Modular camera system for underwater photography

About the application:

Storm Petrel Studios LTD specialises in underwater filming in the field of nature films.
For the so-called "Ex Situ"- film recordings, the exciting world of animal life is to be depicted in a very detailed way using special techniques and higher magnifications. In order to ensure consistent resolution quality at high magnifications, the camera system must have a modular design and be able to adapt to different film movements.

The problem

In the field of animal filming or especially when filming in aquarium tanks, very special demands are made on the filming technique. In order to be able to record exactly THE right moment in the best quality, the resolution and stability must always be consistent at very high magnifications. This requires high-quality actuators and motors, as well as a motor control system with which recordings can be quickly prepared and 
carried out.
The shooting environment also changes for each shot; for example, aquariums have different shapes and sizes. For this reason, camera systems must be modular and simple in design. A modular portal system would be an ideal solution. However, linear systems in the film industry are often costly or do not achieve the level of modularity required for this application.

The solution:

In cooperation with the Low Cost Automation team from igus UK, the perfect automation solution was established. The design of the spatial portal was worked out within the context of drawings and revision procedures. 
With as few components as possible and at low costs, a modular camera system was developed that meets requirements such as high resolution and camera payloads.