Smartphone Housing vs GoPro Underwater
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Which is better underwater - a Smartphone Housing or a GoPro? I discuss smartphone housings like the SeaLife SportDiver and Oceanic+ Smart Housing, GoPro HERO cameras, and the pros and cons between them for shooting underwater video and still photos.
TUTORIAL VIDEOS I MENTION
• Underwater Smart Phone...
• All About GoPro Filter...
• All About Constant Lig...
• Photo Backup Essentials
• Underwater Housing Mai...
• Why You NEED Lighting ...
Smartphone Housings Gear Guide: tutorials.bren...
GEAR ON AMAZON
- GoPro HERO12 Black: amzn.to/3tC7SiW
- GoPro Dive Housing: amzn.to/3X17mop
- SeaLife SportDiver: amzn.to/3W9ZmQM
- Oceanic+ Dive Housing: amzn.to/3NxHHRy
- Divevolk Smart Housing: amzn.to/3D0wCmB
PRO GEAR ON BACKSCATTER PHOTO
- GoPro HERO12 Black: www.backscatte...
- GoPro Dive Housing: www.backscatte...
- SeaLife SportDiver: www.backscatte...
- Oceanic+ Dive Housing: www.backscatte...
LEARN UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
tutorials.bren...
Enjoy!
-Brent
0:35 - Similarities
1:53 - Underwater Filters
2:15 - Video Lights
3:01 - Differences
4:17 - Still Photography
5:32 - Functionality & Controls
6:28 - Preparation & Maintenance
#sportdiver #gopro #oceanic+
Anyone have strong preferences for a Smartphone Housing or a GoPro? And is it your only underwater camera?
I ditched the GoPro, and got a SportDiver much easier with pictures right on my phone.
@@dustinronnie4227 makes sense!
I use the Diveroid but I still take the GoPro for the videos. I can capture videos and use the Diveroid for stills.
Because my iPhone contains my life, taking it below 33 feet or 1 bar is out of the question.I’ve created video and still presets on my GoPro that I can access while underwater. I also like the GoPro cloud. $50 annual subscription gives me UNLIMITED video and photo storage plus “no questions asked camera replacement.” Unless you’ve got personal articles coverage, travel insurance, or cellphone insurance (e.g. Assurion, but there’s a deductible), you’re on the hook for around $1,000 if the smartphone case fails. I also agree with your note about the GoPro’s simplicity. Just put it in the housing and shut the door. Even simpler: the camera itself is waterproof to 33 feet. Even for snorkeling, I’m loathe to exposing my iPhone to the hazards of damage or loss.
Hi Brian - Great points, especially for “no questions asked camera replacement.” A diver certainly would take a hit if they flood their mobile phone. Most are water resistant to a few feet, so I’ve always been curious if they would survive a flood that you notice right away. I won’t be testing that though!! Good note on camera insurance in general. Thanks!
I like them both, all of them is very handy and good for shooting underwater.. it was a very update to all of us..
Thank you. Like many cameras, it's the photographer who makes the great images and not necessarily the camera.
Thank you for the great video. I just tried my GoPro 7 with macro lenses and I am very pleased with the results so I am thinking to upgrade it. I have seen divers with their phones though. So I was wondering, can you use the iPhone case for muck diving? Can you put a macro lent and have the flexibility to remove it for normal shootings? Is it the same for red filters? Thanks in advance!
You're welcome. And yes, you can add lenses to the SeasLife SportDiver phone housing with this lens adapter: amzn.to/3Z5jI2v
Filters are popped on and off easily as well, however you can only use either filters or the lens adapter at once.
Muck diving is very possible, you just need to ensure you're focusing outside the minimum focus distance, which is improved with a macro diopter.
any plan on trying Divevolk seatouch 4 max smartphone housing ?
full touchscreen , changeable lens and filter and small opening
Hi Tian - Sorry for the delay here. I briefly tried the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max in shallow water (22ft ~ 7m) and the touchscreen worked great. The photo image quality was great as well - what I would expect from the iPhone 13 Pro I used. Unfortunately I don't have the housing to do more tests with filters, etc. Maybe some time soon!
Thanks Brent for this video. One item you did not mention is the image quality of stills of the GoPro vs iPhone. I believe the iPhone takes better photos and also you have the three lenses. I use a GoPro and aware of the wide and narrow views. Also, I would think the iphone could be better at macro because of the telephoto lens. Thanks again, Scott
Hi Scott, great feedback. With the SeaLife app you can toggle between lenses like you mention and I do that based on size of subject vs filling the frame. Both cameras can suffer from over-smoothing to compensate for noise at depth (dark), but I haven’t tested the last few software versions and raw files. I’m due to do that test again with the HERO 11 vs my iPhone 13 Pro + SportDiver.
@@BrentDurand thanks Brent. I have not used an iphone underwater before so looking forward to your comparion.
Great video. Thoughts on divevolk housing. No additional app needed. But, no vacuum either.
I'd say there are pros and cons. DiveVolk does address the lack of vacuum on their website. Personally, I like the physical button ergonomics of the SportDiver since I can press them (shoot photos, change modes, review images, etc.) by feel, keeping my eyes on my subject or surroundings. When using the native camera app on a mobile phone your eyes need to be glued to the screen to press and swipe it in the right spots to do those things.
Thank you for the info.
Is there like any difference in photo quality between GoPro 12 and iPhone (15) pro as far as you know?
I have no idea unfortunately. I have the iPhone 13 and a HERO9. Not sure anyone is doing a head-to-head quality comparison. The differences are more in the application and workflow. Also, a phone housing like the SeaLife SportDiver requires you to use their app, while a housing like DiveVolk allows you to shoot with any 3rd party app, opening up a whole lot of manual video control capabilities.
Hi Brent. Thx for sharing your expertise. Your analyse is very complete. Having a Gopro with a dive housing I will process this way accepting the cons.. 😉
Hi Philippe, thanks for your note. Both cameras are great choices, so hopefully this helps your decision 😎.
@@BrentDurand Hi Brent, I have also a Insta360 X3 with a dive case..did you ever use it ? I am interested by some feeback of a pro diver like you on what we can really do with that action 360 cam. Those 360 were not known for underwater pics and vids but now with X3 and a dive case..prefer even if waterproof until 10 meters.. 360 process can be nice in some situations to be sure to miss nothing...Have a good day.😉
@@philippecloarec Hi Philippe, I have not used the Insta 360 X3 with dive housing, mostly due to the depth limitation and my support for SeaLife Cameras. I've seen some great footage though and think it would be an excellent camera as well, especially for the 360 processing like you mention. Maybe I will do a comparison one of these days!
@@BrentDurand Hi Brent Thx much for the answer. The dive case is required for 360 process. Some test can be done using Single Lens mode because possible resolution in much higher so it is expected to have better results. Anyway 360 cam's are far behind Gopro for underwater fun.
Hello Brent
For someone thats starting to dive, and want to take some pictures and videos. Would you recomend buying a GO Pro or getting a Phone case?
Hi Eduardo, there are many considerations here, including how involved you want to be in preparing the housing (smartphone housing) or just grabbing the camera and jumping in (gopro). I've talked through many of the considerations in this article and video: tutorials.brentdurand.com/how-to-choose-an-underwater-camera/
Hope this helps!
Brent-some of the smartphone housings have red filters available with varying ease of removing while underwater (some screw on/some snap on or have a friction mount). If using continuous fill light, is there any benefit or negative aspect of just leaving the red filter in place at all depths?
Hi Alan, this is a great question. Generally I recommend using either filters (subjects far away) OR video lights (subjects 6ft or closer). This is due to the fact that you would need two different white balance settings for the area illuminated by the light and the ambient light in the rest of the scene. See my tutorial video on Exposure for more: czcams.com/video/SC6o00h53Xo/video.html
That said, the choice is also dependent on composition and how your phone camera's white balance responds to the filter + light and even the color of the reef or subject. So I my advise is to test shooting close and far subjects with filter on and lights on. Then review this on the phone once on the surface and decide if that works for you, or if you should be popping the filter on and off. I hope this helps!
Anyone know if/where replacement o rings can be purchase for the hero 10 dive housing super suit?
I'm not sure but would try GoPro customer support or a 3rd party knockoff online being careful that any non GoPro o-ring is the EXACT size you need, doesn't pinch when closing the housing, etc.
Thank you I tried GoPro customer service and it was a no go. Thank you
@@lukain1872002 Bummer. They likely want you to buy another housing. You could try to buy a cheap used housing scratched just for the o-ring.
Thanks Brent! You're the best. Great content. Loved this video and the paddle board dive! Wow. I've been doing Kayuba and will try SUP diving here in Miami. Going to look for your image quality comparison for Iphone 13 Pro Max vs Go Pro 11. Thanks, Christopher
Hi Christoper, thanks for the kind words. I haven't spent the money on the HERO11 so don't have any comparison yet unfortunately. Maybe in September when we'll likely see the 12.
I would be interested to know more about the quality of video and photos between a GoPro and an iPhone.
Great idea. The results would generally be similar since both have small sensors. I would expect the iPhone (or Android phone) to excel in close focus situations with strong video lights and the GoPro to perform well in shallow clear water with lots of light. But of course, this depends on whether you're using a Divevolk mobile phone housing with 3rd party apps for raw shooting and color grading, which phone you have, etc. Basically many variables. I'll add some tests to my list though!
For me smarphone housing is no brainer - way better picture, optical zoom, better ISO handling etc. But smartphone housing is as expensive as a set of gopro! Did you get a chance to review Oceanic+ Smart Housing? It's more affordable and this could eliminate the debate.
Hi James - These are very good points. There are Pros and Cons to each as you pointed out. The Ocean+ Smart Housing isn't available yet. I'll certainly try it out if I can borrow one once released.
Hi, I sold my Go Pro and bought the housing. The plus for the housing is you change your phone you’re always up to date with the newest lenses. So in my opinion the housing last longer then the Go Pro
@@lindacommandeur7896 Hi Lisa - That's an excellent point. As long as a person maintains their smartphone housing it should last multiple phones. Thanks for bringing this up.
Liked your video tutorial. Would please provide a link for the tray system you have your GoPro attached to in this video?
Thanks! I've listed several different tray/handle systems on this tutorial page: tutorials.brentdurand.com/how-to-keep-your-gopro-steady-underwater/
Hi! Enjoy your videos! I’m getting a Divevolk 4 housing for my iPhone 13 Pro. I’d like to add a light. I know you like the Backscatter MW- 4300. Do you think it would be a good addition to the Divevolk, or overkill? I’ve also had the Sola 2500 recommended to me. Also, I’m assuming I’ll get a one-handed tray. Do you think this is necessary or would a cold mount on the top of the Divevolk work? Thanks SO much for your help.
Hi Jane - Very cool! The light will be really useful once you get close to your subject (within a few feet). Both the MW-4300 and Sola 2500 would be great choices. The MW-4300 has replaceable rechargeable batteries, whereas the Sola has a built-in rechargeable battery. One might be better depending on your dive schedule. Also, you do want the one-handed tray to put the light in a better position. Here are some of my video tutorials that explain all this:
- All About Constant Light: czcams.com/video/2JyjlyU2zqE/video.html
- Why you Need Light Underwater: czcams.com/video/zRfoZAhJ_n8/video.html
- Underwater Light Positioning: czcams.com/video/YEcbVIgUanY/video.html
I hope this helps!
@@BrentDurand Thanks so much for you feedback. I think I’ll go w/ the Sola b/c it’s a little smaller and lighter. Which lumen model would you recommend, the 2500, 3800, or the 2500 SF? How helpful is it to have a spot, and is higher lumen always better? Thanks again (watched your lighting videos-very helpful).
@@janeb4865 Hi Jane - The spot beam is helpful if you also want to use the light as a normal dive light (e.g. night dives, peering under ledges, etc.) where the narrow spot beam does better. You can certainly use a flood beam for night diving (I do and many photographers do) so it's really personal preference.
If you're ok with the price of the 3800 Flood, it's a great option (add the ball mount as well): www.backscatter.com/Light-and-Motion-Sola-Video-3800-Flood-Only-FC-B?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX1+5HP8BlhLkagWnVwymT4hAXsf4ct8uMAM=
Otherwise, the S/F is a great option based on the info above: www.backscatter.com/Light-and-Motion-Sola-2500-SF-Underwater-Video-Light-White?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX1+5HP8BlhLkagWnVwymT4hAXsf4ct8uMAM=
Do you need any recommendations for tray/handle system?
Thanks Brent. I’m getting the rig from Bluewater Photo and they are recommending the Ultralight tray, handle w/ ball, and clamps - to attach to the Sola 3800 w/ ball mount. I think this is better than the tray, etc that Divevolk sells.
Again, I appreciate your help and your obvious enthusiasm for what you do!
Jane
When is a good time to change the o ring on the gopro super suit, and where can I just get the o ring?
You should change it if there's any crack or nick, or if it's has been stretched out and catches when closing the case (even when greased). Not sure where you can buy one. Maybe on GoPro's website?
I recently bought the Sealife housing and love it but I am looking for a simple tray with two grips. Can you recommend something please? I’m sure the ones you’ve posted for GoPro will be too tight. Thank you!
Have you looked at SeaLife's Sea Dragon Dual Tray with two grips? www.sealife-cameras.com/product/flex-connect-dual-tray/
That will be tight when opening/closing the housing but the ergonomics work well in the water. You could also get an Ultralight Camera Systems digital tray with extension + handles. Below is a link to the tray at Backscatter. You'll see the extension in recommended accessories I believe. Handles as well.
www.backscatter.com/Ultralight-Tray-for-Ikelite-Compact-Fisheye-FIX-Ol?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX1+5HP8BlhLkagWnVwymT4hAXsf4ct8uMAM=
🙋🏼 sir. Is Ur hair so straight and smooth cus u spend tons of time underwater? 🤭 Or u secretly use something... ? There's this priest on CZcams who gets like his face done and his hair he's like 😲 but he's brown ... 🙄 Father mike Schmitz or something. He doesn't say it but clearly uses something. 🤭🤭🤭 So I have to ask u cus ... It's kinda cute. 🥰