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Putting Your GoPro in a Life Vest with a Bodhi Floaty Case

GoPros don't float by themselves. So if you let it go or it comes loose unintentionally, you'll need to add something to prevent it from sinking straight down to the bottom. Here's a simple but effective option.

Bodhi Floaty Case

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 6 months ago // Categories: Tips
Tags: GoPro HERO (2018), GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO7 Silver, GoPro HERO7 White

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Black Bundle ($349.98)

Get ready for summer fun with GoPro's deal on the HERO9 Black. The HERO9 is their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery (these come in very handy), a floating hand grip, Magnetic Swivel Clip, and a free 632GB SD card. It's all for $399.98

GoPros don’t float by themselves. So if you let it go or it comes loose unintentionally, you’ll need to add something to prevent it from sinking straight down to the bottom. This Bodhi Floating Case makes for a simple but effective option.

There are several different ways you can do that. They all involve adding some kind of float attachment or securing it to something else that’s not going to sink. You can use floating handle grips, or bobbers, which work well if you’re handholding it but don’t work well if you’re mounting the camera on something like a surfboard, kayak, or boat. You can get adhesive foam blocks that attach to the back. Those work much better if you’re mounting the camera, but they really only work well for older model GoPros that use a dedicated waterproof housing and where you don’t need access to a screen on the back of the camera. And you can get floating wrist straps, which is a traditional approach that other cameras use but again isn’t ideal if you’re mounting the camera.

One of the simplest, easiest, and most flexible options is to put the camera inside a housing that floats. Although “housing” is overstating it a bit. It’s also not really a “case.” It’s more like putting your GoPro in a life vest.

Bodhi Floaty Case, Orange
Bodhi Floaty Case, Orange
Check Price on Amazon
That’s the approach used by the Bodhi Floaty, which is what I’m focusing on here. This version is designed specifically for the HERO7 (Black, Silver, and White), HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)–it’s cut for their shapes so that the camera fits in snugly as well as being able to access the buttons. But you can get similar products for other GoPro models, and you can find other brands that make much the same thing.

This one is a light-weight, semi-rigid foam. It doesn’t encase the whole camera–it’s not like waterproof housing. It just wraps float foam around the sides of the camera.

So it does add some cushioning protection against bumps and drops–at least, so long as it strikes the ground at such an angle that it hits the foam and not directly upon the lens port–but it doesn’t add any extra waterproofness. It does add some extra bulk, so the camera will be more susceptible to being buffeted by the wind (and wind noise) at high speed. It also makes the whole thing bigger, which can be an issue in places where it’s a very tight fit.

The foam is cut to the specific shape for the cameras that share the same body shape and controls layout as the current generation of GoPros. That includes all three models of HERO7, the HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018). It doesn’t fit older GoPros or the cube-shaped Session models. For those, you’ll need to pick up a variation that’s designed to fit those models.

Bodhi Floaty for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black

On one side is a recessed cutout for the power/mode button. Next to it is a recess for one of the onboard microphones.

Bodhi Floaty for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black

The shutter/selection button is accessible through a recessed cutout on the top.

You’ll also need to use the camera in the standard frame that comes with the camera. That all then insert into the float. If you just try to put the camera directly into the float without using the frame it won’t fit snuggly and there’s a good chance that the camera will come out and sink to the bottom.

Bodhi Floaty for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black

The frame’s mount point goes through a cutout in the bottom of the float.

In Use

There’s no real trick to installing it and nothing really to go wrong. Put the camera in the standard frame that comes with the camera, and then put the whole thing inside the float. It’s a snug fit, and it’s easiest if you slot the mount point into the hole in the bottom of the float first, but it just wraps around it.

I’ve used foam floats in the past that use a type of foam that is susceptible to tearing. But the foam here is very strong, and I haven’t run into any issues like that with this one. While it’s not indestructible, it’s as close to it as matters.

With the camera installed in the float, you can then mount it using the standard GoPro mount. So you can put it on a surfboard, for example, or anywhere else you’d typically mount the camera. You can even pair it with a floaty grip if you really want to. There is a slight recess to allow the screw to go in, although it’s a tight fit and a little harder to tighten the screw than it would be without the float.

Bodhi Floaty for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black

The cutout on the front exposes both the front screen and the lens port. And because the front of the float remains flush with the front of the lens port, there’s no problem with it blocking the view through the lens and creating vignetting.

Bodhi Floaty for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Blac

The entire back of the camera is exposed, so you can see and use the screen on the back of the camera as you normally would. The combination of a snug fit and the mount point going through the bottom mean that it won’t fall out.

To take it out, just do the reverse. You can remove and insert the camera from the housing in the float–sort of. But it’s cumbersome to do so. It’s much easier to take the frame housing out from the float and then work with it that way.

Pros:

  • Simple and effective.
  • Easy to install and uninstall even with wet/cold hands.
  • Doesn’t interfere with the camera’s buttons or screens.
  • Exposes the standard mount point on the frame, so it’s compatible with most standard mounting situations.
  • Works well enough for handheld shooting.
  • Comes in high-visibility orange, making it easier to see if you’re out in open water.

Cons:

  • There are less expensive methods for making your GoPro float.
  • While the camera’s controls and screens remain accessible, it does become a little more cumbersome to access the buttons.
  • The extra bulk exacerbates wind noise and increases water drag.

Other Alternatives

There are other ways to tackle the problem of making your GoPro float. I’ve rounded up some of the best options here.

Wrap Up

As you can see from the photo at the top of the page, it does what it’s supposed to do: it floats.

This is a simple way to make your GoPro float. There’s really nothing to go wrong–there’s nothing to leak and nothing to seal, so it’s pretty much foolproof. It also happens to be one of the more flexible ways to prevent your camera from sinking to the depths because it works well with standard mounting options.

Bodhi Floaty Case, Orange for GoPro Hero 7, Hero 6, Hero 5 Black and Hero...
Bodhi Floaty Case, Orange for GoPro Hero 7, Hero 6, Hero 5 Black and Hero...
  • NEVER LOSE YOUR MEMORIES OR CAMERA - This ultra-floaty, hard-rubber case will prevent your camera from...
  • VIEWABLE SCREEN - The Bodhi Floaty allows you to see and touch the display in the water. Since you can...
Check Price on Amazon

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2021-04-12 at 01:42. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • GoPro HERO7 Black Wet
    Tips for Using GoPros In and Around Water
  • Float Your GoPro (or other Waterproof Camera)
    Float Your GoPro (or other Waterproof Camera)
  • Svalbard with a GoPro HERO5 Black
    Does GoPro Wifi Work Underwater?
  • CamKix Bobber for GoPro
    CamKix Bobber for GoPro Cameras
  • Do GoPro Touchscreens Work Underwater?
    Do GoPro Touchscreens Work Underwater?
  • GoPro Water Droplets
    Adding a Water Repellent Film to Reduce Water Drops on a GoPro Lens
  • Backscatter Flip7 Underwater Filter System for GoPro
    Backscatter Flip7 Underwater Filters for GoPro Cameras
  • Telesin GoPro HERO5 Dome Port
    Using Dome Ports with GoPros for Over/Under Water Split Photos
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on October 12, 2020

Categories: Tips
Tags: GoPro HERO (2018), GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO7 Silver, GoPro HERO7 White

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. Taylor says

    May 19, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Hi! I bought a hero 7 black, and I plan to use it for filming water sports. I am debating between getting go pro’s floaty backdoor and the bohdi floaty case.

    I am planning on purchasing the supersuit for my GoPro, as I am worried that more intense sports (and wipeouts) during water skiing and tubing will lead to water getting into my GoPro (I know it’s waterproof, but I don’t want to risk ruining it).

    I am noticing that the backdoor floaty is for the hero 4 model and previous models. I am wondering if it will also work for the 7?

    I was also wondering if the bodhi floaty would fit over top of go pro’s supersuit?

    And which is better in quality – the backdoor floaty or the bodhi floaty?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • David says

      May 21, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      I much prefer the Bodhi over the backdoor, but it doesn’t work with the Super Suit. The floaty backdoor will technically work with the HERO7 Black in a Super Suit (you wouldn’t use it directly on the camera), but it covers over the back screen which is a big negative.

      When I use a Super Suit on my camera–which is mainly when I’m diving or snorkeling–I use a floaty handle like The Handler. I don’t usually use a Super Suit at the surface, so the Bodhi works well, and I’ve not had an issue with wipeouts damaging the camera, but obviously your mileage might vary on that depending on what it’s hitting and how hard.

      Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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