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

Kandice Vincent
21 hours ago
6 min read

The rise of waterproof digital cameras was a relief for anyone tired of watching their regular camera fog up or fail after a splash. But now, many people are asking a different question: do you really need a separate device when the phone in your pocket already shoots in 4K and edits in seconds?

Both smartphones and waterproof digital cameras are designed to help you capture life in the water, but they approach the task in completely different ways. A waterproof digital camera is a standalone device, rugged enough to survive drops, splashes, and a dunk in the ocean. A smartphone housing, on the other hand, protects the phone you already own and transforms it into a capable underwater system. Each option has strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them depends on the kind of photographer you want to be in and around the water.

Smartphone Housings: Maximizing the Camera You Already Own

The concept of a smartphone housing is simple: slip your phone into a watertight case, seal it shut, and suddenly you have an underwater camera with all the features of your phone.

The biggest appeal of a housing is simplicity. Instead of packing another camera, you take the one you already use every day and extend its abilities. Slip your phone into a watertight case like the ProShot Touch 2.0 or ProShot Dive Case, and it suddenly goes from texting and playlists to snorkeling and scuba.

The housings are built for more than casual splashes. The Touch 2.0 is waterproof to 50 feet (15 meters), ideal for snorkeling and shallow freedives. The Dive Case holds strong down to 130 feet (40 meters), which covers most recreational scuba dives. Both are designed with durable shells, secure seals, and straightforward locks, so they are the kind of gear you don’t need to baby.

Once sealed up and protected, you unlock the full range of your phone's photo and video capturing abilities. You’re using the same advanced camera system you know on land, with multiple lenses, RAW capability, and powerful processing that compact cameras often can’t match. Add a tray or dive lights, and you’ve got a rig capable of serious results. Take it back out, and it’s still your phone, with content ready to edit, upload, and share without delay.

Pros: High image quality that keeps pace with phone upgrades, instant editing and sharing,

compatibility with accessories, and an affordable entry point.

Cons: Relies on your phone’s battery and storage, requires O-ring maintenance, and carries the risk of losing your phone if a seal fails.

Best suited for: Divers and travelers who want quality and convenience without investing in a second camera system.

Waterproof Digital Cameras: Rugged Standalone Devices

Waterproof digital cameras have been around for decades, and they’re still a go-to option for people who want a separate, dedicated camera for wet environments. Popular models include the Olympus Tough TG-7 and the Nikon Coolpix W300, or the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 for shallower water.

These cameras are built for durability. They can be waterproof to depths of 50–100 feet (15–30 meters) without any extra housing, and many are also shockproof, freeze-proof, and crush-proof. That makes them excellent for kayaking trips, hiking in the rain, or tossing into a beach bag without worry.

One of their biggest advantages is optical zoom. Unlike phones or GoPros, which rely on digital zoom that reduces quality, waterproof cameras have actual zoom lenses. This helps you frame shy or distant subjects, like a turtle that won’t come close or a reef shark cruising just beyond reach.

That said, they come with limitations. Image quality often lags behind modern smartphones, especially in low light. Processing power and color reproduction can feel dated compared to what your phone is capable of. And because they’re standalone devices, you’ll need to transfer photos to your phone or computer before editing and sharing.

Pros: Built-in optical zoom, rugged durability, and no risk to your phone.

Cons: Image quality is often inferior to modern phones, less adaptable for accessories, and another device to buy and maintain.

Best suited for: Adventurers who want a rugged all-in-one option, families with kids, or travelers who prefer not to take their phone into the water.

Comparing Image and Video Quality

Smartphone housings enable you to take full advantage of the advanced camera systems in today’s phones. Your phone likely has multiple lenses, strong low-light performance, and computational features like HDR or night mode. Underwater, that means brighter colors, more detail in shadows, and overall sharper images. Add dive lights or filters, and results can be excellent, enabling you to capture professional-quality images.

Waterproof cameras perform best when zoom matters. Being able to optically magnify distant subjects is something a phone can’t replicate. But outside of zoom, most waterproof compacts use smaller sensors and older processors, which can struggle in dim underwater environments. Colors often look muted, and photos may appear grainier than what you’d expect from a modern phone.

Verdict: Housings are the stronger choice for most photo and video quality needs. Waterproof cameras only pull ahead when optical zoom is essential.

Ease of Use and Everyday Experience

Smartphone housings require a bit of setup. You’ll need to insert your phone, check the O-ring, and make sure the seal is clean before each use. Once underwater, you can operate your phone’s camera app or a dedicated dive app, which is intuitive if you’re used to your phone already. The extra preparation is a small trade-off for the results.

Waterproof cameras win for simplicity. Turn it on, and it’s ready. No sealing required, no prep beyond charging the battery. For families or kids, this can be a big advantage. However, their menus and buttons can feel clunky compared to the smooth touchscreen interface you’re used to on your phone.

Durability and Risk

Waterproof digital cameras are designed to be tossed, dropped, and splashed. If one floods, you’ve lost only the camera, not your everyday phone. They’re a safe choice if you want peace.

Smartphone housings are just as reliable when maintained properly, but the stakes are higher. If a seal fails, your phone is at risk. With trusted brands like ProShot that back their cases with an iPhone Protection Guarantee, many divers are comfortable with that risk in exchange for better image quality.

Price and Long-Term Value

Waterproof digital cameras like the Olympus Tough TG-7 or Nikon Coolpix W300 typically retail around $450–600 USD. They’re not cheap, and if you want accessories like lens attachments, the costs add up further.

A ProShot housing is usually around $150–200. Since it works with the phone you already own, you’re leveraging an investment you’ve already made. When you upgrade your phone, you’re also upgrading your camera without buying a new standalone device.

Over time, housings tend to be the more affordable, future-proof option, especially if you upgrade your phone regularly.

Which Should You Choose?

If your priority is image quality, convenience, and editing on the go, a smartphone housing is hard to beat. It puts the power of your phone’s advanced camera system underwater and keeps pace with every new model you buy.

If your priority is rugged durability and optical zoom, a waterproof digital camera might make sense. It’s a no-worry device you can hand to kids, throw in a backpack, or use in rough conditions without risking your phone.

For many travelers, the choice comes down to how often they’ll use it. Occasional divers and snorkelers often prefer the smartphone housing for its affordability and quality. Those planning rugged trips with lots of outdoor abuse may lean toward a dedicated waterproof camera.