There was a time when my greatest fear while capturing watersports or marine life with my action camera was water ingress. The thought of ruining expensive gear because of a tiny leak or exceeding the camera’s built-in waterproof limit was constantly on my mind. This worry could severely restrict where I could take my shots, preventing me from exploring deeper underwater environments or just having peace of mind in rough water. Solving this problem was crucial to truly unleashing the potential of my camera and my adventures.
- 【DESIGNED FOR】DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro/DJI Osmo Action 4/Action 3 Camera.
- 【50M/164FT Waterproof】This 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...
- 【3 Pack Dive Filters】The including 3 Pack filters can be easily snap on and off by Fitstill waterproof housing case for DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro/4/3. PINK FILTER for snorkel depth water 2-15FT and...
Choosing the Right Underwater Protection
When you’re looking to take your action camera beyond its standard waterproof rating, especially for diving or extended submersion, investing in a proper underwater housing case becomes essential. These cases are designed to withstand much greater pressure and ensure a completely watertight seal, protecting your valuable camera from potentially catastrophic water damage. The ideal customer for a product in this category is someone who regularly engages in water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, or even just wants robust protection against harsh elements like sand, mud, or chlorine. If your water adventures are limited to splashing in puddles or light rain, a dedicated housing might be overkill. Someone sticking to shallow depths might get by with the camera’s native waterproofing, but for serious underwater exploration or maximum peace of mind, a specialized case is a wise choice. Before purchasing, consider the maximum depth rating you need, the compatibility with your specific camera model, the ease of use with the camera inside, the quality of the seal, and whether additional accessories like filters or anti-fog inserts are included or easily available.
- 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
Meet the FitStill Housing
The FitStill 164FT/50M Underwater Waterproof Diving Housing Case Compatible for DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, Action 4, Action 3 is a protective shell specifically engineered for these DJI action camera models. It promises to extend your camera’s waterproof capabilities down to a significant 50 meters (164 feet). When you purchase this case, you don’t just get the housing; the package includes the case itself with a double cold shoe mount, a standard mounting buckle and thumb screw for attaching to various mounts, a handy red dive filter, a pink dive filter, a purple dive filter, and a dozen anti-fog inserts to keep your lens clear. This specific underwater housing case is perfect for anyone who wants to dive deeper than the camera’s native 20m rating or needs extra protection against bumps and scrapes in demanding environments. It might be less suitable for someone who only plans to use their camera in shallow water where the native waterproofing suffices, or someone who requires constant access to the camera’s touchscreen interface while submerged.
Here are some pros and cons based on my experience and product information:
Pros:
* Extends waterproof depth rating significantly (up to 50m).
* Includes three useful dive filters for colour correction at various depths and water types.
* Comes with anti-fog inserts.
* Features a large flat glass lens for clear underwater optics.
* Provides physical protection against impacts, sand, and other elements.
* Compatible with multiple DJI Osmo Action models (5 Pro, 4, 3).
Cons:
* Prevents access to the camera’s touchscreen.
* Can make accessing the physical buttons stiff or difficult.
* Some users report difficulty removing the camera from the snug fit.
* Filters do not have a dedicated storage case included.
* Potential sealing inconsistencies reported by a few users at depth.
Deep Dive into Features
The core function of any diving housing is, of course, water protection. The FitStill 164FT/50M Underwater Waterproof Diving Housing Case is rated to withstand depths of up to 50 meters, or 164 feet. This is a substantial increase over the DJI Osmo Action cameras’ native 20-meter rating. While 20m is sufficient for many recreational activities, reaching 50m opens up possibilities for deeper dives. The case achieves this through a combination of its robust polycarbonate and TPU construction with glass elements, an upgraded waterproof sealing ring, and a tight buckle mechanism. The sealing ring runs around the back door, creating a secure barrier when the case is properly closed and latched. The buckle has a release catch that needs to be pushed to open the main latch, adding an extra layer of security against accidental opening underwater. The benefit here is obvious: your camera stays dry and functional even under significant pressure, allowing you to film or photograph marine life, shipwrecks, or geological features at depths previously inaccessible without additional gear. Even if you don’t plan to dive to the full 50m, this higher rating provides a margin of safety and confidence, especially considering that dynamic pressure from jumping into water can momentarily exceed the camera’s static waterproof rating.
One crucial element for good underwater footage is maintaining image clarity. The FitStill housing features a large flat glass lens port at the front. This is important because curved ports can cause distortion or refraction underwater, affecting image sharpness and field of view. A flat port ensures that what your camera sees through the housing is as close as possible to what it would see without it, delivering maximum image sharpness both above and below the water’s surface. This means your videos and photos will be crisp and clear, capturing the vibrant details of the underwater world without optical compromises introduced by the housing itself.
Beyond simply keeping water out and maintaining optical clarity, the FitStill kit stands out by including three dive filters: Pink, Red, and Purple. Water absorbs light selectively as you go deeper, especially red light. This is why underwater photos and videos often look greenish or bluish without correction. These filters are designed to counteract this absorption, restoring more natural colours to your footage. The Pink filter is recommended for shallower depths (around 2-15ft or 2-5m) in blue water or clear freshwater, ideal for snorkelling. The Red filter is for deeper water (around 12-85ft or 4-26m) in green water or tropical seawater, commonly used for scuba diving depths. The Purple filter is for specific green water conditions at depths from around 8-75ft (2.5-23m). These filters easily snap onto the front of the waterproof housing. The benefit is significant; by using the appropriate filter, you can capture footage with much more accurate and vibrant colours directly in camera, reducing the need for extensive colour correction in post-production. This saves time and effort and often results in better final images compared to trying to artificially correct severe colour casts later. It allows your footage to truly reflect the beauty of the underwater environment you experienced.
Operating the camera while it’s sealed inside a pressure-resistant case requires specific mechanisms. The FitStill housing provides access to the camera’s physical buttons – typically the power button and the quick-capture/shutter button. These buttons on the housing are linked to pins or levers inside that press the corresponding buttons on the camera. While this allows you to turn the camera on/off and start/stop recording or take photos underwater, it’s important to note that the touchscreen is inaccessible. This means you need to set up your camera’s modes and settings (like resolution, frame rate, photo/video mode) *before* putting it in the case and entering the water. Once submerged, you are generally limited to using the physical buttons to start/stop recording or switch between predefined modes if your camera settings allow for button-only switching. Some users find the buttons on the housing stiff to press, which is a common trade-off for ensuring a tight seal at depth. This limitation means that spontaneous setting changes underwater are not possible, requiring careful planning before your dive or snorkelling session.
To combat the perennial problem of condensation inside waterproof cases, especially with temperature changes between the water and the camera, the FitStill package includes 12 anti-fog inserts. These small strips absorb moisture, helping to prevent fogging on the inside of the lens port, which would ruin your footage. Placing one or two inserts inside the case before sealing it can make a huge difference in maintaining clear visibility throughout your dive or water activity. This simple inclusion provides a practical benefit, ensuring that your precious moments captured underwater aren’t obscured by annoying condensation.
The build material, Polycarbonate/TPU with Glass, contributes to the case’s durability and its ability to withstand pressure. Polycarbonate is a tough, rigid plastic often used for protective cases, while TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) adds flexibility and shock absorption, particularly valuable around seals. The glass lens port is essential for optical clarity and scratch resistance compared to plastic alternatives.
Lastly, the included mounting buckle and thumb screw are standard action camera mounts, making the FitStill housing compatible with a vast ecosystem of action camera accessories like poles, grips, head straps, and mounts. The double cold shoe mounts on the top and side of the housing are also a thoughtful addition, allowing you to attach additional accessories like lights or microphones (though a microphone isn’t much use underwater!).
While the snug fit is necessary for the housing‘s waterproof function, a reported downside is the difficulty in removing the camera once it’s seated. A tight fit can sometimes lead to scuffs on the camera body if not removed with extreme care. This is a trade-off between security underwater and convenience above water.
Despite some minor drawbacks like the inaccessible touchscreen and potentially stiff buttons, the combination of the 50m depth rating, flat glass lens, included filters, and anti-fog inserts makes the FitStill waterproof housing case a comprehensive solution for enhancing your DJI Osmo Action camera’s capabilities for serious water use.
Voices from the Deep: What Users Say
Having looked around online, it seems many users have found this FitStill diving housing to be a solid option, especially considering its price point. Several people noted that while the camera is natively waterproof, using this case offers valuable extra security for deeper or longer submersions. The included filters were often highlighted as a significant plus, helping to correct colours underwater, though some found managing the loose filters cumbersome. The build quality and secure latch mechanism generally received positive comments, providing confidence in the seal. However, some users did mention challenges with the physical buttons being stiff or tricky to operate, and a few reported difficulty getting their camera out of the snug case without applying considerable force, leading to minor cosmetic marks on the camera body in at least one instance. There was also a review mentioning a leak at a modest depth, suggesting potential unit-to-unit variation or the need for careful sealing checks before use, contrasting with the positive experiences of others.
Wrapping It Up
The fear of damaging expensive camera gear underwater is a real barrier for many adventurers. Without proper protection, exploring deeper waters or even confidently navigating choppy conditions can be impossible, leading to missed photo and video opportunities. The FitStill 164FT/50M Underwater Waterproof Diving Housing Case is an excellent tool to overcome this. It provides a robust waterproof barrier down to 50 meters, includes valuable colour-correcting dive filters, and features a quality flat glass lens port. For those looking to significantly extend their DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, Action 4, or Action 3’s underwater capabilities without breaking the bank, this underwater housing case is definitely worth considering. To learn more and see if it’s the right fit for your aquatic adventures, click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API