DiveVolk Underwater Video Lights — Illuminate Your Phone's Full Potential
Color correction filters restore hues lost to depth when shooting in ambient light. Video lights restore those colors in a fundamentally different way — by providing a controlled artificial light source that illuminates subjects with the full visible spectrum, regardless of depth. Used close to a subject, a video light makes color correction filters unnecessary and produces richer, more saturated colors than ambient light photography can achieve at any depth.
DiveVolk's SL-series video lights are designed specifically to complement the SeaTouch system — compact enough to mount on the DiveVolk tray and arm accessories, powerful enough to provide meaningful illumination for both photo and video use, and matched to the color temperature that produces natural-looking results with modern smartphone cameras.
DiveVolk Video Light Range
DiveVolk SL120 — 12,000 Lumen High-Output Video Light
The SL120 is DiveVolk's flagship video light — a high-output unit producing 12,000 lumens with a wide beam angle suited to video work and wide-angle photography. At this output level, the SL120 genuinely illuminates wide reef scenes, large subjects like sea turtles and reef sharks at close range, and provides the coverage needed for wide-angle video footage that looks naturally lit rather than spotlight-style. Multiple power modes allow output adjustment for different situations: maximum output for video production or dark conditions, reduced output for subject photography at close range where the full 12,000 lumens would cause overexposure. Rechargeable battery, underwater depth rating appropriate for recreational and advanced recreational use.
DiveVolk SL50 — Compact Video Light
The SL50 is DiveVolk's compact video light — significantly smaller and lighter than the SL120, designed for divers who want a portable video light without the bulk of a full-size unit. It provides meaningful illumination for close-range photography and videography, macro work, and situations where a single compact light is more practical than a larger dual-light setup. The SL50's smaller form factor means it can be mounted on the Single Handle Tray's cold shoe mount, adding video light capability to the most compact DiveVolk rig configuration. Rechargeable battery, multiple power modes.
Video Lights vs. Color Filters — Which Should You Use?
Both solve the same core problem (color loss at depth) but through different mechanisms, each with distinct advantages:
Color filters are passive — they clip onto the lens and correct colors using ambient (natural) light. No power required, no batteries, no equipment to mount. They work well in clear water with good natural light, typically down to 25 meters for the red filter. They don't add brightness to the scene. Filters are the lightweight, simple solution for ambient light photography in good visibility conditions.
Video lights are active — they add their own light source to the scene. They work at any depth regardless of ambient light, in low visibility, at night, inside wrecks, and in conditions where ambient light is insufficient. They produce richer, more saturated colors within their illumination zone than ambient light correction can achieve. The tradeoff is battery management, equipment to mount, and the need to position lights carefully to avoid backscatter.
Many DiveVolk users carry both: filters for ambient light shooting and lights for close-range photography, nighttime diving, and when maximum color impact is desired. The Deep Dive Kit configuration includes dual SL120 lights for this reason.
Who Are DiveVolk Lights For?
| Diver / Photographer Type |
Recommended Light |
Key Reason |
| Recreational video content creators |
SL120 |
Wide beam; high output covers entire frame for video |
| Macro and close-up photographers |
SL50 or SL120 |
Illuminates small subjects precisely; enhances color and detail |
| Night divers with SeaTouch housing |
SL120 |
High output for complete darkness; wide beam for orientation |
| Divers wanting a compact single light |
SL50 |
Mounts on cold shoe of Single Handle Tray; minimal rig footprint |
| Professional and dual-light setups |
2x SL120 (Deep Dive Kit) |
Balanced dual illumination; eliminates shadows; maximum output |
Mounting DiveVolk Lights
Both the SL50 and SL120 mount via cold shoe connection to DiveVolk tray accessories. The SL50's compact size makes it practical on the Single Handle Tray's cold shoe — the most minimal rig configuration. The SL120 benefits from the Float Arm system (available in the Trays & Mounts collection) to offset its weight and maintain rig balance. For dual-light setups, the Dual Handle with float arms on each side is the recommended configuration.
Why Buy DiveVolk Lights from DiveCatalog.com?
-
Authorized DiveVolk dealer — genuine products, full manufacturer warranty
-
Expert advice — our team can help match the right light to your rig and shooting style
-
Fast shipping — in-stock lights ship within one business day
-
Rewards program — earn points on every purchase
Frequently Asked Questions — DiveVolk Lights
Do I need a video light if I already have color filters?
Filters and lights serve different use cases. Filters work with ambient light — they're ideal for bright, clear-water daytime reef diving. Video lights work by adding their own light source, which is more powerful, works at any depth, and produces better results for close-range photography, night diving, and wrecks. For serious photography, most photographers eventually use both depending on the shot. If you're starting out, the Ocean Kit (housing + filter) is a good entry point; the Deep Dive Kit (housing + dual lights) is the step up for dedicated underwater imaging.
What is the difference between the SL50 and SL120?
The SL120 outputs 12,000 lumens — significantly more than the SL50 — and is appropriate for wide-angle video production and lighting large subjects. The SL50 is a compact, lighter option better suited to close-range macro photography, travel rigs, and minimal-footprint setups on the Single Handle Tray's cold shoe.
Can I use the SL120 for macro photography?
Yes, but at reduced power settings. At close macro distances, 12,000 lumens at full output would overexpose most subjects. Use the SL120's multiple power modes to reduce output for macro work, or position the light at a greater angle/distance to soften the illumination.
How do I mount the lights to my DiveVolk housing?
Both lights use cold shoe mounting. Attach to the Single Handle Tray's cold shoe mount, or to the Flexible Arm's cold shoe end. For float arm configurations (to offset the lights' weight), use the DiveVolk Float Arm with the Dual Handle. Browse the Trays & Mounts collection for compatible accessories.
The right light turns an underwater photo from a record shot into an image. Browse the full DiveVolk light collection above and reach out if you'd like help choosing the right configuration for your rig.
