If you do either of these 2 things then you need a dive case

✅Watersports – to make sure you are actually waterproof if camera is moving in or hitting water ( high pressure on seals)
✅Underwater filming – for proper stitching for high quality video

Further down I’ll list scenarios where I don’t use the dive case.

Let’s start with “waterproof”

Your Insta360 X5 and X3 and X4 aren’t as “waterproof” as social media makes it out to be.

The waterproof rating is for a stationary camera up to 30 feet under the water, but in watersports videos obviously people are moving at higher speeds.

And with higher speeds comes higher pressures on the seals of the device. Such as the USB charging port and battery compartment.

Here are some examples of higher pressures we think of as normal when using a waterproof camera.

For example:
❌- on the surface of the water with Insta360 at end of selfie stick at end of extended arm hitting water multiple times while swimming around normally
❌-surfing or boating with high water pressure waves hitting the camera
❌-rapid movements or waving arms to swim underwater.

A watersport like a lake jetski probably only gets splashes of water, so more likely safe than someone who has it attached to a surfboard where its hit by waves and going underwater and speed multiple times

Underwater filming and proper stitching

If you are using the camera fully underwater you need a dive case to fix the stitching.
Check out the video below for examples of stich lines underwater.

Since a camera without case has water refraction and your video will be warped and that will make your footage horrible.

So if you are diving or taking underwater video, then a dive case is essential.

Check this link for dive case options from Amazon for X3 and X4 and X5. ⬇️👇

Water scenarios where I don’t use dive case

Personally I only depend on it being waterproof enough for me to:
✅ use it in the rain
✅ dipping it gently into the water in still/slow water
✅splashed by water (not waves)

Insta360 Invisible Dive Case Tips

Before Use

• enable Dive Case Mode for optimal stitching.
• confirm tight seal with latch and even test in sink at home
• Insert anti-fog insert to prevent fogging in humid conditions.
• Avoid high-speed water entry; use weight block for neutral buoyancy.

During Use

• Move steadily with swim fins for smooth footage
• Shoot mid-morning/late afternoon, sun behind you, to enhance colors.
• Use case buttons for full control (power, record, mode switch).

After Use

• Rinse case in fresh water; soak 5-10 min to remove salt/debris.
• Air-dry fully in shade; open case to dry pads/inserts; use quick-dry bag.
• clean lenses with microfiber cloth.
• Store in provided bag, away from heat/sunlight.
• Use “Stitch for Dive Case” and AquaVision in Insta360 app for post-processing.

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