News

After the runaway success of their SportDiver Ultra housing, SeaLife Cameras has unveiled the SportDiver S, which offers a more-compact form factor along the lines of the original SportDiver. According to SeaLife, the new version of the housing offers compatibility with all current iPhone models, as well as all but the very largest Android smartphones.

Depth-rated to 100 feet (30 meters)—a little less than the 130-feet (40-meter) rating of the Ultra version—the SportDiver S has similar controls and functionality to its bigger sibling. The housing features the same rectangular port used on the original SportDiver and the SportDiver Ultra, ensuring compatibility with accessories such as their six-inch Wide Angle Dome Lens and 52mm Wide-Angle Dome Lens (via their 67mm-52mm Lens Adapter). 

Like the Ultra, the “S” model boasts the Leak Avoidance System, which features a pre-dive pressure test to ensure the housing is properly sealed before entering the water. Should your waterproof seal be compromised, the system also includes a moisture sensor that activates an on-screen warning. Unlike the Ultra, the new model does not ship with a red color-correction filter. Filters—red, magenta, and yellow—must be purchased separately.

Available now from retailers such as Backscatter, the SportDiver S costs $300—a full $100 less than the price of the Ultra model.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRESS RELEASE

SeaLife Unveils New SportDiver S Underwater Smartphone Housing

MOORESTOWN, NJ - SeaLife has introduced the all-new SportDiver S, an underwater smartphone housing designed for divers & snorklers of all abilities. The new compact housing dives to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) and offers several updates over the original SportDiver model, the new “S” version offers compatibility with all iPhone models including Max sizes, as well as many Android smartphones.

Engineered for absolute reliability and ease of use, the SportDiver S allows divers and snorkelers to capture stunning photos and videos with their smartphones down to depths of 100 feet (30 meters). Constructed from premium polycarbonate, stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum, and optical-grade glass, the housing weighs just 22.6 ounces pounds (641 grams) on land while offering almost neutral buoyancy in water, depending on the smartphone used.

Ergonomically designed for comfortable handling and ease of use, the SportDiver S features a large shutter lever and rear control buttons, enabling effortless operation even while wearing dive gloves. Photographers can expand their creativity by utilizing advanced camera settings such as zoom control, exposure adjustment, auto/manual focus, white balance, lens selection, RAW+JPEG mode, and much more, depending on the phone model.

The new housing works with the free SportDiver camera app, available for both Android and iOS platforms. The app when combined with the housing, turns a smartphone into a highly capable underwater camera, and easily switches between photo and video modes, harnessing the native camera technology of the smartphone to deliver the high-quality images and videos users have come to expect. Additionally, the app's power-save mode temporarily turns off the camera and dims the display, conserving battery life while keeping instant accessibility with a single touch.

The SportDiver S housing uses Bluetooth® Low Energy wireless technology, which automatically connects to the user's smartphone when opening the SportDiver app. The free SportDiver app is compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones, which are available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store under the name "SportDiver”.  Unlike most other apps, the SportDiver app does not request your email address or personal information, ensuring your complete privacy.  The SportDiver housing features ultra-low power consumption, powered by two AAA batteries that last over 50 hours of continuous use.

For enhanced imaging results, three optional removable underwater color-correction filters are available for purchase; Red for restoring natural underwater colors, Magenta for color correction of green water, or Yellow for deep blue water and fluorescent lights. The filters can be attached or removed while submerged and include a safety tether to prevent loss.

SeaLife also offers optional lenses and a 52mm/67mm lens mount to further expand divers imaging creativity.

Designed for added lights and versatility, the SportDiver S housing features three 1/4-20 tripod mount options, which allows it to be seamlessly mounted with any standard tripod-threaded light or light tray, such as SeaLife's own Sea Dragon underwater photo/video lights. For best results, SeaLife recommends using an attached light source when diving with the SportDiver S.

SportDiver S with Sea Dragon 3000F Color Boost Photo-Video Light
 

Ensuring maximum protection for the user’s smartphone, the SportDiver S incorporates a sturdy holding spring and rubber grip tabs that securely holds the smartphone in place, providing shock-protection for small and larger phone models.

Protecting your valuable smartphone remains a top priority. A Leak Avoidance System features a pre-dive pressure test to ensure the housing is airtight and waterproof before entering the water. In addition to the pre-dive pressure test, an internal moisture sensor activates an on-screen warning in the unlikely event the waterproof seal is compromised.

The SportDiver S features a new interior design that protects sensitive components and electronics from damage in the event water drops accidentally enter the housing when opening the door after diving. The anti-fogging "Moisture Muncher" capsule prevents fogging and internal condensation.

The housing is sealed with a high-temperature resistant silicone O-ring seal and a robust cam-lock sealing latch, ensuring a secure, waterproof seal.  Extra O-rings and O-ring lubricant are included.

To ensure compatibility, users should consult SeaLife's "fit-guide" on the website (www.sealife-cameras.com/sportdiver-compatibility/) or simply scan the QR code provided to determine if their phone model will fit seamlessly into the SportDiver S housing.

For larger smartphones, including Samsung’s range of Galaxy Ultra models and Google’s Pixel range, users can select the deeper diving (130’/40m) SeaLife SportDiver Ultra, which includes a red color-correction filter, seven ¼-20 accessory mounts, and a custom-fit EVA travel case.  All SeaLife SportDiver models function with the same SportDiver app, and adapt to all SportDiver accessories.

SeaLife’s SportDiver S phone housing will be available worldwide in late April 2025.

SportDiver S with six-inch Wide Angle Dome Lens

SportDiver S with Lens Adapter and 52mm Wide-Angle Dome Lens
 

SportDiver S with Sea Dragon 6000 Color Boost Auto Photo/Video Light Kit