helmet, or chest harness, this is where they shine. Still photography is possible, but you’ll often sacrifice the dynamic range and fine detail you’d get from a smartphone or a dedicated camera.

Pros:

• Built for action and video with unbeatable stabilization.

• Extremely compact and lightweight.

• Huge range of mounts and accessories for creative shooting angles.

• Waterproof without extra housing (to recreational depths).

Cons:

• Still images aren’t as sharp or flexible as smartphones or digital cameras.

• Limited zoom and manual controls.

• Small screen and fiddly controls underwater.

Best suited for: Surfers, divers who prioritize video, and travelers looking for a compact, no-fuss option for capturing action-packed moments.

Waterproof Digital Cameras for Underwater Photography

Credit: Nikon

For those who prefer a standalone camera, waterproof digital cameras offer a middle ground between smartphones and professional rigs. Popular models like the Olympus Tough TG-7 or Nikon Coolpix W300 are waterproof to 50–100 feet (15–30 meters) without a housing, and are also shockproof and freeze-proof, making them ideal for rugged trips.

Their big advantage is optical zoom, which helps with framing shy or distant marine life. However, while rugged, their image quality often lags behind smartphones, and they can feel dated compared to modern mobile processing.

Pros:

• Built-in optical zoom lenses for flexible composition.

• Rugged, durable, and reliable in tough conditions.

• No need to risk your phone underwater.

Cons:

• Image quality often lags behind modern smartphones.

• Limited in low-light situations compared to housings with add-on lights.

• Another device to buy, carry, and maintain.

Best suited for: Travelers who want a rugged, dedicated camera for water adventures and don’t mind carrying an extra device.

Smartphone Housing vs. GoPro vs. Waterproof Digital Cameras: Which Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the right underwater photography setup depends on your priorities:

• Choose a smartphone housing if you want the best balance of quality, convenience, and cost. You’ll get the benefits of your phone’s advanced camera system, plus the ability to edit and share instantly while still traveling light. (And if you want flexibility, the ProShot Touch 2.0 and ProShot Dive Case cover both snorkeling and deep dives.)

• Choose a GoPro if video is your main focus or you want the most compact, mountable setup for action sports.

• Choose a waterproof digital camera if you want a rugged, all-in-one option with optical zoom and don’t mind a bulkier addition to your gear bag.

Quick Comparison

Feature / Factor	Smartphone Housing	GoPro	Waterproof Digital Cameras
Image Quality	Uses your phone’s camera (often excellent)	Great for video, average stills	Decent, but often lags behind smartphones
Depth Rating	50 ft / 15m (Touch 2.0) 130 ft / 40m (Dive Case)	33 ft / 10m (out of box), up to 196 ft / 60m with housing (varies by model)	50–100 ft / 15–30m (varies by model)
Video Performance	Strong, but depends on phone	Exceptional stabilization and POV	Good, but less advanced stabilization
Ease of Use	Intuitive (you already know your phone)	Simple, but small screen/buttons	Familiar camera layout
Portability	Light and compact	Ultra-compact	Bulkier than the other two
Editing & Sharing	Instant via phone apps	Requires transfer to phone/computer	Requires transfer to phone/computer
Zoom / Flexibility	Digital zoom only	Limited zoom, wide-angle bias	Optical zoom lenses are available
Best For	Travelers, snorkelers, divers who want quality + convenience	Action sports, video-first creators	Rugged trips, casual shooters who prefer a separate device

Final Takeaway: The Best Underwater Photography Gear for Everyday Divers

There’s no universal winner in the Smartphone Housing vs. GoPro vs. Waterproof Digital Cameras debate, but for most divers and snorkelers, a smartphone housing offers the best balance of performance, portability, and price. With the right case, your phone becomes a powerful, mount-compatible underwater camera that’s ready to capture the ocean’s surprises, without the need for a second device.