First underwater photos with Z1

[MamTor]

It's bad enough having a 4 year old constantly asking to play on your phone....but now he also wants it during bath-time to take photos...

Thanks Sony !

http://androidforums.com/[img]http:...ther/wierd/i-jkN8m3L/0/M/DSC_0008-M.jpg[/img]

 

[El Presidente]

My lad is a similar age, so I can sympathise. "Can I play a game on your phone?" is a very popular question.

I'm also pretty sure he'd love those spiderman goggles.

That's actually surprisingly clear and a lot better quality than I thought it would be, very nice!

 

[dustwun77]

Too cool!

 

[MamTor]

Thanks for the compliment - yes, the goggles are very cool indeed !

I too was impressed with the image quality. I honestly had no idea what to expect, as like most people, I've never done underwater photography (I am a very keen photographer though). So I didn't know what side effects the flash might produce (it turns out, none at all), and whether the interface between lens/water would prevent clarity. But again, no issues at all. To say I was impressed is quite an understatement.

The phone would still be awsome even without this feature, so it's quite a bonus. I recall first seeing Sony's publicity images of young folk underwater taking group shots, and I thought, yeah, I bet it's not that good. But it seems that this device will live up to the hype. I'll just have to make sure I don't start taking photos underwater at my local swimming baths

My only gripe is that Sony didn't launch this device until way after summer, which means I've got to wait ages before it's warm enough to swim outside and get some proper underwater shots. I guess you can't have it all ! Nice timing for those outdoor folks in the southern hemisphere though And I think the Z1 is released in the US today, so we can expect some nice reviews from surf dudes, making calls and taking photos while in the sea.

And on the subject of making calls in water, I did do some underwater tests. The loudspeaker does still work under water, although it starts sounding slightly distorted, and I'm not sure whether Sony warn against using the phone like this or not. I let my kids watch a cartoon on Netflix with the phone underwater, and the image was very clear, and you could still hear everything. We were all quite amazed really - it's not as if there's an abundance of waterproof DVD players on the market, so this really felt like new territory, not that it's of much practical use. Then again, maybe some people would like to watch a movie while lying in the bath ? The one thing that really didn't work was the touchscreen. Any water on it, or on your finger prevents touch control - quite understandable with it being capacitive.

I think Sony have done something amazing here

 

[El Presidente]

You're a braver man than I.

Waterproofing is something I'm happy to have, but not ready to try out quite yet. Although your tests are making me feel a little more confident about giving it a go.

 

[Slug]

Great photo! The surface reflection is cool, but it's your son's reaction that makes the shot - spontaneous and fun. Exactly what smartphone cameras are there for.

As for testing.... the possibilities for lulz are endless. My Z has been in two baths, a sink full of dirty dishes, a mug of tea, a toilet (empty!) and used for calls during a couple of thunderstorms. It still cracks me up to see the look of horror on onlookers' faces.

 

[El Presidente]

As for testing.... the possibilities for lulz are endless. My Z has been in two baths, a sink full of dirty dishes, a mug of tea, a toilet (empty!) and used for calls during a couple of thunderstorms. It still cracks me up to see the look of horror on onlookers' faces.

After I've cleaned it tomorrow, I think I'm going to take some pictures of my fish tank - from the inside.

 

[MamTor]

I've set up a Flickr group for underwater Xperia shots:

Flickr: The Sony Xperia Underwater Pool

 

[El Presidente]

It's pretty hard to get a decent shot in there, the flash terrifies the fish and it's quite dark without the light on.

Anyhoo, I won't be doing that again. Took it out and dried it off, noticed the screen behaving erratically, jumping and opening apps on it own etc. The radios also seemed borked as it wouldn't connect to WiFi or EE's network. I turned it off, opened the SIM Card slot and it was soaking. I bunged it in a box of rice and stuck it in the boiler cupboard, but despite being switched off, it's in a constant state of vibration.

EE are sending me a replacement tomorrow.

 

[krs128]

You're a braver man than I.

Waterproofing is something I'm happy to have, but not ready to try out quite yet. Although your tests are making me feel a little more confident about giving it a go.

you would think if the phone is advertised as being waterproof then water damage would be covered under warrenty.

 

[Deleted User]

You certainly do get some startled looks when adding a phone to liquid... The other day I was lucky enough to have a pint glass large enough for the Z1 to have a swim, so in the ale it went!

One question, is it safe to press the shutter button underwater?

 

[Slug]

EE are sending me a replacement tomorrow.

Sounds like a bad port seal... quite right too.

you would think if the phone is advertised as being waterproof then water damage would be covered under warrenty.

I can't speak for the Z1, but I know for a fact that any Z showing evidence of water damage if the port indicators weren't 'tripped' were replaced under warranty without question.

One question, is it safe to press the shutter button underwater?

Given that Sony's own adverts show this, and having seen live demos, I'd say yes. It's designed to be used underwater, within the limits of the IP rating.

 

[Deleted User]

Just checking, you know what these things are like.

 

[mikedt]

you would think if the phone is advertised as being waterproof then water damage would be covered under warrenty.

Now was the phone actually stated as being waterproof, as opposed to water-resistant? It might stand-up to getting wet occasionally, as opposed to being completely submerged.

I think with watches, manufacturers will state that a watch is water-resistant, unless it's a true diving watch. In other words should be ok in the shower and in the rain, but do not go swimming or diving with it.

 

[El Presidente]

Now was the phone actually stated as being waterproof, as opposed to water-resistant? It might stand-up to getting wet occasionally, as opposed to being completely submerged.

Waterproof, IP58 certified.

There are some instances of this failing (I can attest to that), but in the vast majority of cases, it works underwater, as advertised.

 

[Slug]

Just checking, you know what these things are like.

Sure do, I was sceptical myself until I saw it with my own eyes.

 

[King_bob]

I took it with me while canoeing for a few underwater pictures. I also did a movie, but the camera app froze on me, so it became unuseable Sony states that the waterproofing is not made for salt water... Anyone tried it in the ocean yet?

as for the button, yes it is usable under water.... it would have to be since the display does not work when wet.

 

[El Presidente]

I think that's what messed mine up, I put small amounts of salt and other chemicals in the fish tank so I wonder if it wasn't a dodgy seal or something like that.

I should've really read the instructions before "diving in".

However, I saw a post on XDA where someone said they took it snorkelling with them.

Nice pics though.

 

[dsho]

Awesome!

Just got my phone last month.

Going to dunk in water soon! Then, get my screen protectors and flip cover.

Found a magnetic adapter with USB connector - eliminate usage of opening the waterproof seal to charge!

Thanks for the vote of confidence to test waterproofing!

 

[nstokes]

I would love to try this but im sooooo scared the phone will break down and stop working. Knowing my luck EE would say that im not covered for acc dam (i assume it would be classed as AD) and then i have no phone. I would have thought Sony replace it not EE. Soooo scared to try it

 

[El Presidente]

I would love to try this but im sooooo scared the phone will break down and stop working. Knowing my luck EE would say that im not covered for acc dam (i assume it would be classed as AD) and then i have no phone. I would have thought Sony replace it not EE. Soooo scared to try it

My compadre slug says a few posts up that if there's no sign of the seal being open or the indicators being tripped, it's replaced no question.

EE were pretty good with me when I broke mine (they even refunded the excess when I pressed them as to why I was charged).

 

[nstokes]

My compadre slug says a few posts up that if there's no sign of the seal being open or the indicators being tripped, it's replaced no question.

EE were pretty good with me when I broke mine (they even refunded the excess when I pressed them as to why I was charged).

Thanks for that. The seals on mine have been opened up a few times (old sim, replacing sd card etc) and look ok but i still get scared

 

[El Presidente]

Yeah, I know what you mean, I'm still plucking up the courage to give it a go again