High Definition Video

Digital High-Definition Video creates extremely detailed and clear images that are useful for cataloging the identity and behavior of marine species. The development of High-Definition Video allows Census researchers to observe and identify many of the creatures of the sea without having to collect them or greatly disturb them. Video cameras can be modified to fit different needs, such as filming in the darkness of the abyss, or viewing close details of small zooplankton. Cameras can be mounted on equipment such as submersibles, or even hand carried by SCUBA divers.

A close-up of the array of High-Definition Video equipment and other instruments mounted on the front of an ROV used to investigate the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. (Mid-Atlantic Ridge Ecosystem Project, MAR-ECO, Elinor Bartle)

SCUBA divers and the JOHNSON SEALINK submersible approach a large Jellyfish of the genus Aurelia. Note the bank of video equipment and other tools mounted on the front of submersible. (Census of Marine Zooplankton, CMarZ, Steven Haddock)

A researcher using SCUBA gear collects high-definition video of marine organisms in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean. (Arctic Ocean Biodiversity, ArcOD, Katrin Iken). New innovations in high-definition video have been developed by the makers of the "Océans" film, released in early 2010 by Galatée Films. New imaging equipment includes an underwater microscope deployed from a robotic arm to film larvae; new digital cameras and camera controls, allowing adjustments underwater; a stabilized camera system deployed on a crane (Thetys); a mini-helicopter (Birdy); and towed torpedo cameras (Jonas and Simeon).

 

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