For years, my trusty action camera, specifically my GoPro Hero 4, has been my constant companion on various adventures. While it’s a rugged piece of tech, using it in truly challenging environments – think underwater, dusty trails, or precarious slopes – always brought a nagging worry about potential damage. Water ingress, nasty scratches, or even a hard knock could instantly ruin the camera and lose irreplaceable footage. Protecting my investment while still capturing those moments was a problem that definitely needed solving.
- 1.Waterproof depth: Use this waterproof housing you can take your gopro hero 4/hero3+/hero3 camera, Waterproof to 147 feet (45 meter). for deep sea diving and extreme activities.
- 2.Compatible with Gopro HERO4/HERO3+/HERO3, When you insert your camera, you can also easily operate the shutter/power button or select key/ Mode button. The waterproof housing Size:...
- 3.EXTRA PROTECTION: The housing does not only offer greater waterproof protection to your GoPro hero4/hero3+/hero3 camera, it also offers extra protection against dust, scratches and shocks.
Key Considerations Before Purchasing a Camera Housing
So, you want to take your action camera where the action really is – underwater, in the surf, down snowy slopes, or through dusty off-road trails. These are exactly the scenarios a good protective housing is designed for. They provide a crucial barrier against water, dirt, sand, and impacts that would otherwise spell doom for your camera. The ideal candidate for a camera housing is someone who owns a compatible camera model and plans to push its environmental limits, but isn’t ready or able to upgrade to a newer, perhaps inherently more water-resistant camera. If you only use your camera indoors or in perfectly dry, controlled conditions, a housing is likely unnecessary bulk. Before buying, you absolutely must check compatibility with your specific camera model. Consider the depth rating – does it meet your deepest planned dives or is it just for surface splashes? Look at the construction materials, especially the latch mechanism and lens port, as these are critical for seal integrity and image quality. Finally, check reviews for reports on real-world performance regarding leaks and 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 Suptig Waterproof Housing
The Suptig Waterproof Case Protective Housing for GoPro Hero 4, Hero 3+, Hero3 Outside Sport Camera is essentially a sturdy shell designed to encase your older GoPro model, promising significant protection. Its primary claim is allowing you to take your GoPro Hero 4, Hero 3+, or Hero3 down to an impressive 147 feet (45 meters) underwater. Beyond just water, it also aims to shield your camera from dust, scratches, and moderate shocks. When you purchase the Suptig housing, it typically comes with the case itself, a quick release buckle mount, a thumbscrew, and a microfiber cleaning cloth – everything you need to get started with mounting it on standard GoPro accessories. This product is clearly aimed at users who own these specific, older GoPro models and are looking for a budget-friendly alternative or replacement to the original, often hard-to-find or expensive GoPro housing. It’s definitely *not* for owners of newer GoPro cameras or cameras from other brands, as the fit and button alignment are specific to the listed models.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Provides deep waterproof protection (rated to 45m).
* Offers extra protection against dust, scratches, and shocks.
* Cost-effective solution for older GoPro models.
* Includes essential mounting accessories (quick release, thumbscrew).
* Toughened glass lens port for better light transmission (claimed).
* Buttons align and are operable once camera is inside.
Cons:
* Latch mechanism can feel stiff or harder to close compared to the original.
* Does not accommodate accessories like the LCD BacPac screen attachment.
* Some user reports indicate potential leaks during actual use.
* Durability might be a concern in demanding conditions like surfing.
* Quality control might be inconsistent, with some units potentially arriving with issues.
Diving Deeper: Features and Their Advantages
Waterproof Capability – Rated to 147ft (45m)
The standout feature of the Suptig Waterproof Case is its impressive claimed depth rating of 147 feet, or 45 meters. In theory, this opens up a world of underwater possibilities for your GoPro Hero 4, Hero 3+, or Hero3. Think deep snorkeling, scuba diving within recreational limits, or capturing the underwater beauty of a reef. The housing achieves this waterproof seal through a combination of a sturdy outer shell, likely made from a strong polycarbonate, and a precisely fitted rubber or silicone gasket around the door. The rear door is secured by a robust latch mechanism.
When you first handle the housing, the latch feels solid, though as some users note, it can require a bit more force to close and secure compared to an original GoPro case. This snug fit is crucial for the seal, but can sometimes make you wonder if you’ve closed it correctly. The process involves placing the camera inside, lining it up, closing the back door, and then snapping the top latch down. A positive click or firm resistance confirms it’s locked. The benefit of this high depth rating, *if the seal holds*, is the ability to confidently take your older GoPro much deeper than its inherent water resistance (which for the Hero 4 Black/Silver was only 10m *without* a housing, and Hero 3/3+ needed a housing even for shallow water). This expands your creative options dramatically, allowing you to capture underwater wildlife, wreck dives, or simply explore deeper below the surface. However, it is absolutely critical to mention that despite the 45m rating, there are user reports indicating leaks at much shallower depths or even just from waves. This suggests that while the *design* might theoretically handle 45m, the *manufacturing consistency* might vary. It’s highly recommended to perform a thorough water test *without* the camera inside before trusting it fully with your valuable equipment in deep water. The toughened glass lens cover is also part of the waterproof seal system, ensuring no water enters from the front.
Compatibility with GoPro Hero 4, Hero 3+, Hero3
This protective housing is specifically engineered for a select range of older GoPro models: the Hero 4 Black, Hero 4 Silver, Hero 3+, and Hero3. This dedicated compatibility is a major advantage for owners of these cameras. Finding original GoPro housings for these older models can be challenging and expensive on the used market. The Suptig case provides a readily available and affordable alternative.
When you place your compatible GoPro inside the Suptig housing, you’ll find that it fits snugly. The internal shape is moulded to securely hold these specific camera bodies, preventing them from shifting around inside, which could lead to blurry footage or put strain on the buttons. More importantly, the external buttons on the housing are designed to perfectly align with the corresponding buttons on the Hero 3, 3+, and Hero 4 cameras (Power/Mode, Shutter/Select). This allows you to fully operate the camera’s basic functions – powering on/off, changing modes, starting/stopping recording, and taking photos – without having to remove it from the case. This seamless interaction is crucial for usability, especially when you’re in the middle of an activity like diving or surfing where quickly accessing controls is necessary. The benefit here is clear: you don’t lose functionality just because your camera is protected. The housing becomes an extension of the camera, allowing full control even in hostile environments. For users holding onto their older GoPros, this specific compatibility breathes new life into their existing equipment, making it viable for adventures they might have thought required a camera upgrade.
Extra Protection Against Elements
Beyond just water, the Suptig housing offers significant protection from other environmental hazards. The hard shell forms a robust barrier against dust, sand, dirt, and mud. This is invaluable if you use your GoPro for activities like dirt biking, snowboarding, skiing, or even just trekking in dusty locations. Fine particles can easily work their way into the camera’s crevices, potentially damaging internal components or scratching the lens. Encased in the housing, your camera remains pristine.
Furthermore, the rigid structure of the case provides a decent level of protection against physical impacts and scratches. While it’s not designed to be indestructible or protect the camera from severe drops from significant heights, it certainly adds a layer of defence against accidental bumps, scrapes against rocks or trees, or minor falls. If your camera is mounted on a helmet while cycling through bushes, or strapped to a surfboard taking minor hits, the housing can absorb the initial impact, potentially saving the camera body from cosmetic damage or even structural failure. The toughened glass lens port not only ensures optical clarity but is also much more resistant to scratches than the camera’s bare lens or a flimsy plastic cover. This multi-faceted protection means the housing is useful for a wide range of action sports and outdoor activities, not exclusively water-based ones. It acts as a general ruggedizing shell for your older GoPro.
Durable Construction and Lens Clarity
The materials used in the construction of the Suptig housing are key to its protective capabilities. The main body is likely made from a durable plastic, designed to withstand pressure and impacts. A specific mention is made of “stainless steel production,” which refers to the hardware components like hinges, screws, or the spring in the latch mechanism. This is important, particularly for marine use, as stainless steel resists rust and corrosion when exposed to salt water, ensuring the mechanical parts of the housing remain functional over time. A rusty latch or hinge could compromise the integrity of the case.
Another crucial element is the lens port, which is made from toughened glass. The manufacturer claims a light transmission rate of 98%. This high light transmission is vital because a cloudy or distorted lens port can significantly degrade the quality of your footage, making images appear dark, soft, or introducing unwanted glare. Using toughened glass helps maintain optical clarity, allowing the camera’s sensor to capture as much light as possible for bright, sharp videos and photos, whether underwater or on land. It also offers better scratch resistance compared to standard plastic, which is important for maintaining that clarity over many uses. The combination of a sturdy body, rust-resistant hardware, and a high-quality glass lens port contributes to the overall durability and performance of the housing, aiming to ensure it lasts and provides clear results.
Usability: Button Operation and Mounting Options
Despite being encased in a protective shell, you still need to be able to control your camera. The design of the Suptig housing includes external buttons that depress the internal buttons of your GoPro Hero 3, 3+, or Hero 4. Based on user feedback, these buttons align correctly with the camera’s controls, allowing you to easily operate the power/mode button and the shutter/select button. While the feel might be different from pressing the camera’s bare buttons, they remain functional through the housing. This is essential; imagine missing that perfect shot because you couldn’t start recording!
The housing also comes equipped with the standard GoPro two-pronged mounting interface at the bottom. This means it’s instantly compatible with the vast ecosystem of GoPro mounts and accessories already on the market, including the included quick release mount and thumbscrew. You can easily attach the housing (and your camera inside) to helmet mounts, chest mounts, pole mounts, suction cups, and more, using the familiar GoPro system. The quick release buckle allows you to quickly attach or detach the camera from a mount, which is convenient when you need to switch perspectives or access the camera briefly. The inclusion of these standard mounting accessories adds significant value and convenience, ensuring you don’t need to buy extra adapters to use the housing with your existing gear. The thumbscrew secures the connection to the mount firmly. While the latch might feel a bit stiff initially, the operable buttons and standard mounting make the case quite user-friendly in practice, integrating well into the GoPro workflow.
Acknowledging Potential Downsides
While the Suptig housing offers compelling features, it’s important to be realistic about its limitations, especially given its affordable price point compared to original GoPro accessories. As mentioned, the latch, while secure when closed, can be noticeably stiffer than the original GoPro case latch. This isn’t a dealbreaker but is worth noting. A more significant limitation for some users of the Hero 4 (especially those who might have used it with accessories) is that this specific housing model does *not* have space to accommodate the LCD BacPac or Battery BacPac accessories attached to the back of the camera. If you rely on these, you’ll have to remove them to fit the camera into this housing.
Crucially, and perhaps the most concerning aspect based on user feedback, is the potential for the waterproof seal to fail during actual use, despite passing initial home water tests. Some users have reported water entering the case in shallow water or even just from waves, leading to camera damage. While others report perfect seals after testing, the inconsistency means there’s a risk involved when relying on this housing for valuable equipment in water. This could be due to manufacturing variations, issues with the rubber seal, or user error in properly closing the latch. It’s a serious potential disadvantage that prospective buyers must be aware of, especially if they plan on deep diving or using it in rough water where immediate retrieval might not be possible.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having sifted through online feedback for the Suptig case, it’s clear opinions are somewhat mixed, reflecting a range of experiences. Many users are initially impressed with the build quality for the price, noting that it looks and feels very similar to an original GoPro housing and that the buttons line up correctly. Some have successfully performed water tests at home by submerging the empty case or one with a paper towel inside and found it to be perfectly sealed. However, there are concerning reports from users who experienced leaks during real-world use, such as in the ocean or while surfing, sometimes resulting in their cameras being damaged. One user noted that the case didn’t have room for their camera’s screen attachment. This feedback highlights that while many find the housing to be a great value and functional for basic water protection, there is a potential risk associated with its waterproof reliability under more demanding conditions.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you own an older GoPro Hero 3, 3+, or Hero 4 and want to protect it from water, dust, and impacts without spending a lot of money on a new camera or scarce original accessories, the Suptig Waterproof Case presents a compelling, budget-friendly option. It offers broad compatibility with these specific models, includes essential mounts, and is rated for significant depth. However, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the reported disadvantages, particularly the risk of leaks some users have encountered during actual use.
For those looking for an affordable way to use their old GoPro in wet or dusty environments, and who are willing to test the housing thoroughly themselves before risking their camera, this housing could be a worthwhile purchase. Its protective shell and standard mounting compatibility make it versatile. But if you require absolute guaranteed waterproofing for professional use or deep diving, or if your camera’s life depends on it, you might need to consider if the cost savings are worth the potential risk. To learn more or check out the product, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API