Mantis Sub RS 360 Underwater Review

Mantis sub has released their underwater housing for the Insta 360 One RS 1-inch edition, available at Bluewater Photo! Mantis Sub is a New Zealand based housing company is known for quality manufacturing and service, providing the best support for VR creators around the globe. The anodized aluminum housing is simple and elegant. It features a protruding design of 4" acrylic domes, allowing the Insta 360 One RS to capture 360 degree 6K video and photos with no visible zenith or stitching. We had the opportunity to dive with the housing in the Galapagos and managed to capture some incredible 360 VR footage. It was as easy as hitting the record button!

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U.S. MSRP: $1680

Order a Mantis Sub RS 360 Housing

Mantis Sub RS 360 Housing Specifications

• Anodized aluminum construction - provides heat dissipation to prevent overheating
• 4" acrylic domes that are easily replaceable in the field
• Smaller nadir obstruction than polycarbonate housings
• M6 bulkhead for offboard power and remote connection via usb-c
• Depth Rating: 250m/820 ft
• Buoyancy in saltwater: -108 grams
• Buoyancy in freshwater: -130 grams
• 2x M4 top mounts
• 4x 1/4-20 bottom mounts
• Dimensions: 190mm x 124mm x 124mm

Insta360 One RS 360 Camera Specs

• dual 1 inch sensor, 21 megapixel
• 6K/30p 360 degree video, 3040x1520@50 fps 360 degree video
• Color picture profiles: LOG, Vivid, Standard
• ISO: 100-3200
• Max video bitrate: 120 Mbps
• White balance: 2000K-10000K
• 6 axis stabilization
• 62 minute battery life
• Memory: Micro SD V30 up to 1TB
• Charging time: 90 minutes
• Weight: 239 grams

360 VR Video Quality

For the average diver and creator, the quality from the Insta360 One RS is more than enough. Its video quality and resolution, at 6K/30p, is a step up from the original Insta360 One R that we reviewed in 2020. Flowstate stabilization does a great job at making the video look smooth as you move through the water. This makes it easy to clip video together in post production and follow subjects without the video looking shaking. 

The VR 360 video is undoubtedly best viewed through a VR headset. A VR headset allows you to truly feel like you are diving. But the most realistic experience is produced by the stereoscopic (i.e., 3d) footage produced by the Mantis Sub Pro housing.

Reduced Nadir Obstruction

As with the original Mantis Sub housing for the Insta360 pro 2, the concave 4" acrylic domes used for the Mantis Sub RS 360 eliminate the nadir obstruction (stitching) seen in footage from lesser quality housings for other 360 cameras. This allows the viewers to watch subjects seamlessly, regardless of whether or not their viewpoint is up or down or to the side. 

The acrylic domes are easily replaceable in the field, and we highly recommend stocking up on some spares before going on your next adventure. 

Mantis 360 RS Replacement Dome Set at Bluewater Photo

Construction, Handling, and Ergonomics

The Mantis Sub RS 360 is constructed with an anodized aluminum alloy and simple dual latches to open and close the housing. It is almost neutrally buoyant underwater which makes it extremely easy to swim with - whether the camera is mounted on a selfie stick or another device. During tests on our Galapagos underwater photoworkshop, we mounted the housing on the handle of our Canon R8 underwater system and it didn't feel like there was any extra weight at all!

The housing is extremely easy to use underwater. There is a single button that turns the camera on underwater and the camera will then automatically begin recording. To stop recording, you can hold the button again and the camera will stop and turn off. I never felt like there was a delay in taking footage when I would press the button to turn the camera on.

While the housing is not designed to see the full LCD screen, it is possible to see it partially so that you know the camera is recording. 

A Housing Designed for Depth

It's important to note that the Mantis Sub RS 360 housing is designed to venture much deeper than polycarbonate housings. The housing is depth rated to 250 meters, or 820 feet. We actually had competitors in the world famous Vertical Blue freediving event reach out to us after our Galapagos return to use the Mantis Sub housing to film some of the world's deepest free diving records!

Bulkhead for Offboard Power or Remote Connection

An M6 bulkhead for offboard power and remote connection via usb-c cable is engineered with the housing. This is an ideal feature for anyone looking to film for periods of over an hour. We found that the camera had no problem getting through an hour of filming and did not overheat. This translated to roughly 2-3 dives. But if you are interested in any of these capabilities, be sure to contact the friendly and helpful staff at Bluewater Photo for help putting a quote together. 

Mantis Sub 360 RS Video Samples

Conclusions

If you are looking for a new and unique way to view to underwater world - one that is more natural and true to life - there isn't a method more realistic than virtual reality. The 360 video produced by the Insta 360 One RS is incredible and well complemented by the Mantis Sub RS 360 housing. In the Galapagos, with extreme current and swell, we needed a reliable housing with easy control and little weight. The Mantis Sub housing covers all of these bases. With a single button control and an anodized aluminum construction, anyone can venture into the world's harshest environments and make their virtual reality dreams a reality.