Generally , the camera ’ s auto exposure worked very well , with only a slight delay when moving from dark to light ; such as when moving from within a wreck into open water . Occasionally I had an over-exposure experience moving in the opposite direction ( light to dark ) when the footage would be bleached out . After updating the firmware this appeared to eliminate the problem . While there are plenty of options for more advanced users : video definitions of 720p / 1080p / 2.7k / 4k and frames per second ( FPS ) in increments from 25 to 240 FPS , the 135-degree wide-angle Vaquita can also be used as a simple point-and-shoot .
Auto activation is ideal for such users , and the depth at which filming begins can also be pre-set . Although the option to shoot 12MP stills is available , this is after all primarily a video camera and I ’ d recommend sticking to shallow water unless additional lighting is available . The screen , despite its small size does make a vast difference for shooting stills .
Mounting options
The camera is supplied with a plastic mount , complete with a standard thread for attaching a ball-arm or similar . This clips into the ridges on the cylindrical body and also has a rubber strap for attaching to a mask . Neither seem particularly secure , so I ’ d recommend using the lanyard , which attaches to the back cap as insurance .
I ’ ve never been too enamoured with maskmounting cameras . Unless you ’ re able to keep a steady head without looking around too much it ends up a little ‘ Blair Witch Project ’, and makes the new screen pointless . All the same , I have to say it didn ’ t feel heavy or intrusive mounted on my mask . The vibrating ‘ slider ’ control gave a helpful buzz when switching between ‘ record ’ and ‘ stop ’.
Hand-held was no problem at all – it sat nicely in the palm , like a small torch . For an extra € 39 , Paralenz do a nice-looking trigger grip , but I found by far the best solution was mounting the camera on a tray , which allows you to add a couple of video lights . Mounted on top of a scooter would also be a great option , providing a steady platform and constant access to the screen to observe as you zip along .
Something for everyone ?
So why would a potential purchaser choose the Vaquita over the more affordable GoPro , for example ? While the latter does provide a much larger live view display , the diverfriendly features and hardy build quality of the Vaquita are persuasive .
Regardless whether you ’ re filming or not , the Vaquita will also log your ongoing depth , duration and water temperature . You can also choose to have this information overlaid onto your footage . All this information can be downloaded to the Paralenz App for editing
Screen grabs from the Paralenz app showing dive log , profile and footage
A side-by-side comparison showing auto white balance ( below ) and DCC ( top )
and sharing via WiFi or Bluetooth . If you prefer , just download the video files via the USB charging cable to a PC editing suite .
The depth-rating of 350 metres is a 100m improvement on its predecessor , and accounts for the brand ’ s popularity with technical divers . However , while the highercapacity battery is a further upgrade , the combination of the OLED screen and new Sony processor give slightly less duration than the original ’ s three hours .
No camera can be everything to everybody , and this is true of the Vaquita . If you ’ re a serious video shooter and it ’ s your raison d ’ etre , then there are probably more suitable interchangeable lens systems
available . If , however , you ’ re a diver who wants to record your wreck , cave or reef adventures and tie them in with GPS and dive data then the Vaquita may be just what you ’ re looking for . Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
Paralenz ’ s Vaquita Dive Camera is a compact , robust and very easy-touse option for divers of all interests and abilities . While the screen may have some users reaching for their prescription lenses , it does ensure you don ’ t miss what you ’ re pointing at !
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