James Cameron explains 3D camera for Marianas Trench dive
updated 04:15 pm EDT, Mon April 16, 2012
Cameron developed thumb-sized cameras for dive
For his seven-mile dive in the Mariana Trench on March 25, James Cameron used a camera system he helped to develop, the Hollywood Reporter noted after Cameron gave details at NAB. The 3D cameras used to capture footage in the deepest parts of the ocean shot 1080p quality and were the size of an average thumb. Two were placed side-by-side to create the 3D effect, and each sat in a titanium housing.
The two cameras were mounted on a six foot long carbon fiber board that allowed it to tilt and pan. It could face the sub as well. Another version was mounted inside to show photos of Cameron and the single-man sub's surroundings through its viewing port.
Six such HD cameras made up a system that had six internal hard drives and up to nine hours of recording capacity. The miniature cameras could find themselves on store shelves, Cameron hinted, as the Cameron | Pace Group may develop it further and perhaps mount it on helmets or motorcycles. He may use the device when filming sequels to Avatar as well.
