When I first got my GoPro Hero Session camera, I was excited to capture all sorts of adventures. But living near the water and loving watersports, a big challenge immediately became apparent: how do I keep it safe and capture amazing footage underwater or in harsh, wet conditions? Without proper protection, that expensive camera could easily be ruined, and I’d miss out on incredible moments below the surface. Finding a reliable waterproof housing was essential.
- 【DESIGNED FOR】Go Pro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session action camera.
- 【STAINLESS STEEL MATERIAL】The hardware is made of stainless steel to prevent rusting after being used in the sea. You can dive into the sea do not have to worry about rust.
- 【60M/196FT Waterproof】The waterproof housing case with upgraded waterproof sealing ring and tight buckle that help avoid water leakage effectively.You can use your camera to record underwater...
Key Considerations Before Acquiring a Waterproof Camera Case
Investing in a waterproof camera case is crucial for anyone looking to use their action camera beyond basic dry land. These cases are designed to protect your valuable camera from water damage, whether you’re diving deep, surfing waves, kayaking rapids, or even just using it in heavy rain or snow. They also offer a layer of protection against impacts and debris. The ideal customer for such a case is someone who regularly exposes their GoPro to moisture or submersion, ranging from casual snorkelling to more serious scuba diving, or even just using it in extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or snow where the camera’s built-in water resistance isn’t sufficient. If your adventures keep you strictly indoors or away from water, you likely don’t need a full waterproof dive housing; a simple protective frame might suffice, offering better audio recording and ventilation while protecting against minor bumps. Before purchasing a GoPro waterproof housing, consider the maximum depth rating you require – are you just surface swimming or serious diving? Look at the build material and lens quality, as this affects both durability, pressure resistance, and image clarity underwater. Button accessibility is also key; can you easily operate your camera’s functions while it’s in the case? Ensure the case is specifically compatible with your camera model, as action cameras vary slightly in dimension and button placement. Finally, think about what accessories are included, such as mounts or anti-fog inserts, and the overall value compared to the price.
- Dual-layer waterproof seal and leak alarm: This Seafrog waterproof camera housing provides dual waterproof protection for your Olympus TG-7 camera, equipped with dual-layer waterproof seals and leak...
- 1. Optical performance: optical glass ports (not acrylic) + customized parts that position the domes and ports optimally. 2. Universal compatibility for multiple cameras and lenses, and adjustable...
- GOOD PERFORMANCE: The 304 stainless steel bow lock has the characteristics of resistance, clear thread, tight connection, strong and
Introducing the FitStill Dive Housing
Let’s talk about the specific case I’ve been using: the FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing Waterproof Protective Case Shell for Go Pro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session. This FitStill dive housing is designed specifically for the compact GoPro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session models, promising robust waterproof protection down to an impressive 60 meters (196 feet). When you purchase it, you typically get the case itself along with a bracket mount, ready to attach to standard GoPro accessories like poles or tripod adapters. This case is clearly intended for owners of these specific Session models who need more than just splash protection – it’s for serious underwater adventures like diving and deep snorkeling, or demanding watersports. It wouldn’t be suitable for users of larger, standard GoPro Hero models or other action camera brands due to its unique form factor.
Pros:
* Exceptional depth rating (60m/196ft) for serious diving.
* Durable construction feels solid and protective.
* Stainless steel hardware resists corrosion in saltwater.
* Large flat glass lens provides clear, undistorted underwater images.
* PMMA material offers high light transmission for vivid footage.
* Buttons are accessible and functional through the case.
Cons:
* Inserting and removing the camera can be a bit fiddly at first.
* External buttons can feel quite stiff, requiring firm presses.
* Some reports of potential leaks, highlighting the need for meticulous seal checks.
* Accessory mounting points (like the included bracket) can feel less robust than official GoPro gear.
Examining its Capabilities: Features & Benefits in Detail
Having used the FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing for a considerable amount of time, I can delve into the features that make it a potentially valuable accessory for Hero Session camera owners, and how they translate into real-world benefits.
Unmatched Depth Protection (60m/196ft Waterproof Rating)
The headline feature of this case is undoubtedly its impressive 60-meter (196 feet) waterproof rating. For anyone looking to go beyond basic surface activities and explore the underwater world through scuba diving, this depth rating is essential. Many standard action camera cases or the camera’s built-in resistance might only handle 10 or 30 metres, which isn’t sufficient for deeper dives. The FitStill case achieves this level of protection through a combination of thick, robust material and a carefully designed sealing system. This includes an upgraded waterproof sealing ring around the main opening and a tight, secure buckle mechanism that locks the two halves of the case together.
What does this mean in practice? It means peace of mind. When I descend below 30 meters, I don’t have to worry about whether my camera is protected. I can focus on the dive itself and capturing the incredible marine life around me. This deep rating isn’t just for divers, either. It provides an extra layer of security for extreme watersports enthusiasts. Knowing it can withstand the pressure at 60 meters means it can easily handle the impact of a wipeout while surfing or the force of rapids while kayaking. The benefit is clear: it dramatically expands the environments where you can safely use your GoPro Hero Session, allowing you to capture footage in conditions that would otherwise destroy your camera. The upgraded sealing ring and tight buckle aren’t just specifications; they are the critical components that ensure the barrier between your camera and the crushing pressure and corrosive nature of deep water holds firm.
Durability in Harsh Conditions (Stainless Steel Hardware)
Action cameras are used in tough environments, and their accessories need to be equally resilient. The hardware used in a dive housing, particularly the components exposed to water like hinges and buckles, is crucial for longevity. The FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing incorporates stainless steel hardware. This is particularly important if you plan to use the case in saltwater. Saltwater is highly corrosive, and standard metals can quickly rust, weakening the structure, seizing up moving parts (like the buckle), and potentially compromising the waterproof seal over time.
Using stainless steel ensures that the critical points of the case, such as the hinge pin or the latch mechanism, remain functional and resistant to corrosion even after repeated immersions in the ocean. After a dive, I make sure to rinse the case thoroughly with fresh water, but knowing the key components are stainless steel adds confidence that rust won’t become an issue down the line. This feature directly contributes to the durability and long-term reliability of the case, meaning you don’t have to worry about the buckle failing or parts corroding after just a few trips to the sea. It’s a small detail, but one that significantly impacts the lifespan and trustworthiness of a waterproof product designed for marine use.
Crystal Clear Underwater Footage (Large Flat Glass Lens)
One of the biggest challenges of shooting underwater with a camera designed primarily for use above water is distortion. Curved ports on waterproof cases can cause refraction, making everything look closer and slightly distorted. This FitStill protective case addresses this by featuring a large, flat glass lens port in front of the camera lens. A flat port eliminates or significantly reduces this optical distortion underwater, ensuring that your photos and videos appear true to life with accurate perspectives.
Furthermore, the choice of *glass* over plastic for the lens port is a significant advantage. Glass is much harder and more resistant to scratches than plastic. This is crucial because the lens port is the most exposed part of the case underwater and can easily come into contact with sand, rocks, or coral. A scratched lens port can ruin your footage, creating blurry spots or streaks. The glass lens on this dive housing ensures maximum image sharpness both above and below the water surface. It provides a clear, unhindered view for the camera sensor, allowing you to capture crisp, detailed, and vibrant underwater scenes without the worry of distortions or easily inflicted scratches compromising the quality of your shots. The large size also ensures it covers the Hero Session’s lens area completely without vignetting.
Robust and Transparent Housing Body (Excellent PMMA Material)
The main body of the FitStill waterproof shell is made from PMMA, which is a type of acrylic. The description highlights it as “Excellent PMMA material,” suggesting a high-grade version of this plastic. The quality of this material is vital for two reasons: durability and transparency. The case needs to be tough enough to withstand the significant pressure at 60 meters depth without cracking or deforming, and it also needs to protect the camera body from impacts. I’ve found the case feels solid and not brittle, which is reassuring when using it in active environments.
Equally important is the transparency of the material. The housing wraps entirely around the camera, and while the lens port is the most critical for image capture, the surrounding material also needs to be clear to allow light to enter and potentially see the camera’s status lights if necessary (though the buttons are the main interface underwater). High-quality PMMA provides excellent clarity, ensuring minimal light loss as light passes through the case towards the camera. This clear, tough material offers robust physical protection for your valuable GoPro Hero Session while maintaining the necessary optical clarity to not negatively impact your footage beyond what is inherent to shooting underwater.
Capturing Vibrant Colours (High Light Transmission)
Closely related to the material quality is the concept of high light transmission. Underwater, light diminishes rapidly with depth, and certain colours (especially reds and oranges) are absorbed first, leaving footage looking predominantly blue or green. While you often need external lights or filters for true colour accuracy at depth, the housing itself shouldn’t exacerbate the problem by blocking what little light is available. The excellent PMMA material and the glass lens port of the FitStill dive housing are designed for high light transmission (stated as 98.99%).
This high transmission rate means that nearly all the light hitting the case gets through to the camera’s sensor. This is crucial for capturing the brightest possible footage underwater. It helps retain more natural colours, although colour correction will still be necessary for deeper dives. For shallower water, like snorkelling or surface watersports, this high transmission contributes to brighter, more vivid images and videos straight out of the camera. It ensures that the protective case isn’t a barrier to light, allowing the camera to perform at its best even in challenging low-light underwater environments.
Designed for Specific Models (GoPro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session)
Unlike some generic cases, the FitStill case is explicitly designed for the GoPro Hero 5 Session and Hero 4 Session cameras. This specific compatibility is a major advantage. The internal mould of the case is perfectly shaped to fit the Session’s cubic form factor snugly. This means the camera sits securely inside without any movement or rattling, which could affect stability or alignment.
Crucially, the external buttons on the case are precisely aligned with the single physical button on the Hero Session cameras. This allows you to operate the camera easily while it’s sealed inside the housing. You can power it on/off, start/stop recording, and change modes using the external button pusher that interacts with the camera’s button. This seamless functionality is vital for controlling your camera underwater without having to open the case, which would obviously lead to flooding. The specific design for these models ensures that all functions remain accessible and reliable, providing a frustration-free user experience during your aquatic activities. It’s important to note that because of this specific design, it will *not* fit other GoPro models like the Hero 7 Silver mentioned in some reviews, which is designed differently and requires a different case.
Ready to Mount (Included Bracket Mount)
The package includes a standard GoPro-style bracket mount. This is a simple but necessary accessory. The bracket attaches securely to the bottom of the FitStill dive housing using a thumbscrew. Once attached, it provides the standard two-pronged interface that is ubiquitous in the GoPro accessory ecosystem.
This means you can immediately attach the housed camera to a vast range of mounts you likely already own or plan to purchase. Whether it’s a selfie stick, a chest harness, a helmet mount, a handlebar mount, or a tripod adapter, the included bracket makes the waterproof housing fully compatible with your existing setup. This saves you the hassle and potential extra cost of buying a separate mounting adapter for the case itself. It’s a small but appreciated inclusion that ensures you can start using the case with your favourite mounts right away. While some users noted potential wobble with certain *arm* attachments (often related to the mount itself or how it’s tightened, rather than the bracket on the case), the bracket on the case provides a standard connection point that works well with many accessories.
What Other Users Are Saying Online
After spending significant time with this dive housing, I also scoured the internet to see the general consensus from other users. Many reported positive experiences, echoing my findings about the solid build quality and effective waterproofing at the stated depth. Users frequently highlighted how well it fit their Hero Session cameras and appreciated that the external buttons worked reliably underwater, allowing them to easily start and stop recording or change settings without needing to open the case. The clarity of the footage through the lens port also received positive mentions. However, a few reviewers did mention issues, like potential problems with certain accessory mounts feeling unstable when attached to the case’s bracket or, in rare cases, experiencing leaks after repeated deep use, underscoring the critical need for proper maintenance, cleaning the seals, and checking them meticulously before each and every time you take the case into the water.
Final Thoughts on the FitStill Dive Housing
In summary, protecting your valuable GoPro Hero Session camera from the elements, especially water, is non-negotiable if you want to capture your aquatic adventures without risking your gear. The potential for water damage is real, and missing out on stunning underwater photos and videos because your camera isn’t protected is a shame. The FitStill 196FT/60M Dive Housing is an excellent choice for this purpose, offering serious depth capability for diving, a durable build with corrosion-resistant hardware, and a flat glass lens designed for clarity underwater. If you’re ready to take your Hero Session into the water safely and capture moments you otherwise couldn’t, Click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-07-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API