The MxD SeaCam imaging system is a ruggedized, high-performance 4K imaging system for subsea exploration, research, and filmmaking.
At the heart of the MxD is the subsea imaging unit, based on a Sony HDC-50 compact broadcast camera with the performance and advanced features of full-sized studio systems. The 4K-UHD resolution 2/3” class 3-CMOS global shutter optical block provides unparalleled sensitivity, sharpness, support for HDR (hyper gamma), and the full BT.2020 color space along with the full range of controls expected from a no-compromise, future-proof studio-grade platform.
The imaging potential is matched with a best-in-class Canon CJ15ex4.3 wide-angle zoom lens with 15x magnification, providing a 96° horizontal field of view at full wide and just 8.4° at full telephoto. This lens is coupled with a custom 4-element dome port corrector cell for near-zero distortion viewing and diffraction-limited performance from 0.3meters to infinity.
The purpose-built Titanium housing and borosilicate dome of the MxD SeaCam provide reliable operation to 4000m with options for up to 7000m depths using a patent-pending design, proven across thousands of actual pressure cycles.
Video uplinks and camera controls are integrated into an embedded telemetry system connected through a single fiber optic interface to a top-side hub that provides industry-standard 12G-SDI video and familiar remote camera and lens controls.
Upstream video signals and downlink controls are all provided over a single fiber optic data link between a rack-mount telemetry hub and the camera. Integrated CWDM multiplexers handle combining the 12G-SDI video single with multiple uplink and downlink communication and control options. The only power is needed from the local vehicle or platform system, simplifying integration.
The top-side telemetry system operates from a rack-mount telemetry hub with a separate compact operator control panel, which includes painting controls for color correction and black levels along with iris, zoom, and focus controls. The zoom position is controlled with continuously variable rate control for smooth operation and focus with a continuously variable position control for precision tracking.
The MxD SeaCam is a collaboration between the scientists and engineers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and DeepSea Power & Light, leveraging the world-class design and manufacturing expertise and first-hand field experience of both organizations. The result is a camera system that will be the next standard-bearer in subsea imaging technology to serve the needs of the international subsea science, exploration, and film-making communities for the next decade.
Video | |
Sensor | 3-chip 2/3-inch type 4K CMOS |
Shutter | Global Shutter |
Resolution | QFHD: 3840 x 2160 HD: 1920 x 1080 |
Color Space | ITU-R BT.2020 wide color gamut |
Sensitivity (2000lx, 3200K) | F10 (59.94 fps), F11 (50 fps) |
Noise Level | -62dB |
Format | QFHD: 4K/59.94p, 4K/50p FHD: 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p HD: 720/59.94p, 72/50p |
Zoom | 15X optical zoom 2X extender |
Focal Length | 4.3 to 65mm |
Maximum Aperture | F/1.8 at 4.3 ~ 40mm F/2.9 at 65mm |
Field of View | Wide: 96.3° x 64.2° Tele: 8.4° x 4.8° |
Minimum Object Distance | 0.3m |
Control | |
Camera Control | RCP-1000/1001/1500/1501/3100/3500 or equivalent remote control panel |
Zoom | Variable rate servo zoom control |
Focus | Variable position servo focus control |
Inputs/Outputs | |
Fiber Optic | Single Mode, 3-channel CWDM per ITU-T G.694.2, 20nm spacing |
12G-SDI Video | Primary video uplink wavelength: 1311nm SMPTE ST 2082, up to 4K/60p |
Telemetry & Control | Telemetry uplink wavelength: 1471nm Telemetry downlink wavelength: 1491nm |
LAN | Camera setup and control |
HD-SDI Monitor | SMPTE 292M, live view utility monitor output |
Camera & Lens Control | RS-485, proprietary Sony protocol |
System Monitor | Temperature, Humidity, Pressure, Leak Detection |
Electrical | 24VDC |
Power | 35W Max |
Mechanical | |
Material | Housing: Titanium Port: Borosilicate Glass |
Dimensions | 593.5mm [23.4”] long w/o connector, 205mm [8.1”] housing diameter |
Weight in Air | <45kg [100 lbs.] |
Weight in Water | TBD |
Environmental | |
Maximum Operating Depth | 4000m / 5800 PSI (7000m option) |
Proof Test Pressure | 7250 PSI |
Operating Temperature | -8°C to +27°C |
Storage Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |