The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is releasing 4K footage from their new underwater camera. The research center created the custom MxD SeaCam in collaboration with DeepSea Power & Light.
An Underwater Camera with Minimal Distortion
The MxD SeaCam underwater 4K camera includes a custom glass camera dome built to withstand the pressures of the deep sea without compromising 4K quality. DeepSea Power & Light also worked with Fathom Imagery on the optical design. This ensures the camera can achieve high quality and high resolution imagery with minimal distortion.
After mounting the underwater camera to its ROV Doc Rickets, MBARI can dive up to 4,000 meters below the surface and capture the aquarium’s first 4K footage at that depth. Prior to the MxD SeaCam, MBAR recorded footage in 1080i.
MBARI annotates all of the video footage and permanently archives in its one of a kind Video Annotation and Reference System. The video library currently holds 34 years of deep-sea reach from more than 5,800 dives. The various research groups across the institute have recorded more than 27,600 hours.
The new 4K footage furthers the aquarium’s mission of advancing marine science and technology by understanding the ocean and sharing this knowledge with the community.
“As we accumulate these highly valuable details, the bigger picture starts to come into clearer view and enriches our understanding about the different communities of deep-sea animals, the environments that they inhabit and how things might be changing over time.”
Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Video Laboratory Manager at MBARI
These images provide researchers with the chance to see the fine details of how animals at that depth are structured and, as a result, study how their parts work – both individually and together.
See the 4K Footage for Yourself
MxD SeaCam footage, including never-before-seen visuals, will be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the aquarium starting April 9, 2022.
If you’re interested in reading more about MBARI’s research and findings or attending the upcoming exhibition, check out this article.
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