Dive and snorkel with your smartphone, take razor-sharp photos and capture the underwater world as it is - with the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing you can take your cell phone with you on the dive. I've been using the case for a while and I'm more than happy with it. If the whale shark comes while diving, I'll be well prepared with the case. In my Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing test report I would like to explain to you why.
I am not an underwater photographer - and will never be one. I don't want thousands of euros for them diving equipment nor do I want to lug kilos of equipment halfway around the world. For my travel blog, I go diving every now and then – when I feel like it. And I don't need world-class underwater photos for my diving reports. In other words:
When I dedicate myself to the topic of underwater photography, I think more functionally and practically. And this is exactly where the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing comes into play. If you have a universal Underwater housing for iPhones and other smartphones, this case is definitely worth a look – and in my opinion, a purchase.
The content matters
If you want to take successful underwater photos with the Sealife Sportdiver, it's not so much about the housing - it's about the interior. This is the first time I have the case with it iPhone 13 Pro Max from Apple used. The provider's smartphone has great image quality and even better video quality, which you can record at vivid and razor-sharp 4K and 60 fps. Later I started to build the case with a iPhone 15 Pro Max to use, which makes even better recordings.
When I dedicate myself to the topic of underwater photography, I think more functionally and practically. And this is exactly where the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing comes into play.
Sascha Tegtmeyer, travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com
And that is the great strength of the Sportdiver: Smartphones come and go, but the housing remains. The List of compatible smartphones is very long - and new cell phone models can usually be used as soon as the app for the respective model is available. The manufacturer keeps a list of all usable models, which is constantly updated.
Video – Sealife Sportdiver SL400 in practical testing
Below I have selected a video for you in which the Sealife SL400 is used in a practical test. Don't be surprised, the video is in English because many readers on my travel blog come from other European countries and don't speak German.
By downloading the video you accept the privacy policy of YouTube.
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Video – The best underwater cases for smartphones
In my opinion, there are currently three top UW cases for smartphones - the Sealife Sportdiver SL400, the Divevolk Seatouch 4 and the Oceanic+ Smart case. I have selected a video in which the three top cases are presented and compared in more detail.
By downloading the video you accept the privacy policy of YouTube.
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With the Sportdiver SL400 you have everything you need
You can spend many thousands of euros and bring kilos of photo equipment with you Vacation drag. However, I have found that the better result is disproportionate for anyone who is not or does not want to become an ambitious professional photographer. A current iPhone, Samsung model or Pixel from Google takes such sharp photos and videos that you no longer need a conventional camera.
You can take your high-end smartphone camera into the water with you. And that's exactly what the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing is ideal for. You have minimal effort and get great results at the same time.
Buy Sealife sport diver
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My experiences with the SL400 underwater housing
Back in 2014, I put my iPhone 4S into an underwater housing (from Rollei) for the first time and went wreck diving on the island of Cyprus. I was amazed at how high quality the results were even back then. So I became a fan of underwater photography with the iPhone years ago.
Compared to large camera equipment that you have to carry not only on planes, in hotels and on diving boats, but also underwater, the smartphone in the underwater housing is ultra-compact and handy. And so over the years I tried out different underwater cases for smartphones until I landed on the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater case.
High-quality housing, easy operation
The case feels very high quality and seemed much larger in reality than in the pictures. It's also fundamentally larger than many of the simpler underwater cell phone cases. You don't just get a waterproof case, but a real case that allows you to dive deeper. The setup is intuitive and you can basically get started straight away: just download the app onto your smartphone and start it. Insert the small AAA batteries and the anti-fog in the housing. You can get started.
All you have to do is insert the small rubber stoppers that fit your smartphone model. I simply inserted two per side. I didn't want to put too much effort into it. Then place your smartphone in the housing, follow the instructions in the Sealife app and close the housing using a smooth thread. Then use the vacuum pump to pump some air out of the housing to create a slight negative pressure. That's it already. The operation and setup couldn't be easier.
Always with you underwater
The best thing about the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing is that you always have it at hand. You don't need a hand truck to transport it and you can simply put it in your beach bag or backpack. When you go snorkeling from your beach lounger or get into the water on the diving boat, you grab it and take it with you. A practical hand strap is included. Various settings are available underwater using the mechanical buttons on the housing.
You have to use the Sealife app and you will find an easy-to-use menu there. On the one hand, you can choose between photo and video. You can also view the pictures and videos taken. And if you don't like something, you can even delete it. You can also change the video resolution and make various settings for the aperture and white balance if you want. But you can also simply take pictures in automatic mode with a current smartphone. Current smartphone cameras are smarter than the photographer and automatically improve images and videos so you get the best result.
Use the red filter or improve it using the app
When diving at a certain depth, you can use the included red filter to get better colors. But that is not a must. You can also use an external video light. You can get them very cheaply. Or you can use the provider's Seadragon video light, which harmonizes perfectly with the housing. The more light you can use underwater, the better. But even without light you get optimal images.
Because you have all the recordings directly on your smartphone and can, for example, import them into the Dive+ app import, which automatically corrects the colors of the underwater photos. This means you can get fascinating photos even without light. It's clearly better with light - but it's also possible without it.
The SL400 grows with its tasks
I like that the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing is very sustainable. You most likely won't need to buy a new case when buying a new smartphone. If you use one of the popular current models such as an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, the case will most likely be or will be compatible with the new smartphone.
In any case, the manufacturer diligently updates the app for new models and also keeps a list of compatible models that is constantly expanding. In any case, the days when an underwater housing was tailored to a single smartphone are long gone.
Strong compared to direct competitors
The biggest competitors to the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 are the Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max diving case and the Oceanic+ Dive case for iPhone. The SL400 holds its own very well compared to both models. When I bought the Sportdiver, I compared it to the Divevolk Seatouch in the store. The latter is also a very high-quality, innovative housing that is significantly narrower and can even be operated at depth by touch. This offers some advantages such as the use of different apps underwater and access to different photo functions in the iPhone's original recording app.
Divevolk Seatouch didn't convince me
However, that's where the advantages of the case end - and in my opinion the disadvantages outweigh the disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage of the Divevolk case is that you are not allowed to have a screen protector on your smartphone. Theoretically, you would have to remove the film before each use. Leaving it on is not an option as the smartphone then gets stuck in the housing - that's what I experienced with the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The second big disadvantage is that for 229 euros (RRP in Germany including German VAT) you only get the bare casing. You can also buy various modules such as the red filter, a rail and lamps - and the price can easily reach over 400 euros or more.
Oceanic+ Dive Case for iPhone was not yet available
The Oceanic+ Dive case for iPhone makes a very promising impression and is fundamentally very similar to the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 in its functionality. So far, however, it has two major weaknesses: On the one hand, it is simply not yet available in Germany as of the editorial deadline (as of November 2023). I wanted to order it, but didn't receive one.
And on the other hand, the RRP is 599 euros, which is simply twice as much as the SL400, for which I paid 289 euros. I will definitely be testing the Oceanic+ case next year when it becomes available. But until then, the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 diving housing remains my absolute favorite for underwater photography with a smartphone.
Numerous strengths, few weaknesses
As you may have already noticed, I am very happy with the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing. This case has numerous strengths and few weaknesses. I therefore give a clear recommendation to buy the housing if you are a hobby diver who likes to take photos on the side. The biggest strengths of the case are the versatility, compactness and simplicity of the case.
It is available quickly and without much effort - which lowers the inhibition threshold to use it - and that is an important feature for me. Once I have to spend hours assembling my photo equipment, I usually don't feel like it anymore.
The weaknesses of the case are more of a detail issue that could be fixed in an update in a future case. For example, I miss the hot shoe on top of the case - so I have to screw my video light under the case - which is okay.
Power
- high quality of the housing
- light, compact and ready to start quickly
- Fits many current smartphone models
- Red filter included
weaknesses
- I'm missing the hot shoe at the top
- AAA batteries could be replaced with an integrated battery
- Photos can only be taken in 4:3, not 16:9
- Portrait mode is not available
All strengths and weaknesses are as of November 2023. These could be changed in future updates.
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Buy underwater housing
Specifications of the Sealife Sportdiver SL400
The Sealife SportDiver Underwater Case is a versatile and easy-to-use case that is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, including iPhone models from iPhone 7 to iPhone 15 Pro Max (as of late 2023 - new models should also be supported) and Samsung Galaxy® S9 and higher, as well as most other Android® phones. It is designed to fit phones up to 6,49″ x 3,15″ x 0,38″.
App is central element
The accompanying SportDiver app supports phones with the current or previous operating system, with changes made by Apple and Google are possible. Some phone features may vary by manufacturer and model, and not all camera settings may be available.
The app allows users to access advanced camera settings and switch between photo and video modes, leveraging the phone's native camera technology. The focus is on ease of use, even with diving gloves, thanks to the large locking lever and rear control buttons.
Leak alarm for additional protection
The housing features a dual leak alarm with internal moisture sensor and internal vacuum pressure alarm, alerting the diver in the event of a compromised waterproof seal. A removable underwater color correction filter is also included to restore natural underwater colors.
The SportDiver camera app developed by SeaLife is intuitively designed and uses the smartphone's native camera technology. The app is available for free in the App Store or Google Play Store, without annoying in-app purchases or advertising. The playback feature in the app displays photos and videos at their original size and saves all files to the phone's Photos app. The case uses Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) 5 technology to automatically connect to the smartphone and has extremely low power consumption. A retaining spring and rubber grip tabs keep the phone safe and secure.
Housing can be expanded with video light
Additionally, the housing is expandable with Sea Dragon underwater photo and video lights and has three 1/4-20 tripod mounts. The Cam-Lock sealing mechanism ensures the waterproof door is securely locked. The case is powered by two AAA batteries that provide over 50 hours of continuous use and features an anti-fog design when using the SL911 Moisture Muncher capsule. It is rated to a depth of 130 feet / 40 m and is individually tested for depth.
Table – the characteristics of the Sealife Sportdiver SL400
Below I have put together a table for you that summarizes the most important features of the Sealife Sportdiver SL400. All information is strictly without guarantee.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Compatible phones | Works with iPhone® (iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 Pro Max), Samsung Galaxy® (Galaxy S9 and later) and most other Android® phones. |
| Maximum phone dimensions | 6,49 "x 3,15" x 0,38 " |
| App Compatibility | SportDiver app; supports current or previous operating system from Apple and Android. |
| steering | Large locking lever and rear control buttons. |
| camera settings | Access advanced settings such as lens selection, video resolution, zoom, exposure, focus, white balance, RAW+JPEG mode. |
| Modi | Photo and video mode. |
| Leak alarm | Internal humidity sensor and vacuum pressure alarm. |
| Color correction filter | Removable underwater color correction filter. |
| Playback mode | Full-size photos and videos with thumbnail strips. |
| Bluetooth® technology | Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) 5. |
| Bracket and protection | Retaining spring and rubber grip tabs. |
| expandability | Compatible with Sea Dragon underwater photo and video lights. |
| Tripod mounts | Triple 1/4-20 tripod mounts. |
| Sealing mechanism | Cam-Lock sealing mechanism. |
| battery operation | Two AAA batteries, over 50 hours of operation. |
| Anti-fog design | How to use SL911 Moisture Muncher capsule. |
| Depth assessment | Up to 130 feet / 40 m. |
| App Languages | English (other languages downloadable). |
| Manual | Printed in English, other languages available online. |
| control | Different buttons for camera functions. |
| Operating and storage temperature | 33°F to 110°F (1°C to 43°C). |
| O-ring materials | Main O-ring: TPE rubber. Vacuum control port O-rings: silicone rubber. |
| Lens connection | Optical glass lens connection, anti-reflective coating, possibility to attach color correction filters. |
| LCD window | Optical quality polycarbonate. |
| Material | Polycarbonate body, 304-316 stainless steel hardware and T6061 hard anodized aluminum hardware. |
| Size: | Exterior: 8,4″ x 4,9″ x 2,2″. Interior: 6,49″ x 3,15″ x 0,38″. |
| Weight | 22,6 oz. (UW case without accessories), 24,0 oz. (with batteries, filter, moisture muncher, grip tabs). |
| Buoyancy | Positive 2,8 oz. (with batteries, red filter and moisture muncher). |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty or longer depending on local regulations. |
| Certifications | CE, ROHS, FCC. |
| country of origin | Designed/Constructed in USA, Made in China. |
| Additional features | Delete function, battery level indicator, zoom function, photo/video storage location in the phone's photo app. |
Further test reports about the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing
If you are still undecided, I have listed a few more test reports about the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 below. This might give you an even more comprehensive picture.
- https://feel4nature.com/iphone-unterwassergehaeuse-das-sealife-sportdiver-im-test/2021
- https://taucher.net/diveinside-iphone_gehaeuse_sportdiver_von_sealife_-_im_praxistest-kaz8388
- https://top-dive.de/mit-dem-sportdiver-fotogehaeuse-im-krabatstein/
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Create memories with the Sealife Sportdiver SL400
My conclusion
To conclude, the Sportdiver Case is as good as the smartphone you put in it. And this way you can quickly and easily put together a powerful underwater camera. You download the app onto your smartphone, pair your cell phone with the housing via Bluetooth, place the phone in the Sealife Sportdiver SL400, close it and create a slight negative pressure with the pump.
You now have your underwater camera ready to go. It can not get easier. So you can already use the system. For the snorkeling Theoretically, you don't need anything else. A video light can be helpful, but is not a must when it is bright. At the Diving you can use the included red filter.
Light is king underwater – most of the time
But as we know, deeper underwater, light is king. You can therefore either get a Sealife Seadragon underwater lamp, which can be screwed seamlessly to the housing. Or you can simply use a cheap video light. This is sufficient in case of doubt. You cannot use a large flash that is controlled by light with the housing. That's not what it's made for. But for most purposes the technology should be sufficient. You can also edit the images using the Dive+ app on your smartphone. This also gives you amazingly high-quality results.
Sealife Sportdiver convinced me
My conclusion is therefore clear: The Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing gets full marks from me in my test report - the price-performance ratio is terrific. The housing does what it's supposed to: It helps you take your powerful smartphone camera with you underwater. With a current iPhone or Samsung model, you can capture vivid and sharp videos during your dives.
Of course, none of this is for professional, demanding underwater photographers who travel with 30 kilograms of equipment. But if you put the effort in relation to the result, the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 underwater housing is one of the best on the market. I give it the best grade – 1 with a star.
I bought the Sealife Sportdiver SL400 myself in a brick-and-mortar store without a discount. All information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. All experiences are based on my own assessments and are presented completely truthfully.
Are you already using a UW case? Which model do you use and which smartphone? What experiences have you had with underwater photography? Share your experiences in the comments.
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