Diving With Your Smartphone

Smartphones are quickly entering the mainstream of camera technology, and many divers realize how powerful they are for underwater video and photography.

- JILL HEINERTH

Smartphones are compact and capable of editing and sharing your short films and stills almost instantaneously. With every new model, the camera specifications and environmental seals are improved, meaning that building a pro-level rig is reasonably inexpensive.

Understanding water resistance specifications

We’ve all seen TV commercials showing people swimming or snorkelling with their phones, but be cautious—doing so may damage your device and void your warranty. The manufacturer’s specification for water resistance is stated as a letter and number combo, such as IP67 or IP68. The higher the number, the better protection from dust, oil, and water, but it does not mean your phone is waterproof. It just means it can survive a brief dunking or a rainstorm. There is variation, even within a category such as IP68, so you must consult the specific manufacturer’s instructions to see how much water your phone can bear. Some IP68 devices are tested in 10 feet (3m) of water, and some deeper. Generally, they can withstand that depth for 30 minutes or as indicated.

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