The Day I Stopped Bringing Action Cameras Underwater: Kernwei's Story

The underwater world is a realm of profound beauty and breathtaking adventure. For creators, capturing its essence is a passionate pursuit, a way to document fragile ecosystems and share the thrill of exploration. We recently had the honor of hearing from one such creator, Malaysian filmmaker, photographer, and DIVEVOLK Brand Ambassador, Kernwei, as he took the stage at the MIDE Malaysia International Dive Expo to share a transformative story. Known for his professional work with clients like Time Magazine, ASICS, and YTL Corp, and recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2022 honoree, Kernwei’s insights carry significant weight.

His presentation topic was bold and intriguing: "The Day I Stopped Bringing Action Cameras Underwater." This is his journey.

DIVEVOLK Ambassador Kernwei sharing his story at MIDE 2025.

The Action Camera Era: A Great Start with Limitations

Like many divers, Kernwei’s journey into underwater content creation began with action cameras. Their advantages were clear: they were compact, portable, and offered a solid degree of water resistance right out of the box. For years, he used them to capture incredible moments beneath the waves.

However, as a professional filmmaker and photographer, he frequently encountered a familiar set of frustrations—limitations that stood in the way of true creative freedom:

• The Data Delay: Action cameras are isolated devices. Content couldn't be instantly shared to social media. The cumbersome process involved ending the dive, getting back to the boat, removing the memory card, and transferring huge files to a computer or tablet before any editing or sharing could begin.
• The Risk of Overheating: In the warm tropical waters, action cameras were prone to overheating during long takes, often causing the system to crash mid-shot, losing precious footage.
• The Battery Swap Gamble: Changing a battery on a wet, rocking dive boat is a nerve-wracking experience. One stray drop of water could mean a flooded camera and a ruined trip.

These limitations planted a seed in his mind: there had to be a better, more integrated way to create.

The Turning Point: The Rise of the Smartphone

In the world of high-speed motorsports—another of Kernwei's passions—he had already witnessed a revolution. The launch of devices like the iPhone 13 Pro and subsequent models had transformed smartphone photography from a simple recording tool into a powerful creative platform. He was already using his iPhone to capture professional-grade photos and videos of race cars, amazed by the image quality, performance, and incredible flexibility it offered in a complex environment.

"If my iPhone can capture stunning, high-quality footage of a race car at full speed," Kernwei thought, "what could it do with the vibrant, flowing beauty of the underwater world?"

He began searching for a solution that could bring his trusted iPhone on his dives. The challenge wasn't just waterproofing; it was control. He needed a way to access all the professional camera functions his iPhone offered. His search led him to DIVEVOLK and its game-changing innovation: the underwater full touchscreen dive housing.

For the first time, he saw a way to use his iPhone underwater exactly as he did on land, with full access to every setting, every lens, and every app. This seamless integration of smartphone technology with diving made it possible to capture stunning visuals and even apply real-time color correction using apps like UWACAM 2.0.

 

A New Experience: Diving with DIVEVOLK

Kernwei described the first time he took the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max underwater. There was a mix of curiosity and high expectations. The moment he submerged it, the difference was immediate.

Using the full touchscreen, he could tap to focus, adjust exposure, and switch between lenses with the same intuitive ease he was used to on land. The images and videos he captured were a leap forward in quality. Compared to his previous action camera footage, the colors were more vibrant, the details were sharper, and the overall image had a richer, more cinematic feel. He was no longer just documenting a dive; he was creating art. For more tips on achieving vibrant underwater photos, check out our blog on why colors fade underwater and how to combat it, or learn more about iPhone underwater photography tips.

Beyond Photography: The DIVEVOLK Ecosystem

As Kernwei continued to use the housing, he realized its potential went far beyond just capturing better images. The DIVEVOLK housing transformed his smartphone into a true underwater multi-tool:

• Surface Safety: The ability to use his phone's satellite communication features immediately upon surfacing provided an invaluable layer of safety, a crucial aspect of responsible diving.
• Research & Conservation: The housing offered a more convenient way for research and conservation organizations to document their work, identify species, and share data in real-time. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable diving practices.

An Invitation to Innovate

As an influential filmmaker and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Kernwei's story is a powerful validation of a new era in underwater imaging. His journey encourages all underwater enthusiasts—from beginners to seasoned pros—to look beyond traditional equipment. He urges creators to explore the incredible potential of the camera they already own and to find the right tools, like DIVEVOLK, that empower them to bring their unique vision to life.

"A Revolutionary Product That Changes Everything"

In his closing remarks at MIDE, Kernwei powerfully echoed the words of Steve Jobs: "Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything."

He positioned DIVEVOLK not as just another housing, but as a disruptive technological innovation. It represents a fundamental shift in how we approach underwater creation, making it more accessible, integrated, and creatively powerful than ever before.

DIVEVOLK is proud to partner with creators like Kernwei who push the boundaries of what's possible. We share his excitement for the future of underwater imaging and remain committed to protecting the ocean ecosystems that inspire us all. By empowering more people to capture and share the beauty of the underwater world, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and a greater will to protect it.

 

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Ready to start your own underwater smartphone journey? Explore the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max kit and discover the difference for yourself. You can also browse our full range of DIVEVOLK dive housings and accessories.