SportDiver Ultra Smartphone Housing

$349.95

The SeaLife SportDiver Ultra is a compact and lightweight underwater housing for smartphones.  The SportDiver Ultra housing will allow divers to take photos and video with their smartphone down to 130 feet or 40 meters.  The SportDiver can encase most Android models including all larger Samsung S Series Ultra models and Google’s Pixel range, and all iPhones from iPhone 8 through iPhone 15 Pro Max.  The free SportDiver App is available at the App Store or Play Store, and works with the current and prior generation of the OS.  Please review our SportDiver compatibility and fit guide.

The heavy-duty housing is constructed of polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum and optical grade glass.  The SportDiver Ultra housing is “heavy duty”, but not heavy, weighing less than 1.78 pounds (808 grams), it is lightweight for travelling and offers almost neutral buoyancy in water depending on which smartphone model is used.

Have a look at our photo gallery  and see the amazing images captured with the SeaLife SportDiver & SportDiver Ultra.

 

Out of stock

Description
Features
Specifications
What's Included
FAQ
App
Product Reviews

The SportDiver Ultra is easy to hold and use and offers a large shutter lever and rear control buttons for easy operation, even with dive gloves.  Snorkelers and Divers can get more creative with their photos or video shot by using advanced camera settings*.  Adjust Zoom, Exposure (EV), Auto/Manual Focus, White Balance, Tint, Lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, and video stabilization (on available phone models)*.

The SportDiver Ultra housing includes the free SportDiver app, unlike other smartphone housing apps, there are no annoying in-app purchases or ads.  You can easily switch between photo and video mode.  The SportDiver App uses your phone’s camera technology native to each phone model*. The app supports the present and previous versions of OS, the app is updated according to new versions of the OS.

 

The App Playback mode shows full size photos and videos with vertical thumbnail strip to easily locate your images. Videos start playing automatically when selected. All files are also saved to the phone’s camera roll.  The SportDiver Ultra housing automatically connects to your smartphone and the SportDiver app using Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) 5 wireless technology. No cables or buttons touch the phone and offers ultra-low power consumption for both the phone and the housing which is powered by two AAA batteries that last over 50 hours of continuous use.

For enhanced imaging results, a removable underwater color-correction filter is included with the SportDiver Ultra which restores natural underwater colors.  The red filter easily attached or removes underwater and includes a safety tether to prevent loss.  The SportDiver Ultra housing features seven 1/4-20 tripod mounts which mounts to any light or light tray with standard tripod threads such as SeaLife’s range of Sea Dragon underwater photo/video lights.

For the phone’s safety and protection, the SportDiver Ultra has a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs that securely hold the smartphone in place and add shock-protection.  The SportDiver Ultra has “Dual Leak Alarms” which include an internal moisture alarm and a vacuum pressure alarm which alert the diver with on-screen warnings, audio and LED signal in the unlikely event the waterproof seal is compromised and there’s a loss of housing pressure or moisture is detected.  The door of the SportDiver Ultra is sealed with a TPE O-ring and a robust cam-lock sealing latch that easily and securely locks waterproof door.  To prevent interior fogging from residual moisture, the SportDiver Ultra uses the anti-fogging agent “Moisture Muncher” capsule which prevents fogging and internal condensation.

*Important: Some settings may not be available depending on the phone make/model. Settings may be blocked out or not accessible depending on conflicting settings. For example, Portrait (background blur) setting is only available with multi-lens iPhones. Lens selection setting may not include all available phone lenses; the telephoto lens not available for Android phones. Check the App Store and Play store for SportDiver app updates.

Have a new SportDiver Ultra? Go to the Set-up Page to view the set-up video and download the user manual in English or 5 other languages.

For the latest app and technical updates, visit our technical updates and troubleshooting page.

Features

Works with iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy® and most other Android® phones.
iPhone: iPhone 8 through iPhone 15 Pro Max– See compatibility guide for details
Android: Samsung: Galaxy S9 and up & most other Android phones, including Galaxy S Ultra models and Google Pixel and Pixel Pro – See compatibility guide for details
Note: The SportDiver underwater housing fits phones up to 7.20″ x 3.15″ x 0.49″ (18.3 cm x 8.0 cm x 1.2 cm) in size.   The SportDiver app supports phones running current or previous operating system, which is subject to change as determined by Apple and Google.

Important: Some settings may not be available depending on the phone make/model. Settings may be blocked out or not accessible depending on conflicting settings.  Lens selection setting may not include all available phone lenses. Check the App Store and Play store for SportDiver app updates.

Durable optical glass lens port design – New landscape-oriented lens port accommodates most multi-lens phones including the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Ultrawide lens setting will not vignette.

Sealed electronic circuitry to protect against damage from accidental water drops entering the housing when opening after diving.

Easy control – Large shutter lever and rear control buttons for easy operation, even with dive gloves.

Access popular camera settings – Get creative with your shot by using advanced camera settings. Select lens, video resolution, adjust zoom, exposure, manual focus, white balance, RAW+JPEG mode, and more. Note: Some settings may not be available depending on the phone make/model. 

Shoot photos or record video – Easily switch between photo and video mode, App uses the phone’s native camera technology including video stabilization (depending on phone model).

Dual Leak Avoidance System – Includes internal moisture sensor and internal vacuum pressure alarm; Alerts diver with on-screen warning, audio and LED signal in the unlikely event the waterproof seal is compromised.

Removable red underwater color-correction filter restores natural underwater colors.

Includes SeaLife SportDiver Smartphone camera app designed by SeaLife – Intuitive layout and controls that utilizes the smartphone’s native camera technology. Developed by SeaLife. Note: Supports phones with current and previous operating system installed, which is subject to change as determined by Apple or Google.

Playback photos and videos – App Playback mode shows full size photos and videos with vertical thumbnail strip to easily located your shots. Videos start playing automatically when selected. All files are also saved to phone’s photo app.

Bluetooth® wireless technology – The SportDiver Ultra Housing automatically connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) 5 wireless technology. No cables or buttons touch the phone. Ultra-low power consumption.

Holding spring and rubber grip tabs securely holds phone in place and adds shock-protection.

Expandable with Sea Dragon underwater photo-video lights.

Seven (7) 1/4-20 tripod mounts – Mounts to Flex-Connect or any tray with standard tripod threads.

Cam-lock sealing mechanism easily and securely locks waterproof door.

Powered by two AAA batteries (included) that last over 50 hours of continuous use.

Anti-fog design when SL911 Moisture Muncher capsule is used.

Depth rated to 130ft / 40m – Each housing is individually depth tested.

 

Specifications

SportDiver Ultra Smartphone Housing

Free App Name: SportDiver in App & Play stores
Compatible phones: Works with iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy and most Max and Ultra sizes. See compatibility chart.
Depth rating: 130’ (40 m)
Power:  2x AAA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
Battery Life: 50 hours
Two LED Indicators:  Leak Alarm pressure indicator: Flashing green when vacuum pressure has not been applied; Solid green when vacuum pressure is okay; Flashing red if a leak is detected Power / Wireless connection status: Flashing blue when powered on and not wirelessly connected; Solid blue when powered on and wirelessly connected
Wireless technology: Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
App language: English
Instruction manual: Includes printed Instruction Manual in English. Spanish, German, French, Italian and Dutch languages may be downloaded from SeaLife website
Controls:  Shutter, Mode, Up (Zoom / Focus +), Down (Zoom / Focus -), Playback and Camera Settings
Operating temp:  33°F to 110°F (1°C to 38°C)
Storage temp:  33°F to 110°F (1°C to 38°C)
O-ring:  Main O-ring (1): TPE rubber material Vacuum Check Port O-rings (2): Silicone rubber material Note: O-rings require silicone lube (included). Replacement O-ring kit part # is SL40010.
Lens port:  Optical glass lens port with anti-reflective coating applied to inner lens surface. Lens frame allows attachment of color-correction filter while underwater.
LCD window:  Optical grade polycarbonate full-screen display window (Screen Protector available – sold separately)
Tripod mount:  Three standard ¼-20 tripod threads to attach accessories
Lanyard:  SeaLife deluxe padded lanyard with swiveled attachment clip
Material: Polycarbonate housing with 304-316 stainless steel and hard-anodized T6061-grade aluminum metal hardware
Dimensions:  External: 9.1” x 4.9” x 2.4” (23.1 cm x 12.4 cm x 6.1 cm)
Internal: 7.20″ x 3.15″ x 0.49″ (18.3 cm x 8.0 cm x 1.2 cm)
Weight: 28.5 oz. (808g) UW housing only – without batteries, filter, Moisture Muncher 24.0 oz. (680g) UW housing only – with batteries, filter, Moisture Muncher, 10x med. grip tabs
Buoyancy:  Positive 5.3 oz. (150.4g) UW housing only – with batteries, red filter and Moisture Muncher Subtract weight of phone to calculate total UW buoyancy in seawater
Warranty:  1-year limited warranty or longer depending on local government regulations
Certification:  CE, ROHS, FCC (FCC ID: 2ACKF-SL405)
Country of Origin: Designed/Engineered in USA, Made in China

SportDiver App for iOS

App compatibility: Supports smartphones with current and previous operating system installed, which is subject to change as determined by Apple or Google
Modes: Photo – captures single image with each push of the shutter Video – Push shutter to start/stop video recording Settings – Adjust camera settings (See below) Playback – View photos and videos
iOS Settings: Lens: Select single or multiple lenses (Depends on phone model)
Focus: Automatic or Manual
White Balance (WB): Auto or manual (3000K to 8000K) in 100K increments
Tint: +150 to -150 color tint in 10-unit increments
Exposure Value (EV): -3.0 top +3.0 in .3 stop increments
Image Format: JPEG (.jpg), RAW (.dng) and JPEG + RAW
ProRAW (.dng) available with iPhone 12/13/14/15 Pro/ProMax and up
ProRAW Resolution: 12MP or 48MP (48MP only available on iPhone 14/15 Pro/ProMax)
Video Resolution: ProRes, 4K, 1080p or 720p (ProRes only on iPhone 13/14/15 Pro/ProMax)
Power Save: Off, 1 min, 2 min or 5 min. (Push any button to wake-up)
Display Brightness: From 10% to 100%
Leak Alarm: On or Off (Audio alarm and warning message if leak is detected)
On-screen data: Displays exposure settings (can be enabled or disabled)
Android Settings: Lens: Select single or multiple lenses (Depends on phone model)
Shutter Speed: Auto or manual (1/30 sec to 1/2000 sec)
ISO: Auto or manual (50 to 3200)
Exposure Value (EV): -3.0 top +3.0 in .3 stop increments
Focus: Automatic or Manual
White Balance (WB): Auto, Manual, UW Deep, UW Shallow, Daylight, Cloudy
Manual WB: (2000K to 1000K) in 100K increments
Color Effects: Off, Black & White, Negative, Sepia
3-Shot Burst: Captures 3 images within 1 second
Photo Resolution: Select from available photo resolution settings
Video Resolution: 4K, 1080p or 720p
Stabilization: On or Off (Applies to video recording only)
RAW+JPEG: On or Off Capture RAW (.dng) plus JPEG (.jpg) image files
Power Save: Off, 1 min, 2 min or 5 min. (Push any button to wake-up)
Display Brightness: From 10% to 100%
Leak Alarm: On or Off (Audio alarm and warning message if leak is detected)
On-screen data: Displays exposure settings (can be enabled or disabled)
System Reset: Restores factory default settings
Important:

Some settings may not be available depending on the phone make/model.

Some settings are blocked-out (not accessible) depending on other conflicting settings.

Lens selection setting may not include all available phone lenses.

Telephoto lens is available for Android phones.

Check Apple App Store and Google Play store for any SportDiver app updates.
Delete Function: Yes – push OK button twice to delete selected file in Playback mode
Battery Level Indicator: Indicates remaining battery life of phone and underwater housing
 Zoom: Yes – Zooming range varies by phone model
 File Location: Photos and videos are saved to phone’s Photos app for editing and sharing

 

What's Included

SportDiver Ultra Underwater Smartphone Housing
Red color-correction filter
Vacuum pump
Rubber Grip Tabs (12x Small, 12x Medium and 12x Large; 5 medium and 6 small grip tabs are pre-installed in the housing)
Spare O-rings (1x Main O-ring and 1x Vacuum Check Port O-ring)
O-ring lubricant
O-ring removal tool
Deluxe wrist strap with clip
Moisture Muncher sample pack (1 capsule)

Anti-glare foam strips (3)
AAA alkaline batteries (2)
EVA carry case

FAQ

Important:  If you are experiencing any problems with the SportDiver Ultra underwater housing or app, please refer to the online troubleshooting advice for solutions.  https://www.sealife-cameras.com/sportdiver-troubleshooting-technical-updates/

 

Q:  How reliable is the waterproof seal?

A:   The SportDiver Ultra features two leak avoidance systems, like professional UW camera housings designed for $10,000+ cameras. First, there is a pre-dive vacuum pressure check that ensures the waterproof seal is good before you enter the water – An alarm and pop-up message will alert you if the housing is not sealed properly before you enter the water.  Second, there is an internal wet sensor that activates an audible alarm and warning message in the unlikely event water enters the housing.  SeaLife has over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing underwater cameras and housings.   The SportDiver Ultra smartphone housing has been on the market for many years and the chance of water damaging your phone is virtually zero.

 

Q:  Is my phone compatible with the SportDiver Ultra underwater smartphone housing?

A:  The SportDiver housing is compatible with all iPhones 8 and up, and nearly all Android phones.  The free SportDiver camera app supports iPhones and Android phones running the current or previous operating system.  For a complete list of compatible phones, check here: sealife-cameras.com/sportdiver-compatibility

 

Q:  Does the SportDiver app include the same camera settings as the phone’s native camera app?

A:   The SportDiver app includes many of the phone’s native camera settings.  Not all the phone’s native camera settings are supported. We suggest you download the free SportDiver app to your phone and see what settings your phone model will support. The SportDiver app is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play app store.

 

Q:  Can I lock and unlock the phone when it is inside the SportDiver Ultra housing to save battery power?

A:  It is not possible to lock or unlock the phone when it is inside the housing.  The phone must be unlocked and SportDiver app running when it is inside the housing. The app has a power save feature which dims the screen by 80% and turns off the camera.  Push any button to “wake-up” the phone. It is recommended to turn off any apps running in the background to further save battery power. The power save will allow most phones to operate inside the housing for at least 2+ dives without opening or charging the phone between dives. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra have very long-lasting batteries that will last all day inside the SportDiver Ultra housing.

 

Q:  Can I take a picture while recording video?

A:  Yes, pushing the OK button while recording video will capture a photo.  This feature is called PIV or Picture-in-Video.

Q:  Will the SportDiver Ultra Bluetooth interfere with my dive computer or other Bluetooth devices?

A:  There should be no interference issues with the SportDiver and any other Bluetooth devices.  The SportDiver has been tested and certified for FCC and Bluetooth compliance.

Q:  Is there a way to use the SportDiver Ultra without the vacuum pressure leak alarm or is it mandatory?

A:  Yes, you can disable the pre-dive vacuum pressure leak test, but we do not recommend that.  The water sensor leak alarm cannot be disabled.  In the unlikely event of a water leak while underwater, the leak alarm will activate. The audible alarm and warning message will be dismissed after 5 seconds.

Q:   What is the difference between the JPG and the RAW image file?  

A:  The JPEG is the processed and compressed image using the phone’s image processing technology.  The RAW file is the unprocessed, uncompressed file coming from the phone’s image sensor.  RAW files tend to be about 5 times larger than JPEG files and will allow more photo editing ability.

Q:  Is a lens adapter available? Can I use an external wide-angle or macro “wet” lens with the housing?

A:   Yes, the 52 & 67mm Lens Adapter (Item SL081) are available. For more information, please visit sealife-cameras.com/product/sport-diver-52-67mm-lens-adapter/

 

Q:  Can I use the phone’s flash or connect an external strobe?

A:    No.  The phone’s LED Flash is next to the lens and will cause internal glare.  Therefore, the phone’s flash has been disabled.  Another issue is that the phone uses a pre-flash to control exposure.  That requires a special strobe to mimic the pre-flash and then deploy a primary flash, which strobes typically won’t do.  A photo-video light is the best lighting accessory and easy to use.

Q:  What is maximum operating altitude for the SportDiver Ultra housing?

A:   The SportDiver Ultra housing vacuum pressure check (leak analysis) works up to altitude of 6000 ft / 1829m (11.8 psia). At higher altitude, the SportDiver Ultra’s LED status indicator will show a red/green/yellow error code.

Q:  Can I use all the available phone lenses on my phone?

A:   That depends on the phone make and model.  All iPhone lenses are available for use in the Lens Settings menu.  Android phones will utilize the new landscape-oriented lens port that accommodates most multi-lens phones including the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Ultrawide lens setting will not vignette. 

Q:  Does SportDiver app support iPhone Auto Macro?

A:   Yes, with Apple’s release of iOS 17, the SportDiver app will automatically switch to Auto Macro mode when shooting macro shots.

App

SportDiver UTLRA App for iOS and Android

App Compatibility
Supports smartphones with current and previous operating system installed, which is subject to change as determined by Apple or Google.

Modes
Photo – captures single image with each push of the shutter
Video – Push shutter to start/stop video recording
Settings – Adjust camera settings (See below)
Playback – View photos and videos

 

iOS Settings

Lens Select single or multiple lenses (Depends on phone model)
Focus Automatic or Manual
White Balance (WP) Auto or manual (3000K to 8000K) in 100K increments
Tint +150 to -150 color tint in 10-unit increments
Exposure Value (EV) -3.0 top +3.0 in .3 stop increments
RAW+JPEG Capture RAW image file (Depends on phone model)
Video Resolution 4K, 1080p or 720p
Photo + 3 sec. Video On or Off (Starts recording 1.5 seconds before image capture)
Portrait (Bokeh) On or Off (Same as portrait mode on multi-lens)
Power Save Off, 1 min, 2 min or 5 min. (Push any button to wake-up)
Display Brightness From 10% to 100%
Leak Alarm On or Off (Audio alarm and warning message if leak is detected)
On-screen Data Displays exposure settings (can be enabled or disabled)

 

Android Settings

Lens  Select single or multiple lenses (Depends on phone model)
Focus Automatic or Manual
Shutter Speed Auto or manual (1/30 sec to 1/2000 sec)
ISO Auto or manual (50 to 3200)
Exposure Value (EV) -3.0 top +3.0 in .3 stop increments
White Balance (WB) Auto, Manual, UW Deep, UW Shallow, Daylight, Cloudy
Manual WB (2000K to 1000K) in 100K increments
3-Shot Burst Captures 3 images within 1 second
Photo Resolution Select from phone’s native photo resolution settings
Video Resolution 4K, 1080p or 720p
Color Effects Off, Black & White, Negative, Sepia
RAW+JPEG Capture RAW image file (Depends on phone model)
Photo + 3 sec. Video On or Off (Records 1 sec video clip before image capture)
Portrait (Bokeh) On or Off (Same as portrait mode on multi-lens )
Power Save Off, 1 min, 2 min or 5 min. (Push any button to wake-up)
Display Brightness From 10% to 100%
Leak Alarm On or Off (Audio alarm and warning message if leak is detected)
On-screen data Displays exposure settings (can be enabled or disabled)

Important
Some settings may not be available depending on the phone make/model.
Some settings may be blocked out (not accessible) depending on other conflicting settings.
For example, Portrait (background blur) setting is only available with multi-lens iPhones.
Lens selection setting may not include all available phone lenses.
Telephoto lens not available for Android phones.
Check Apple App Store and Google Play store for any SportDiver app updates.

Delete Function
Yes – push OK button twice to delete selected file in Playback mode.

Battery level indicator
Indicates remaining battery life of phone and UW housing

Zoom
Yes – from 1x to 10x in 0.5x increments

File Location
Photos and videos are saved to phone’s Photos app for editing and sharing

New app versions are being developed continuously to open more features.

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