I'm still using the original Paralenz, which I find quite ok for my needs. I enjoy post production as much as the actual filming I think (Cyberlink Powerdirector)
you can image stabilize during video post processing in Adobe Premier pro, it does the same thing as what the camera would do and clips off the edges.....but yh be nice to have image stabilize
@@MatthiasLebo yep always handier to have in-built stabilization, should really be on every camera now as standard seeing as its a tech thats been available for over a decade!
I am seriously considering it. Any comments on how the macro lens works compared to the other models? Currently using the DC+ with one. Wouldn’t know where to begin with why I want to upgrade.
The macro lens is the exact same as on the Vaquita 1st Gen and work the exact same way. The only difference is you don't need one up to 25cm away from your object. If you want to get closer just snap it in front of the camera and it's ready to use. super easy and the results are actually really nice.
@@MatthiasLebo Not sure what you mean by 25 cm away. I suppose my real question is does the focus distance of the macro lens change between the three models.
@@MatthiasLebo Very unfortunate, I didn't know that... It's good to know, though. I'm a free diver who spends most UW time around 12 to 18 meters. I love mask-mounted cameras, so I'm starting to think I should look for another camera. Frankly, so much of my Vaquita footage is unusable due to lack of stability, and the water here seems to cause the DCC to struggle as well (green and generally silty). I'll review your channel for some ideas.
That's not an easy question to answer. Generally speaking the Vaquita will give you better colors and is less "complicated" to use. No need for adding red filters depending on your depth etc. If the shakiness in the footage of the Vaquita doesn't bother you, go for the Vaquita. If on the other hand you want to have really stable footage and don't mind getting colors that are not ideal, choose the GoPro. You see, there is no perfect solution. It's a compromise depending on what is most important to you.
I don't know if he will. 😂 The battery life is about the same as on the original Vaquita from what I can tell after having done a few dives with it only.
I don’t know. If they do it via firmware update it would be digital stabilization and no sensor stabilization I think. But it doesn’t seem like they are putting any priority to this issue, unfortunately. It would make this camera so much better.
Hi Matthias, Thanks for this video (and all the previous ones). I'm on the fence of getting either a GoPro 11 or Vaquita. I do plan to use one or two strobes - would that solve the GoPro's lesser colours compared to the Vaquita? And if so, would you recommend getting a single or double strobe (mainly wide-shots, not too much macro). And on another note, do you have experience with using strobes with the Vaquita? Or is it unnecessary due to the excellent DCC?
Hey Steven Thanks for your comment. You’re talking about strobes but I’m not sure whether you mean strobes (used for photography) or video lights?!? Video lights can help with the GoPro footage, but unless you’re filming macro you probably won’t be able to light up the entire scene with your lights. The results will be okay but probably not ideal. On the Vaquita you don’t want to use any video lights when the DCC is turned on. If you’re using lights with the Vaquita - I.e. during night dives - you want to make sure to turn off the DCC and use auto white balance or set the white balance to the Color temperature (kelvin) of your video lights. Hope this helps.
@@MatthiasLebo I definitely mean video lights, sorry for messing up the terminology. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Seems like getting a Vaquito will be worthwhile or would a Seadragon 2000F setup with GoPro 11 and post processing DCC be much better? It's quite a big budget investment and I'd like to get it right for my upcoming dives.
Hey Steven, No worries mate. I think the decision you need to make is how much extra gear - other than the camera itself - are you willing to carry with you on your dives. If a camera is all you want to carry with you then a Vaquita is your better bet. It produces better colors straight from the camera, but lacks any image stabilization. So pretty perfect buoyancy on your side is a must. If you’re willing to invest into and carry a set of underwater video lights with you, I think the GoPro is the better choice - although we don’t really know yet what the GoPro 11 is going to be like. I hope this helps a bit?
@@MatthiasLebo certainly does help. So I'm just starting out doing UW video more serious. Used to be an old GoPro on a small handle. Been to some great places and got some nice shots, but things could be much better! Therefore looking to invest in something that at least will give me a few years of fun during my dives (around 20 a year in a holiday). I don't mind doing some post processing, but have had some trouble doing decent white color correction, therefore the Vaquita sounds really nice! Image stabilization sounds easier to do in post processing. However, a GoPro setup with maybe a SeaLife Seadragon light might give me better options? Especially for those shots in the depth / close-up? Maybe add a red filter as well? Thanks for your time again, great that you take the time to answer the questions of your followers!
No worries mate, happy to help. I would probably go with a GoPro in your case. Because the GoPro you can also use above water, the Vaquita you can't and it seems to me like a rather large investment for about 20 dives/year. So yeah, I would go with a GoPro, red filter and maybe some lights. And if you want to film macro, get a macro lens that flips in front of the GoPro. I think that should do the trick for you.
Everyone mentions the lack of auto stabilization. Is this partially due to using on a mask strap. Would love to see a comparison between mounting on a strap and hardmounting on a helmet.
I don't think that the mount on the helmet would be much better. Even when holding the Vaquita in our hand as steady as you can, you will have some micro-jitters because of the missing stabilization. Really too bad...
@@MatthiasLebo good to know. Ive been considering getting one for a while and new generation with the better colour correcttion definitely intices me more with the green water i dive mostly. Cant decide whether i should just get the gen 2 or wait another year or so and see if they come out with a stabilization feature
Yeah, I understand. Not an easy decision. I would make it depending on whether you really need a new camera now - or can you still work and be happy with the one you’ve got?! Decisions decisions… 🙈
Hi Matthias, Thank you for your initial impressions is there a particular reason that you have not just gone ahead and done a full review as you have the unit in your possession? instead of a general taster for the product. My initial thoughts are this looks like the same camera with a green wheel and a slightly better lens, that's it!! If you need one then better than gen 1 but if you have a gen 1 then probably not worth trading up. As you say they haven't sorted EIS in fact things seem to have gone backwards, on gen 1 EIS was printed on the product and mentioned in the instructions, so at least the intention was there. On gen 2 all this has gone, its not on the product and no mention in the instructions. Makes me wonder if EIS is moving in to a thing of legend, like the tooth fairy or peter pan. Look forward to your full review, unfortunately looks like we will have to wait till after the initial sales rush. I for one am holding off to see what's the general feedback, before pressing the button .
Thanks for your comment buddy. The reason why I haven't done a complete review yet is quite simple. I haven't had the camera for long enough to have tested it well enough. I've only done a few dives with it and I just can't - and don't won't to - make a full review about a product I haven't tested properly and had enough time to be confident about what I'm telling you guys. The review will come, but it will take some more time. I hope you understand that. Thanks. 🙏🏻😉
I root for Vaquita and was hyped when I learned about it, but closer learning few draw backs, sorry I did not find enough for me to move from GoPro... thanks for nice review! I wish them also to fix in photo age image stabilization and think more about app as main selling point for Vaquita camera...
Well, it's not the perfect camera (yet?), but the people behind the company are trying very hard to work on the flaws the camera has. I take it as a good sign that they have listened to the users of the original Vaquita and has solved some of the issues users had with the previous model on this new generation. It takes time to make the perfect underwater camera. No one has managed to achieve this until now... Let's see what the underwater camera future holds for us... 🤗
Owner of gen 1: image stab is not a big deal; just need to hold the camera like a torch and it works fine. No need for the gun, which by the way is made of plastic. My big issue is the lack of app reliability (dives are doubled or missing until app reset), and the body paint chips very easily. After 4 uses, it looks like it's 5 years old. The paint doesn't stay. The focusing distance is an issue as well and the lack of user guidance for using the macro lens. GPS can take long time to acquire a location. Microphone would be nice with more gain or sensibility. After having exported the footage, I really have to turn my sound at the max to hear some little sounds only. Else, the form factor is great, as well as the possibility to quick change btw DCC and auto white balance. The customer support for both hardware and software is 1st class. Export system is simple and efficient.
Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your thoughts with us. The 2nd Gen will definitely be better on the focusing distance as you can get much closer to your object. I can't really say much on the other points as I haven't done any in-depth testing yet.
@@MatthiasLebo Thank you Matthias. Would you have time to make a demo / user guide on how to use the macro lens and their focus stick? I can't see how to use it.
Unfortunately the underwater housing for my Insta360 One RS hasn't arrived in time before my holiday to Bali, so I couldn't test it. However, on paper it has way better specs and it's much cheaper than the Paralenz Vaquita.
I haven't really looked at the Insta360 RS myself, so I can't comment on that. Feel free though to update us once you've tried it. I'm curious to hear how you like it. Thanks.
Just sent them an email for a question on upgrading the internals of Gen 1 to Gen 2 without buying the whole set, and I got an auto reply "we have filled for bankruptcy"... I'd wait before buying anything from them again.
Not when it comes to the increased FOV on the lens, or the minimal focus distance which both have to do with the physical construction of the lens itself.
Video stabilization was the thing that I really wanted to see improved in this camera. Everything else they improved is ok but not incredible. No 4K 120fps. No swappable batteries. It’s pushing me more towards a GoPro every day.
I definitely see your point of view buddy. Paralenz is working on improving the camera, but because it's a rather small company, they can't do everything at once. I think the improvements are solid, but there is no argument that they could have done more.
Are you going to upgrade to the Vaquita 2nd Gen and if so why?
No stabilization, skipping, waiting for gen3
I'm still using the original Paralenz, which I find quite ok for my needs. I enjoy post production as much as the actual filming I think (Cyberlink Powerdirector)
No stabilization is kind of a deal breaker for me.
you can image stabilize during video post processing in Adobe Premier pro, it does the same thing as what the camera would do and clips off the edges.....but yh be nice to have image stabilize
stabilizing in post can be way too aggressive, even when dialed down. I think it would be nicer to have in body stabilization to be honest.
@@MatthiasLebo yep always handier to have in-built stabilization, should really be on every camera now as standard seeing as its a tech thats been available for over a decade!
I am seriously considering it. Any comments on how the macro lens works compared to the other models? Currently using the DC+ with one. Wouldn’t know where to begin with why I want to upgrade.
The macro lens is the exact same as on the Vaquita 1st Gen and work the exact same way. The only difference is you don't need one up to 25cm away from your object. If you want to get closer just snap it in front of the camera and it's ready to use. super easy and the results are actually really nice.
@@MatthiasLebo Not sure what you mean by 25 cm away. I suppose my real question is does the focus distance of the macro lens change between the three models.
I can’t say for sure, but it shouldn’t. That’s probably a question for the technical support team of Paralenz.
I was so hopeful for image stabilization. Maybe possible in a future firmware update? We can keep hoping, I guess. Thanks for the overview, Matthias.
I don’t think it is going to happen in a firmware update. From my understanding Paralenz is not really prioritizing this issue, unfortunately.
@@MatthiasLebo Very unfortunate, I didn't know that... It's good to know, though. I'm a free diver who spends most UW time around 12 to 18 meters. I love mask-mounted cameras, so I'm starting to think I should look for another camera. Frankly, so much of my Vaquita footage is unusable due to lack of stability, and the water here seems to cause the DCC to struggle as well (green and generally silty). I'll review your channel for some ideas.
From its form factor the Vaquita actually is the best camera for mask mounting. I’d have a look at the GoPro Hero 11 or the DJI Osmo Action 3.
Matthias so do you suggest a vaquita or a gopro if I don’t want to any editing just document my dives?
That's not an easy question to answer. Generally speaking the Vaquita will give you better colors and is less "complicated" to use. No need for adding red filters depending on your depth etc. If the shakiness in the footage of the Vaquita doesn't bother you, go for the Vaquita. If on the other hand you want to have really stable footage and don't mind getting colors that are not ideal, choose the GoPro. You see, there is no perfect solution. It's a compromise depending on what is most important to you.
Yes, I will now. The close focus was what held me off upgrading from the original Paralenz.
It is a big improvement. Enjoy your new Vaquita 2nd Gen 😊
Anything about power consumption and battery life?
I wonder if Brian Davis is going to like it now 😂
I don't know if he will. 😂
The battery life is about the same as on the original Vaquita from what I can tell after having done a few dives with it only.
@@MatthiasLebo You think they can add stabilization by firmware updates to the new camera?
I think that it is a major issue, a must have.
I don’t know. If they do it via firmware update it would be digital stabilization and no sensor stabilization I think. But it doesn’t seem like they are putting any priority to this issue, unfortunately. It would make this camera so much better.
Hi Matthias,
Thanks for this video (and all the previous ones). I'm on the fence of getting either a GoPro 11 or Vaquita. I do plan to use one or two strobes - would that solve the GoPro's lesser colours compared to the Vaquita? And if so, would you recommend getting a single or double strobe (mainly wide-shots, not too much macro).
And on another note, do you have experience with using strobes with the Vaquita? Or is it unnecessary due to the excellent DCC?
Hey Steven
Thanks for your comment. You’re talking about strobes but I’m not sure whether you mean strobes (used for photography) or video lights?!?
Video lights can help with the GoPro footage, but unless you’re filming macro you probably won’t be able to light up the entire scene with your lights. The results will be okay but probably not ideal.
On the Vaquita you don’t want to use any video lights when the DCC is turned on. If you’re using lights with the Vaquita - I.e. during night dives - you want to make sure to turn off the DCC and use auto white balance or set the white balance to the Color temperature (kelvin) of your video lights.
Hope this helps.
@@MatthiasLebo I definitely mean video lights, sorry for messing up the terminology. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Seems like getting a Vaquito will be worthwhile or would a Seadragon 2000F setup with GoPro 11 and post processing DCC be much better? It's quite a big budget investment and I'd like to get it right for my upcoming dives.
Hey Steven,
No worries mate. I think the decision you need to make is how much extra gear - other than the camera itself - are you willing to carry with you on your dives. If a camera is all you want to carry with you then a Vaquita is your better bet. It produces better colors straight from the camera, but lacks any image stabilization. So pretty perfect buoyancy on your side is a must. If you’re willing to invest into and carry a set of underwater video lights with you, I think the GoPro is the better choice - although we don’t really know yet what the GoPro 11 is going to be like.
I hope this helps a bit?
@@MatthiasLebo certainly does help. So I'm just starting out doing UW video more serious. Used to be an old GoPro on a small handle. Been to some great places and got some nice shots, but things could be much better!
Therefore looking to invest in something that at least will give me a few years of fun during my dives (around 20 a year in a holiday).
I don't mind doing some post processing, but have had some trouble doing decent white color correction, therefore the Vaquita sounds really nice! Image stabilization sounds easier to do in post processing.
However, a GoPro setup with maybe a SeaLife Seadragon light might give me better options? Especially for those shots in the depth / close-up? Maybe add a red filter as well?
Thanks for your time again, great that you take the time to answer the questions of your followers!
No worries mate, happy to help. I would probably go with a GoPro in your case. Because the GoPro you can also use above water, the Vaquita you can't and it seems to me like a rather large investment for about 20 dives/year. So yeah, I would go with a GoPro, red filter and maybe some lights. And if you want to film macro, get a macro lens that flips in front of the GoPro. I think that should do the trick for you.
Everyone mentions the lack of auto stabilization. Is this partially due to using on a mask strap. Would love to see a comparison between mounting on a strap and hardmounting on a helmet.
I don't think that the mount on the helmet would be much better. Even when holding the Vaquita in our hand as steady as you can, you will have some micro-jitters because of the missing stabilization. Really too bad...
@@MatthiasLebo good to know. Ive been considering getting one for a while and new generation with the better colour correcttion definitely intices me more with the green water i dive mostly.
Cant decide whether i should just get the gen 2 or wait another year or so and see if they come out with a stabilization feature
Yeah, I understand. Not an easy decision. I would make it depending on whether you really need a new camera now - or can you still work and be happy with the one you’ve got?! Decisions decisions… 🙈
Hi Matthias,
Thank you for your initial impressions
is there a particular reason that you have not just gone ahead and done a full review as you have the unit in your possession? instead of a general taster for the product.
My initial thoughts are this looks like the same camera with a green wheel and a slightly better lens, that's it!! If you need one then better than gen 1 but if you have a gen 1 then probably not worth trading up. As you say they haven't sorted EIS in fact things seem to have gone backwards, on gen 1 EIS was printed on the product and mentioned in the instructions, so at least the intention was there. On gen 2 all this has gone, its not on the product and no mention in the instructions. Makes me wonder if EIS is moving in to a thing of legend, like the tooth fairy or peter pan.
Look forward to your full review, unfortunately looks like we will have to wait till after the initial sales rush. I for one am holding off to see what's the general feedback, before pressing the button .
Thanks for your comment buddy. The reason why I haven't done a complete review yet is quite simple. I haven't had the camera for long enough to have tested it well enough. I've only done a few dives with it and I just can't - and don't won't to - make a full review about a product I haven't tested properly and had enough time to be confident about what I'm telling you guys. The review will come, but it will take some more time. I hope you understand that. Thanks. 🙏🏻😉
I root for Vaquita and was hyped when I learned about it, but closer learning few draw backs, sorry I did not find enough for me to move from GoPro... thanks for nice review! I wish them also to fix in photo age image stabilization and think more about app as main selling point for Vaquita camera...
Well, it's not the perfect camera (yet?), but the people behind the company are trying very hard to work on the flaws the camera has. I take it as a good sign that they have listened to the users of the original Vaquita and has solved some of the issues users had with the previous model on this new generation. It takes time to make the perfect underwater camera. No one has managed to achieve this until now... Let's see what the underwater camera future holds for us... 🤗
Owner of gen 1: image stab is not a big deal; just need to hold the camera like a torch and it works fine. No need for the gun, which by the way is made of plastic.
My big issue is the lack of app reliability (dives are doubled or missing until app reset), and the body paint chips very easily. After 4 uses, it looks like it's 5 years old. The paint doesn't stay.
The focusing distance is an issue as well and the lack of user guidance for using the macro lens.
GPS can take long time to acquire a location.
Microphone would be nice with more gain or sensibility. After having exported the footage, I really have to turn my sound at the max to hear some little sounds only.
Else, the form factor is great, as well as the possibility to quick change btw DCC and auto white balance.
The customer support for both hardware and software is 1st class.
Export system is simple and efficient.
Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your thoughts with us. The 2nd Gen will definitely be better on the focusing distance as you can get much closer to your object. I can't really say much on the other points as I haven't done any in-depth testing yet.
@@MatthiasLebo Thank you Matthias.
Would you have time to make a demo / user guide on how to use the macro lens and their focus stick? I can't see how to use it.
Im not in the possession of one at the moment. But if Paralenz decides to send me one again, I’d be more than happy to do so.
Matthias thanks for your honest opinion about gen 2 buddy 🤙🤙🤙
You're very welcome buddy. 😉
Unfortunately the underwater housing for my Insta360 One RS hasn't arrived in time before my holiday to Bali, so I couldn't test it. However, on paper it has way better specs and it's much cheaper than the Paralenz Vaquita.
I haven't really looked at the Insta360 RS myself, so I can't comment on that. Feel free though to update us once you've tried it. I'm curious to hear how you like it. Thanks.
@@MatthiasLebo
I will. Hopefully soon
Just sent them an email for a question on upgrading the internals of Gen 1 to Gen 2 without buying the whole set, and I got an auto reply "we have filled for bankruptcy"...
I'd wait before buying anything from them again.
Hi, I have 2nd gen camera to sell if interested.
@@TheRomih88 yes, interested. How do we proceed?
@@leborde go to my yt
The "upgrades" sound like something that could have been done through a software update!
Not when it comes to the increased FOV on the lens, or the minimal focus distance which both have to do with the physical construction of the lens itself.
You can't change a lens with software!
Video stabilization was the thing that I really wanted to see improved in this camera. Everything else they improved is ok but not incredible. No 4K 120fps. No swappable batteries. It’s pushing me more towards a GoPro every day.
I definitely see your point of view buddy. Paralenz is working on improving the camera, but because it's a rather small company, they can't do everything at once. I think the improvements are solid, but there is no argument that they could have done more.