Getting into underwater videography or photography can feel daunting, especially when you first start dealing with the challenges of low light, shaky hands, and equipment that needs to withstand pressure and saltwater. I know that feeling well; trying to capture those vibrant reef scenes or shy marine life often resulted in dark, unstable footage that just didn’t do the experience justice. Solving that problem wasn’t just about getting better shots; it was about truly preserving and sharing the incredible moments witnessed beneath the waves, something that would have been much harder without the right gear.
Before diving into specific products, it’s crucial to think about what you truly need for underwater videography or photography. The core problem is simple: water absorbs light and magnifies movement, making steady, well-lit shots challenging with just a bare action camera. An underwater camera rig addresses this by providing a stable platform and mounting points for essential accessories like lights. The ideal customer for a setup like this is typically someone who owns an action camera (like a GoPro or DJI Osmo Action) and wants to improve their underwater footage without investing in professional-grade, often prohibitively expensive, camera and housing systems. This includes recreational divers, snorkelers, or even freedivers looking to capture memories. If you’re a professional underwater cinematographer requiring very high lumen lights, intricate arm setups, or dedicated still photography systems, a basic rig bundle like this might not meet your advanced needs, and you’d likely need to look at modular systems with higher-output lights and articulated arms. Before purchasing, consider the type of camera you have and its compatibility, the depth rating you need, the required light output (lumens) for your typical diving depth, the battery life of the lights, the material and weight of the rig (aluminum is durable but heavier than plastic), and the flexibility of mounting options for lights or other accessories.
- SOLID CAMERA RIG WITH RUBBERIZED HANDGRIPS - Strong Aluminum Alloy Tray with Yellow Rubberized Handgrips is corrosion resistant and provides stable shooting on underwater dives as well as on land
- MULTIPLE MOUNTING OPTIONS - Features two cold shoe mounts for LED GoPro light, microphone, monitor and other gear, as well as a central action mount. Works well with GoPro super suit and other Scuba...
- BUNDLED WATERPROOF LED LIGHTS - Powerful 700 lumen lights that work up to 130 feet underwater. Long-lasting, rechargeable batteries come with USB power adapters
Introducing the Movo DiveRig1 XL Bundle
The Movo DiveRig1 XL Diving Rig Bundle with Waterproof LED Lights is designed as an all-in-one solution for action camera users looking to enhance their underwater filming. It promises to provide a stable base and much-needed illumination to bring colour and clarity back to your underwater footage. The bundle includes a robust aluminum alloy tray featuring comfortable rubberized handgrips, two powerful waterproof LED lights, rechargeable batteries for the lights, USB power adapters, and sets of attachable color filters (white, orange, and purple). Compared to simple camera trays, this diving rig adds integrated lighting, a critical component for underwater environments. It positions itself as a more accessible, budget-friendly alternative to high-end professional setups that cost significantly more and often require purchasing the rig, lights, and mounts separately. This specific Movo rig is ideal for recreational divers and snorkelers using GoPro HERO cameras (HERO5 through HERO10) or DJI Osmo Action cams who want a noticeable improvement in their underwater captures without breaking the bank. It’s likely not the best fit for professional underwater photographers or those requiring extremely bright lights or complex lighting angles.
Here are some pros and cons based on my experience and common user feedback:
Pros:
* Solid and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy frame provides excellent stability.
* Comfortable, non-slip rubberized handgrips.
* Includes two waterproof LED lights right out of the box, adding significant value.
* Lights have different power modes and useful colour filters.
* Multiple mounting options (cold shoe mounts, action mount, 1/4″-20 threads) offer versatility.
* More affordable than putting together a comparable setup from different manufacturers.
* Compatibility with a wide range of GoPro and DJI Action cameras.
Cons:
* The included light mounts (cold shoe clips) can be flimsy and may loosen easily.
* Lights might not be powerful enough for deeper dives (below 60-80 feet) or illuminating large scenes.
* Rechargeable batteries in the lights are not user-replaceable in some models, limiting battery life per dive unless you surface to recharge.
* The fixed position of the standard light mounts doesn’t allow for flexible light angling.
- Powerful functions, diverse colors, 21 button mode remote control, 7 kinds of lamp color change, adjustment of light brightness, automatic mode, three speed timing, etc., to meet your needs for...
- Super Bright Flashlight: Updated XM-L2 Led, the maximum range up to 100 meters. The diving light can be submerged up to 80 ft. So diving flashlight provides you ultra-bright light when underwater...
Key Aspects and Advantages
Let’s delve deeper into the individual components and features that make the Movo DiveRig1 XL what it is and how it performs where it counts – underwater.
Robust Aluminum Alloy Tray with Rubberized Handgrips
The foundation of the Movo DiveRig1 XL is its aluminum alloy tray. Having used various setups, I can attest that the material matters. Plastic trays can feel lightweight but often lack the necessary rigidity, especially in currents or when trying to hold perfectly still. The aluminum alloy provides a reassuring heft and stability. It feels solid in your hands, significantly reducing the micro-movements that lead to shaky video footage. This is arguably the most crucial benefit of any rig – providing a stable base for your camera. The corrosion-resistant property of the aluminum is essential for saltwater use; you still need to rinse it thoroughly after every dive, but the material holds up well over time against the harsh marine environment. The yellow rubberized handgrips are a simple but effective addition. Underwater, everything feels a bit more slippery, and having grips you can hold firmly without strain makes a big difference in maintaining control and comfort, especially during longer dives. The wider tray also spreads out the effort compared to just holding a camera stick, contributing to less fatigue and steadier shots.
Multiple Mounting Options for Accessories
Beyond just holding your camera, a good rig needs to be a versatile platform. The Movo DiveRig1 XL Diving Rig Bundle features two cold shoe mounts on the top bar and a central action mount compatible with GoPro and similar action camera cases (including the Super Suit). This flexibility is key. The cold shoe mounts are primarily intended for the included LED lights, but they can technically accommodate other accessories like small monitors (though less common underwater) or even a microphone if you were using it on land (though the waterproof rating is only for the lights and the rig itself, not necessarily attached audio gear). The central action mount is where your camera attaches, providing a secure and stable connection point directly in the middle of the rig. Additionally, there are several 1/4″-20 threaded mounting holes scattered around the tray. These are incredibly useful for adding extra accessories, like more lights, flexible arms, or even mounting points to attach the rig to your BCD with retractors or tethers, as some users creatively do for quick access and security. This range of mounting options allows for customization and expansion beyond the basic bundle.
Bundled Waterproof LED Lights
One of the standout features of this bundle is the inclusion of two waterproof LED lights. Underwater, colours are quickly absorbed as you descend, leaving everything looking blue or green. Artificial light, even at moderate depths, is vital to bring back the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of marine life and corals. Each light provides 700 lumens of output, which, while not professional-grade, is sufficient for illuminating subjects within a few feet – typically the range you’d be filming or photographing with an action camera. The fact that they are included and waterproof up to 130 feet (approximately 40 meters) adds significant value. The lights are powered by internal rechargeable batteries, which is convenient as you don’t need to constantly buy disposable ones. They come with USB power adapters for charging, making it easy to juice them up between dives. The benefit here is immediate; you’re not just getting a stable frame, you’re getting the essential lighting needed to capture genuinely colourful underwater footage straight away.
Three Light Settings and Attachable Color Filters
The included LED lights aren’t just on/off. They feature three distinct modes: a bright High Power mode for maximum illumination, a Power Saver mode for extended battery life on longer dives, and a flash strobe SOS mode for emergencies. Having the Power Saver mode is practical, as running at full power can drain batteries quickly. Switching between modes allows you to conserve power when ambient light is sufficient and boost it when needed. The bundle also includes three sets of attachable color filters: white (diffuser), orange, and purple. These filters are designed to help with underwater color correction. The orange filter is typically used in saltwater environments (like the ocean) to counteract the blue cast, while the purple filter is often used in freshwater lakes or rivers to neutralize green tones. The white diffuser helps soften the light, reducing harsh shadows. While post-processing can correct colour to some extent, getting the colours closer in-camera with these filters makes editing much easier and often yields better results, especially for video. The filters are easy to clip onto the front of the lights, adding another layer of versatility to this underwater lighting setup.
Compatibility and Ease of Use
Compatibility is crucial, and the Movo DiveRig1 XL is designed with popular action cameras in mind. It explicitly lists compatibility with various GoPro HERO models (HERO5, HERO6, HERO7, HERO8, HERO9, HERO10) and the DJI Osmo Action Cam. This wide compatibility means if you own one of these cameras, the rig should work seamlessly, attaching via the standard action mount. While the basic function of holding the camera and lights is straightforward, setting up the lights on the cold shoe mounts can be a bit finicky initially, as noted by some users. The plastic clips require careful alignment and tightening, and there’s a learning curve to trusting their hold. However, once secured correctly, or with the simple workaround of adding zip ties or tethers (a common practice among users for added peace of mind with the light mounts), the setup is ready to go. The overall design is lightweight enough (under 1kg) not to be cumbersome underwater, allowing for easy handling and transport, especially compared to bulky professional camera housings.
Addressing Potential Downsides
As mentioned in the cons, the main area where this rig shows its budget nature is the included light mounts. While the concept of cold shoe mounts is sound, the execution with the plastic clips can be less secure than desired. It’s a common point of feedback that these mounts can loosen, risking losing a light. Simple safety measures like using zip ties or tethers to secure the lights to the rig are highly recommended and commonly adopted by users of this bundle. Alternatively, some users opt to replace the plastic mounts with more robust aftermarket options, utilizing the rig’s 1/4″-20 threads or other mounting points. The light output, at 700 lumens per light, is great for shallow to moderate depths but won’t cut through the darkness at significantly deeper levels (say, below 80-100 feet) or illuminate wide-angle scenes effectively. For deeper diving or wide-angle video, more powerful lights would be needed. Also, the non-removable internal batteries in the lights mean you can’t simply swap in fresh batteries during a multi-dive day without access to charging, which could be a limitation on dive boats without power sources. However, for typical recreational diving with breaks between dives, the battery life in Power Saver mode is generally sufficient for a standard dive.
What Users Are Saying
After checking out feedback from others who’ve used the Movo DiveRig1 XL bundle, the sentiment is generally positive, particularly concerning its value for the price. Many users appreciate the solid, lightweight aluminum frame and the improved stability it provides for their action camera footage. The inclusion of lights is seen as a significant bonus, and while not the brightest on the market, they are found to be effective for bringing colour back to subjects in recreational dive depths. The various mounting points are frequently praised for allowing customization and adding extra accessories. The most consistent point of criticism aligns with my experience: the plastic clips used to attach the lights via the cold shoe mounts can be unreliable, leading several users to recommend or implement safety tethers or alternative mounting solutions. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the Movo DiveRig1 XL offers a fantastic starting point for action camera users wanting to improve their underwater video and photo quality without spending a fortune on high-end gear.
Final Thoughts
Trying to capture the underwater world with just a bare action camera often results in shaky, dark, and washed-out footage, missing the true beauty of the scene. This lack of stability and light makes it challenging to create compelling videos or photos that reflect your incredible experiences beneath the surface. The Movo DiveRig1 XL Diving Rig Bundle is an excellent solution to these common problems. It provides a sturdy, stable platform to hold your camera steady and includes essential waterproof lights to restore lost colours. While the light mounts require attention, the overall value and performance for a budget-friendly underwater camera rig make it a great entry point into the world of underwater videography. If you’re ready to take your action camera footage to the next level underwater, Click here to check the product out and see how it can help you capture the vibrant underwater world you experience.
Last update on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API