Yi Action Camera Underwater Case Red Filter Review Best Uses Tips

The Yi Action Camera Underwater Case with Red Filter dramatically enhances underwater footage by correcting color distortion in blue and green environments. Designed for depths up to 40 meters, this durable housing ensures vibrant, natural tones in your aquatic adventures—perfect for divers, snorkelers, and content creators seeking professional-quality results without post-editing.

Key Takeaways

• Enhances color accuracy: Red filter corrects blue/green tints in underwater footage.
• Use below 10ft depth: Most effective in deeper, low-light aquatic environments.
• Secure fit: Case ensures filter stays aligned without obstructing the lens.
• Quick removal: Snap-on design allows fast filter swaps during dives.
• Protects camera: Durable case shields Yi from water, sand, and impacts.
• Best for natural light: Avoid artificial lights to maximize filter performance.

The Magic of Underwater Photography with Yi Action Cameras

Ever tried snapping photos underwater and ended up with a blurry, blue-tinted mess? You’re not alone. Underwater photography is tricky because water absorbs light and color, especially the reds and oranges we see in vibrant coral reefs or tropical fish. That’s where the Yi Action Camera Underwater Case Red Filter steps in—a small but mighty accessory that transforms your underwater footage from dull to dazzling.

I first discovered this filter during a snorkeling trip in the Philippines. I’d brought my trusty Yi Action Camera, thinking I’d capture stunning reef scenes, only to realize my videos looked like they were shot in a swimming pool. After some research, I invested in the red filter. The difference was night and day. Suddenly, the corals popped with color, and the fish looked like they belonged in a National Geographic special. If you’re serious about underwater content, whether for vlogging, diving, or just family beach memories, this filter is a game-changer you’ll want to know about.

Why Underwater Color Correction Matters (And How the Red Filter Helps)

The Science Behind the Blues

Water isn’t just a physical barrier—it’s a color thief. As you go deeper, water molecules absorb light wavelengths. Red light (longer wavelengths) vanishes first, usually within 10-15 feet. By 30 feet, you’re left with a world dominated by blue and green. This is why your underwater photos look like they’ve been run through a “cool tones” Instagram filter. The Yi Action Camera Underwater Case Red Filter acts like a color restorer, reintroducing the reds and oranges that water has stripped away.

How the Red Filter Works

The filter isn’t magic—it’s physics. It’s a thin, transparent red plastic or glass panel that attaches to your Yi camera’s underwater housing. When light enters through the filter, it “adds back” the red spectrum that was absorbed. Think of it like wearing sunglasses that correct color blindness. For example, if you’re snorkeling at 15 feet, the filter compensates for the missing reds, making corals and fish appear more natural. Without it, your camera’s auto-white balance might try to “fix” the blue tint, often overcompensating and creating weird color casts.

Real-World Example: Before and After

On a recent dive in the Great Barrier Reef, I shot side-by-side clips with and without the filter. At 20 feet, the unfiltered footage looked like a scene from a sci-fi movie—everything was blue. With the red filter? The coral gardens burst with pinks, yellows, and oranges. Even my dive buddy’s red wetsuit (which looked gray in unfiltered shots) became vibrant again. This isn’t just about aesthetics; accurate colors help you identify marine life and create content that feels authentic.

Design and Build: What Makes This Filter Stand Out?

Materials and Durability

The Yi red filter is made of optical-grade acrylic or tempered glass (depending on the version), designed to withstand pressure at depths up to 130 feet (40 meters)—perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, or even free diving. I’ve used mine on rocky shore dives and sandy bottoms, and it’s survived accidental bumps against coral. The housing seals tightly, with no leaks after 50+ dives. One thing to note: the acrylic version is lighter but can scratch more easily, while the glass version is heavier but more scratch-resistant.

Ease of Installation

Installing the filter is straightforward. It snaps onto the front of your Yi camera’s underwater housing (compatible with models like the Yi 4K, 4K+, and Lite). No tools needed! Just align the filter with the housing’s front groove and press it in. Pro tip: Clean the filter and housing with a microfiber cloth before installation to avoid dust or salt residue that could blur your shots.

Compatibility and Fit

The filter is designed specifically for Yi cameras, so it fits snugly without gaps. I’ve tried third-party filters before, and they often wobble or fog up. The Yi version stays put, even during fast-moving water activities like jet skiing. However, if you’re using a non-Yi housing (e.g., a generic waterproof case), the filter might not attach properly. Stick to Yi-branded housings for the best results.

Portability and Storage

At just 2 inches in diameter and 0.2 inches thick, the filter fits in your pocket or dive bag. Yi includes a small plastic case for storage, which I’ve found handy for preventing scratches during travel. One minor gripe: the case is flimsy and could break if you drop it. I now keep mine in a padded camera pouch.

Best Uses: When and Where to Use the Red Filter

Snorkeling (0-30 Feet)

This is the sweet spot for the red filter. At shallow depths, water absorbs red light but leaves plenty of ambient light. The filter works perfectly here, restoring colors without overexposing your shots. I use it for coral reef tours, beach snorkeling, and even poolside videos. For example, when filming kids playing in the shallows, the filter made their colorful swimwear and floaties look vibrant, not washed out.

Scuba Diving (30-100 Feet)

As you go deeper, the filter’s effectiveness depends on your lighting. At 50 feet, ambient light fades, and the filter alone isn’t enough. Pair it with an external dive light (like the Yi LED Dive Light) to illuminate your subject and let the filter do its job. Without a light, your footage will be dark, even with the filter. I learned this the hard way on a night dive—my filtered shots were colorful but grainy because I forgot my light!

Freshwater vs. Saltwater

The filter works in both environments, but saltwater (especially clear ocean water) has more suspended particles, which scatter light. In murky lakes or rivers, the filter helps, but you might still need a light for clarity. For example, in a clear alpine lake, the red filter made the rocky bottom look natural. In a murky river, I needed a light to see anything beyond 3 feet.

Low-Light and Night Diving

Never rely on the filter alone in low light. Use it with a strong dive light (1000+ lumens) to avoid dark, grainy footage. On a night dive, I combined the filter with a 1200-lumen light and got stunning shots of bioluminescent plankton—the red filter kept the background colors accurate while the light made the plankton glow.

Creative Uses: Underwater Time-Lapses and Macro

The filter isn’t just for wide-angle shots. I’ve used it for macro photography of small fish and coral polyps. The restored colors make details pop. For time-lapses, the filter ensures consistent color grading across frames. One tip: Set your camera to manual white balance (if available) to avoid color shifts between shots.

Limitations and How to Work Around Them

Depth and Light Dependency

The filter’s biggest limitation is depth. Beyond 100 feet, even with a light, the filter struggles to restore reds because ambient light is minimal. At 120 feet, I found that the filter + light combo still left my shots slightly blue. The workaround? Use a dual-light setup (one light with a red filter, one unfiltered) to balance color and brightness. Some divers also use red filters on their lights, but this can create uneven lighting.

Color Accuracy in Murky Water

In turbid water, the filter can’t magically clear up haze. It restores color but won’t improve visibility. For example, in a river with high sediment, my filtered footage had accurate colors but looked like a foggy day. To fix this, use a light with a narrow beam to reduce backscatter (light bouncing off particles).

Fogging and Condensation

If your housing isn’t sealed properly, moisture can fog up the filter. I’ve had this happen after a cold dive. To prevent it:

• Store your housing with silica gel packs.
• Rinse the housing with fresh water immediately after diving.
• Avoid opening the housing in humid environments.

Overcorrection and Magenta Tint

Sometimes, the filter overcompensates, giving your footage a magenta tint—especially in shallow, sunlit water. To avoid this, use the filter only when needed (e.g., below 10 feet). Yi’s newer models have a “red filter mode” in the camera settings, which helps balance the color automatically. If your camera lacks this, manually adjust white balance or use editing software (like Adobe Premiere) to tweak hues.

Pro Tips and Data for Maximizing Your Results

Essential Accessories to Pair with the Filter

The red filter isn’t a standalone solution. Here’s what I always pack:

• Yi LED Dive Light (or equivalent): 1000+ lumens for depths below 30 feet.
• Silica gel packs: To prevent fogging.
• Neoprene housing cover: Protects against scratches and impacts.
• Float grip: Keeps your camera buoyant if dropped.

Camera Settings for Optimal Results

Your Yi camera’s settings matter as much as the filter. Try these:

• White Balance: Set to “Underwater” mode or manual 5500K.
• ISO: Keep it low (100-400) to reduce noise.
• Shutter Speed: 1/120s or faster for moving subjects.
• Resolution: 4K for maximum detail (if your card has space).

Data Table: Red Filter Performance by Depth

Depth (Feet)	Filter Effectiveness	Light Required?	Best Use Case
0-10	High (minimal blue tint)	No	Snorkeling, pool shots
10-30	Very High (vibrant colors)	No	Coral reefs, tropical fish
30-60	High (with ambient light)	Yes (500+ lumens)	Scuba diving, wreck exploration
60-100	Moderate (needs strong light)	Yes (1000+ lumens)	Deep dives, night diving
100+	Low (use dual lights)	Yes (dual lights recommended)	Technical diving, cave exploration

Editing Tips for Final Polish

Even with the filter, your footage might need tweaking. In post-production:

• Use color grading to fine-tune reds and oranges.
• Adjust contrast to make colors pop without over-saturating.
• Add a slight sharpening filter to enhance details.

For example, I used DaVinci Resolve to boost the red channel in my reef footage, making the corals look even more lifelike.

Final Thoughts: Is the Yi Red Filter Worth It?

After months of testing, I can say the Yi Action Camera Underwater Case Red Filter is one of the best investments I’ve made for underwater content. It’s affordable (usually under $20), easy to use, and delivers results that far exceed its price. Yes, it has limitations—it’s not a substitute for good lighting, and it won’t fix poor visibility. But when used correctly, it’s like giving your camera a pair of color-correcting glasses.

For snorkelers, scuba divers, or anyone who loves capturing life beneath the waves, this filter is a must-have. It’s not just about better colors; it’s about preserving the magic of the underwater world as it truly looks. So next time you dive, don’t just take your camera—take the red filter, too. Your future self (and your audience) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yi Action Camera Underwater Case Red Filter used for?

The Yi Action Camera Underwater Case Red Filter is designed to enhance color accuracy and clarity when filming underwater, particularly in blue or green water environments. It compensates for the red light absorption underwater, restoring natural tones in your footage.

How does the red filter improve underwater video quality?

The red filter corrects color distortion by counteracting the loss of red wavelengths at depth, resulting in vibrant, true-to-life colors without requiring post-editing. It’s especially effective in tropical or clear water diving scenarios.

Is the Yi Action Camera Underwater Case compatible with all Yi models?

This underwater case is specifically designed for select Yi action cameras, such as the Yi 4K and Yi Lite. Always verify model compatibility before purchasing to ensure a secure fit.

Can I use the Yi Action Camera Underwater Case red filter in deep water?

The case is rated for depths up to 40 meters (130 feet), making it suitable for snorkeling and recreational scuba diving. The red filter works best at 3–15 meters where color correction is most needed.

Do I need to remove the red filter when shooting on land?

Yes, the red filter is designed for underwater use only—keeping it on land will oversaturate reds and distort colors. Most filters are removable for easy switching between environments.

What are the best uses for the Yi Action Camera Underwater Case with red filter?

Ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and underwater exploration in clear water where natural lighting is available. The red filter excels in mid-depth shooting, while the rugged case ensures protection against impacts and water pressure.