Kraken Sports has unveiled its latest innovation in underwater photography and videography equipment: the Hydra 10000 WRGBU video light. This cutting-edge device promises to revolutionize the way divers and photographers capture their underwater adventures, offering a myriad of features that cater to both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
A Bright Idea
What sets the Hydra 10000 WRGBU apart is its impressive output of 10,000 lumens, delivering a soft, wide beam that's perfect for illuminating large subjects and expansive reefscapes. The COB LED technology boasts a color rendering index of 90 and a color temperature of 5600K, ensuring accurate and natural color reproduction. This level of detail is crucial for underwater photography, where colors can easily wash out due to the water's refractive properties.
The WRGBU Modes
The 'WRGBU' in the model name stands for White, Red, Green, Blue, and Ultraviolet. Each mode serves a unique purpose. The red mode is ideal for focusing on skittish creatures without disturbing them, while the UV mode, when combined with yellow barrier filters, reveals the hidden beauty of coral fluorescence. The Automatic RGB mode offers a dynamic range of colors, and the Manual RGB mode provides precise control over the light's color temperature and intensity.
Burst Mode: Freezing Fast-Moving Subjects
One of the standout features of the Hydra 10000 WRGBU is its burst mode. This innovative feature allows photographers to sync the light with their camera's built-in flash via a fiber-optic cable, creating a quick, bright pulse that freezes fast-moving subjects. This is particularly useful for macro photography, where the flash duration is critical for capturing sharp images of delicate creatures like nudibranchs and cleaning stations.
Intuitive Control and Versatility
The Hydra 10000 WRGBU is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It features a simple interface with a dial and a single push button, allowing for quick adjustments even while wearing gloves. Additionally, the light can be controlled remotely using Kraken's KR-RC02 remote control, providing full command from a distance. This versatility ensures that photographers can focus on their art rather than fiddling with equipment settings.
Long-Lasting Performance
The light's performance is backed by its long-lasting battery life. Three 21700 Li-ion batteries provide a runtime of approximately an hour at 80% power, ensuring that photographers can capture extended periods of footage without interruption. The USB-C charging port further enhances convenience, allowing for a full charge in just three hours.
Why Choose the Hydra 10000 WRGBU?
Kraken Sports has engineered the Hydra 10000 WRGBU to cater to the needs of creators who demand consistent, camera-friendly lighting in a compact, travel-friendly package. The focus on natural color reproduction, wide coverage, and intuitive controls makes it an indispensable tool for underwater photographers and videographers.
Use Cases and Pro Tips
- Wide-angle/Reef Video: Use the White mode at medium power to preserve battery life while maintaining color integrity across the frame.
- Macro Photography: Trigger the burst mode via fiber-optic cable for a brightness spike timed to your shutter, ideal for slower-moving subjects.
- Fluorescence Dives: Switch to UV mode and use yellow filters for dramatic fluorescence shots.
- Night Dives: Utilize the Red mode for safe focusing without disturbing nocturnal creatures.
FAQ & Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance, it's recommended to rinse the O-rings with fresh water after each dive, dry them thoroughly, inspect for nicks, and apply a thin coat of silicone grease monthly. Using only recommended 21700 cells will also help maintain the warranty.
The Hydra 10000 WRGBU is available now from retailers such as Backscatter, priced at $600. By purchasing this equipment, you're not only investing in a powerful tool for your underwater adventures but also supporting Dive Photo Guide (DPG) and its retail partner, Backscatter.com.
