Illuminated Footage from Kraken, the Giant Squid
Kraken Sports, Sola, and Big Blue are three popular brands known for their high-quality underwater video lights. Each brand offers unique features that cater to different needs of underwater videographers.
Kraken Sports' underwater video lights are characterised by high brightness (up to 18,000 lumens in some models), multiple colour modes (including white, red, green, blue, UV, and adjustable RGB), good colour rendering (CRI around 85–90), and robust depth ratings typically around 100 meters (330 feet). They offer versatile beam angles (100° to 120° underwater), various control options including push buttons and OLED/LCD displays, and features like USB-C fast charging and fiber optic burst mode triggering. Models range from compact, lighter designs (e.g., 350g for the Hydra 2500v2) to more powerful floodlight solutions suited for wide area illumination and creative videography.
| Feature | Kraken Sports | Sola | Big Blue | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Brightness | Up to 18,000 lumens flood (Hydra 18000) | Typically 6000–14,000 lumens range | Generally 3,000–12,000 lumens | | Color Modes | Multiple including WRGBU (white, red, green, blue, UV, RGB) | Often fewer modes, mostly white light | Frequently white with some models offering colour filters | | Beam Angle | Wide (100°–120°) | Moderate (around 100°) | Moderate to wide | | Depth Rating | 100 m (330 ft) | 100 m or more | Similar 100 m range | | Burn Time | About 50–60 minutes at full power | Often longer burn times but lower maximum output | Variable, generally lower max output and longer burn times | | Weight | Lightweight (350–690 g depending on model) | Usually heavier | Often bulkier | | Controls & Displays | Push buttons, OLED/LCD screens, dial controls | Simpler controls, sometimes app-based | Basic to moderate controls | | Unique Features | Fiber optic burst mode, USB-C PD charging, CRI 85-90, multi-color lighting | Some models emphasise compact design and simplicity | Known for durable housings and bright white light |
In summary, Kraken Sports tends to emphasise very high brightness with advanced lighting versatility including multi-color modes, modern controls, and fast charging, making them suitable for professional creative underwater videographers wanting control and versatility. Sola lights focus on bright, reliable white light with user-friendly controls and robust performance. Big Blue offers solid, durable lights with strong output but generally without the multi-spectral colour flexibility Kraken provides.
One standout model from Kraken is the Kraken Solar Flare Mini 12000. It has a waterproof module with a vacuum sealed battery compartment. The light has been upgraded to offer 4,000 more lumens for the same price as the old model. The Kraken Solar Flare Mini 12000 also has a COB LED for a smooth, even beam with no hotspots. Flooding the head of the light does not mean the end of the light.
Sola light & motion lights are smaller lights with a high-quality build and an ergonomic design. They can be charged "wet" without removing a battery. They have a single switch for on/off and power/color settings.
Big Blue video lights are slightly larger lights with high-lumen output at a great price point. They may have a lower quality color temperature compared to some competitors.
Kraken is continually releasing new models of video lights. The current Kraken video light lineup includes the Kraken Solar Flare Mini 12000, Kraken Hydra 3500 S, Kraken Hydra 2500 Macro, and Kraken Hydra 5000 S.
