Cameras
MxD® SeaCam®
The ultimate 4k imaging system for subsea exploration.
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 0.3 meters 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.
MxD® SeaCam®
Broadcasting from the Deep
In this discussion, DeepSea’s Director of Engineering Aaron Steiner talks through the MxD SeaCam UHD Imaging System as a case study in adapting broadcast technology for extreme deep-sea environments.
The conversation covers the engineering and validation process behind the system, from optical performance and mechanical design to system integration, showing how standard broadcast tools and workflows can operate reliably under intense pressure.
4k Ultra HD
custom corrector optics
15x optical zoom
3-Cmos 2/3” sensors
96° horizontal field of view
optional 2x tele-converter
- Specifications
- Drawings
- Documents & Downloads
| MxD® SeaCam® | ||
|---|---|---|
| Video | ||
| Sensor | 3-chip 2/3-inch type 4K CMOS | |
| Shutter | Global Shutter | |
| Resolution |
QFHD: 3840 × 2160 HD: 1920 × 1080 | |
| Color Space | ITU-R BT.2020 wide color gamut | |
| Sensitivity (2000 lx, 3200 K) | F10 (59.94 fps), F11 (50 fps) | |
| Noise Level | −62 dB | |
| 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 65 mm | |
| Maximum Aperture |
f/1.8 at 4.3–40 mm f/2.9 at 65 mm | |
| Field of View |
Wide: 96.3° × 64.2° Tele: 8.4° × 4.8° | |
| Minimum Object Distance | 0.3 m | |
| 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, 20 nm spacing | |
| 12G-SDI Video | Primary video uplink wavelength: 1311 nm, SMPTE ST 2082, up to 4K/60p | |
| Telemetry & Control | Telemetry uplink wavelength: 1471 nm Telemetry downlink wavelength: 1491 nm | |
| 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 | ||
| Voltage | 24 VDC | |
| Power | 35 W Max | |
| Mechanical | ||
| Material | Housing: Titanium Port: Borosilicate glass | |
| Dimensions | 593.5 mm [23.4 in] long (without connector), 205 mm [8.1 in] housing diameter | |
| Weight in Air | 45 kg [100 lb] | |
| Weight in Water | 24 kg [53 lbs] | |
| Environmental | ||
| Maximum Operating Depth | 4000 m / 5800 PSI (7000 m option) | |
| Proof Test Pressure | 7250 PSI | |
| Operating Temperature | −8 °C to +27 °C | |
| Storage Temperature | −20 °C to +60 °C | |
MxD SeaCam
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 (2000 1x, 3200 K)
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 65 mm
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
0.3 m
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
24 kg [53 lbs]
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
MxD® SeaCam®
