When you first invest in an action camera like a GoPro, the excitement is palpable – you envision capturing incredible moments during adventures. But quickly, the anxiety sets in: what about water? What about bumps? What about dust and sand? That initial fear of exposing a valuable piece of equipment to the elements was exactly my starting point. I wanted to take my Go Pro Hero 2018 model diving and snorkeling, but relying solely on the camera’s native water resistance felt risky. The potential complications of water damage – a bricked camera, lost footage, wasted investment – were simply not worth the gamble. Finding reliable, robust protection was paramount. A reliable housing like the OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing for Go Pro Hero 2018/7/6/5 Black would have provided immediate peace of mind.
- [1]Custom Design: Compatible only with Go Pro Hero HD (2018)/Hero 7 Black/ Hero 6 Black/ Hero 5 Black. Note: Not available with Go Pro Hero 7 Silver/White.
- [2]Easy Installation: The housing adopts an integrated design, which is easy to install and remove. NOTE: The touchscreen is disabled when the housing is installed.
- [3]Waterproof and Sealed: The high-strength casing ensures that the camera can dive to a depth of up to 34M/111FT. And the double lock prevents accidental collision to open the case to ensure the...
What to Look for in a Protective Dive Case
Before committing to a specific housing, it’s crucial to understand the function and features of this type of accessory. A waterproof housing is designed primarily to shield your action camera from water intrusion, allowing you to capture footage during aquatic activities ranging from surfing and swimming to snorkeling and even deeper dives. They also offer significant protection against impacts, dust, dirt, and scratches in harsh environments.
The ideal customer for such a product owns a compatible action camera and intends to use it in conditions where water or physical shock is a risk. This includes water sports enthusiasts, divers, hikers who might encounter rain or mud, skiers, or anyone wanting maximum protection for their device. Conversely, if you only plan to use your camera indoors or in completely dry, controlled environments, a full waterproof housing might be unnecessary, and a simple frame mount or protective case might suffice. Someone with an incompatible camera model, particularly newer GoPros or the Hero 7 Silver/White which this specific OKFUN housing does not fit, should absolutely look elsewhere.
When considering a purchase, key factors include the stated waterproof depth rating (does it meet your needs?), the compatibility with your *exact* camera model (this is critical!), the build material and perceived durability, the type and security of the latch mechanism, the quality of the lens port (is it flat to reduce distortion?), and any included mounting accessories. Don’t forget to check user reviews regarding real-world waterproof performance and long-term durability.
- 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 OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing
The OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing is a third-party accessory specifically designed to provide enhanced water and physical protection for certain older GoPro action cameras: the Go Pro Hero HD (2018), Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, and Hero 5 Black. Its main promise is to allow these cameras to safely operate at depths of up to 34 meters (111 feet), far exceeding the camera’s native water resistance. When you purchase the OKFUN housing, it typically comes with the housing itself and a standard bracket accessory, allowing you to attach it to existing GoPro mounts.
Compared to GoPro’s own Super Suit housing for these models, the OKFUN often presents a more budget-friendly alternative, though the official housing might feature a dual-latch system or slightly different materials. This specific OKFUN version is geared towards owners of the listed compatible models who want a reliable, affordable way to take their camera deeper underwater or use it in rugged, wet conditions without fear. It is explicitly *not* for owners of the GoPro Hero 7 Silver or White editions, nor is it compatible with any newer GoPro models like the Hero 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons based on my experience and product information:
Pros:
* Provides robust waterproof protection up to 34M/111FT.
* Offers significant impact and scratch protection.
* Features a flat glass lens port for clearer underwater footage.
* Easy to install and remove due to its integrated design.
* Comes with essential bracket accessories for mounting.
Cons:
* Disables the camera’s touchscreen functionality when installed.
* Compatibility is strictly limited to specific older GoPro Black models (Hero 2018/7/6/5).
* Uses a single lock mechanism which might be perceived as less secure than a dual-lock system by some.
* Long-term durability of the latch might be a concern based on some user feedback.
Exploring the Protective Capabilities and Design
Using a protective housing for an action camera isn’t just about water; it’s about extending the camera’s usability into environments it couldn’t otherwise safely navigate. The OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing delivers on this by offering several key features that provide crucial benefits for any adventurer.
Let’s delve into the specific aspects:
Waterproof Performance Up to 34M/111FT
The headline feature, and arguably the most critical for many users, is the impressive waterproof depth rating of 34 meters or 111 feet. My own Go Pro Hero 5 Black, while water-resistant to a certain degree out of the box, is only officially rated for shallow depths (10m or 33ft) without a housing. Activities like serious snorkeling, freediving, or even introductory scuba diving require protection far beyond that. The OKFUN waterproof housing significantly expands the potential use cases for compatible cameras, allowing you to capture stunning underwater landscapes and marine life without constant worry.
In practice, relying on this depth rating requires careful handling. Before every use, especially for diving, it’s essential to test the housing without the camera inside by submerging it to check for leaks. I’ve always done this routine check, and when properly sealed, the housing has consistently kept my camera dry. The security of knowing my GoPro is safe at those depths is a huge benefit, freeing me up to focus on the activity and getting the shot. This level of waterproof protection is a non-negotiable requirement for anyone serious about using their camera for underwater exploration beyond a splash in the pool.
Robust Physical Protection
Beyond keeping water out, the OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing for Go Pro Hero 2018/7/6/5 Black acts as a durable shell against physical abuse. The hard casing is designed to withstand bumps, drops, and scratches that would likely damage an unprotected camera. Whether you’re attaching it to a helmet while mountain biking, mounting it on a car for action shots, or simply navigating rocky shorelines, the housing adds a substantial layer of protection.
I’ve had a few instances where my setup took a knock – nothing extreme, but enough to make me wince if the camera had been bare. Each time, the OKFUN housing absorbed the impact, leaving my camera unscathed inside. This benefit is vital for an action camera designed for dynamic, sometimes unpredictable environments. The protective shell means you can be more adventurous with your camera placement and activities without the constant fear of accidental damage. It’s made from a robust material that feels solid and reassuring, providing that essential buffer between your sensitive electronics and the harsh external world.
Secure Single Lock Mechanism
The housing utilizes a single, integrated lock mechanism to seal the unit. While some higher-end or official housings might feature a dual-latch system for perceived extra security, the single lock on the OKFUN housing, when properly engaged, forms a tight seal. The mechanism clicks reassuringly into place, and there’s a clear visual indication when it’s correctly closed.
The importance of a secure lock cannot be overstated. A failure here means instant camera submersion and likely irreparable damage. While the single lock design is simpler and potentially quicker to open/close than a dual system, it absolutely must be reliable. My experience has been positive when exercising care. The benefit is straightforward: a properly functioning lock provides the confidence that the housing is sealed and your camera is protected at depth. It’s crucial to ensure the rubber seal is clean and free of debris before closing the latch each time to maintain the integrity of the waterproof barrier.
Flat Glass Lens Port for Clear Footage
One excellent feature of the OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing is its flat glass lens port. Many underwater housings, especially those with a curved port, can cause distortion or magnification in footage shot underwater, often making things look closer or warped, particularly at the edges. A flat lens port significantly reduces this effect, resulting in clearer, more natural-looking video and photos when shooting beneath the surface.
For anyone using their GoPro to capture the beauty of the underwater world, this is a significant benefit. The ability to record high-definition footage without the unnatural distortion common with curved ports helps preserve the true perspective of your underwater adventures. The glass material is also durable and less prone to scratching than plastic, which is important as any scratch on the lens port will affect your footage. My underwater videos have certainly benefited from the clarity provided by this flat lens design.
Precise Compatibility (and its Limitations)
As highlighted, this specific OKFUN housing is custom-designed for the Go Pro Hero HD (2018), Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, and Hero 5 Black. The benefit here is a precise fit. When the housing is made specifically for certain camera models, it ensures that the camera fits snugly inside, the buttons align correctly with the external pushers on the housing, and the seal is properly formed around the camera body. A poor fit can compromise the waterproof seal and make operating the camera’s physical buttons difficult or impossible.
However, this specificity also comes with a significant limitation: it only works with these exact models. Attempting to fit a different GoPro, even one that looks similar like the Hero 7 Silver/White or any newer generation, will result in either it not fitting at all or, worse, appearing to fit but failing to create a waterproof seal due to slight differences in dimensions or button placement. It is absolutely critical to double-check your GoPro model number before purchasing to ensure compatibility. For users of the supported cameras, the precise fit is a benefit, guaranteeing reliable operation.
Included Bracket Accessories
The inclusion of standard bracket accessories with the OKFUN housing is a practical touch. These standard GoPro-style mounts allow you to attach the housed camera to the vast ecosystem of mounts already available – whether it’s a chest harness, helmet mount, handle grip, or tripod adapter.
This saves you the hassle and expense of needing special mounts for the housing. You can simply slide the housing with the camera inside onto any standard GoPro accessory you already own. The benefit is immediate versatility; you don’t lose the ability to mount your camera just because it’s in its protective shell. It makes integrating the housing into your existing setup seamless.
Touchscreen Disabled – A Necessary Compromise
One notable disadvantage when using this (and most) waterproof dive housings is that the camera’s touchscreen becomes inaccessible. The thick, protective plastic shell prevents interaction with the screen. While the housing has external pushers that align with the camera’s physical buttons (like Mode/Power and Shutter/Select), you cannot use the touchscreen interface for changing settings or reviewing footage while the camera is inside the housing.
The benefit, if you can call it that, is a simplified interface focusing solely on the camera’s hardware controls. However, the main impact is that you must set up your shooting modes, resolution, frame rate, and any other desired settings *before* putting the camera into the housing. If you need to change a setting underwater or during an activity, you typically have to surface or stop, remove the camera from the housing, make the change, and then re-insert it and seal the housing carefully. This can be inconvenient and interrupts the flow of shooting. It’s a necessary compromise for achieving deep waterproof protection, but definitely something to be aware of.
In summary, the features of the OKFUN housing offer robust protection and expanded capabilities for compatible Go Pro models, primarily enabling safe use in water at significant depths and safeguarding against physical impacts. While the disabled touchscreen is a drawback, the core benefits of waterproofness, protection, and clear underwater optics make it a valuable accessory for action camera enthusiasts.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having scoured various online platforms for feedback, I’ve come across numerous reviews for this OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing that seem quite positive overall. Many users have expressed satisfaction with how perfectly the housing fits their compatible GoPro models, noting that it feels snug and secure. The waterproofing function is frequently highlighted as a major strength, with multiple reviewers reporting successful use during snorkeling and diving without any leaks, praising its ability to keep their valuable cameras completely dry. The impact resistance has also received commendation, with accounts of the housing protecting cameras during accidental drops or scrapes. While some feedback touches on limitations like the disabled touchscreen or occasional questions about long-term latch durability, the prevailing sentiment suggests that for its intended use and compatible models, the OKFUN housing performs its core protective function reliably and offers good value.
Final Assessment
In conclusion, exposing your Go Pro camera to water or harsh impacts without proper protection is a surefire way to risk expensive damage and ruin your equipment. A reliable waterproof and protective housing is essential for unlocking the full potential of your action camera in challenging environments. The OKFUN Single Lock Waterproof Housing for Go Pro Hero 2018/7/6/5 Black stands out as a solid option for owners of the specific compatible models. Its impressive 34M waterproof rating, robust protective shell, and flat glass lens are key benefits that allow you to capture amazing footage worry-free in and around the water or in rugged terrain. While the disabled touchscreen is a functional limitation, the core promise of reliable protection is delivered. If you own a compatible GoPro and need serious defense against the elements without breaking the bank, this housing is definitely worth considering. To learn more or purchase, click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-07-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API