SubC Imaging has launched its new Seafloor Imaging Systems, delivering fully integrated underwater survey solutions designed to reduce the complexity associated with building custom equipment.
The launch features two systems: the SubC Drop Camera System (DCS) and the SubC Tow Camera System (TCS). Both provide complete packages combining imaging, lighting, recording, mounting, and data management into a single, pre-tested solution. By removing the need to individually integrate and troubleshoot separate components, the turnkey approach allows survey teams to mobilize sooner and streamline operations from initial deployment through to reporting.
Each system uses Rayfin cameras capable of capturing high-resolution still images and 4K video. Metadata, including GPS, time, altitude, and depth, is embedded directly into the imagery to improve data alignment and simplify post-processing. Software controls are consolidated through the DVR+ interface, which provides camera, light, and laser control alongside live event tagging and automated timestamped data logging.
Chad Collett, CEO of SubC Imaging, said, “There’s a lot that goes into getting a survey system ready to go. You have to make sure all the components work together, test everything, and troubleshoot before you even get in the water. We’ve taken care of that upfront! These systems are built and tested as complete solutions, so customers can spend less time worrying about the equipment and more time focused on the survey itself.”
The two systems address different marine survey requirements. The Drop Camera System provides no-contact seafloor imaging suitable for sensitive environments, including coral reef monitoring, marine protected areas, and habitat assessments. Its compact, portable design also makes it well-suited to smaller vessels and ships of opportunity. The Tow Camera System provides a stable, bottom-following approach for repeatable transects, with consistent image collection supporting habitat assessments, environmental monitoring, change detection, and long-term research.
SubC’s Seafloor Imaging Systems have been field-tested in conditions ranging from Newfoundland’s coastal waters to the Southern Ocean. The systems incorporate Tow and Drop Frames designed to eliminate weeks of design and integration work. ReviewStudio software streamlines post-dive review, event editing, data validation, and structured log exports, reducing manual work and accelerating reporting.
The integrated workflow also captures imagery, events, annotations, and metadata during surveys, helping preserve context for subsequent review and analysis. SubC states that this approach can reduce post-survey processing time by 50% or more, allowing teams to focus more on collecting, analysing, and using seafloor data.
Designed for marine research, environmental monitoring, offshore surveys, and other underwater imaging applications, the systems can also accommodate organisations with existing equipment. SubC cameras, lights, lasers, and DVR+ software can be integrated into established systems without replacing existing infrastructure.
