SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing for iPhone & Android

$349.95

The SeaLife SportDiver is a compact and lightweight underwater housing for smartphones.  The SportDiver 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 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 checker and fit guide.

The heavy-duty housing is constructed of Polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum and optical grade glass.  And while the SportDiver housing is “heavy duty”, it is not heavy, weighing less than 1.5 pounds (641 grams), and 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.

SeaLife SportDiver Pre & Post Dive Checklist

SeaLife Model Comparison

Extended Warranty

Extended Warranty Information

How to buy: SeaLife has a US and international dealer network, we encourage you to contact your nearest stocking SeaLife dealer. Your nearby SeaLife retailer can help you make the right selection and support your SeaLife equipment with accessories and servicing if needed. Please see our dealer locator here. We have dealers and distributors worldwide; if you’re not able to find a SeaLife merchant near you, you may purchase from us directly.

Description
Features
Specifications
What's Included
FAQ
App
Product Reviews

The SportDiver 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, Live Photo and Background Blur (on available phone models).

The SportDiver 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 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 which restores natural underwater colors.  The filter easily attached or removes underwater and includes a safety tether to prevent loss.  The SportDiver housing features triple 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 has a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs that securely hold the smartphone in place and add shock-protection.  The SportDiver 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 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 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.

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 checker for details
Android: Samsung: Galaxy S9 and up & most other Android phones – See compatibility checker for details
Note: The SportDiver underwater housing fits phones up to 6.49″ x 3.15″ x 0.38″ in size. SportDiver app support 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; the telephoto is available for Android phones. Check the App Store and Play store for SportDiver app updates.

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

Dual Leak Alarms – 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 underwater color-correction filter restores natural underwater colors

Includes SeaLife SportDiver camera app designed by SeaLife – Intuitive layout and controls that utilizes the smartphone’s native camera technology. Developed by SeaLife – Not a 3rd party app developer. Free download available in App Store or Google Play Store. No annoying in-app purchases or ads, unlike other underwater smartphone housing apps. 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 –  SportDiver 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

Triple 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 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 Underwater Smartphone Housing

Free App Name: SportDiver in App & Play stores
Compatible phones: Works with iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy and most other Android phones. 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: 8.4” x 4.9” x 2.2” (213.1 mm x 125.7 mm x 54.8 mm)
Internal: 6.49″ x 3.15″ x 0.38” (165 mm x 80 mm x 9.7mm)
Weight: 22.6 oz. (641g) 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 2.8 oz. (80g) 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-SL400)
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
RAW+JPEG: Capture RAW image file (Depends on phone model)
Video Resolution: 4K, 1080p or 720p
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)
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 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 – from 1x to 10x in 0.5x increments
 File Location: Photos and videos are saved to phone’s Photos app for editing and sharing

What's Included

SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing
Red color-correction filter
Vacuum pump
Rubber Grip Tabs (12x Small, 12x Medium and 12x Large)
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 sampler pack (1 capsule)
AAA alkaline batteries (2)
EVA carry case

FAQ

Important:  If you are experiencing any problems with the SportDiver 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 features two leak detection 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 pop-up 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 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 underwater smartphone housing?

A:  The SportDiver housing is compatible with all iPhones 8 and up, and most 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, click 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 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 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 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 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 pop-up 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) will become available in March 2024. 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 housing?

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

 

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

A:   It depends on the phone make and model.  All iPhone lenses are available for use in the Lens Settings menu.  Android phones may only use Wide and Ultrawide lenses.  The Telephoto lens is accessible by zooming with the Wide lens – when the zooming magnification reach the telephoto lens magnification, it will automatically switch to Telephoto.  Some ultrawide lenses on Android phones may vignette because of the lens location.

 

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 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.

Related Products