News
First Impressions: Paralenz Vaquita 2nd Gen Dive Camera (Watch Video)
I recently had the chance to try out the new Paralenz Vaquita 2nd Gen Dive Camera. A trip up to my local quarry, Capernwray, to get a friend who had not been diving in many years, was the perfect dive to give this camera a bit of real-world testing. My focus was on my buddy, but once he was comfortable and happy, I grabbed a few moments to try out this impressive camera. Please excuse the post-dive hair in the video!
The camera and accessories all arrive in sustainable, plastic-free packaging which is always a good start. And once out of the box you can feel the quality of the camera. I was glad to see that there was a macro option for this camera and I was using the trigger for the first time.
My initial thoughts are that this is another step forward for Paralenz. The wide angle footage looks great, with a wider field that the previous Vaquita. The in-built colour correction works really well, even in green water, and meant that I did not have to do any post dive editing of the footage.
The trigger grip is going to be my go-to mount for this camera after using on this dive. It helps keep the camera steady and works well for taking both still images and video clips.
The macro lens and flip lens holder meant hat you can switch easily from wide angle shooting to macro on a single dive. The macro lens came with a handy stick to show the perfect focus distance for the lens. Whilst this will not be practical in most diving situations, whilst testing it gave me a good feel for the distance and I ended up not needing it when I shot the macro footage at the end of this video clip. Capernwray does not offer the best macro opportunities and so I look forward to getting this camera and lens into the ocean for some more macro subjects.
The camera keeps track of your depth, water temperature, location, ascent and descent rates and can upload all this, along with images and video clips, to the app – to act as a visual dive log, as well as an incredible way for divers to add this data to help track sea temperature changes around the world. It is depth rated to an incredible 350m without any additional housing or equipment.
This was just a quick test and I was impressed. I will be using this camera diving both in the UK and overseas in the coming months and will write a more in depth review once I have had more opportunities to use it. But my first impression is that this is a great dive camera for anyone that likes to shoot underwater video, but hates post dive editing (like me)!
For more information visit the Paralenz website by clicking here.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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