A stereo camera works a lot like human eyes. It uses two lenses to capture images from slightly different perspectives, then compares the small differences between those images to calculate depth and distance, creating 3D perception. Because the cameras are separated by a fixed distance, called the baseline, scale can be measured from the imagery. That makes stereo cameras a powerful tool for applications like autonomous vehicle navigation, robotic exploration, environmental monitoring, distance and size measurement, and 3D mapping and photogrammetry.

The MarineSitu C3 brings those stereo vision capabilities underwater. It’s built around the Luxonis OAK-D stereo camera, housed in a durable POM plastic enclosure with a quartz lens and rated to 1000 meters depth. Each unit is individually calibrated for underwater operation to ensure accurate depth and scale in marine environments.

The C3 uses two monochrome stereo cameras spaced 7.5 centimeters apart to capture depth data, along with a 12-megapixel center color camera for high-resolution imagery. Wide field of view stereo sensors with global shutters deliver sharp, stable images even when the vehicle or scene is in motion.

The MarineSitu C3 comes with a preinstalled WetLink Penetrator and a stainless steel mounting bracket with hardware for easy installation on the BlueROV2. It connects via Ethernet, so you’ll need an Ethernet Switch for integration. Check out the full integration guide for all the details.

Once connected, use the Madrona BlueOS extension to configure video streams and image capture, then use the free C3 Data Review App to review, annotate, and measure captured images after your dive.

For developers, the C3 is also compatible with the Luxonis OAK software ecosystem for advanced computer vision applications and ROS integration.