DIVEVOLK have revolutionised the underwater photography world, making it accessible to everyone. Forget flimsy waterproof phone pouches, these guys have developed a robust waterproof phone case, just like a professional underwater camera housing. It has clearly been designed for scuba divers, snorkelers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
I put my SeaTouch 4 Max housing to the test whilst diving at Pemba Island, Tanzania with my iPhone 14 pro. Find out why it’s a complete game-changer for scuba divers and snorkelers in this review.
What Makes the DIVEVOLK Seatouch 4 Max Better than Any Other Waterproof Phone Case?
DIVEVOLK has created one of the best underwater phone cases on the market, as its simplicity and unique touchscreen design, allow anyone with a smartphone to explore the underwater world of photography and videography.
It’s the first and only underwater housing for smartphones that allows you full control of your touch screen underwater, using a unique gel-filled membrane. When diving, the membrane compresses against your phone screen allowing you to flawlessly use your phone exactly as you would on land.
In the case of an emergency, you even can send and receive calls at the surface, as the case is made from a combination of robust plastic and metal, which does not block WIFI, Bluetooth or phone signal. I even managed to receive an SMS a few metres underwater!
What Is the Benefit of a Touchscreen on Underwater Housing?
It’s the simplicity of being able to use your phone exactly as you would normally without having to learn anything new. There is no underwater phone case on the market that has a touchscreen like the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max. I was able to flawlessly use my iPhone’s camera including, zoom and cinematic mode as well as easily switch from video mode to photo with a simple tap of the screen. Other housings are very limited and use fiddly buttons that you need to use a third-party app to operate.
Another benefit of a touchscreen is you can type on your NOTES app! This came in really handy when communicating with my dive buddy, as there are so many times when underwater hand signals are just not enough to explain what I want to say.
Is It Good for Beginners & How Do You Use the DIVEVOLK Seatouch 4 Max?
Yes! All you need is a smartphone. There’s nothing new to learn, there are no fiddly buttons and it’s affordable. Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver or just want the easiest way to capture your snorkelling moments, you can take your first underwater photo/video in 3 simple steps.
Pop your smartphone into the tray
Slide phone into housing
Screw it closed and go!
Read my full guide, including insider tips on how to use the SeaTouch Max 4 here
If you’re not looking to splurge on an expensive full-camera set-up, then this is a great affordable alternative and you can get it even cheaper with an additional 6% discount by clicking this link. All photos in this review were captured using the SeaTouch 4 Max and my iPhone 14 Pro.
Does the Divevolk Underwater Phone Case Fit All Smartphones?
The beauty of the SeaTouch case is it’s not make or model-specific and works with a variety of different smartphones, not just the iPhone. All you have to do is select the make and model of your phone when ordering and if you can’t find yours, DIVEVOLK will even 3D print an adapter tray for you.
And don’t worry if you decide to upgrade your phone, as the DIVEVOLK case is universal, so you’ll only ever need to buy a new adapter tray.
Can It Be Used for Both Snorkelling and Scuba Diving?
The SeaTouch 4 Max is the ideal underwater phone case for both, as it’s lightweight enough for snorkelling as well as being robust enough for diving.
With an easy-to-hold shape and wrist strap, this device makes snorkelling a breeze! Imagine this: You leave your friends on the beach whilst you explore the depths and then you come across something extraordinary, you can simply use the touchscreen to call your friends, who can join you in the water within minutes. Sharing amazing moments has never been so easy!
Scuba Diving
When it comes to diving, this remarkable little piece of equipment really stands up to the test, withstanding depths of up to 40m!
The DIVEVOLK phone housing has clearly been engineered by a team of divers and underwater photographers, as they have even created a variety of additional photography accessories similar to what the pros use, that can be easily added to your set-up to take your photography to the next level.
Do I Need To Buy the Additional Accessories?
If you’re just planning on snorkelling and shooting in shallow depths then the SeaTouch Max 4 housing is all you need to create some fantastic photos and videos, your only limit is the power of your smartphone’s camera.
TIP: Invest in Video Lights...
However, if you’re planning on diving, I highly recommend the one thing you invest in is lighting! If your budget can stretch to a pair of video lights rather than just one, that would be ideal to enable you to equally light a subject.
The reason we need lights for underwater photography/ videography is because water absorbs light very quickly, so the deeper you dive the more colour is lost. Using a video light will help to add back in the lost colour creating incredibly vibrant and beautiful shots.
If you’re ready to take your photos to the next level you can add on additional DIVEVOLK accessories, from macro to wide-angle wet lenses, float arms, red filters, camera trays, video lights and even an L bracket for those wanting to shoot for social media. You can either purchase them separately or buy the phone housing and accessories as a ready-to-go kit.
My DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Setup & Kit
I used the below setup with an iPhone 14 pro to shoot all the photos you see in this post, as well as some of the recent underwater videos shown on our Instagram page. Take a look here.
If you're looking to buy a similar kit, check out the different options here.
Creating Split Water Shots With a Smartphone
If you’ve ever wanted to re-create those incredible split water shot photos you see pro underwater photographers taking you can too, as DIVEVOLK have created their own dome lens which all you need to do is clip onto the front of the housing. It’s only waterproof up to 3m/10ft so ideal for snorkelling.
Does the Case Overheat or Fog?
Unlike other underwater camera housings I’ve used, the DIVEVOLK did not overheat or fog up on any of my dives and we were diving for roughly 60 minutes at a time. Once the housing is closed, it becomes completely airtight with minimal space around the phone so you do not need to insert silica gel packs like you often see underwater photographers using.
Like with all waterproof cases, after snorkelling or during your dive surface interval, be sure to keep it covered and out of the sun to avoid any potential fogging and condensation building up.
As the touchscreen works perfectly on land as it does in water, there’s also no need to take your phone out of the case in between dives, omitting any chance of getting moisture inside.
What About Battery Life?
It all depends on the smartphone you have as the battery life is not determined by the SeaTouch case. I managed to shoot multiple videos on my iPhone 14 Pro in 4K across two 60-minute dives without needing to charge my phone once. Unlike my GoPro 10 which doesn’t last for more than one dive!
TIP: Change your screen lock setting to “Raise to Wake” to save battery life. Should you need to charge your smartphone, you can even charge it wirelessly through the housing, without ever needing to take it out! DIVEVOLK have put so much attention to detail in their product.
Is the Case Heavy and Will It Sink?
Whilst it’s a heavy-looking piece of equipment, the waterproof phone case by itself, weighs around just 500g which is ideal if you need to travel light. One thing to note is the case is not buoyant, meaning if you drop it underwater it will sink, so always ensure you have the strap tethered around your wrist.
DIVEVOLK Discount Code
If you’re considering purchasing the SeaTouch 4 Max, you can bag yourself a 6% DISCOUNT OFF your entire purchase by simply clicking on my exclusive Coconut Odyssey link. The discount will automatically be applied at checkout. (Use coupon code COCONUTODYSSEY if the link is not working)
(By clicking on this link I will earn a small commission to help keep my blog going at no extra cost to you)