Tips for using your iPhone with an underwater case
Our top picks for Iphone cases for scuba diving.
We all know that iPhones can take great photos and videos. However, they are limited for use on land and other dry places. But with the development of iPhone accessories like a waterproof case, iPhones can now take photos and videos even if you are in the water.
This is why divers use iPhones to document their diving adventures. But this doesn’t mean you just need to buy a waterproof iPhone case, put your iPhone inside, lock it and you’re good to go.
You need some tips so that you can effectively operate the cell phone while having the same quality images and videos that the iPhone produces on land. Also, you need to know the pros and cons of using a waterproof case with your iPhone.
We all know that iPhones can take great pictures and videos. However, they are limited for use on land and other dry places. But with the development of iPhone accessories like a waterproof case, iPhones can now take photos and videos even if you are in the water.
This is why divers use iPhones to document their diving adventures. However, this doesn’t mean you just need to buy a waterproof iPhone case, put your iPhone inside, lock it, and you’re good to go.
You need some tips so that you can effectively operate the cell phone while having the same quality images and videos that the iPhone produces on land. Also, you should know the pros and cons of using a waterproof case with your iPhone.
1. Back up your iPhone before you get wet
Your iPhone contains important information such as contacts, login credentials, photos, videos and other relevant files. When you’re on the water, accidental flooding is always a threat and you don’t want to lose all that important information. It will only take you a few minutes to back up your phone, but it will take forever, even impossible, to recover the data stored on your phone once it is flooded.
2. Don’t forget to fully charge your iPhone
The last thing you want when you’re on the water is a low battery iPhone. Instead of relaxing and taking your time, you’ll be pressed to take pictures or videos before your iPhone shuts down. There is nothing better than a fully charged iPhone where you have the luxury of time to select the subject, find the perfect angle and retrieve an amazing photo. Subsequently, it is highly recommended that you place the camera app in sleep mode between taking pictures to decrease battery usage. You should note that some applications will not work once the “low battery” warning appears.
3. Set your iPhone to airplane mode
Many have considered it’s better when someone calls or texts you while you are on the water. However, it will disturb your snorkeling adventures and you are not in the right place to accept calls.
4. Set auto lock to NEVER
It will not take pictures all the time while you are in the water. Sometimes it is necessary to swim or observe a subject for a couple of minutes. This causes your phone to go idle and may require you to enter your password, which is time consuming, especially when you are in the middle of the water while wearing all your snorkeling gear.
5. Open the camera app before placing the iPhone inside the case.
No, unless you are using a waterproof bag or pouch where you can navigate through the apps, the touch screen function of your iPhone is literally useless once it is inside the underwater case.
6. Attach a lanyard to the underwater case.
While most of us are in the habit of holding the underwater case with the iPhone for the entire time it is in the water, there are some cases where we lose control of the unit. Having a lanyard on your underwater case attached to your wrist ensures that you won’t lose the unit and that it will always be inches from your hand.
Tips for taking pictures while snorkeling
1. Downward angle is better than upward angle.
You will get better photos if your subject is at a lower position than your iPhone and close to the reef or seabed. Shooting upwards will often result in a blurred background where the water can reflect light coming from the surface.
2. Do not move the camera when shooting
If you are shooting video especially, try not to move the camera. In case the need to move the camera is unavoidable, move or pan the camera as slowly as possible.
3. Use a red filter
Using a red filter gives you more color, especially if you are filming in deep water.
Reminder: do not use the red filter when shooting in a brightly lit environment or when the subject is too close.
4. Activate Burst mode to shoot moving subjects.
The burst shooting mode for highly mobile fish will provide a sharp image instead of a blurry subject.
Pros and cons of using an iPhone while snorkeling.
Pros:
Since you already have an iPhone, the only thing you will need to buy is the underwater case and by buying it, it won’t hurt your pocket.
You are already familiar with the functions of your iPhone and just need to familiarize yourself with the functions of your underwater case to maximize the performance of your iPhone.
After your snorkeling adventures, you can immediately upload and share your photos and videos on social media, unlike having a separate digital camera where you must first download the contents of the memory card to a computer or laptop before you can charge it.
Cons:
You are limited to the depth ratings of your underwater case. It is very important to read and know the depth limits of your underwater case, especially if you are freediving. Different makes and models of submersible case have their own depth rating and we strongly recommend not reaching, as well as exceeding, the depth limits of your submersible case. Otherwise, its sealing mechanism will be compromised and water may seep in and flood your iPhone.
Not all underwater cases allow you to access the touchscreen capability of your iPhone. This is particularly true if you choose a solid underwater case where access to your iPhone is limited through the buttons on your underwater case.
Since your iPhone is producing heat and the surrounding water at your snorkel site is cold, the possibility of fog building up inside the underwater case is imminent. This is especially true if the temperature difference between your iPhone and the surrounding water is high. In fact, it can disturb your camera lens and, much worse, moisture on your iPhone. With this, we strongly recommend the use of anti-fog strips that significantly reduce fog buildup.
Your underwater iPhone case is considered an accessory. It needs maintenance to last a long time. With this, you should soak and rinse the case underwater with fresh water after each use while it is fully sealed.
Also, you should wipe the case under water with a dry cloth before opening it. And finally, if the locking mechanism of the submersible housing you have chosen uses an O-ring, clean and lubricate it with silicone grease from time to time.