Understanding Underwater Camera Technology: A Primer

Underwater cameras are used to search for suspicious objects in the ocean and around ports that may pose a security threat.  They're used in search and rescue operations.  They are used for inspecting docks, pipes, cables, and moorings.  They're used to inspect ship hulls for possible damage.  They're used for important marine surveying and research, enabling a better understanding of what's happening beneath the surface and informing vital efforts.  They're used in aquaculture, for sampling sea beds, for recovering expensive lost equipment, for detecting seabed pollution – the list goes on and on.

Innovative camera technology has enabled us to capture night visions, aerial views, live focus, hyper-lapse, and slow-motion videos. Ultra-fast moving inspection processes are gaining a lot of attention in terms of capturing the ocean. While there are underwater camera technologies, namely waterproof cameras, there are some underlying problems in terms of engineering:

The colour depth

Researchers want to take more accurate underwater pictures considering that they've only been able to explore five percent of the ocean. Light conditions tend to change drastically a few feet into the water as the images become 'washed out'; so, the challenge remains as the deepest part of the ocean is near 36,200 feet. The ocean is much like a filter that gradually cancels out most of the colours that naturally occur in the light.

Image clarity

The traditional aspects of camera technology are known to be ineffective in the depths of the ocean. For example, although convention, camera flashes lose a notable value when distinguishing the colours at just ten feet of depth.

However, divers found alternatives back in 1856 when the first underwater picture was clicked using a camera counter on a pole. Louis Boutan emerged as the first dedicated ocean photographer in 1893.

Modern underwater photography is more sophisticated, considering the advancements in camera technology and the range of equipment that are now available for divers. While proper exposure and shooting upwards towards the sunlight remain as basics, most photographers make use of editing software to further enhance the images. The type of camera used is also critical when considering withdrawing the benefits of its colour tint.

Is it time to give up?

Underwater photography is indeed challenging, especially when the consumer market appears to be lagging despite the innovative ways in which infrared sensors and micro-engineered components are being used. But the good news is that people are now readily adapting diving skills which means that cameras will catch up eventually, allowing humans to delve further into the mysteries of the ocean.

Thai Subsea Services is your' premiere hull cleaning company in Thailand and now advancing to expand further as an offshore commercial diving company. Their professional commercial diving contractors' team provides various underwater services to clients, including a CCTV video suite with voice communications and inspections, and photography.

Their UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu Dry-Docking) and IWS (In-Water-Survey) are recognized swiftly without disturbing the vessel's sailing or loading schedule and widely accepted as an alternative to the conventional dry-docking method.  

The company also provides a number of underwater ship repair services such as offshore welding and propeller polishing. Thai Subsea's reputation of superior word, integrity, and cooperation is well known among their worldwide customers and classification agencies they have worked with.