The source: PetaPixel
During more than three decades of deep-sea research, ‘s remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has recorded more than 5,800 dives and recorded more than 27,600 hours of video — a vital component of the institute’s publications, products and exhibitions around the world. But the high definition (HD) footage captured by the cameras in these ROVs won’t crop anymore, and the institute is now recording its first video clips in superb 4K quality.
But you need a special camera to capture the special creatures and habitats found at depths of about 13,000 feet — or nearly 2.5 miles. To develop the new 4K camera system, MBARI joined DeepSea Power & Light, a company with the know-how to manufacture large, precise optical archways that can operate under the harsh conditions of cold and crushing pressure. In turn, DeepSea Power & Light enlisted the help of Pictures of Fathom to design a custom optical converter that could achieve the required high resolution and low distortion images.
The partnership has resulted in the first underwater 4K imaging system for deep-sea applications — MxD SeaCam—Which was originally deployed on MBARI’s Ventana ROV in the fall of 2021 and is currently in active use on Doc Ricketts, other ROV of MBARI. “4K gives us much higher resolution to study the structure of the animals we investigate, especially transparent species,” said MBARI senior scientist Bruce Robison. “4K allows us to see fine detail about how these animals are put together and how all the individual parts work, individually and together.”
“New and never-before-seen 4K footage” shot with the MxD SeaCam will be featured in an upcoming exhibition from Monterey Bay Aquariumthe institute’s education and conservation partner. Into the Deep: Explore our uncharted ocean opens April 9, 2022. Learn more about the enormous challenges of creating exhibitions here.
Check out the samples below — and more awesome videos on MBARI’s YouTube Channel.
