There are several factors to consider when choosing a deep sea camera, no matter the industry. Luckily, our Customer Success Manager Marcus Morrissey, knows a thing or two about about the subject. Marcus has worked at SubC Imaging for nearly 10 years. Before his current role, Marcus worked on the SubC production team building and testing our suite of camera offerings. Today Marcus is presenting his Top 5 tips when choosing a deep sea camera.

Tip #1 Make Sure It’s Easy to Use & Control 

When selecting a camera for your marine research project or survey, it’s important to get something that is easy to use and control. When you have a limited window of time or are under tight deadlines, the last thing you need is a complex camera system that requires time-consuming technical training.

Look for one that has an intuitive layout and software setup.  All of the controls should be at your fingertips and you should be able to quickly take photos and video without having to read a lengthy manual.

The camera should also be able to quickly integrate with your lights, lasers, and other auxiliary inputs, like sensors, instead of relying on complex wiring or additional hardware. This type of compatibility will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

With SubC Imaging’s Rayfin line of cameras, you can be ready for deployment in under an hour, plus the built-in auxiliary ports are proven to be compatible with other equipment you may already be using. What’s more, we ensure you’re set up for success by providing remote end-to-end support, including training on the key fundamentals of underwater photography. 

Tip #2 Camera Should Have High-Quality, Durable Optics

You want clear, crisp subsea photos and video but capturing them can sometimes be a challenge. When choosing an underwater camera, it’s important to think about optics. Your camera should have high-quality, durable optics so you capture the sharpest images without worrying about the environment. For example, with SubC’s Rayfin line of cameras, we use scratch-resistant sapphire lenses paired with water-corrected LiquidOptics, a technology that was created by and unique to SubC. The result is a lens you know will perform when you need it most.

Since the ocean is deep and dark, you’ll also want to consider the lighting options your camera has. Ideally, you’ll want to be able to turn your lights on and off, strobe to take freeze frames for light-sensitive sea creatures and environments, and have whitebalance controls so you can bring contrast back into your photos and videos.

When it comes to taking crisp, clear images, you’ll want to ensure your camera has 4K and HD capabilities. You don’t want to waste time and money capturing images that will be pixelated and blurry.

Finally, proper training on how to use your camera can make all the difference with the quality of images you capture. 

Tip #3 Built-in Automation Settings Will Save You Time & Money

Whether your project is a marine science observatory or you’re in the offshore energy industry, you might find yourself in a situation where you can’t monitor your camera at all times.  

If that’s the case, you should look for a camera system that has built-in automation settings.  These settings -- or scripts -- will allow your camera to capture time-lapse videos and stills.  Scripting can be as simple as taking an image every 30 seconds, or creating more intricate options to suit your needs. For instance, you could have a script running that tells the camera to take a photos while alternating from deep-red to white strobes then record 10 minutes of video, on a cycle. These built-in automation settings are ideal when gathering footage using AUVs, observatory setups, and other battery-deployed systems. 

SubC’s Rayfin line of cameras offer this very type of scripting. Because all of the technical programming is already done, you’ll be able to save time and money, automate workflows, and reduce repetition.

Tip #4 Well-Tested, Proven Materials Are a Must

The ocean can be harsh and unpredictable. So, when choosing a subsea camera, you’ll want one that has been built to last using carefully chosen and well-tested materials.

If your project is shorter-term and in depth of less than 500 meters, then a camera made from tough aluminum should suit your needs. If your camera will be submerged for longer periods of time and at greater depths, then we recommend looking  for a system made out of a stronger material, such corrosion-resistant titanium. Titanium is lightweight and can withstand extreme temperatures. 

Your camera lens should also be durable. Sapphire lenses, like the type used in SubC’s Rayfin line of cameras, are strong and resistant to scratching. Our lenses are anti-reflective and ideal for most marine science and offshore applications.  

Finally, make sure your camera has been pressure-tested and proven in the field. You’ll want to choose something that has a track record of success and will perform when you need it to. 

Tip #5 Consider the Type of Storage You Need

It’s one thing to take subsea photos and videos, but it’s another to view, store, and access your footage. Most marine science and offshore energy applications will require HD or 4K image quality, so your camera should have enough built-in storage to accomodate your needs. For example, our Rayfin cameras record and store over 10 hours of 4K video, 40+ hours of HD video and thousands of digital stills.

Consider whether or not you need your camera to also store and log data. Features with built-in depth, tilt and roll sensors, and ability to capture NMEA sensor data will make your job easier and more efficient.  

In addition to storing your photos, videos, and data, your camera should allow you to conveniently view what’s going on beneath the surface in real time. Ideally your camera will have built-in integration features so you can effortlessly control your camera, lights and lasers from a topside PC.