DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max ⎮ Reviewing the KING OF SMARTPHONE HOUSINGS 🌊📱🤩
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- Опубліковано 29 лип 2024
- Today I review the revolutionary SeaTouch 4 Max Smartphone Housing by Divevolk and share my thoughts with you as to how good this underwater housing really is.
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Products we talked about in the video (get 6% discount on all Divevolk products when using these links to purchase them):
SeaTouch 4 Max Smartphone Housing:
bit.ly/3nVqDaS
Expansion clamp & red filter:
bit.ly/3P4IFDs
Macro lens:
bit.ly/3nV8UAp
Wide angle conversion lens:
bit.ly/3axiUNd
Backscatter Macro Wide Video lights:
www.backscatter.com/Backscatt...
Ball mount adapter:
www.backscatter.com/Nauticam-...
Clamp:
bit.ly/3PGabqX
Gorilla Pod:
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Use the time code for navigation:
0:00 - Intro
03:40 - General information about the SeaTouch 4 Max
14:12 - Example footage
15:25 - Recommended accessories
24:58 - Conclusion
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IN A NAUTICAM HOUSING (www.nauticam.com/products/na-...)
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Have you tried the SeaTouch 4 Max yourself? How do you like it?
Great video filled with so mich info! Answered so many questions I have on this great case!
For those of you with a query about using a basic macro lens independently from the red filter, you don't have to unscrew one from the other. The way round this is to purchase from Divevolk an additional arm (not the entire clamp portion). Then follow the instructions as per Cyborg Pirate's UA-cam video "Multi lens mod for Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max case" dated 12/11/22, based on an idea also posted on UA-cam by Tropic Lens. Simple.
Really thorough review and very interesting! Thank you!
Very useful and interesting review. Now really interested in such housing and some accessories. Thank you, Matthias.
You're very welcome mate. If you decide to get the housing, make sure to use the link(s) in the video description. They will give you an extra 6% discount on anything you buy in the Divevolk store. 😉
Thank you Matthias for the great review.
it was an amazing footage 👍
Thank you my friend 🙏🏻😊
Awesome it was a very educational thanks for your time buddy
Thanks for your feedback mate. 🙏🏻 Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Great video! Super helpful! Thank you for making this.
You’re welcome buddy 😊
Amazing video, great explanation, and video examples!!
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. 🙏🏻😊
Thank you
Great video it's answers all of my questions 🌟
You’re very welcome. 😊
Great review! Just ordered it...
Thanks for your feedback mate. 🙏🏻 Glad it was helpful. 😊
Great review and footage looks great. Would love to see a “shot only on iPhone” type video with some tips and tricks. :) please
Thank you. 🙏🏻 Sure, I got a video like that in the pipeline. 😉
I have a question, is this case worth being interested in? How does the touch in version 4 work? Because in the first versions I heard that there were problems
there are a few companies that make casings but not fully tactile and that's why this one interested me, but I wonder how it is with touch and whether gloves would work too?
Do you have to use a lot of force when touching?
Hallo Matthias,
danke für das informative Video. Wie immer ganz hervorragend! Hast Du bei den Beispielaufnahmen den Autofocus vom Handy genutzt?
Schöne Grüße
Patrick
Hallo Patrick
Ja genau, habe jeweils den Autofokus verwendet.
Hi Matthias, great review, great work, as usual, thank you for the value you channel brings ! One quick question, would you believe that the angle lens is almost a no brainer and indispensable ?
Thank you for your kind words. 🙏🏻 Very happy my videos are being useful. 😊
Yes, I would consider the wide angle conversion lens pretty much a no-brainer if you want to use the wide lens of your smartphone underwater. It's not a perfect lens but it will make your wide angle shots much more usable.
Excellent and very thorough.
Thank you buddy. 🙏🏻
Hi Mathias, I am about to take my Sea Touch 4 Max on its first dive trip. I have the original clamp for mounting on a tray. In one of your videos you said that there is a new version which is better because it was easy to lose the screw holding the two parts together. I found that, by increasing the size of the screw hole (away from the base) by only 2 or 3 mm using my Dremel and a diamond drill, I can now adjust the fitting of the housing in the clamp with only a small release of the screw and no need to separate the two parts at all. Others may find this useful. Jack Kelly
Hey Jack
Thank you very much mate for sharing this with us. I'm sure others will find that information beneficial as well. Thanks again and keep enjoying your Divevolk setup. 🙏🏻👍🏻
Awesome vlog today really enjoy your vlogs keep up the great work. I’m a new diver and a amateur photographer who is now learning underwater photography. I’m off to Thailand in March to do same diving and snorkelling. My question is about aspect racial settings for photo images and video is best? And is it best to set it in the camera or in post production or both? Once again thanks for your time and hope to here from you soon ok take care and have a great day 👍📸
Thank you buddy, appreciate your feedback. 🙏🏻 Glad you enjoy my content. As for the aspect ratio question, with video the traditional 16:9 is most common and I would stick to that. If you then want to add cinema bars in post you can do that, but as a general rule you won't go wrong with 16:9 unless you specifically record for social media platform, in which case you would wanna go with the vertical approach.
For photography I would go with the traditional 4:3 setting and then choose the final ratio when editing the photos.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Matthias
Thank you Matthias for the review. I wonder if you use a wide lens/close up marco lens from Divevolk or you used from other brands.
I use the wet lenses from Divevolk and really like them.
Thank you Matthias so much for this review. I have been waiting for a setup that I could use Lightroom camera and shoot in RAW format. Since you can use the touch screen of the phone, I can just go into LR and shoot with the camera in RAW. I also found the housing and filters with the adapter for $279 on Amazon. And the wide angle lens for $99. I have the mounts and arms and would just need to get the light...oh...and $89 for the macro lens. $467 total without the light. I also found the MW4300 with snoot for $599 Update...I just found out you CAN shoot RAW in iPhone...but not sure the quality of Apple's RAW vs Lightroom's RAW.
The RAW that you can shoot through the iPhone camera app should be proper 16-bit RAW and should be editable like any other RAW photo.
Thanks for the review, could you make a review of the sea-link that changes your divevolk housing into a camera monitor by enhencing the wifi connection, im super curious for real impressions ! 😉
In it Buddy. I’ve already tested it - works great by the way - and the review video will come out in the next few weeks. 👍🏻
We got the housing after watching this video. So far we’re very impressed! And it’s also very easy to use and no battery drain. So so much better than the gopro we were using 😅
I’m curious how you store the housing for travel? It’s really missing a nice protective hard shell housing
Hey Katrin, glad to hear that you're enjoying the housing. I use this case to protect my Divevolk housing for travel: www.divevolkdiving.com/products/divevolk-eva-box-for-seatouch-underwater-housing?sca_ref=2327536.l8XK6fwDo0
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Matthias
@@MatthiasLebo ah ok, I missed that when I ordered it. Thanks.
We took it diving for the first time today. Really impressed!
It would be really cool to see some tips videos geared specifically to using a phone. :)
Hey Katrin, thanks for your input. I will try to make some specific videos about using a smartphone to film underwater. 🙏👍🏻
Great video! Thanks!
I guess there isn’t an option to go back and forth between the macro lens and the red filter wide angle without taking it apart?
So you just pick one setup for a dive?
You can quite easily change between the macro and the wide angle/red filter setup even during a dive. It's a simple screw on/off mechanism that works well also underwater.
Hi Matthias thank you for your advice about paralenz..
No worries mate 😊
Great review. I have the original Nauticam RX100 housing with wet lenses. I found in dirty water tiny bits of debris sometimes gets between the wet lens and housing. For me, it ruins the shot. Have you noticed this? If so, is there a work around?
Yeah, I have had this happen to me before. The way I try to work around it is to attach the wet lens to the camera housing close to the surface (or in midwater, depending on where the water is the clearest) and not close to the bottom where stirred up sediments may get caught in between the lenses.
But generally speaking there is always going to be a risk of catching some dirt in between the lenses when using wet lenses.
I really love your videos and channel. Helps me quite a lot. Is there also a possibility to attach a GoPro on top of the housing somehow?
Thank you so much for your feedback. Means a lot to me. 🙏
Yes, the optional filter/lens adapter has a cold shoe mount to which you can attach a mn action cam with the right accessory.
thank for the review, just place my order for it, i am now torn between getting ball mount & clamp ( compact) or flex arm ( flexibility) for macro light, primarily for macro photo
You’re welcome buddy. If macro is what you want to focus on I recommend the ball mount/clamp setup with one light. That will be plenty for macro and much more compact than the flex arms.
Hi Matthias, thanks for testing and reviewing so many camera housing for iPhone. I watched your videos and feel this is so far the most convenient to use underwater. I am considering to get it for my LOB trip to Malaysia. Can you kindly share that in between two dives do you rinse the phone case and keep it with you or you submerge it in the water tank together with the other big cameras? Just worried the membrane might get scratched and create leakage.
Hey Karen
Thanks for your comment. That's a very good a valid questions and I completely agree with you. I always just rinse it out thoroughly and then store it my bag or some other safe place to avoid damage to the membrane. From my experience the membrane is quite robust, but I would still use some caution handling it. Also, the housing comes with a kind of a membrane cover that you can place onto the membrane for protection whenever the housing is not in use.
Hope this helps and don't forget to use my affiliate link (bit.ly/3nVqDaS) to get an extra 6% off your purchase if you decide to get the housing. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Hi Matthias, thanks for taking time to answer my inquiry. Your advice is very helpful. I will be more careful when I am using the housing….
THANK YOU….
Hi Matthias,
I brought this housing to LoB. It worked very well and it’s very easy to operate underwater. Thank you so much for your sharing I can finally take photos underwater.
Intend to use it take macro photo in my next Indo trip.
Cheers ❤
Excellent, thanks so much Matthias
No worries, you're welcome. 😉
You’ve convinced me to invest in this. I love my Axisgo but this one seems much better.
I’m pretty sure you will be very happy with it. 😉And if you want to save yourself some money buying this, use the link in the video description. It will give you a 6% discount on your total spending. 😊
Great video review. I'm thinking about getting this for an upcoming trip to Roatan. I've only used a GoPro underwater a few times and am curious about holding the camera. How would the housing and grip work when you need to shift around? For the GoPro I take the loop and hang it off my wrist when I need to ascend/desend. Is there a better way to do that? Also thank you, I'm still fairly new to scuba diving.
Thanks for your comment buddy. The Divevolk housing comes with a little lanyard that you can attach to your wrist (similar to what you're doing with your GoPro now) and then just let go of it if you need both hands. Another way is to attached a bolt snap to your camera housing so you can clip it off to a d-ring on your BCD when you're not using the camera. Hope this helps?
As you heard in the video, I'm a big fan of the Divevolk housing for the use with smartphones underwater. The best on the market in my opinion and much more versatile than a GoPro, because you can film wide angel as well as macro with the same setup and no accessories needed. If you decide to go for the Divevolk housing, don't forget to use this link here (bit.ly/3nVqDaS) to get an extra 6% off at checkout 😉
Hi! Thank you for your sharing! It helps a lot! May I know how deep can iPhone 13 Pro go ? I can’t check much information about it’s pressure resistance online.
Do you mean the phone itself or inside the Divevolk housing? I'm not sure about the phone itself, but I honestly wouldn't take it into the water without a housing. The Divevolk housing is rated to 60 meters.
Wow, done, decided. Great review
Thank you mate. 🙏🏻 Glad you found it helpful. 😊
Hi Matthias, can you tell me is the SeaTouch 4 Max fits in a Sealife Sea Dragon DUO 6000F? Thanks
Hi Matthias. Great review. Thank you so much for all the information. I am really thinking about getting this housing. Until now I use my gopro hero black 7.
I really love the options to upgrade the divevolk housing with several lenses.
How you manage changing between wide angle and macro lense during a dive? You have to unscrew one and replace it with the other? Or is it possible to attach two "arms" with lenses and just flip the one you need in front of the camera?
And another question: how to protect the membrane during the dive? Does it make sense to use the available cover (the blue camouflage one) under water?
Thanks a lot.
Hey Buddy, thanks for your comment. Yes, you simply unscrew the lens underwater and replace it with the one you want to use. Pretty simple and straight-forward. There isn’t really a mechanism mechanism have two lenses in place and just flip the one you wanna use in front of the camera. But that’s a good idea. I’ll talk to the guys at DiveVolk. I’m pretty sure they can come up with some sort of a construction.
The membrane is pretty durable. As long as you don’t hit it with something sharp it is hard to damage it. I don’t use any cover, just hold it in my hand throughout the dive. I wouldn’t use the included cover. I think there is a high risk of loosing it.
By the way, if you want to get this housing and save some money at the same time, make sure to use one of the links in the video description to order it. They will give you an extra 6% discount. 😉
Thanks a lot for the quick response. As I tend to lose stuff in the sea (several computers and even a camera) I am afraid of losing the additional lense... I'll try to figure out a way to secure the spare parts between lense changings.
Thanks for your advice to use the links you've posted to buy the housing. As I need shipping to Germany, I am afraid that the customs will be too high. And I think shipping will take quite long. I will compare if it's cheaper to get the stuff from a German seller.
Again: thanks a lot.
Many greetings from Germany to Switzerland 🤗
Great video thanks, will this work with the Samsung s22 given its lens layout?
According to the DiveVolk website the Samsung S22 will work with the housing. It's even one of their standard options. See here: bit.ly/3nVqDaS
Hello Matthias thank you for the very helpful review. One question I had: Is there a way to have some sort of attachment device to the camera housing incase you drop the camera or need to use both hands for something? If so, what would you recommend? Thank you
The housing comes actually will a little lanyard that you can attach to the housing and then tie it around your wrist. That works fine in most situations. Alternatively the neoprene cover comes with an attachment so you can clip the whole thing (including the housing) to a D-ring on your BCD whenever you need both hands. Have a look here: bit.ly/3XrSqQY
Great tips and review… thanks 🙏🏽
Thank you buddy. I'm glad it was useful to you. 😊
I admire your videos, but wondering if photographs are as good in the Divevolk? For example, is it difficult to hold the camera still while using sufficient pressure to activate the touch screen? I currently have an Olympus TG-6 in Ikelight housing. I find the buttons and settings annoying and finicky underwater. On the other hand, I love using my iPhone 13 Pro now for photographs above water. The Divevolk may be just what I’m looking for!
Hey Jane,
Thanks for your question. I've been using the iPhone 13 Pro and and 14 Pro Max in the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max housing for about 9 months now and I really love it. The touch screen works so smooth and you don't need to use any excessive force to activate the touch screen underwater. Maybe a little more than on the surface, but I never felt like it was a problem to hold the smartphone still while taking a photo. This is just my honest opinion and I would not switch to any other underwater housing for any reason.
By the way, if you're thinking about getting a Divevolk housing, consider using my affiliate link to purchase it. By doing this you'll help this channel AND get an extra saving of 6% on your total purchase. Thank you very much. 🙏🏻😊
Thanks for the review.. 2 questions: can I mount a GoPro 10 on top? And can I attach the divevolt to a sealife tray with a light ?
You're welcome. If you get the clamp with the housing you will get a hot shoe attachment on the top which you can then use to attach a GoPro to it. You'll just have to find the appropriate attachment from the GoPro to the hot shoe.
Same goes for attaching it to a tray. The Clamp will give you some screw holes at the bottom which you can use to attach it to a tray. The Sealife tray should be fine since the Divevolk housing is pretty much the same size as the Sealife housing.
Hope this helps?
Love the review. You’ve got me leaning towards this housing over the Sealife housing now.The questions I have are..Should you protect the touch screen membrane with some sort of cover while it’s hanging on your bc or in a rinse tank with other housings ? And also if it’s necessary to put a few moisture munchers in the case as a precaution? Appreciate all your great work,Mike
Thank you Mike for your feedback and questions. Yes, I would definitely get the protective cover (bit.ly/3XrSqQY) for the membrane and have it in place whenever you don't use the housing. Moisture munchers are not necessary though as the phone sits so tightly in the housing, that there is basically no air left to be heated up and cause fogging. Never had or heard of any fogging issues with the Seatouch 4 Max.
Should you decide to get a Seatouch 4 Max, I'd appreciate if you'd use my affiliate link, which also gives you a 6% discount on your entire purchase. Here's the link: bit.ly/3nVqDaS
Thanks for your support. 🙏🏻
Thanks a lot for replying and definitely going to purchase the housing and cover,etc. for my upcoming St.Thomas dive trip next month,Mike
@@MikeKelliher-dq1yg awesome! Have fun on your upcoming trip and with your new Divevolk setup. 😊
Hi Matthias, thank you for such an informative review. I like the implementation of technology to solve these problems. A question I have regards packing the housing for flying. Can you take the housing in your hand luggage? Or is it restricted because it is filled with gel? Gel is usually classed as liquid and not acceptable in hand luggage. Can anyone help answer this one please?
I have never taken it on a plane as hand luggage, simply because I always have too little space in my hand luggage. 🙈
But the amount of gel really isn’t much and I’d be very surprised if it was going over any limits. Also, i have never heard of any issues regarding this. But if you want I can ask the guys at DiveVolk what their experience and recommendation is?
Hi Matthias. I bought the case after seeing your reviews. Planning to take it to Maldives. Can you ask please if it is allowed in hand luggage or if i have to check it in? Thank you so much! Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you for your review, Matt. Do you really satisfied with the quality of footage from this setup?
No worries buddy. Yes, I am. It's obviously not going to be able to compete with larger, more expensive setups like a cinema system (RED KOMODO) or a good mirrorless system (Panasonic GH5/Sony A7SIII), but for the price it produces some amazing quality. For someone who doesn't intend on selling the footage and is not shooting for paying clients but just for themselves, this setup is fantastic. Getting something similar from a dedicated camera, you will probably need to spend somewhere between 5 - 10K.
Matthias, as always, excellent and timely. Thank you. I gather you did not find any kind in the ability of the membrane to actuate the iPhone touches?
Thanks. No, not at all. The touch screen membrane works really well underwater and can even be used with gloves. 👍🏻
@@MatthiasLebo dry suit?
Yes, works just fine with dry suit gloves. 👍🏻
Great review Matthias!
Two questions:
- You've used this and the gopro quite a lot - do you feel the image quality is equal to or superior to the latest gopro 11?
- The wide angle conversion lens seems "soft" on the edges; is this your assessment too?
Thank you John. I haven’t compared it to the GoPro 11 yet. This will greatly depend on what phone you use inside the housing though. What I can say is that I was happier with the footage from the iPhone 13 Pro than the footage coming out of the GoPro 10.
Yes, if you use it with the ultra wide lens it will get a bit soft towards the edges. When used wit the regular lens and centered properly I haven’t noticed this effect.
@@MatthiasLebo Thanks Matthias -- I just bought a new iPhone 14 Pro Max and am debating on whether I should buy a new Hero 11 before I dive in Alor or house the 14 instead. I will also take my Sony A7Sii, but I have to admit these smaller rigs make me want to dive more since they are so much easier to deal with if there is any current.
Absolutely. Honestly I would get a housing for your 14 Pro Max. It is a much more versatile setup than a GoPro, which can only really do wide angle shots. Close ups are possible with the use of a macro lens, but much harder to capture than with the iPhone. Last June I spend two weeks in Bali (pure vacation - no video projects I had to work on) and I didn’t bring my large rig but only my iPhone 13 Pro in the DiveVolk housing. And I loved it. So much more convenient and the quality was good enough for vacation memories and to share on social media not needing the highest possible quality, as I would do for a paid project. Can highly recommend it. 👍🏻
Hello Matthias, some other reviewers have commented that they struggled with the touch screen operation underwater. Did you have any problems while diving and trying to access functions on the touchscreen through the gel covering? Also, have you tested the SeaLink yet? Interested to hear how it operates as an external monitor?
I can’t confirm that. I have never had any issues with the touch screen. For me it has worked just fine.
Yes, I have tested the SeaLink and have even made a video about it: ua-cam.com/video/yjPssclKMOw/v-deo.htmlsi=Ao-RLFF7ABXdGLlj
Excellent review:) the other housings include a pump, not only to ensure water tightness, but also helps reduce fogging? This one doesn’t, will this fog up more especially in the tropics?
Thanks buddy. I've used the housing in various environments (Bonaire, Croatia, Switzerland, Bali) and never had any problems with fogging. The phone just doesn't produce enough heat in my opinion to be problematic, especially because the screen doesn't have to be on all the time like with some other housings.
@@MatthiasLebo I also noticed you reviewed an older model of this housing, is the newer one(seatouch 4 max) much better in terms of the touchscreen response? Anything else much better with this newer model? And lastly :) if I wanted a more conventional housing(with buttons) for my smartphone , which one do you think is best?
Yes, the new one is much better in terms of the responsiveness and the sensitivity of the touchscreen. Also, on the new one you can use the touchscreen using gloves, which wasn’t possible with the old model.
If you want to go for a more conventional housing I would recommend the SeaLife SportDiver housing.
What is the best wrist strap for this housing? Does the housing float with phone in it? Do you recommend a floating strap and if so, which one? Thank you for the nice review of this housing?
Thanks for your feedback mate. The housing actually comes with a very nice wrist strap which works fine for me. I haven't used any other wrist straps with this housing and don't see the need to buy an extra one. The housing won't float. With a smartphone inside it is slightly negative. Hope this helps?
Hi Matthias,
Have you used this housing when you have the screen protector film on the phone? pretty much the only thing holding me back for buying this housing is the fact that if its unusable with the protector on, that means that one would have to remove the film from the phone every time itll be used (which would get expensive if you keep on putting new films on) or you'd have to use the phone day to day without a protector.
I usually use my phone with no case, but always with a screen protector... going completely naked seems like a very risky option.
Yes, I've tried it and it doesn't really work. You really need to take the screen protector off for best results.
I totally understand where you're coming from. I had the same worries. But since I'm using the phone now quite regularly underwater, I've decided to ditch the screen protector completely and get a decent everyday case for my iPhone. That way I keep a certain degree of protection while not having to rebuy new screen protectors all the time. Works for me, but it's a call you need to make for yourself.
@@MatthiasLebo thank you for the reply Matthias! I just bought a case with your link. I’m looking forward to shooting some nice underwater video. I solved the screen protector issue by going to a wholeseller of protectors and buying in bulk 20 for $1.1 usd each.
I hate using cases, in stead only have a film on the front, so whenever I will use the case I simply remove the film and reapply a new one when I’m finished filming
Hi Matthias. Interesting review I was saving my penny’s for the sealife phone case . Seems very easy to set up and I like the add on. Only issue if you can answer I mostly dive in cold water would it work with gloves on ie the torch screen also no vacuum like the others and no leak alarms 🚨 only thing that’s putting me off so far . Thanks 🙏
Yes the touch screen works just fine with gloves on. That's why I like it so much too, coz I can also use it in the cold waters of Switzerland. 😉
Yeah, I was worried about the missing vacuum and leak detection system, but to be honest I'm not anymore. I've done about 50 dives with the housing so far and never had any issues. It seams to be very well made and very robust. And after all if you do get a leak the pressure will probably not be the same as outside the housing and since newer phones are water resistent - at least to a certain degree - I'm confident I will be able to reduce the phone in such a case. But that's just me and everyone needs to make that decision for themselves.
By the way, if you are gonna go for this smartphone housing, make sure to use the affiliate links in the video description. They will give you an extra 6% discount on your order. 😉👍🏻
Interesting. Well yesterday my friend went diving with her sealife phone housing and it was setting of alarms .this hasn’t been the first time this has happened therefore she had to end her dive . Hmmm 🤔 what to do thanks again
@@SCUBASTEVE_12 You can turn the vacuum alarm off on the SportDiver.
@@sealifecameras ok thanks that’s good to know. I will pass it on 👍
Thanks Matthias for a great video. A couple of questions I was wondering if you've experienced these 1. When putting the wide angle lens on the red filter, the gap in between filled with some water. Is it supposed to leak? 2. When I zoom in with the wide angle lens attached, a dark curve appears on the photo. Is this the expected result?
Yes, you should have water in between the wide angle conversion lens and the red filter. I recommend taking the wide angle lens off and attaching it again to the red filter when underwater, so that you can make sure you have a consistent water layer in between those two.
Don't use the wide angle lens when using a zoom lens on your phone (i.e. 2x or 3x). The lens is not optimized for that use and will give you some artifacts. If you want to zoom it, flip the wide angle lens away from your phone's lens.
Hope this helps... 😊
Thanks for the detailed reply!
Hi Matthias. What Smartphone Housing would you recomment buying out of all the options? I took a look on so many Smartphone Housings and i'm unsure now which one to buy. Price range would be 500-1000€ for the housing with accessories. Thanks for this good review!
Well I do really think that the SeaTouch 4 Max is the best option out on the market at the moment. The ability to use the smartphones touchscreen is - at least for me - a real game changer and makes this housing stand out from all the other ones. So my recommendation right now goes straight to this one. 👍🏻
@@MatthiasLebo Thank you very much!
@@MatthiasLebo we disagree of course.
@@sealifecameras of course you do. I've used and reviewed your SportDiver housing as well. It's solid, but can't beat the touchscreen capabilities of the SeaTouch 4 Max. Being able to use every camera function of the phone makes a huge difference. Proof me wrong please...I'm curious to hear why yours is better?!
What tray & arm system can work with this case?
Generally speaking anything that is large enough so the housing fits in-between. But here are the recommended trays/arms from Divevolk themselves: bit.ly/3QfobIF
Great video, Thank you so much for your helpful information. I am looking to buy a underwater housing for my iphone and am currently debating between the SeaLife Sport diver and this one here (seatouch 4 max). Which would you recommend? I understand that the 4max is less expensive, but I will get the lens adapter and red filter, so will probably end up about the same price.
Thanks for your feedback buddy. I've used both housings and both are good, but personally I prefer the SeaTouch 4 Max because it grants you access to the phones touch screen. I find this a huge benefit compare to the SeaLive SportDiver.
@@MatthiasLebo hi all :) i Just wana Knowles something else : What’s about the quality of both ? Some guys told me that the sealife have better build materials than the divevolk. What is your opinion ?
(Sorry for mistakes i’m not very good in english…)
I have done about 50 dives with each of them, and to me I couldn’t see a difference in quality. I agree that the SeaLife looks more sturdy at first sight, but the DiveVolk is just a durable and much nicer to use than the SeaLife. So as mentioned earlier, the DiveVolk is my absolute favorite at the moment. 👍🏻
@@MatthiasLebo ok thanks you very much bro ! Finaly i I bought the divevolk as you suggest us. I’ll try it soon ! 👍🏼👍🏼🎊🎉
Can you recomend budget friendly
light using Iphone?
"Budget friendly" is not a very defined term. I wouldn't go too cheap on a video light, because after all, it is what's giving your images the color. The Backscatter MW4300 is a small, compact and decently priced underwater video light that I really like: www.backscatter.com/Backscatter-Macro-Wide-Underwater-Video-Light-MW-4300?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCd1IBNCO/tiavxv91vkEZgA=
Can this be used with the headphone zoom function in the housing underwater?
What is the "headphone zoom function"?!?
Can you use the iPhone flash or light with the housing also can you do review of oceanic Plus camera housing for iPhone it’s a camera housing with a dive computer via their app
You can technically use the flash and light of the iPhone through the housing, but because it is so close to the lenses you will end up with flares and reflections and unusable footage. So I recommend not to use the internal flash/light option but go for an external underwater video light like this: ua-cam.com/video/3jK6_LdnOBI/v-deo.html
I already have reviewed the Oceanic+ Dive housing. Here is the video: ua-cam.com/video/ZVc0ec42rtc/v-deo.html
So I have the iphone 15 pro max and I use Dive+ app for underwater image corrections. Thus far, I have been impressed with the performance of this app as it’s very simple to use and fast, and the images appear to represent the accurate colors. So with this set up, do you think I still benefit from the use of a red filter?
Absolutely. A red filter will be beneficial in 9 out of 10 scenarios. I highly recommend one should you go for this housing, or any other underwater housing for that matter. It is always better to get the shot correct in camera and just tweak it a little in post rather than trying to fix it in post.
Should you decide to go for the Divevolk housing don't forget to use the code MATTHIASLEBO at checkout to receive an extra 6% discount on your order. 😉
Hi! Do you use the iphone without the protector?
We have difficulties to extract the phone
@lucinaglez3898 yes, you should remove the screen protector. It’s not designed to be used with it.
If the intended use is mostly when diving with 5-7mm gloves in lakes do you still recommend the seatouch or is the sportdiver than a better choice?
I would still go with the Seatouch 4 Max. It works okay with thicker gloves and the flexibility you gain compared to the SeaLife is well worth it.
Just my two sense . But theoretically with wireless capability couldn't you use this as a budget option for underwater monitoring
I like the way you think. 👍🏻 Yes there is an option. I've tried it already and will post a review about it soon...
I purchased the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max, in prep for a trip to the South Pacific (leaving in 4 days). Have tried it out in the pool, works great, can't wait to try it in the ocean. One problem so far - I purchased the wide angle lens and the filters, installed them all onto the expansion clamp which mounts on the Divevolk housing. I now have a problem in that I am unable to disconnect/unscrew the red filter from the wide angle lens; the lens will screw onto the expansion clamp but I am not able to disconnect/unscrew the filter. Don't want to damage anything. Please advise how to "unscrew" the filter from the wide angle lens, separate them so I can use them separately, without damaging one or both of them. Anyone else experience this problem? Would appreciate any suggestions/input.
It seems like the threads are stuck together. This can happen if they were not aligned 100% when being screwed together. Maybe try to apply some silicon grease to the threads and see if you can loosen them just enough that way.
Your reviews really are outstanding. Thank you! After purchasing a bluetooth housing requiring an app, and having a frustrating experience before it ever got wet, I have decided to return it and get this one......as long as they offer an adapter for my pixel 7 PRO. I am not seeing that out there. Do they make one and if not, do you know if they will?
Hey Philip,
Sorry for the wait. I had to check with Divevolk myself. They say the option "For google pixel smartphone" will work with the pixel 7 pro.
Don't forget to use this link (bit.ly/3nVqDaS) to get an extra 6% discount on your purchase. Thanks for using it and making sure I get a bit of a kickback from Divevolk too. 🙏🏻😉
@@MatthiasLebo Thanks! Interesting. They say the regular template will work, but the PRO is a bigger phone. The regular Pixel 7 has a 6.3" screen. The PRO has a 6.7" screen so it is unclear to me how the same adapter template could work. I am trying to do an exchange through Backscatter for the other housing I had that didn't work. They are making the same inquiry. You were faster :-) I will let you know what he says. I am leaving for Antigua on the 27th so would love to have this before I go. If it does work, I passed along your link so you can get credit. Thanks very much!!
That is interesting. Please let me know what you hear back from backscatter. And if you end up getting the DiveVolk through them, please let them know that I got you onto this housing so they can credit me for the sale (I’m also an affiliate with backscatter) thanks. 🙏😊
Just received mine today with the clamp and the filters. I missed the transportation case though, that sucks... is there a shop in Switzerland that carries those maybe? :) I can't wait to try this in 3 weeks in the Red Sea and hopefully I receive my iPhone 15Pro Max before the trip too!
Awesome! Yeah I can't wait to get my 15 Pro Max 🤩
No, unfortunately there is no shop in Switzerland that sells the Divevolk gear as far as I know. Atlantis Berlin in Germany sells it, but I doubt it will be quicker from there than if you order it through the official Divevolk store. Just in case here is a link that will give you 6% off your purchase. 😉
Have fun in the Red Sea! I'm heading over to the Philippines soon... 🤗
@@MatthiasLebo thanks for the link, I actually ordered the casing and filters with your code :) I just don't want to pay for the shipping just for the traveling case haha.
Enjoy the Phils!
Matthias< how can I buy a full set of SeaTouch Max including all lenses?
Use one of the links in the video description. They will take you to the DiveVolk Webshop where you can choose all the different components that you want to purchase.
By using one of these affiliate links you’ll also benefit from a discount of 6% on your total order.
I received the dive volk sea touch 4 casing for Xmas . I have just watched your video which was very informative. I am wondering where the accessories can be bought? I live in the uk. Also how I could get the inner tray for the iPhone 14 pro? The casing came with the tray for a 13pro.
Thank you, Karen Day
Lucky you, someone really likes you. 😉
You can get all the accessories for the SeaTouch 4 Max from the official Divevolk website. They have a warehouse in the UK as well, where they ship their orders from, so it should arrive within a few business days. If you want to use my affiliate link (bit.ly/3P4IFDs) I'd appreciate that a lot. Buying through this link will give you an extra 6% discount on your total purchase.
Regarding the tray, the one for the 13Pro should also work with the 14Pro (those models should be identical in size). If you have the 14 Pro Max you can get the tray through Amazon: amzn.to/3w1KdGB
Hope that helps and have lots of fun with your new toy. 😊
@@MatthiasLebo Thanks very much for your help. I will go on line and look. All the best.
I'm getting water between the red filter and wide angle lens, is that normal?
Yes, it should be that way. The space between the lens and the filter needs to be completely filled with water for optimal focusing results. 👍🏻
how deep into water can you go with the case for the phone to be safe?
The case is rated to 60 meters. I have personally taken it down to about 45 meters without any issues.
Could you kindly share the details of the ball head mount that fits into the Dove tail on the housing?
This is the one: www.backscatter.com/Nauticam-Strobe-Mounting-Ball-for-Cold-Shoe?affiliate=U2FsdGVkX18HAQIDBAUCCd1IBNCO/tiavxv91vkEZgA=
@@MatthiasLebo thanks
i have a question from your experience with this housing, how deep did you take the case and how well did it perform at that depth?
I have use the housing down to about 40 meters without any problems. It works just the same as in 5 meters of water or on the surface.
@@MatthiasLebo thanks for the update
If you had a choice between this set up and the Insta360 with their new invisible dive case which would you go for?
Definitely a smartphone inside the DiveVolk housing. The quality of the footage is going to be superior to the footage coming from a Insta360 camera.
Hi there .... great video... can you use this with 3 -5 mm dive gloves ?
Yes you can. It's not quite as responsive as when used with your bare fingers, but it works. 👍🏻
Nice, finally a housing that's affordable. Thanks for the review.
You’re welcome buddy… ☺️👍
Does it work with 5mm gloves?
What if apple put on a glass screen protector that doesn’t come off without shattering? Will it still work?
Most likely not. You shouldn't have any kind of screen protector on your smartphone's screen for the system to work at its best.
So, to understand, you cannot use red filter independently of the macro. You don’t have independent arms for each? Thanks
Yes, you can use red filter and macro lens independently but you have to unscrew one to attach the other. You don’t have independent arms that you can attach both to at the same time. But that’s not a huge problem I find.
@@MatthiasLebo anything you have to multitask with underwater becomes an issue when you want point and shoot capability.
True, but real point and shoot capabilities means to me, not having to adjust anything, not even switching between Makro lens and red filter. Just point and shoot. But it’s always a compromise between image quality and simplicity.
How can I attach the selfie stick to the case ?
You need the clamp, which will give you attachment points at the top and bottom of the housing.
I think to get a divevolk case. But my main phone is crap so I was thinking to buy a second hand mobile to use with it. What you guys suggesting? Brand and model as I would like to be good in photos and videos. Thanks
I'm an Apple fanboy so my recommendation would be an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max. Outstanding video quality in my opinion. But I don't have much experience with other smartphone brands, so there might be other brands out there that are equally good as the iPhone 15 Pros.
What do you find is the best iOS app for underwater photography?
I like Adobe Lightroom the best.
Thanks
How big is the opening in which you slide in the smartphone? Somebody out there who has the SeaTouch 4 Max can take some measurements?
Do you want to know whether a specific smartphone model will fit inside? What smartphone model are you using?
@@MatthiasLebo yes exactly, thinking about Xiaomi 13 ultra.. And this camera bump, is quite huge.. I think the thickest point is ~15mm...
I want to take surfing photos. Is there a device which where I can press a button so I can easily use camera via bluetooth? Thanks
I don't quite understand. Do you want to remotely trigger the camera via Bluetooth?
@@MatthiasLebo yes, so I would like to have a button out in the water with me (because there is no shutter button on the divevolk casing)
I want a button that can be clicked/pressed rapidly, as it is very difficult to see or aim for the on screen shutter button when in a large swell.
Does this make sense? I don’t know how else to explain it sorry :(
Cheers
any suggestion for a camera housing with video wireless transmission ?
What do you mean? Wireless video transmission underwater? I don't know of any wireless transmission working underwater. You always need some sort of cable for that.
@@MatthiasLebo not necessary underwater but there was a surf competition last week and I saw a operator with a camera with 2 big antenna on the top...Trying to find the model of housing
Well yeah, if the antennas stay out of the water this could definitely work. But I haven’t heard of this bevor either and I couldn’t give you a hint as to what housing this could be. Sorry.
You should do a comparison between the sealife smartphone housing and this
In the making buddy… 👍🏻
@@MatthiasLebo aswell as in fresh water ( in temperate water)
You didn't try the Dome right? Or did I miss it? Do you think it really makes a difference to have it (for pictures that take a bit of the underwater and a bit of above the water line) ??
Yes I did, but I covered it in a separate video here: ua-cam.com/video/SuIlJp3XsVE/v-deo.html
@@MatthiasLebo Thankiuu
How do you remove your phone inside when it get stuck?
I've never had my phone stuck inside the housing. Did you force it in there?
Where is the link to purchase the DiveVolk housing and support your website?
Hey Jane, thanks for asking. The link is further down in the video description. It's this one here: bit.ly/3nVqDaS
Thank you so much for your support 🙏🏻
Thanks Did you say there is a discount for ordering through your website? I'm going to get the case bundled with the filters and arm. Do u have any reviews of the macro and wide angle they sell as accessories? Are these both wet lenses? Also what do u think about the 5000 lumen video light? I'm most interested in photographs, would a video light be very effective? Finally is the only reason to get a tray to attach the video light? Thanks
Now worries. Yes, if you use this link here (bit.ly/3nVqDaS) you’ll get a 6% discount applied to all your purchases on their website (automatically at checkout).
No I haven’t made any specific reviews for the macro and wide angle conversion lens. It’s all integrated in this one review. The wide angle conversion lens is giving you the same field of view back as you would have on land when using the wide lens on your phone and the macro lens will make it possible for you to focus at closer distances. Both work well and do their job.
Lights can be beneficial even when used for photography. Just be aware, that video lights will not be as powerful as a dedicated underwater strobe. But the advantage with using video lights is that if you do want to take some videos from time to time, you can use the lights for that too, a strobe on the other hand won’t help you there.
And lastly, yes one of the main reasons to get a tray is to attach accessories to your rig (like lights). But it’s also gonna make it easier for you to keep the phone more stable and achieve better results.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Matthias
Hello,
I recently bought DIVEVOLK Baumwollwatte für Seatouch 3 Gehäuse, and when I put it on the drysuit glove, the touchscreen doesn't respond at all. I don't know why this is happening. I have Divevoolk max 4. Have you tested this already?
What is “Divevolk Baumwollwatte“?
@@MatthiasLebo that's it. It's for gloves for dry suit so that the touch works in Divevoolk max 4. But it doesn't work for me
No condensation or fogging?
Non at all. Never had a problem with condensation with this housing.
Hi Matthias, How do deal with the white balance with a smartphone? Do you know any app with which you can do a custum white balance with a slate? I hace an Android phone
Hey Cyril, I normally use the auto WB from my iPhone, which works pretty well in most situations. I think the app "camera+" is able to do a manual white balance with a slate, but you'd have to double check. I'm not 100% sure.
@@MatthiasLebo Thanks for your reply, Camera+ doens't exist for android. I'll keep looking.
@@Cyril8204 Oh, that's too bad. How about FilmicPro? Does it exist on Android? They might have that feature too.
@@MatthiasLebo Filmicpro exists on Android but I'm not sure that you can do a custom wb with an android phone (you can with an Iphone). Plus I don't like their subscription model and finally I'm mostly taking stills underwater and as far as I know, Filmic pro is only for recording videos. I'll keep looking and if I find a solution, I'll tell you.
Okay, thanks buddy 🙏
Hi Doi you know of any dive housings for the S23 ultra
The DiveVolk housing works with the Samsung S23 Ultra.
Thanks but I dont think it will work with dry gloves
@@MatthiasLebo
Can you use it with 5mm gloves?
Yes you can. It might not be as responsive as with your bare fingers, but it works. 👍🏻
can the touch screen be used with gloves?
You can if the are neoprene gloves. For other gloves Divevolk makes a little neoprene cover that you can put over a finger of your glove.
Great review! This housing seems great. I have a Kraken krh-05 and I liked it, but this seems so much better and easier.
Do you miss not having depth and temperature sensors? I was wondering: would it be possible to use the diveroid mini with this case? That way we could add depth and temp info. If only we could embed this info onto video like the vaquita does. With any of the housings for that matter...
Also, do you miss not having a vacuum pump alarm on this housing? What do you think about that?
Thank you mate for your feedback. The Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max is my absolute favorite smartphone housing on the market at the moment. It is in a different league in my opinion.
I never really used the depth and temperature sensors on other housings so no, I don't miss not having them on this one. For me it is sufficient to have that information on my dive computer, I don't need to have it on the housing/phone. Also I'm not a big fan baking that info into the footage. Unless the footage is taken for some scientific reason, I don't really see the benefit of having that burned into my clips, making them pretty much unusable for any other projects.
The missing vacuum system did bother me at first, but after having used the housing on about 40 dives, I feel very confident about its integrity. Also, most smartphones nowadays are waterproof to at least 1 meter for 15 minutes or so. So even if water leaks into the housing, it is very likely you'll have enough time to surface, rinse and dry your phone before it gets to a point where the phone takes some damage from it.
Matthias, the thing that doesn't convince me at all is that the membrane that makes touch possible is obviously soft and therefore somehow transmits external pressure onto the screen. They say it works up to 60 meters but recommend not exceeding 40 (see FAQ)…. . I have already read about phone cracking at 40 meters (review online). They talk about a compensation bag in the handle.... (FAQ). I understand the principle well, but I don't know up to what pressure it can work to sufficiently compensate for the decrease in volume of the main chamber.
I can only speak from personal experience and tell you that I have done several hundreds of dives with my Divevolk housing and have never had any issues with it. The deepest I've ever been to with my Divevolk housing was 38 meters and it worked without any issues down there.
It's like with many things a compromise between the functionality of the touchscreen and the slight risk of damaging the membrane. But considering how many people are already using this housing on a very frequent basis, I have only heard of a handful of indictments with it. If you want to be 100% sure, don't take your phone underwater. If on the other hand you want to make use of the great cameras inside modern smartphones and have the capability of using the touchscreen, the Seatouch 4 Max is a very reliable option that I prefer over any other smartphone housing on the market.
Hello Mathias. Have you ever heard or know of anyone having the divevolk flooding?
No I haven’t. I’ve heard of people who flooded the previous model the SeaTouch 3, but not the current SeaTouch 4 Max.
@@MatthiasLebo ok great thank you
Which of divevolk or sea life case would you highest recommend?
DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max, for sure. 👍🏻
@@MatthiasLebo thank you so much for the help! I have a iPhone 11 pro, will that phone work with a divevolk? I sent divevolk a message but they have not answered yet.
@@maripus1505 yes it will. You just need to choose the right inlet for the iPhone 11 when ordering the case.
@@MatthiasLebo thank you for the answer, and for the all the great informative videos!
@@MatthiasLebo Really? How do you get service for the Sea Touch?
Isn't dryglove friendly, is it?
Sure is. Works pretty well with dry gloves. 😉
@@MatthiasLebo interesting. Thanks
Hello. Sealife came out with a case a year or 2 ago, that allow you full control underwater…
Which one is that. I only know true SeaLife SportDiver, and that works with a third party app.
@@MatthiasLebo yes…that’s the one
@@c.patricksadowski9959 i habe that housing too. It doesn’t allow you full control of the phone camera. Certain functions are not accessible.
@@MatthiasLebo but enough of them are…
That's something that everyone needs to decide for themselves I would say...
Has anyone tried this using samsung 23 ultra?
The housing will work with Samsung phones too. You just need the appropriate adapter for your phone model which you can choose when purchasing it. 👍🏻
Great review! I was always put off by the vacuum systems that seemed rather fiddly. This looks so easy to use.
We've ordered one with a macro lens. Can't wait to try it out!
Im pretty sure you’re going to like it. 😉
I wonder why there’s no comment around the very obvious benefit of being able to use your phone on the surface. This is an important safety feature that should be highlighted.
Hey Mark, thanks for your comment. You're right, it definitely is a benefit to be able to use your phone on the surface in case of an emergency. My review was specific to the use of the phone as an underwater camera though, so I was concentrating on what benefits this housing provides for divers wanting to use their phone to film and take photos underwater. 😉