16th July 2024

The best camera is the one you have with you

Traditionally, if you wanted to take photos or videos underwater on your diving adventure, you needed a setup like I have in the pictures to the left. A large Ikelite housing, a high end camera, and multiple external flashes. This will still give you the absolute quality images, but is expensive and cumbersome for travel. In the last few years, several products have come to market allowing you to take the camera you carry with you every day, your phone, with you diving or snorkeling allowing you to have pictures where they are most available to you to share and post. We now offer on Seethesearx.com, as authorized Oceanic dealers, the Oceanic + housing, the perfect companion for your prescription dive mask. 

The Oceanic + Dive Housing, compatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 12 iPhone Xr iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 Mini iPhone X iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone SE (3rd Generation) iPhone 15 iPhone 13 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone SE (2nd Generation iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 Mini iPhone 11 iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone Xs Max iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 12 Pro iPhone Xs

This is one of my favorite pictures I have taken while diving- I captured this turtle on my iPhone 14 Pro Max in a dive case in St. Martin about 2 years ago. Depth – approximatley 60 feet underwater 

Overview of the Oceanic + Housing

The Oceanic+ Dive Housing is meticulously designed to provide robust protection for high-end phones, ensuring they perform flawlessly in the depths of the ocean. Constructed from durable materials such as corrosion-resistant metals and reinforced polycarbonate, this housing is engineered to withstand the pressure and elements encountered underwater. Its ergonomic design allows for easy handling and operation, even in challenging underwater environments where visibility and dexterity may be compromised.

The primary function of any underwater housing is to provide optical clarity while protecting the phone. The Oceanic+ Dive Housing excels in this aspect with precision-engineered ports and and lens that maintain the camera’s autofocus capabilities and ensure sharp, clear images. Advanced coatings and materials minimize glare and distortion, preserving the natural colors and details of the underwater world. This clarity is essential for capturing the vivid hues of coral reefs, the graceful movements of marine life, and the intricate textures of underwater landscapes.

In terms of camera functionality, the housing has a built in app for depth and color correction, ability to use all the camera’s lenses, and ability to quickly share photos when topside (keep in mind even though you have your phone with you underwater, cellphone signal is lost within several feet of the surface).

Dive computer functionality

The Oceanic + Dive Housing has a dive computer app built in, however, this does have a subscription fee if desired (the app fee is shared with the app on the Apple Watch if you have that subscription). The subscription is NOT required for the camera functionality, but is an added feature available for those that might want it (and one less piece of equipment have to travel with). 

unboxing

Conclusion

There is no question the easiest way to take photos and video underwater is with your phone and a compact dive housing. These housings provide an easy compact way to bring your phone underwater on reefs, wrecks, or wherever your diving adventures take you. These housings are even great for snorkeling. The camera quality on phones has increased gigantically over the last few years, and while a DSLR/mirrorless set up will produce the highest quality photos available (and we can help you build a set up like that if you wish) in terms of space and cost, these phone housings cannot be beat. The Oceanic + housing costs $489.96 and ships free with your prescription dive mask order. If you would like to purchase one separately, feel free to reach out. 

Picture of Josh

Josh

Josh is an optical technician and owner of See the Sea RX. He is a PADI instructor and rebreather diver- he has been involved in diving for more than 20 years. He has also worked as a sergeant at the Harris County, Texas, Sheriff's Office, which included time as the instructor for the dive team. Josh also holds a masters degree in data analytics from Texas A&M.