Photo: AquaTech
As far as surf photography goes, it’s hard to beat shooting from the water. Getting wet rather than shooting from the beach lets you get close to the action, nail that down-the-barrel shot, or simply have fun learning a new skill. It used to be that if you wanted to do so, you’d have to take the plunge on an expensive camera and waterproof housing, and then risk said setup in the waves, likely without any experience doing so.
However, waterproof phone cases and housings present a much more cost-effective method for trying in-water surf photography before you go all in, and as phone cameras continue to close the gap on professional cameras, they can even be a longer-term solution for the casual surf photographer. Although some phones these days are waterproof, they aren’t reliable for long periods of submersion. Luckily, there are some solid phone cases specifically made for in-water photography that will keep your phone safe and allow you to capture all the action.
What are the best waterproof phone cases?
AxisGo ($200)
SeaLife SportDiver ($350)
Willbox Diving Case ($45)
ProShot Touch ($120)
LifeProof FRE ($70-90)
Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch ($10)
What makes a good waterproof phone case?
For starters, I need a phone case that is fully and reliably waterproof. Additionally, I want a case that is easy to use, works at depth, and takes great photos.
Waterproof
If the phone case isn’t waterproof, it’s not doing its job. My phone is a staple in both my work and social life, so I really don’t want my phone to get water damage. I need a case I can rely on.
Ease of Use
I am not tech savvy. I want to be able to take good photos of my friends shredding, but I don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to work my new case. It needs to be self explanatory and easy to use in the water so I don’t miss the shot.
Depth Rating
Some cases are meant for surface level photography, while others are designed for deep submersion and can be used for both scuba diving and surfing. I don’t need a case that can make it to the bottom Mariana’s Trench, but I want something that can withstand a little pressure so I can at least take it on shallow dives.
Photo Clarity
While your phone might come with an awesome camera, it will only be as good as the case you’re covering it with. Some of the cases below have high-quality, and even anti-reflective, glass covering the camera. Others have lower-quality plastic coverings that will produce decent enough photos, but nothing near professional-quality.
What else should I look for in a waterproof phone case?
Compatibility
Some phone cases in this list are universal, meaning they can fit any smartphone within reason (phablets, like the iPhone Max series, can be a different question altogether). Others are designed for a specific brand, or even model, of phone. For example the AxisGo cases, below, are only compatible with iPhones and offer specific cases depending on model. Choose wisely.
Grips/Accessories
For professional surf photography, a pistol grip is the gold standard, letting you dangle your camera over the edge of a wave for a down-the-barrel shot, and providing a secure grip on your precious cargo when the waves get rough. Some of these options come with a grip or have one integrated, others don’t. The AxisGo case, below has one you can buy separately.
Buttons
If you’ve ever tried to tap a screen with water on it, you’ll know what I’m talking about – it’s frustrating to say the least. And if you’re going to take photos underwater, your touchscreen will be unusable, so you’ll have to rely on either your volume buttons to nail the shot, or a button integrated into the case.
AxisGo ($200)
Waterproof: 5
Ease of Use: 5
Depth Rating: 4
Clarity: 5
Overall: 4.75/5
Designed specifically for iPhones, the AxisGo is all about keeping your phone protected while allowing for the perfect shot. To use, you simply place your phone in the case, snap the secure locking clip, and you’re ready to go. The phone case provides full touchscreen access, allowing you to use photo apps, take selfies, and instantly share your shots with contacts. The case is depth rated to 33 feet, so in addition to surf photography you can take it on shallow dives. The AxisGo has compatible accessories available for purchase, including a Bluetooth pistol grip which allows users to take photos with the click of a button and a dome which helps create stunning over/underwater shots – I’m a big fan of both accessories. Overall, this case felt super reliable, was easy to use, and created awesome shots. I’m excited to continue using it and improving at in-water and underwater photography.
SeaLife SportDiver ($350)
Waterproof: 5
Ease of Use: 3
Depth Rating: 5
Clarity: 5
Overall: 4.5/5
Although the price is a little steep, SeaLife’s SportDiver case is the most advanced case I’ve come across. The case fits most Android and iPhone models and is waterproof to 130 feet, so it’s perfect for scuba, free diving, and surf photography. The heavy-duty case is constructed from Polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum and optical grade glass, meaning your phone is ultra-safe. The free app uses Bluetooth and allows you to easily switch between photo and video while underwater and use settings like adjust zoom, exposure (EV), auto/manual focus, white balance, tint, lens selection, RAW and JPEG mode, live photo, and background mode. The advanced camera settings allow you to get creative with your photos and take the best shot possible – I really appreciated the zoom for capturing photos of my friends surfing.
Other thoughtful features include a removable underwater color-correction filter, holding spring and rubber grip tabs to ensure your phone stays securely in place, an anti-fog design, and a dual leak alarm should the waterproof seal be compromised. While this camera is amazing for scuba and takes incredible photos, it’s a little heavy for surf photography and doesn’t include a handle, so you need a firm grip on it at all times. Overall, I was impressed with the different features the case offered and by the quality of photos it allows for.
Willbox Diving Case ($45)
Waterproof: 5
Ease of Use: 4
Depth Rating: 4
Clarity: 5
Overall: 4.5/5
Another “universal option,” the Willbox diving case is made to be used with both iPhones and Samsung’s line of Galaxy smartphones. A lanyard attachment provides an added layer of security, and a tripod mount allows you to connect the case to a tripod or a compatible phone pole (for selfies) or a pistol grip. The case also boasts its own side grip with a shutter button, so it’s easy enough to use without added accessories. Rated to 50-feet, the case is a solid option for shallower dives, though if you’re looking to go deeper, you may want to check out the SeaLife case, above.
ProShot Touch ($120)
Waterproof: 5
Ease of Use: 4
Depth Rating: 4
Clarity: 4
Overall: 4.25/5
The ProShot Touch case has everything I want in a waterproof phone case with an easy-to-use design. To use the case, you simply slip in your phone, lock the case, and you’re good to go. The touch screen doesn’t work while underwater, but the case comes with a compatible app and once you download it, you can easily switch from photo to video while in the water. The only challenge I had while taking photos was that the app kept switching to sleep mode and then would take a couple of seconds to get back in focus – I’m sure I’ll get better at using it with time, but it caused me to miss a few shots. The case comes with a floating hand grip and a wrist strap, which made it much easier to swim and take photos. Despite being one of the smaller and seemingly simpler cases, the ProShot case is waterproof to 50 feet, so you can easily take it on a shallow dives in addition to capturing images in the surf.
LifeProof FRE ($70-90)
Waterproof: 5
Ease of Use: 3
Depth Rating: 2
Clarity: 4
Overall: 3.5/5
LifeProof’s FRE case is designed for everyday use and is durable enough to withstand an adventurous lifestyle. The FRE case features 360-degree protection with a built-in screen cover that seals it from dirt, dust, snow, and ice. The phone is submersible for two meters for an hour, so you can definitely take it in the water, you just have to watch your time and depth. Although all of the phone features work while inside the case, it takes a little extra effort to text and take photos with the touch screen but it doesn’t work while underwater. I like this case because it keeps my phone safe at all times, but it’s better suited for photos from the boat when you need something to protect your phone from the occasional splash. If you’re looking for a case for in-water photography, it’s possible with the LifeProof FRE, but isn’t the most reliable option.
Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch ($10)
Waterproof: 4
Ease of Use: 4
Depth Rating: 2
Clarity: 3
Overall: 3.25/5
Joto’s waterproof phone pouch is one of the simplest designs out there, but surprisingly effective. The design is sort of like a high-tech Ziplock bag and it’s rated waterproof to 100 feet, though I probably wouldn’t take it that deep. You are able to use your touch screen through the pouch but if you’re looking to take photos underwater, you’ll need to use the volume button as the touch screen doesn’t work while underwater. I have yet to have any issues with the case, but I’d personally use it as more of a water-resistant option to take photos from the boat or in the splash zone, rather than fully submerging it – it’s designed to be fully submerged, but at $10, I’m a little skeptical of how reliable it actually is. The photo clarity will also be somewhat affected. For the price, it’s a great option for ensuring your phone stays safe should you encounter rain or splashing while you’re using it, or if your phone is already waterproof and you just want some added security.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
