There was a time when capturing unforgettable moments during watersports or just enjoying a rainy day meant risking valuable camera gear. I needed a reliable way to protect my action camera from the elements without sacrificing image quality or ease of use. Not having a proper protective housing meant missing out on incredible shots or, worse, potentially damaging expensive equipment. The thought of a spontaneous splash or an unexpected downpour ruining my camera was a constant worry, severely limiting where and how I could use it. Finding a dependable waterproof housing was crucial.
- 【DESIGNED FOR】Go Pro Hero 7 Black/ Hero 6 Black/ hero 5 Black/ Hero HD (2018).
- 【NOTE】Not applicable to Go Pro Hero 7 Silver / White Edition!!!
- 【0.4" BIGGER and 35% THICKER】Stronger than the standard's housing. LARGE FLAT GLASS LENS : delivers maximum image sharpness above and below water.
Choosing Your Underwater Camera Protection: What to Look For
Before diving into the specifics of a particular product, it’s important to consider why someone needs a waterproof housing for their action camera in the first place. These cases are designed to safeguard your device from water, dust, mud, and impact, allowing you to capture footage in environments where the camera would otherwise be vulnerable. An ideal customer for such a product is someone who engages in activities like swimming, snorkelling, surfing, diving (within the case’s depth limit), kayaking, or even just wants extra protection from rain or snow.
However, a standard waterproof housing might not be necessary for everyone. If you only use your action camera in dry, controlled environments, or if your specific camera model already has sufficient built-in water resistance for your needs (like handling light rain), then a heavy-duty case might be overkill. In such cases, a simple protective frame or lens protector could suffice.
When considering a waterproof case, several factors are paramount. The stated waterproof depth rating is obviously key – ensure it meets your intended use (snorkelling, shallow diving, deeper dives). The build material and latching mechanism are critical for ensuring a watertight seal and overall durability. You also need to check compatibility – does the case fit your specific camera model snugly and correctly? Lens quality is important; a poor lens on the case can degrade your camera’s image quality. Finally, consider any additional features or included accessories, such as anti-fog inserts, lens caps, or mounting brackets, which can enhance usability and value.
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Introducing the FitStill Dive Housing
The FitStill 148FT/40M Waterproof Housing is specifically designed for the Go Pro Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, and Hero HD (2018) action cameras. Its primary promise is to provide robust, waterproof protection up to 45 meters (148 feet), enabling you to confidently take your compatible GoPro underwater for various activities. When you purchase this housing, it typically includes the protective case itself and a bracket mount.
Compared to the original GoPro Super Suit housing for these models, the FitStill often positions itself as a more affordable alternative. It boasts a slightly larger and thicker build compared to some standard housings, aiming for enhanced durability. It’s explicitly stated that this case is *not* compatible with the GoPro Hero 7 Silver or White editions, so users with those models should look for a different housing. This particular FitStill case is ideal for GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 Black, or 2018 users who need reliable underwater protection for snorkelling, swimming, or recreational diving up to 45 meters, or simply require heavy-duty protection in harsh terrestrial environments. It is not suitable for users with incompatible GoPro models or those who require protection beyond its stated depth limit.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on the product description and user feedback:
Pros:
* Provides significant waterproof depth protection (up to 45m/148ft).
* Specifically designed for compatible Hero Black models, offering a potentially secure fit.
* Features a large flat glass lens for claimed maximum image sharpness.
* Uses excellent PMMA material (a type of plastic).
* Often comes with useful accessories like anti-fog inserts and a lens cap.
Cons:
* Some users report issues with the camera moving inside the housing, potentially causing noise.
* The external lens protector (if included) may be fragile.
* Latch hinges are plastic and might feel less robust than metal alternatives.
* The included mount might not fit perfectly with genuine GoPro mounts, potentially leading to instability.
Detailed Look at the Features That Matter
Exploring the various aspects of the FitStill Waterproof Housing reveals how it aims to provide reliable protection for your valuable action camera. Each feature plays a role in ensuring your Go Pro Hero 2018, 7, 6, or 5 Black remains safe and functional in challenging environments, particularly underwater.
Waterproof Depth Rating and Materials: The core function of any waterproof housing is, of course, its ability to keep water out. This FitStill housing is rated waterproof up to 148 feet or 45 meters. For most recreational water activities like snorkelling, swimming, and even introductory diving, this depth rating is more than sufficient. The case is constructed from excellent PMMA material. PMMA, or acrylic, is known for its transparency, rigidity, and impact resistance, making it a suitable choice for a protective shell. The reported depth capability is crucial because standard action cameras, even those with some inherent water resistance, have significant limitations on how deep they can go without additional protection. Without this housing, attempting to film below a few meters could lead to catastrophic camera failure due to water pressure.
Lens Quality and Design: A key component of any camera housing is the front lens. The description highlights a “LARGE FLAT GLASS LENS” designed for maximum image sharpness above and below water. This is vital because a curved or low-quality lens on the housing can introduce distortion or reduce clarity in your footage. Action cameras are often used to capture dynamic scenes where sharpness is paramount. A flat glass lens is generally preferred for underwater use as it minimizes distortion that occurs when light passes from water to air through a curved surface. Maintaining image sharpness ensures that the vibrant colours and details of the underwater world or other wet environments are captured faithfully, providing truly immersive video and photos.
Build Size and Thickness: The product information mentions the housing is “0.4” BIGGER and 35% THICKER” than standard housing. While ‘standard’ isn’t precisely defined here, this suggests a more robust construction than perhaps a basic frame or even older housing designs. Increased thickness in the plastic material can contribute to greater durability and resistance to pressure at depth. A slightly larger size might accommodate the camera more easily or allow for better heat dissipation (though heat can still be an issue in sealed cases). This added thickness is a benefit in providing confidence that the case can withstand bumps and pressures encountered during active use in demanding conditions.
Double Lock Mechanism: The product colour description includes “【double Lock】hero 7/6/5 Black Dive Case”, implying the housing features a dual locking system for the latch. A secure latch is absolutely critical for a waterproof case. A single point of failure could mean a flooded camera. A double lock mechanism adds an extra layer of security, requiring two distinct actions to open the case, significantly reducing the chance of accidental opening while submerged or during vigorous activity. This feature directly addresses the primary concern of users – keeping the camera dry and safe – and instills greater confidence in the housing’s seal.
Ease of Use and Access: While not explicitly detailed as a feature in the provided text, user reviews often touch upon how easy it is to install the camera and open/close the case. One user specifically mentioned that this case is “way easier to remove than the stock GoPro cases,” highlighting a “release switch at the top of the case” that makes opening “a breeze.” For anyone using their action camera frequently, whether in wet or dry conditions, ease of access is a significant benefit. Fumbling with a difficult latch, especially in cold weather or with wet hands, can be frustrating and time-consuming. A smooth, reliable opening mechanism makes the entire user experience much more convenient.
Compatibility: The explicit compatibility list – Go Pro Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black, and Hero HD (2018) – is a crucial detail. This ensures that users purchasing this specific model know exactly which cameras it will fit. The note about *not* being applicable to Hero 7 Silver / White Edition is equally important, preventing incorrect purchases. Correct compatibility means the camera sits properly within the housing, allowing buttons to be accessed (via external pushers on the case) and ensuring the lens aligns correctly with the housing’s front element.
Included Accessories (Mount and Anti-Fog Inserts): The FitStill 148FT/40M Waterproof Housing typically comes with a bracket mount, allowing you to attach it to various GoPro-compatible accessories like tripods, handles, or helmet mounts. Having this included means you don’t necessarily need to buy an extra mount just for the housing. Another commonly included accessory, mentioned positively in user reviews, are anti-fog inserts. These small strips absorb moisture inside the sealed case, preventing condensation from forming on the lens or inside the housing, which can ruin footage clarity. Including these vital accessories adds significant value to the purchase, saving users the hassle and cost of buying them separately.
Potential Drawbacks: It’s important to address the disadvantages mentioned by some users. Reports of the camera moving slightly inside the housing are concerning, as this could lead to rattling noises in audio recordings or potentially shift the camera position during extreme movements. While some users mitigate this with added foam, it’s not ideal. The durability of the external lens protector (if applicable) and the plastic latch hinges being questioned suggests that while the main body might be robust, some smaller components might require careful handling. The issue with the included mount not fitting perfectly into authentic GoPro mounts could lead to instability or chatter in videos, particularly noticeable during high-speed or bumpy activities. These points highlight that while the case offers core waterproof functionality, attention to detail in internal fit and accessory integration might not be on par with official brand accessories, which is often the trade-off for a lower price point.
Despite these potential issues, the core function of keeping the camera dry seems to be reliably achieved based on multiple positive reviews regarding its waterproof performance. The case serves its primary purpose well for many users engaging in various water activities within its stated depth limits.
What Others Are Saying: Real Experiences
After scouring various platforms for user feedback, I found that many customers have had positive experiences with the FitStill Waterproof Housing. Several users confirmed its effectiveness in keeping their cameras dry during activities like snorkelling and testing in sinks or tubs. The inclusion of anti-fog inserts was frequently appreciated, preventing condensation that can ruin underwater footage. The closing mechanism was noted by some as being easier to operate compared to official GoPro cases, which is a significant plus, especially in cold conditions. Many felt the product offered excellent value for the price, providing a quality alternative to more expensive options from the camera manufacturer. However, some feedback did highlight potential downsides, such as the camera not fitting perfectly snugly inside, leading to slight movement and rattling noises in recorded audio, and concerns about the durability of smaller plastic parts like latch hinges or thin lens covers. Despite these critiques, the consensus from many users was that the case performs its essential duty of waterproofing reliably.
Final Thoughts on Staying Protected Underwater
The initial problem of wanting to use my action camera for water-based activities or in challenging weather without risking damage is precisely what a product like the FitStill 148FT/40M Waterproof Housing aims to solve. Without adequate protection, valuable footage from adventures can be lost, or worse, the camera itself could be destroyed by water ingress or impact. This case offers a viable solution for users of compatible GoPro Hero models.
Three key reasons why this housing is a great fit to solve that problem are its stated waterproof depth rating of 45 meters, which covers most recreational water activities; its construction with PMMA material and a double lock mechanism designed to ensure a secure, watertight seal; and the inclusion of valuable accessories like anti-fog inserts that help maintain clear footage. For anyone looking to take their compatible GoPro Hero 2018, 7, 6, or 5 Black camera into the water or demanding environments, this case provides the necessary peace of mind and protection. To check it out and potentially get yours, Click here to view the FitStill Waterproof Housing .ca.
Last update on 2025-07-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API