Underwater Camera Showdown: Insta360 vs DJI vs DIVEVOLK

In the world of underwater imaging, action cameras have long been the go-to choice for divers thanks to their compact size and rugged durability. But the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max is changing the game entirely. Instead of limiting you to a fixed lens and a few preset modes, it transforms your smartphone into a full-fledged underwater imaging powerhouse—with touchscreen control that works at 60 meters deep.

Today, we're putting three popular underwater solutions head-to-head: the Insta360 waterproof case, the DJI waterproof housing, and the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max. We'll compare them across control experience, imaging capabilities, and functional boundaries to help you decide which one truly deserves a spot in your dive bag.

Quick Specs Comparison

Control Experience: From "Limited Buttons" to "Unlimited Touch"

Insta360 & DJI: The Inherent Limitations of Physical Buttons

Whether you're using Insta360's "Invisible Dive Case" or DJI's action camera housing, both rely on traditional button-based control. Divers must operate the camera through physical buttons on the housing shell to trigger preset functions—start/stop recording, switch modes, and that's about it.

The pain points are real:

• Limited functionality: You're stuck with whatever shooting modes the camera has built-in. Want to adjust exposure compensation (EV), ISO, or white balance on the fly? Not possible.
• Blind operation risk: In murky water or low visibility, it's hard to confirm if your button press actually registered.
• Fixed perspective: While Insta360's "invisible" design is clever, once you're underwater, your shooting angle and camera settings are essentially locked in.

DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max: Shoot Underwater Like You're on Land

Here's where the SeaTouch 4 Max revolutionizes the game. Its proprietary touchscreen technology keeps your phone's display responsive at depths up to 60 meters—a genuine breakthrough in underwater imaging.

What this means for you:

• Full native camera access: Tap to focus, swipe to adjust exposure, and manually set ISO and shutter speed in Pro mode—exactly like you would above water. This is crucial for demanding scenarios like blackwater photography where precise exposure control makes or breaks the shot.
• Complete app ecosystem: You're not limited to the camera. Run fish identification apps, underwater notes, and even take calls or check GPS at the surface.
• Zero learning curve: It's your phone. You already know how to use it.

Real-World Proof: In the 2025 vivo VISION+ Mobile Photography Awards, photographer Zhengjie Wu (also known as "Waijie") won the prestigious "Photo of the Year" with his stunning image Space Battleship. How did he capture it? By using the SeaTouch 4 Max's precise touch controls to adjust focus and exposure in real-time while submerged—something simply impossible with button-only housings.

Imaging Capabilities: Smartphone Multi-Camera vs. Fixed Action Cam Lens

The Optical Ceiling of Action Cameras

While the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo Action series deliver excellent video quality, they're fundamentally limited by their fixed wide-angle lenses and compact sensors:

• Insta360 offers impressive 360-degree panoramic capture, but noise becomes noticeable in low-light environments
• Both systems rely on digital zoom, which degrades image quality significantly
• Even Insta360's Pro version with professional-grade polycarbonate construction can't overcome the hardware limitations

DIVEVOLK: Unlocking Your Phone's Professional Imaging Potential

With the SeaTouch 4 Max, you're essentially bringing your flagship smartphone's entire camera system underwater:

• Multi-focal coverage: Seamlessly switch between ultra-wide (for reef scenes), main lens (daily documentation), telephoto (safe distance from dangerous creatures), and macro (capturing intricate details)
• Computational photography: Your phone's native HDR, night mode, and portrait mode work underwater just as they do on land
• RAW format output: Preserve maximum dynamic range for post-processing—a professional advantage action cameras simply can't match
• Expandable optical system: The 67mm threaded mount accepts DIVEVOLK's 0.6x wide-angle lens, +8 macro lens, and red/magenta filters to correct underwater color cast and expand creative possibilities

Functional Boundaries: From "Single-Purpose Recorder" to "Smart Diving Terminal"

This is where the generational gap between DIVEVOLK and traditional waterproof housings becomes most apparent:

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max essentially transforms your smartphone into a three-in-one diving terminal: dive computer + communication device + imaging center. It's not just a waterproof shell for your camera—it's a complete underwater smart device.

The Verdict: Which Underwater Solution Is Right for You?

Choose Insta360 or DJI if:

• You prioritize ultra-compact size and minimal weight
• Simple point-and-shoot documentation is all you need
• You already own these action cameras and want basic underwater capability

Choose the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max if:

• You want unrestricted creative control over your shots
• Professional-grade image quality matters to you
• You value the smart features a smartphone brings to diving
• You're serious about underwater photography and videography

In an era where touchscreens are everywhere, why settle for button-based control underwater? As Zhengjie Wu's world-award-winning photograph proves: precise control unlocks true creative potential.

The SeaTouch 4 Max doesn't just put your phone in a waterproof box—it extends your smartphone's full intelligence to the ocean floor. And that makes all the difference.

Explore All DIVEVOLK Housings