CLIENT: SILVERBACK FILMS
PROGRAMME: LIVING PLANET
PROJECT: PROTOTYPE UNDERWATER CAMERA TRAP SYSTEM
TX: NETFLIX 2019

Tshed undertook a commission to manufacture a camera trap system based on our regular camera trap electronics and software. The goal was an underwater camera that could both be triggered by wireless detectors positioned along a riverbank but also that could be triggered to record by an observer at some distance from the camera itself but looking on with binoculars.

The underwater housing was built from scratch using off the shelf Nauticam dome ports, the camera was a 4k capable mirrorless Panasonic GH4 camera. The complete underwater element was then cabled to a topside receiver unit via 30m long umbilical cable carrying video (for camera positioning), data and power. The receiver unit containing the power and receiver electronics.

The underwater housing was then positioned a couple of metres below the surface the water onto a special mount system and weighed down with dive weights.

This was the first incarnation of the system, additional options for future UW camera trap systems being Panasonic GH5 & GH5s compatibility as well as the Sony A7s Mk2. We also included in the prototype system a powerful radio transmitter that would allow manual triggering to record by an observer up to a 1km distant. This system has begun trials for Silverback Films.

In addition a live video link can be added to allow the crew to monitor the live recording topside.

Case Studies by Tshed

Tshed provides an expanding range of hire equipment catering to the more esoteric end of wildlife filmmaking equipment including specialist optics, nightvision systems, motion control equipment and our own 4K camera trap systems.