The project of the action camera for diving “Octospot” with the possibility of shooting at depths up to 200m successfully started on Kickstarter
Reviews, which the GoPro HERO camera with its waterproof case, wide lens and comfortable control keys, deservedly received, indicate that the goal set by the manufacturer was mainly achieved and the target audience was largely satisfied. But then there is progress in order to break patterns from time to time and break existing stereotypes.
A group of Danish engineers has developed a gadget that can quite successfully compete and in many ways surpass the flagship models of the leaders of the action camera segment for underwater photography. The novelty was called “Octospot” and, as often happens with promising startups, launched on Kickstarter. Today, 25 days before the end of the crowdfunding marathon, the project, with a target of $ 80,000, has already raised more than $ 250,000.
In addition to many useful and attractive functions for lovers of diving, the Octospot camera will be the first of its kind with automatic white balance adjustment. Now the pictures taken as you dive into the depth will not look too dark. The maximum resolution when shooting video - 4K / 30fps, photo - with a resolution of 12 MP. The battery of the camera, according to the developers, should be enough for two hours of video. ')
The waterproof aluminum case of enhanced security does not have additional coverage, but allows you to dive with a camera to a record depth of 200 meters (656 feet) to date. Here it will be useful to recall that the maximum allowable depth of the dive with GoPro HERO 4 in a standard case is only 40 meters, in the case option for diving - 60 meters.
The design and ergonomics of the design is combined in the Octospot with the convenience of control: you can adjust the desired mode even in thick neoprene gloves. In order to take a photo, you need to turn the ring on the back of the camera, and the video is activated when you pull the main magnetic switch, after which the camera vibrates slightly, confirming the start of the shooting mode.
Octospot has no viewfinder, but there is a miniature OLED screen that displays data such as mode, depth, and battery status.
Among the useful features of the camera are the electronic image stabilization function and lens distortion correction, as well as the possibility of imposing basic data on the recording, that is, informational support of shooting with data on depth, recording time and water temperature. Holding the Snap Recording Activation switch for 3 seconds allows you to activate the recording mode for short video clips for quick and easy sharing of information with family, friends or the professional community.
The issue of illumination and white balance is very elegantly solved as it dives: the pressure sensor determines the depth at which the survey is conducted, then using the data obtained in real time compensates for the "amount" of the visible optical spectrum filtered by water.
The functionality of the action camera Octospot.Pictogram
Of course, using Octospot, designed for underwater photography in extreme conditions, is also possible on land, for example, at a forest picnic with friends or in the mountains.
Aspiring to smart status, Octospot can change its settings remotely, under the control of the Octospot App. The developers made sure that the owners of the devices on both iOS and Android could get their versions of the application. Using the application, the user will be able not only to flexibly set shooting parameters, but also to view, edit and “share” the filmed video or photo on the social network.
The cost of Octospot for backers is $ 350 dollars, while the retail price after the start of commercial sales will rise to $ 600.