Insta360 X3 Invisible Dive Case review

Insta360 has created a new Dive Case for the X3 – so why is the 2023 edition so much better? Because you can't see it...

Insta360 X3 Invisible Dive Case 2023 Dive Case
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Insta360 X3 Invisible Dive Case takes the 360-degree magic of the X3 and lets you use it worry-free in deep water, down to depths of 50m. It's an essential accessory for divers, a lot of fun for all water lovers, and not difficult to use (after the first time). Sadly surface refraction means it's at its best fully submerged, but underwater it unleashes the X3's potential as never before.

Pros

  • +

    Works well underwater (after software update)

  • +

    Stitching is generally automatic, but app has options

  • +

    Anti-fog strips don't seem essential but are included

  • +

    Rugged locks

  • +

    Didn't let water in!

Cons

  • -

    The adjustable angle makes it hard to align with selfie stick

  • -

    Refraction means it's an 'all-in' tool

  • -

    A lot of force on the joint if using selfie stick

  • -

    Camera alignment sometimes seems slightly imperfect

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Every action camera worth its salt offers a dive case accessory to extend it from superficial waterproofness which might do OK near the surface to something that will impress a serious diver. In that respect, the Insta360 X3 is no different. In fact, it already offered a Dive Case – now known by the software as the 2022 case – but that accessory didn't quite live up to the standards of invisibility the camera had set itself.

As a 360-degree action camera the X3 is actually two fisheye cameras fused back-to-back and, in normal operation, it can be used on the end of a wand (a so-called invisible selfie stick). This stick is ignored by the software – made "invisible" – as it records a full sphere (from which you can, subsequently, zoom and crop as you choose).

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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook