Ok! As promised! Ive had lots of people asking what I’m using to shoot all of the underwater and surf photos on my Instagram feed and how it works. Obviously hauling around camera gear and housings just isn’t practical with two kids or while on a surf board for shooting the fun stuff (I’ve tried…and failed…many bruises…it wasn’t cute). So for Christmas, I asked my family for one of these: http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-scuba-suit/ The scuba suit for the iPhone 4S from Photojojo. Ive used it quite a few times over the last few months and gotten a good feel for it. There are pros and cons so here is a general list of them and then some photo examples.
PRO: For the most part it is sturdy and I’m not scared to let my kids use it. The seal is nice and tight on the bottom of the case and it clips in tightly so I don’t have to worry about it popping open. I usually just shove it inside of my wet suit when I’m not using it, but it comes with a great little strap that I have even attached to my surf boards leash loop when I needed to.
CON: The top seal for the speaker-out port isn’t as tight as I would like. Ive had it pop open on me twice while in the water and now have to double check it to make sure it isn’t open before I submerge the phone.
PRO: The forward facing camera takes crisp, bright, clear photos and hasn’t had any focus or flare issues so far. Even in murkier river water I got decent focus (see manatee photo below). The clarity on above water pics is also fabulous. (see surf board photo that one is SOOC, no processing app used).
CON: The rear (or self viewing) camera is covered by a different seal and it allows tiny bits of water in that make photos blurry, and add a haze/flare quite often. I managed to suck the water back out but I have to be aware to check it often to prevent bad photos.
PRO: The gel screen is awesome for being able to use on screen functions, even while underwater.
CON: The gel screen takes getting used to. I wanted to throw it against the wall the first time I tried to use it. With some practice however, you get used to it and appreciate it. They claim it is more touch sensitive than hard screens. I don’t know about that so much, but it does making using it underwater easier AFTER you get used to the feel of it.
PRO: You can leave the suit on even when not in the water, just for situations that you want your phone protected from elements. For example, when I’m at the beach it is great for keeping sand away.
CON: You can’t charge it with the suit on it. The charging port is sealed off.
Ok on to the photos:
The next three images were taken with the rear facing camera. See the haze and flare that happened from water in the seal?
Overall for the price, I think it is great. It isn’t the most expensive out there, and isn’t the best out there, but for fun family photos and convenience it does the job well! I am still using a 4S, and not iPhone 5. I have heard that there are some great iPhone 5 waterproof cases that blow this one out of the water but will have to wait for a phone upgrade to try those out. If you have any questions or opinions for other great cases let me know in the comments below for other readers!
