Latest DJI Osmo 360 waterproof case updates and what they mean for underwater use
As underwater camera specialists, we at Seavu have been closely following the release of the new DJI Osmo 360, and like many others, we have been wondering: where is the official waterproof case?
It is a question that is especially important for anyone wanting to shoot 360 underwater footage. While the camera itself shows real promise, there are still some serious limitations below the surface.
Why We’re Excited About the DJI Osmo 360
At Seavu, we develop camera systems that let you stream live underwater footage from DJI cameras to your phone or tablet via the Mimo app. Our products are trusted by fishers, filmmakers, researchers, and professionals worldwide to explore and capture the underwater world in real time.
The DJI Osmo 360 opens up exciting new possibilities. A fully spherical live view of the marine environment, streamed directly to a mobile device, could transform how our users scope fishing grounds, record inspections, or create immersive content. But for that to work properly, a purpose built waterproof case is essential.
What makes this camera even more promising is DJI’s use of new square format image sensors, a first for their 360 lineup. These sensors are physically larger than the traditional 1/2.3 inch sensors found in older models, allowing them to capture significantly more light in low visibility conditions like murky water or deeper depths.
In real world terms, this could translate to up to twice the brightness and clarity in low light underwater environments, reducing grain and helping subjects stand out with greater detail, even without artificial lighting.
Where other 360 cameras have fallen short with underwater filming, the Osmo 360 shows real promise in overcoming those low light challenges.
DJI’s Current Advice: Don’t Use the Camera Underwater Yet
Despite the Osmo 360 having an IP68 waterproof rating, DJI currently advises against underwater use. This is because underwater footage can suffer from image distortion and stitching issues caused by the camera’s convex fisheye lenses.
So while the camera body may be sealed, that does not mean it is ready to deliver clean, reliable 360 underwater footage on its own.
Are There Underlying Issues With Underwater Use?
Beyond stitching and distortion, there are also early signs that the DJI Osmo 360 may face practical challenges when used underwater.
One issue we have observed ourselves is lens fogging when the camera is submerged, particularly during temperature changes. We experienced this with both of our units purchased on release, and many other users have reported the same issue. This can affect image clarity and make footage unusable, especially during longer sessions.
Read our Why the Osmo Action 360 fogs up in water article for more information on this.
This is not uncommon with sealed camera bodies, but it becomes more noticeable in underwater environments where temperature differences and moisture exposure are greater.
If you have already experienced this issue, it may help explain why DJI is being cautious about underwater use at this stage.
Is DJI Trying to Prevent Underwater Use for Now?
It raises an interesting question: is DJI intentionally discouraging underwater use until a proper solution is ready?
While DJI has not stated this directly, their current guidance suggests a cautious approach. By advising users not to use the camera underwater, they may be trying to avoid poor user experiences caused by distortion, fogging, or unreliable stitching.
They may also be buying time to refine both hardware and software so the official waterproof case performs as intended when it finally launches.
This would fit DJI’s usual approach. Their products and accessories are typically designed to work together as a tightly integrated system, rather than as disconnected add ons.
Why 360 Cameras Struggle Underwater
This is not just a DJI issue. All 360 cameras face the same challenge underwater: refraction.
Water bends light differently on each lens, which causes mismatched stitching, distortion, and visible seams. That is why underwater 360 footage often looks much worse than footage shot above water.
Insta360 addressed this by releasing a specialised waterproof case with dome lenses for their X3 camera. These domes help correct refraction and improve underwater stitching dramatically. We believe DJI will need to follow a similar approach.
Signs a Waterproof Case Was Planned
There have been several clues suggesting that a DJI Osmo 360 waterproof case was planned from the start.
When we first powered on our Osmo 360, there was a Waterproof Case Mode in the settings. After a firmware update, this option disappeared.
Australian authorised reseller D1Store also briefly listed the DJI Osmo 360 Invisible Waterproof Case, SKU CPOS.00000454.01, for A$209, but the page now returns a 404. Other DJI resellers also posted listings with the same SKU, but without photos, specs, or stock.
Third Party Cases Are Available, But They Come With Trade Offs
While DJI’s official waterproof case is still nowhere to be seen, several third party manufacturers already have underwater housings available for the DJI Osmo 360.
At first glance, that sounds promising. However, protecting the camera is only part of the challenge. For a 360 camera, the real issue is maintaining clean stitching and image quality underwater.
Most third party housings are unlikely to be tuned as tightly to the camera’s optical profile, lens spacing, and software processing as an official DJI solution would be. That can lead to visible stitching lines, distortion, blurred joins, or reduced clarity.
In other words, a third party case may keep the camera dry, but that does not mean it will produce clean, usable 360 underwater footage.
Why DJI’s Official Waterproof Case May Be Taking Longer
The delay in DJI’s official waterproof case likely comes down to one key challenge: getting 360 stitching right underwater is extremely difficult.
Unlike a standard action camera housing, a 360 waterproof case needs to do much more than keep water out. It needs to correct refraction across both lenses, preserve the stitch line, minimise visual interference, and work with the camera’s software processing.
If any of these elements are off, the result can be warped footage, visible stitching errors, fogging issues, or poor image quality. That is why releasing a proper underwater housing for a 360 camera is a much bigger challenge than releasing a standard waterproof case.
So while third party manufacturers may be quicker to market, DJI may be taking longer because they are trying to avoid releasing a case that performs poorly in the real world.
DJI’s Official Response to Our Enquiry
To get clarity, we contacted DJI directly. Several helpful team members tried to assist, but the official response was simple: it is not available, and they could not say when it will be.
That response lines up with what we have seen so far. The product appears to exist, but DJI is not yet ready to launch it publicly.
However, an authorised DJI reseller has told us the case is expected to be available in early September. That suggests preparations for release may already be in motion, even if DJI remains tight lipped.
What We Can Expect from the DJI Osmo 360 Invisible Waterproof Case
If DJI follows industry trends, we expect the Osmo 360 waterproof case to feature dome shaped lenses that help correct refraction, which is essential for accurate 360 stitching underwater.
It is also likely to use a GoPro style finger mount, allowing compatibility with a wide range of poles and mounting systems. Given DJI’s track record with accessories, we would expect a tight, low profile design to keep the camera within its invisible stitch zone and maintain hydrodynamic performance.
The fact that it has been referred to as the Invisible Waterproof Case suggests DJI is aiming for minimal visual interference, even when submerged.
Our Take: Postponed, Not Cancelled
We believe DJI intended to release the waterproof case alongside the camera, but chose to delay it until they could refine both optical performance and software support.
There is also a good chance DJI wants to avoid encouraging underwater use before they have solved the real world issues that can affect image quality, including distortion, stitching errors, and possible lens fogging.
Given the complexity of underwater 360 filming, that would be understandable. It is better to delay the case than release one that creates more problems than it solves.
Everything we have seen points to the same conclusion: postponed, not cancelled.
Why It Matters for Seavu Users
The ability to stream live 360 degree underwater footage in real time is something we are genuinely excited about at Seavu.
A DJI Osmo 360 in a properly engineered waterproof housing could pair beautifully with Seavu’s systems, opening up new creative and practical possibilities for our community. Whether it is mounted on a pole, used for inspections, or capturing cinematic underwater sequences, the potential applications are enormous.
From marine research and exploration to filmmaking and fishing, the Osmo 360, once housed correctly, could unlock an entirely new way to experience the underwater world.
We are keeping a close eye on developments, and the idea of 360 underwater livestreaming has certainly sparked some ideas here at Seavu.
Summary
- DJI has advised against underwater use of the Osmo 360 without a housing.
- Third party underwater cases are already available, but they may not deliver clean stitching or reliable image quality.
- A waterproof case with SKU CPOS.00000454.01 was briefly listed by D1Store for A$209.
- Waterproof Case Mode appeared in early firmware, supporting the idea that the case was in development.
- Lens fogging and underwater stitching issues may be part of the reason DJI is being cautious.
- We expect the official case to use a dome lens design similar to other successful underwater 360 housings.
- An authorised reseller has suggested availability in early September, although DJI has not confirmed a date.
- At Seavu, we are preparing for the moment the case launches, and we cannot wait to test it in the field.
