
While subsea cinematography has very specific and complex challenges, in particular with footage stabilization, BoxFish Robotics‘ Luna ROV is designed to offer excellent stability and smooth footage underwater. Read more >>
However, according to expert in aerial and underwater videography Zach Melnick, further post-stabilisation techniques can also improve footage. Melnick has shared his techniques for achieving drone-like smoothness beneath the surface of the water.
Stability Design with the Boxfish Luna ROV
Developed with precise control for capturing dynamic underwater shots in mind, the Luna ROV’s design aims to provide solid stability even in deep waters.
The pilot can direct the ROV’s thrust in any direction in a complete 360 degree sphere by using its proprietary eight 3D vectored thruster layout, ensuring the Luna remains where it is needed. This ability to stay at the correct depth, heading, and pitch/roll is due to this active stabilization, ensure the Luna can achieve the perfect shot at all times.
Position hold, an optional add-on that allows the ROV to holds its position in the presence of current or long term, means that the Luna is not subject to the pendulum effects that ROVs usually exhibit when movement is stopped or initiated.
Gaining Perfect Footage with Post-Stabilization Techniques
Melnick shared two main methods for post-stabilising underwater footage:
- Sony’s Catalyst software
- Gyroflow: an open-source tool that utilizes the gyroscopic data captured by the camera to stabilise video.
Watch the video to find out how to use these techniques to achieve professional-quality underwater shots.
BoxFish Luna ROV and the All Too Clear Documentary
Melnick and filmmaker Yvonne Drebert have made the documentary All Too Clear, featuring underwater footage captured with the Boxfish Luna ROV, exploring the devastating quagga mussel invasion in the Great Lakes.
The documentary has been now released and will be broadcasted for free on TVO in Canada during October – November 2024.
Read the original article, or visit the BoxFish Robotics website to find out more.