Smartphones Underwater in the UK

Martin Stevens · Issue 150, May/Jun 2026 · pp. 24–27

Products mentioned: DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max Plus, DiveVolk Macro 18+ Pro, DiveVolk Bluetooth shutter, iPhone 14 Pro Max, ProCamera app, Blackmagic app, LetonPower Sealion B15 video light, OM System OM1, OM System TG7, GoPro

The world beneath the ocean surface is magical and photography is a powerful way to showcase its diverse environments and creatures. Historically, underwater photography has tended to be a somewhat niche pursuit, and not always accessible to many. Along with the challenges of shooting under water, the equipment tends to be expensive, specialist, and bulky. Yet times are changing. One key reason is the ever- increasing use of smartphones for photography and videography, alongside kit to use them underwater. One route to underwater imaging without specialist kit has been through action cameras, such as a GoPro. I’ve long used one and they’re easy to jump in the water with, feature good-quality video, and are more affordable than even most compact camera set ups. However, action cameras have major drawbacks: GoPro, for example, suffers in low light, has a fixed focus with nothing in focus c…