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Paralenz Camera Pt2: In Water Testing

4/7/2018

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Those of you following One Breath Freediving on your social media channels will already know that I have been using the Paralenz dive camera quite extensively already, for both photos and videos, so for this review part 2 (part 1 is un-boxing and initial impressions),I wanted to look at it's use in the water. More than numbers such as pixels and frame rates, I wanted to discuss it's functionality and how well it works specifically from a freediver's point of view. 
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Firstly, it's primary mount method that I have employed so far with the Paralenz dive camera has been the mask mount. For me this has been the most convenient as I am normallly using it while teaching or guiding. Once the mask attachment is threaded to the mask strap, you clip the camera on using the 'T-Rail' mount system that gives a reassuring double 'click' when properly secured.

The first thing you notice while wearing it in the water is.....that you don't actually notice the camera! Despite feeling substantial and solid when held in the hand, once attached to the mask I can honestly say that I forget that the camera is actually there. Being so non-intrusive is a huge plus for freedivers as we take in the water minimum equipment and definitely don't like things that create drag or resistance.

Functionality from this position is another massive plus. The feedback loop of vibrations of the camera unit, mean that you do not need to remove the camera (and mask) at all to know what setting you are in! For example, rotate the selector ring clockwise while turned on gives one vibration for video, two vibrations for camera, three for settings etc. And then long or short holds of the activation switch can start or stop recording or offer other functions. This creates a simple user and selector operating system and excellent hands free usability.
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Now lets look at the quality of photos that Paralenz is capable of (for videos, check the OBF YouTube channel). All the snaps in this review were taken from the mask mount position, so just a reach to the side of the head and a short pull on the activation switch can give you some great photos. While primarily a video camera, the photos are surprisingly clear, sharp and lacking in distortion at the edges (as can be common for extremely wide angle cameras). In these photos I had Depth Colour Correction (DCC) turned on and Depth & Temperature overlay turned on. The photo above from 5m displays nice blue water and clear white logos on the wetsuit hood. The first photo handles the reflecting light from the shallow water very well and also created a shot that is not blurred or distorted from the divers movement.
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Initial in water conclusions:
  • Mask mount is very useful for hands free use
  • Unit vibration feedback is a great idea and super useful with mask mount 
  • Photos lack distortion and are very sharp
  • DCC is perfect for multiple depth change diving (such as freediving)
Look out for part three of the test where I will review the features of the Paralenz App.
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Paralenz Camera: Pt.1 Unboxing & First Test

18/5/2018

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I recently got my hands on the new Paralenz underwater camera. This powerful little package has been making waves (excuse the pun) in the underwater world. An action camera specifically designed for underwater use it has some really well thought out features and specifications.
​But I am getting ahead of myself! Let me start with the un-boxing.

The whole package of the Paralenz camera tells you it is well thought out and made for divers, by divers. Firstly, you can't help but be impressed by the included carry case that securely seats the camera and accessories, keeping them safely in one place for travel. This would always be an extra purchase with any other make of action camera. Secondly, inspecting the actual camera, it is shaped like a dive torch having a sturdy and substantial feel to it, feeling robust and of high quality  (it is made from aluminium). It also has a weight to it that gives it a great feel in the hand. 
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Testing out the buttons and dials it has two main options. The selector ring (blue dial) is magnetic and allows you to select the main options (video, photo, settings etc) and the activation switch (raised, before the logo) allows you to select options and start/stop recording. Both have a smooth and distinct movement when used. ​In conclusion, the build quality is top notch.
At the rear of the camera, behind a glass window, is a small screen  that shows the current mode and battery / SD card usage as well as the charging port for the USB-C cable.​ This will be the most notable difference from other action cameras..... The absence of a screen for viewing video. But what would a big screen be used for? To centre the picture during filming maybe? But the field of view in this camera is so wide anyway, and with experience you will get to become a good judge of distance and framing. In the real world, large screens on action cameras were a battery draining luxury (who actually played back footage direct on their camera???)
The accessories included here set the standards high once again: two different mounts, grease, spare o-rings, case, lanyard.... All would be extras by other manufacturers. It tells you this camera has been thought about and the end user considered.
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The camera uses a wi-fi link to a dedicated app. This is something new for me and as not the most technologically minded individual I was not sure how easy I would find it, but it was actually very intuitive. Once the connection was found I could quickly view and save my first underwater footage from the camera! (pond life, 10cm underwater, but hey, we have to start somewhere, right?!)
So what initial conclusions do I have:
  • Great package, well designed and feels very high quality
  • Nice extras included
  • Easy and intuitive to use
Very much looking forward to testing it in the sea! Coming soon will be part 2 of the test when I will use it for the first time freediving in the Mediterranean sea, Malta :)
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