Element Technica’s 3D Neutron rig mounted with Silicon Imaging SI-2K cameras can now be enclosed in the purpose-built Neutron Borg 3D underwater housing system from HydroFlex. The underwater 3D camera system incorporates a Cinedeck recorder inside the housing. The Neutron 3D rig’s small form-factor is particularly desirable for underwater use because it makes a compact underwater housing possible. Previously underwater 3D camera crews had to wrestle behemoth underwater systems enclosing large rigs and cameras. The small Neutron rig and tiny Silicon Imaging SI-2K cameras allowed HydroFlex to design an anodized aluminum cuboid-shaped housing that measures just 15-inches wide 17-inches long and 16-inches tall. Renowned for his underwater work Pete Romano ASC currently is using the first production model of the Neutron Borg 3D system on a major feature. “It is easy to move in the water and follow the action ” says Romano. “It is balanced well for handheld use and I couldn't be happier.” By enclosing the Element Technica Neutron rig in beam-splitter configuration the system can provide stereoscopic imaging from just in front of the camera viewing port to objects a long distance away from the camera position. The Neutron Borg system utilizes Element Technica’s integrated lens control. By fitting the SI-2K cameras with Zeiss 16mm cine lenses the system can take advantage of those lenses’ f/1.3 apertures and close focusing capabilities. The system also accepts Schneider 4.8mm 8mm and 12mm and Linos 12mm 16mm and 25mm C-mount lenses. “Because of its size camera quality and lens compatibility the Neutron 3D rig and SI-2K camera combination made an excellent choice for a small housing ” says HydroFlex operations manager Matt Brown. The smaller the rig and cameras the smaller HydroFlex can build the housing which is particularly important since the housing must weigh slightly more than the volume of water it displaces in order to maintain a slightly negative buoyancy when beneath the surface. The Neutron Borg housing weighs 114 pounds out of the water and three pounds underwater. The Neutron Borg underwater 3D camera system can be configured as a free-swimming un-tethered housing with operator viewing on the Cinedeck with full lens and stereographic control underwater. Alternatively video and full remote control of the rig’s focus iris and stereoscopic properties can be cabled to the surface and operated from there. The HydroFlex Neutron Borg housing is designed to remain watertight to a depth of 60 feet and incorporates watertight connections for lens focus and iris interaxial and convergence. When utilizing the Cinedeck for internal recording the SD video can be run to the surface with an underwater coax cable. Alternatively the Cinedeck can be bypassed to run full HD from both cameras to the surface via underwater Ethernet cables. “The Neutron 3D rig is a real game-changer ” says Stephen Pizzo Element Technica co-founder. “Its small size and lightweight construction allows applications like the HydroFlex Neutron Borg 3D underwater camera system that simply weren’t possible previously.” The Neutron Borg system is available for rental from HydroFlex. Element Technica www.technica3d.com HydroFlex www.hydroflex.com
