Whether capturing action highs or keeping up with the latest in surveillance, we have delved deep into the realms of camera technology and drawn up a list of our top five must-have camera systems that we believe every superyacht should be equipped with.
1. SURVEILLANCE
The flip side to the glitz and glamour of experiencing life aboard a superyacht is that there is no hiding the extravagant levels of wealth on display. Security is of the upmost on board all vessels, but when passing through waters flagged for piracy, there can be no limit to the level of onboard safety precautions.
Enter the Throwbot 2, a throwable micro-robot that enables operators to obtain instant video and audio surveillance indoor and outdoor. Designed to withstand repeated drops of up to 30 feet onto concrete the robot camera can be thrown into hazardous situations, crawl over a variety of terrain, and help crew to make informed decisions when seconds count. Equipped with infrared illuminators it can see in total darkness, and the remote-controlled bot can also be used to safely board a ship and send back real-time video and audio.
Pros:
+ Portable & throwable
+ Moves indoors & outdoors
+ HD video & audio stream
Cons:
– No 360° vision
– No continuous operation
2. DRONE
Fun to fly and relatively easy to master, drones have fast become a go-to piece of equipment on board any yacht to capture stunning aerial footage that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. Responsible flying and compliance with the Drone Code is a must, but with that said, hours of fun can be had with multiple options on the market.
The DJI Inspire 2 Cinema Premium is one of the world’s most capable drones thanks to its intelligent flight modes, obstacle avoidance, redundant batteries and 5.2K camera allowing for unparalleled quality, speed, flexibility and creativity.
Pros:
+ 7km remote-controlled range
+ 27min flight time
+ 5.2K internal recording and 1080p live stream
Cons:
– No 360° vision
– No continuous operation
– Not waterproof
3. UNDERWATER
A large part of a superyacht charter experience is exploring the big blue – diving, swimming and just finding out what lies beneath the surface of the world’s oceans. But equally as important is understanding the status of the yacht below the waterline.
The Blueye PRO ROV allows for quick and user-friendly inspection of your assets below the surface up to depths of 305m. Self-serviceable and with two hours battery life, the camera offers 3300 lumen lights enabling crew to dive in the dark, and a tilt option for more effective and high-quality inspections. It even comes equipped with a durable and replaceable tether that creates minimal drag, allowing for the inspection of equipment even when underway.
Pros:
+ Underwater footage from up to 305m depth
+ Remote-controlled with tether
+ Portable
Cons:
– No 360° vision
– No continuous operation
4. NIGHT VISION
The Current Corp Night Navigator 8000 Series camera is a versatile addition to any superyacht’s arsenal of camera technology. Certified to the IMO HSC code and Wheelmark by Lloyds Register classification society, the night vision camera system assists yachts cruising at high speeds at night by providing the captain with a visual of potential obstacles in the navigation path. Controlled from the bridge or through an IP network in a control room or remote location, it provides a high-resolution IR thermal imager, a day camera with the best low light sensitivity in a gyro-stabilized sensor platform and video stabilisation. A mast-mounted payload platform, this wide spectrum imaging system offers unsurpassed performance.
Pros:
+ Night vision (IR thermal)
+ 360° and optical zoom
+ Continuous operation
Cons:
– No 360° vision in daylight (only PTZ)
– Not portable
5. PANORAMIC
Imagine being able to map your yachting journey in 360-degree high resolution panoramas from anywhere in the world. Panoblu – the world’s first professional panoramic imaging system for the luxury yacht market – offers exactly that. Permanently mounted on a high position of the superyacht, the ultra-high resolution 360-degree camera’s unlimited recording offers a system similar to a private Google Street View for the superyacht owner. Using 12 custom built cameras in a spherical arrangement it captures dynamic images of the yacht’s cruising footprint. The ultra-high resolution panoramas with up to 157Mpix are captured automatically providing a visual log for future use. Particularly valuable for high-performance superyacht charter vessels is the technology that allows users to capture interactive panoramas which can then be viewed across all mobile devices, onboard Apple TVs and onboard screens. It will change the way owners, guests and crew see the world forever.
Pros:
+ 360° UHD 157MP vision (automatic panoramas & timelapses)
+ Operates continuously
+ Weather & corrosion proof
Cons:
– Limited portability (supports multiple connection units for mounting)
