Hi Hi,
I just tested a brand new vaquita 2nd gen this week end. I bought it because I wanted a wide angle option when I go deep and to complement my macro setting for other dives in Philippines.
I must say it is easy to use compared to gopro. It does not include stabilization, but I do mind this, I am stable enough and there are heaps of editing software to fix this. DCC is cool, it fixes color pretty well. In case you need torch/video light, better switch to white auto balance (power menu, 3 short clicks) or manual balance (There is a manual balance, which is kind of cool). For the testing, I only went to 6-8m.
The quality is decent, I will need to dive with a gopro too to compare (maybe in mid Feb)
A couple of things you need to pay attention too:
- The video starts on a very short push notice. So, pay attention where you store your vaquita.
- To stop the video, press until the cam vibrates. a quick push will not do. You might end with a lot of undesired footage.
- One mode behaves strangely: 4K. The angle narrows down to around 100 degrees... instead of 150 in all other modes. I am looking for a firmware update somewhere that would work around that. (any of you have a fix for this, I would very much appreciate this).
- Temperature read 16.3 degrees celsius when my shearwater read 18 degrees celsius. I wonder which one was right.
Video is saved in 2 formats on your sd card: full res and lower res for preview, and a photo. That's cool for reviewing footage.
The app is not fully functional, only download and watch video log is available. Download via wifi is a pain. I guess the app service is down. I wish they could have maintained this. but ok, they bankrupt, we cannot expect so much. I prefer to connect my sd direct to my phone or computer. it is much faster using wifi on any product anyway.
Support website is down too, which is more annoying as you need to contact seller to get firmware, full manual, etc. it is okay so far where I bought it from.
I bought this cam in USA, dive right scuba , they claim they bought all the remaining stock and have a partner for support of the cam. They are quite reponsive when you have questions.