Ever dreamt of capturing those vibrant, true-to-life colors beneath the waves with your YI action camera? Regular cameras often struggle underwater, leaving you with dull, washed-out footage that’s mostly blue or green. That’s where a red filter comes in! It’s an essential accessory for any underwater enthusiast, designed to bring back the warm tones and rich hues that water naturally filters out.
But here’s the kicker: finding the best red filter for YI action camera can be a bit of a treasure hunt. While the market is flooded with options for popular action cameras like GoPro, YI-specific filters are a bit rarer. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the murky waters of action camera accessories, highlighting the ideal choice for your YI and explaining why compatibility is absolutely key.
Why You Need a Red Filter for Underwater Photography
When you dive or snorkel, water acts like a natural filter, absorbing light wavelengths unevenly. Red and orange light disappear first, leading to that monochromatic blue or green cast in your underwater photos and videos. A red filter, also known as a color correction filter or dive filter, is specifically designed to counteract this effect. By adding back the red light, it helps your YI action camera capture stunning, vivid images with natural colors, making those corals pop and marine life truly shine. It’s a game-changer for anyone serious about underwater videography!
Finding Your Ideal Match: The Best Red Filter for YI Action Camera
As we mentioned, YI action cameras, while fantastic, don’t have the same accessory ecosystem as some other brands. This means dedicated red filters specifically designed to snap onto all YI models can be less common. However, there are universal options that cater to the YI’s lens size. Our top pick for the best red filter for YI action camera is one such versatile solution.
Camera Filter Lens 37mm Lens Filter for YI II 4K
When you’re searching for a dedicated red filter for your YI, this 37mm lens filter is likely your best bet. It’s designed to fit YI cameras with a 37mm lens caliber, making it a straightforward choice for many popular YI models like the YI II 4K. This filter isn’t just about color correction; it’s also a fantastic protective layer, shielding your precious lens from dust, fingerprints, and scratches, which is super important when you’re out exploring! It helps restore natural colors in various environments, from bright seaside shots to snowy landscapes, but its biggest advantage for YI users is its compatibility.
- Key Features:
- Reduces blue light cast, common in open environments like seaside, mountains, and snow.
- Eliminates interference from rays on the CCD, improving clarity and color reproduction.
- Suitable for YI and other sports cameras with a 37mm lens caliber.
- Protects the lens from dust, fingerprints, and other pollution.
- Pros:
- Directly compatible with YI action cameras featuring a 37mm lens.
- Offers dual benefits of color correction and lens protection.
- Enhances overall clarity and color vibrancy.
- Cons:
- Requires your YI camera to have a 37mm lens thread for direct attachment.
- Primarily a general-purpose filter, not specifically tuned for specific underwater depths or conditions like some specialized dive filters.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate its straightforward functionality and the noticeable improvement in image quality, especially in environments where blue light dominance is an issue. Its protective aspect is also a big plus for active camera users.
- See it on Amazon here
Understanding Compatibility: Why Many Filters Aren’t for Your YI Action Camera
It’s crucial to understand that many high-quality dive filters on the market are designed specifically for GoPro cameras and their official waterproof housings. This means they often have proprietary snap-on mechanisms or are sized to fit GoPro lenses perfectly. While these filters are excellent for GoPro users, they simply won’t fit or function correctly with your YI action camera. We’ll review some of these popular GoPro filters below, so you know what they offer (for GoPro users) and why they’re not a match for your YI.
YALLSAME Underwater Filter for GoPro Hero 12 11 10 9
While highly effective for GoPro users, it’s crucial to understand this YALLSAME filter set is specifically designed for GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10, and 9 Black cameras and is NOT compatible with YI action cameras. This set is a fantastic choice for shallow dives and snorkeling with a GoPro, as it snaps directly onto the camera’s lens without needing an extra housing. The light red filter is perfect for blue water, while the magenta filter works wonders in freshwater lakes, ensuring your GoPro footage captures rich, natural colors.
- Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro HERO12, HERO11, HERO10, and HERO9 Black (not for housing cases).
- Can be used directly on the camera’s lens.
- Rigorous manufacturing ensures exceptional strength and high light transmission.
- Includes Light red filter (for 2-25ft blue/freshwater) and Magenta filter (for 2-25ft freshwater).
- Professional color formulas balance green light for flawless underwater videos.
- Package includes filters, drawstring bag, and tethers.
- Pros (for GoPro users):
- Direct lens mount offers convenience.
- Excellent for color correction in shallow dives and snorkeling.
- High-quality light transmission.
- Includes options for both blue and green water.
- Cons (for YI users):
- Not compatible with YI Action Cameras.
- Only fits specific GoPro models.
- User Impressions: GoPro users praise these filters for their ease of use and the significant improvement they bring to underwater footage, making colors pop in both fresh and saltwater environments.
- See it on Amazon here
SOONSUN 3 Pack Dive Filter for GoPro Hero 5 6
Another popular choice, this SOONSUN 3-pack is designed for older GoPro Hero models (5, 6, 7, and HERO 2018) and their official Super Suit housing cases. This means it WON’T work with your YI action camera. If you’re a GoPro user with one of these models and their specific housing, this set offers a comprehensive solution to enhance colors and contrast in various underwater conditions. The snap-on design makes switching between filters pretty straightforward, even underwater, and the safety tether is a thoughtful addition to prevent loss.
- Key Features:
- Enhances colors and improves contrast for GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black and HERO (2018).
- Direct snap-on attachment to official GoPro Super Suit housing case only.
- Reserved slot for safety tether (included).
- Includes Red, Light Red, and Magenta filters.
- Pros (for GoPro users):
- Provides outstanding improvement for underwater GoPro footage.
- Easy to snap on/off to the compatible housing.
- Comprehensive set for different water conditions.
- Cons (for YI users):
- Not compatible with YI Action Cameras.
- Requires a specific official GoPro Super Suit housing.
- User Impressions: GoPro owners appreciate the versatility of this pack and how much better their underwater videos look after using these filters. The snap-on feature is particularly convenient.
- See it on Amazon here
SOONSUN 4-Pack Underwater Dive Filters for GoPro Hero 13
This comprehensive SOONSUN 4-pack offers fantastic versatility for GoPro users with newer models (Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8), but it’s important to note it is NOT designed for YI action cameras. Tailored specifically for the official GoPro Super Suit housing, this set includes a range of filters for different depths and water types, plus a handy 5X Macro close-up filter. Whether you’re deep-sea diving, snorkeling in tropical waters, or exploring freshwater lakes, this kit has a filter to bring out the best in your GoPro’s underwater capabilities.
- Key Features:
- Designed for Official GoPro Waterproof Housing (Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8 Black).
- Includes Red (12-85 ft), Light Red (2-15 ft), Magenta (freshwater), and 5X Macro Close-up filters.
- Macro filter magnifies marine life for detailed shots.
- Crafted from optical-grade acrylic (dive filters) and optical glass (macro).
- Quick snap-on/off design.
- Comes with safety tethers and a travel-ready drawstring pouch.
- Pros (for GoPro users):
- Extremely versatile with filters for various depths and water types.
- Includes a unique macro lens for detailed close-ups.
- High-quality optical materials ensure minimal distortion.
- Easy to use with a convenient carrying pouch.
- Cons (for YI users):
- Not compatible with YI Action Cameras.
- Only fits specific GoPro official housing.
- User Impressions: GoPro adventurers rave about the clarity and color vibrancy achieved with this set. The inclusion of the macro filter is a definite favorite for capturing intricate underwater details.
- See it on Amazon here
YALLSAME Dive Filter with Red Magenta Snorkel Red +5
Like many high-quality dive filters, this YALLSAME 4-pack is tailored for GoPro Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8 Black Official Protective Housing and will NOT fit YI action cameras. However, for GoPro users, it’s an exceptional kit designed to deliver flawless videos and pictures underwater. With filters for deep seawater, freshwater, shallow snorkeling, and even a +5 close-up filter, it covers a wide range of underwater photography needs. These filters are made from a special molecular material, ensuring high strength and excellent light transmission for crisp, clear results.
- Key Features:
- Compatible only with GoPro Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8 Black Official Protective Housing.
- Includes +5 close-up filter, Red filter (12-85 ft seawater), Magenta filter (8-75 ft freshwater), and Snorkel red filter (2-15 ft seawater).
- Professional color formulas for balanced colors underwater.
- Made of special molecular material for high strength and light transmission.
- Package includes filters, drawstring bag, and tethers.
- Pros (for GoPro users):
- Comprehensive kit for diverse underwater conditions and close-up shots.
- Ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction.
- Durable and designed for high performance.
- Cons (for YI users):
- Not compatible with YI Action Cameras.
- Requires specific official GoPro housing.
- User Impressions: GoPro users find this set invaluable for serious underwater videography, praising its versatility and the significant improvement in color accuracy for all their diving and snorkeling adventures.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Finding the best red filter for YI action camera boils down to understanding compatibility. While the market is dominated by excellent GoPro-specific filters, your YI camera will benefit most from a universally compatible option like the 37mm lens filter we highlighted. Always double-check your YI model’s lens diameter before purchasing any accessory to ensure a perfect fit.
With the right red filter, you’ll transform your underwater footage from murky blues to vibrant, unforgettable scenes. So, grab your gear, dive deep, and let your YI action camera capture the underwater world in all its true colors!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need a red filter for my YI action camera when shooting underwater?
A1: Water absorbs red and orange light wavelengths very quickly. This leaves your underwater footage looking blue or green and washed out. A red filter helps to correct this color imbalance by reintroducing those lost red tones, allowing your YI action camera to capture more vibrant, natural, and colorful underwater photos and videos.
Q2: Will a GoPro red filter fit my YI action camera?
A2: In almost all cases, no. GoPro filters are typically designed with proprietary snap-on mechanisms or specific lens diameters that are unique to GoPro cameras and their official waterproof housings. They are not compatible with YI action cameras, which often have different lens dimensions or require universal screw-on filters.
Q3: What depth is a red filter best for?
A3: Red filters are most effective in blue or clear tropical waters at depths between 10 to 80 feet (3 to 25 meters). For shallower depths (2-15 feet), a lighter “snorkel red” filter might be more suitable. For very deep dives (beyond 80 feet), or in very green freshwater, other filters like a magenta filter or even specialized lighting might be necessary.
Q4: Are there different types of underwater filters besides red?
A4: Yes, absolutely! Besides the standard red filter for blue/tropical waters, there are:
* Light Red/Snorkel Filters: For very shallow blue water.
* Magenta Filters: Best for green freshwater lakes or reservoirs.
* Close-up/Macro Filters: To magnify small marine life for detailed shots.
* Neutral Density (ND) Filters: Used above water to reduce light and achieve cinematic motion blur.
Q5: How do I choose the right filter for my YI camera?
A5: The most important factor for your YI camera is lens compatibility. Check your specific YI model’s lens diameter (often found in the camera’s specifications or manual). Many YI cameras use a 37mm lens, making a 37mm screw-on red filter a common and compatible choice. Always verify the filter’s compatibility before purchasing.
Q6: Can I use a red filter in freshwater?
A6: While a red filter is primarily designed for blue saltwater, it can sometimes be used in clear freshwater environments. However, for freshwater lakes and reservoirs, which often have a greenish tint, a magenta filter is typically more effective at correcting the color cast and will give you better results.
Q7: How do I clean and maintain my action camera filter?
A7: After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse your filter with fresh water to remove salt and debris. Use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for lenses to gently wipe away water spots or smudges. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can scratch the filter. Store your filter in its protective pouch to prevent damage when not in use.
