Boxfish 360 User manual

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Boxfish 360 Spherical Underwater

Camera

Owner's Manual

Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual

for future use.

If you have any questions, email [email protected] or visit

https://www.boxfish-research.com/contact/

Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your camera

and software may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in this

Owner’s Manual.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Table of Contents

About the Boxfish 360 Spherical Underwater Camera ............................................ 3

Cautions for use .......................................................................................................... 3

Warranty and Limitations of Liability ........................................................................ 4

Package List ................................................................................................................ 4

Features ....................................................................................................................... 5

Specifications .............................................................................................................. 6

Identification of parts .................................................................................................. 7

Recording Extender (optional) ................................................................................... 8

Pre-Dive checklist ....................................................................................................... 9

Post-Dive checklist ..................................................................................................... 9

Installing the optional Recording Extender .............................................................. 9

Quick start guide ....................................................................................................... 11

Opening and closing the housing ............................................................................ 11

Preparation of the housing ....................................................................................... 11

Charging ..................................................................................................................... 12

Turning on .................................................................................................................. 13

Starting/Stopping the recording .............................................................................. 14

Maximum recording duration chart ........................................................................... 15

Downloading videos and photos ............................................................................. 15

Creating 360 spherical video .................................................................................... 17

Erasing memory cards .............................................................................................. 18

Preparing new memory cards .................................................................................. 18

Downloading log data (depth, temperature, …) ...................................................... 19

Log data description ................................................................................................. 21

Adjusting camera settings ....................................................................................... 22

Adjusting the aperture .............................................................................................. 23

Adjusting the white balance ..................................................................................... 23

Adjusting the exposure compensation value (EV) ................................................. 24

Adjusting the ISO value ............................................................................................ 24

Adjusting the shutter angle ...................................................................................... 24

Shutter Angle to Shutter Speed conversion chart .................................................... 25

Mounting on a tripod ................................................................................................. 25

Attaching video lights ............................................................................................... 25

Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................. 25

Recommended Camera Settings ............................................................................. 26

Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 27

For Customers in the U.S.A. ..................................................................................... 29

Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................... 29

Caution ..................................................................................................................... 29

Recycling Lithium Batteries ...................................................................................... 29

For supplied accessories .......................................................................................... 30

For Customers in Canada ......................................................................................... 30

Recycling Lithium Batteries ...................................................................................... 30

For supplied accessories .......................................................................................... 30

For Customers in Europe ......................................................................................... 31

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Notice ....................................................................................................................... 31

Trademarks ................................................................................................................ 32

Interference ................................................................................................................ 32

Contact ....................................................................................................................... 33

About the Boxfish 360 Spherical Underwater Camera

The Boxfish 360 is designed to maximise your time in the water and speed up your 360

production workflow. A single cover provides quick access to all memory cards and

long-lasting batteries. With automatically created project files, only three seams, and

precisely synced cameras, the stitching process is extremely fast and efficient. The

Boxfish 360 gets you back into the water quicker to shoot more immersive high-quality

video.

An integrated electronics package controls start/stop and continuously records changes

to depth, temperature, and camera orientation. This eliminates the need to manually

note this information during the dive, or look it up in the dive computer later. It is not only

great for scientific analysis, it also looks spectacular if integrated into a HUD-style video

overlay.

The Boxfish 360 has an external start/stop button. The rig is pre-calibrated to be used

underwater or on the surface without having to adjust focal distances. You can shoot

with our without domes on the surface, but for optimal image clarity we recommend

removing them if possible.

Cautions for use

• Before cleaning the housing, remove the battery or the DC coupler, or disconnect

the power plug from the outlet.

• Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, alcohol, kitchen detergents, etc., to

clean the camera or housing, since it may deteriorate the external case or the

coating may peel off.

• Do not leave the camera with the lens facing the sun, as rays of light from the

sun may cause it to malfunction.

• During access (image writing, reading and deleting, formatting etc.), do not turn

this unit off, remove the battery, card or disconnect the AC adaptor and do not

subject the housing to vibration, impact or static electricity.

• The data on the cards may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic waves,

static electricity or breakdown of the camera or the card. We recommend storing

important data on a computer etc.

• Do not format the card on in the camera. Use the supplied App for Microsoft

Windows or Apple OS X to ensure proper operation.

• The battery is not charged when the camera is shipped. Charge the battery

before use.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

• The battery is a rechargeable lithium ion battery. If the temperature is too high or

too low, the operating time of the battery will become shorter.

• The battery becomes warm after using and during and after charging. The

camera also becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction.

• Do not leave any metal items (such as clips or hex keys) near the contact areas

of the power plug or near the batteries.

• Store the battery in a cool and dry place with a relatively stable temperature:

o Recommended temperature: 15 oC to 25 oC (59 oF to 77 oF)

o Recommended humidity: 40%RH to 60%RH

• Do not store the battery for a long time while fully charged. When storing the

battery for a long period of time, we recommend charging it once a year. Remove

the battery from the camera and store it again after it has completely discharged.

• A water-tight test in a bathtub or similar is highly recommended when using the

system for the first time and after the changing of port and O-ring(s). Submerge

the camera fully for several minutes, and watch for any bubbles.

• Do not use lubricants from other brands with the silicone rubber O-ring on this

housing, only use the lubricant provided by Boxfish Research.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any leakage.

• Store the housing in a robust, shock-proof container during transportation; avoid

transporting while turned on.

• When travelling by air, do not close the housing, as this may lead to a pressure

difference between the atmosphere and inside the housing.

• Care must be taken when opening the housing, as pressure may build up inside

the housing which increases the opening force.

• Do not open the product in a wet or sandy environment. Protect the interior from

moisture and debris in order to prevent malfunction or leakage.

• Do not store the product in an environment of high humidity.

• Do not leave the housing and the camera in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

• Keep out of reach of children, failure to do so could result in injury.

• Defective products should be shipped to our factory or distributors for service.

Unauthorised disassembling and/or modifications could result in malfunction or

leakage.

Warranty and Limitations of Liability

For warranty, limitations of liability and terms of sale see our standard terms at

http://www.boxfish-research.com/terms.

Package List

• 1x Nanuk 933 hard case with

o 1x Boxfish 360 camera

§ Memory Cards and batteries installed

o 1x Neoprene cover

o 1x Replacement dome 4.5"

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

o 1x Printed manual

o 1x Laminated quickstart guide

o 1x Plastic case with label "Card reader"

§ 1x USB Card reader

§ 1x USB Cable

§ 1x Microfibre cloth

o 1x Plastic case with label "Spares"

§ 1x O-ring lube

§ 1x Clear bag with

§ 2x O-ring 165

§ 3x O-ring 156

§ 1x Clear bag with

§ 2x 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Reducer bushing

§ 2x M6 X 12.5 Button socket screw

§ 2x M6 Flat washer

§ 4x M4 X 8 Button socket screw

o 1x Plastic case with label "Power pack"

§ 1x AC->DC Power supply CE

§ 1x AC Power cable

§ 1x Z-Cam E1 camera manual

§ 2x Boxfish Research sticker

• If ordered with optional Recording extender:

o 1x Boxfish 360 Recording Extender, installed in Boxfish 360 camera.

o 1x AC/DC Battery charger CE

o 1x AC Power cord

o 1x Printed manual

Features

• Coverage: Full-spherical 360.

• Recording modes: Video, Photo time-lapse.

• Spherical video resolution: 5040x2520 at 24, 25 and 29.97 fps.

• Spherical photo resolution: 12.1 MP.

• Record RAW photos: yes (DNG).

• Gel filter holders included: yes.

• Underwater stop/start: yes.

• Genlocked cameras: yes, millisecond accuracy.

• Audio buzzer: yes, for acoustic confirmation and sync backup.

• Aperture control: yes, manual from f/2.8 to f/11.

• Frame rate control: yes, 24, 25 and 29.97.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

• ISO control: yes, auto and manual from ISO100 to ISO102400.

• Shutter angle control: yes, auto and manual from 45º to 360º.

• White balance control: yes, auto and manual from 2300K to 7500K.

• Exposure compensation control: yes, -3EV to +3EV.

• Colour space control: yes, sRGB and Z-LOG.

• Record depth: yes.

• Record temperature: yes.

• Record orientation: yes.

• Can be used on surface: yes, with and without domes.

• File management App included: yes, for Windows and OS X.

• Stitching templates included: yes.

• In-camera stitching: no.

Specifications

• Housing body: Aluminium alloy.

• Surface treatment: Hard anodised.

• Dome Material: Acrylic.

• Depth rating: 300m / 1000ft.

• Buoyancy: Slightly negative.

• Dimensions: 300 x 165mm / 11.8 x 6.5 inch.

• Weight with cameras and batteries: 6.0 kg / 13.2 lbs.

• Battery life: up to 90 min (180 minutes with extender).

• Maximum recording duration: 280 minutes with 128GB card.

• Video format: MOV H.264.

• Photo format: JPG + DNG.

• Recording bitrate: 60Mbit per camera.

• Dynamic range: 10 stops.

• Aperture: F1.8 to F16, manual iris. Easily adjustable from f/2.8 to f/11 via

aperture-ring.

• Recording media: Micro SD 64 GB.

• Sensors: Panasonic MN34230 Micro Four Thirds.

• Lenses: 185° circular fisheye.

• Mounting options: 3x 1/4” and 2x 3/8” threads.

• Supported memory cards: UHS-I microSDXC cards with 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB

capacity and a minimum sustained write speed of 10MB/s.

• Recommended memory cards:

o SanDisk 64GB Extreme UHS-I microSDXC.

o Transcend 64GB UHS-1 microSDXC.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Identification of parts

1. Latches

2. Depth sensor

3. Top lid

4. Start/stop button

5. Micro USB port

6. Aperture adjustment levers

7. Power button levers

8. DC power/charge socket

9. Grabber for memory cards

10. Hex keys

11. Main O-ring

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Recording Extender (optional)

1. Fans

2. Battery compartments

3. Power lead to Boxfish 360

camera

4. Mount points

5. On/Off switch

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Pre-Dive checklist

• Inspect each dome for scratches and dirt, inside and outside.

• Erase Memory cards with the Boxfish App. Please do not format memory

cards in the camera, or the synchronised autostart will not work.

• Open the top lid.

• Press each camera's power button for two seconds to power on.

• Confirm each camera battery is fully charged.

• Confirm each camera is set to the same aperture, ISO speed, shutter angle,

white balance, and exposure compensation.

• Press the start/stop button and confirm all cameras are starting up.

• Press the start/stop button again to stop the recording.

• Confirm the O-ring is in place, undamaged, and free of debris.

• Close the top lid.

• Ensure all three latches have locked securely.

• Place the camera inside the neoprene bag to protect the domes while getting

into the water.

• Enter the water.

• Remove the neoprene bag.

• Clear bubbles from domes to ensure unobstructed video recording.

Post-Dive checklist

• Place the housing inside the neoprene bag to protect the domes while getting

out of the water.

• Remove the camera from water.

• Rinse the camera with fresh water after use; wipe the camera with a towel

before opening.

• Open the top lid.

• Press each camera's power button for two seconds to turn it off.

• Connect the AC power adapter to charge the camera batteries.

• Remove the memory cards and insert them into the triple card reader.

• Place a towel over the housing while charging to prevent dirt and dust

entering the housing.

• Use the Boxfish App to copy the video files onto your computer and create the

stitching project.

• Make a backup of the video files before erasing the memory cards.

Installing the optional Recording Extender

1. Remove the batteries from the Boxfish 360 Recording Extender.

2. Remove the top lid from the Boxfish 360 Spherical Camera.

3. Place the Boxfish 360 Recording Extender inside the top lid, making sure not

to pinch any cables.

4. Position the three included screws into the mounting holes.

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5. Securely fasten the screws using the 4mm hex key include with the Boxfish

360 Spherical Camera.

6. Reinstall the batteries in the Boxfish 360 Recording Extender.

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Quick start guide

1. Open the housing by removing the top lid.

2. Turn on each camera with it's power button.

1. To record video: nothing else needs to be done.

2. To record timelapse: tap each camera’s power button again to switch

them into photo mode.

3. Close the housing, ensure the O-ring is free from dirt and not pinched.

4. Recording:

1. To record video, briefly but firmly press the outside button to start or

stop the recording.

2. To record timelapse photos, briefly but firmly press the outside button

twice to start the recording. Hold the button for 5 seconds to stop the

records. You can adjust the timelapse interval with the Boxfish App.

5. The view from the three lenses overlap a short distance outside the housing in

all directions.

6. The cameras capture circular fisheye 4K-UHD video or JPG+DNG RAW still

images.

7. After recording, open the housing and turn off the cameras.

8. Retrieve files from the three Micro SD cards using the supplied reader and

App for Windows and Mac.

9. The App automatically organises the files by take and creates project files for

Kolor Autopano Video Pro.

10. Open the project file in Kolor Autopano Video Pro and render the desired part

of the timeline.

11. Erase the Micro SD cards using the supplied App. This guarantees that the

required camera configuration files are written to the cards.

12. Connect the supplied AC adapter to charge the cameras inside the housing.

Opening and closing the housing

1. Always place the housing on a flat surface or in your lap and open it with the

top facing up.

2. When closing, make sure the O-ring is free of dirt and there is nothing caught

between the top lid and the main housing.

3. The housing can be opened and closed by operating the three housing locks;

when opening, depress the safety catch, then flip the latch up.

4. To close, position the lid safely on the housing, making sure not to pinch the

O-ring. Then place the latches over the catch, then press the latch down until

flat with the housing, and then make sure they are locked in place securely.

Preparation of the housing

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

1. After verifying that the main O-ring is in good condition, lightly coat it with the

lubricant provided.

2. Make sure the O-ring groove located in the top part of the housing is free from

any foreign material; the groove can be cleaned with the aid of a microfiber

cloth.

3. Place the main O-ring into the groove by gently pushing it, first at the corners,

then the whole perimeter.

Charging

1. You can use the camera while power is supplied from a wall outlet (wall

socket) by using the AC Adaptor (supplied).

2. Insert the battery packs into the cameras.

3. Connect the camera charge port to a wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC

Adaptor (supplied).

4. The red charge indicators on each camera and the camera mounting plate is

turned on during charging.

5. The red charge indicators will turn off once the charging has completed

without any problem. (Disconnect the charger from the electrical socket and

detach the battery after charging is completed.)

6. Charging time: 120 minutes

The indicated charging time is for when the battery has been discharged

completely. The charging time may vary depending on how the battery has

been used. The charging time for the battery in hot/cold environments or a

battery that has not been used for a long time may be longer than normal.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Turning on

The camera can only be turned on and off outside the water, with opened lid.

1. Remove the top lid.

2. Locate the power buttons for each camera and press them for three seconds.

3. The cameras will power up.

4. Check the display of each camera to ensure:

1. Each camera is in video mode

2. Each camera has sufficient battery charge.

3. Each camera has sufficient recording time left.

4. Each camera shoots at the same frame rate .

5. Each camera is set ot the desired exposure compensation

6. No errors are shown (red), like a faulty or missing card.

5. Verify the cameras are all set to the desired aperture (See “Adjusting the

aperture”

6. The Boxfish 360 is now ready for recording.

With optional recording extender:

7. Turn the Boxfish 360 Recording Extender on. The fans will start spinning.

8. Connect the power lead to the DC plug inside the camera housing.

9. Carefully place the lid on top of the housing. Feed the extra cable length in the

space between camera lens and camera body of camera #2.

10. Ensure the lid sits securely and no cable or O-ring is pinched.

11. Fasten the latches.

If you would like to record timelapse photos, briefly press the power button of each

camera again to switch them into photo mode.

You can set the timelapse recording interval and duration with the Boxfish App.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Starting/Stopping the recording

Video recording

1. Turn all cameras on (see “Turning On”).

2. Locate the large start/stop button on the outside of the housing.

3. Press the start/stop button firmly once and release it.

4. You will hear a beep while the button is pressed.

5. After three seconds the cameras will start recording and a short beep is

emitted.

6. The short be can sometimes be useful to verify camera synchronization in

post.

7. If this is followed by a very long beep, the cameras were not turned on.

8. Verify that all cameras are recording by looking for the red blinking recording

LED visible through each dome.

9. You can stop the recording by pressing the start/stop button again.

Timelapse recording

1. Turn all cameras on (see “Turning On”).

2. Tap each camera’s power button once to switch them into photo mode.

3. Locate the large start/stop button on the outside of the housing.

4. Press the start/stop button firmly twice and release it.

5. You will hear a beep while the button is pressed, and three beeps after the

double press.

6. The cameras take a photo every five seconds. You can change the recording

interval with the Boxfish App (Tab “Settings”, Slider “Photo Interval”).

7. Verify that all cameras are recording by looking for the red blinking recording

LED visible through each dome.

8. You can stop the recording by pressing the start/stop button again.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Maximum recording duration chart

Card Size

Recording Duration

32GB

70 minutes (1:10 hrs)

64GB

140 minutes (2:20 hrs)

128GB

280 minutes (4:40 hrs)

Downloading videos and photos

Boxfish Research provides a free App for Windows and Mac to download and

organise the recorded files. Navigate to http://www.boxfish-research.com/downloads/

to download the latest version.

Attach memory cards to computer:

1. Remove the top lid.

2. Open the top compartment of each camera.

3. Remove the three memory cards, using the supplied grabber if necessary.

4. Insert the memory cards into the supplied card reader.

5. Connect the card reader to your computer.

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Copy Files:

1. Start the Boxfish App for Windows or Mac.

2. The App should automatically assign the correct drives to each card. Choose

the drives manually if this does not happen.

3. Choose the target directory. If the folder doesn't exist it will be created.

4. Choose the desired stitching template for Autopano.

5. You can specify a project name that will be added to every copied file name.

This can make it easier to organise your files later.

6. Press "Copy Files"

7. The App will copy the files in parallel and provide a progress bar for each

card.

8. The App will create an Autopano Video project file (.kava) with the chosen

stitching template along side each set of clips, and an Autopano Giga project

file (.pano) along side each photo.

Sample files:

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Creating 360 spherical video

1. The App automatically creates an Autopano Video Pro project file with the

chosen stitching template along side each set of clips on copy.

2. Double-click the project file (E.g. EYED00001_autopano.kava) to open it in

Autopano.

3. Select the desired part of the time line (red line).

4. Open the Render menu.

5. Verify the target resolution, filename, frame rate, and bitrate.

6. Click Render.

Please note that the templates that come with the Boxfish 360 App are

designed to help you quickly create stitched videos for review only. For a

professional production you will most likely have to adjust several perameters,

including horizon, FOV & K-values, and set mask points.

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Erasing memory cards

1. Remove the top lid.

2. Open the top compartment of each camera.

3. Remove the three memory cards, using the supplied grabber if necessary.

4. Insert the memory cards into the supplied card reader.

5. Connect the card reader to your computer.

6. Start the Boxfish App for Windows or Mac.

7. Click "Erase Cards".

8. The Boxfish App will erase the cards and write camera id and configuration

files.

9. The configuration file (MISC/cfg) on each card is required or the synchronised

autostart will not work.

Preparing new memory cards

1. Connect the card reader to your computer.

2. Insert the first memory card into the supplied card reader.

3. Format the card as exFAT and name it 360_01.

4. If the card is not formatted using exFAT file system, the video files are split at

5 minute intervals to work around the maximum file size.

5. Insert the second memory card into the supplied card reader.

6. Format the card as exFAT and name it 360_02.

7. Insert the third memory card into the supplied card reader.

8. Format the card as exFAT and name it 360_03.

9. Start the Boxfish App for Windows or Mac.

10. Click "Erase Cards"

11. The Boxfish App will erase the cards and write the camera configuration file.

12. The configuration file is required or the synchronised autostart will not work.

Version 1.8.0, 2018-01-18

Downloading log data (depth, temperature, …)

The Boxfish 360 logs time, depth, temperature, heading, and orientation during video

and photo recording. This information can be used to create information overlays or

HUD style video elements, or for scientific analysis.

The data is stored in the internal memory of the Boxfish 360 camera controller.

Download it with the Boxfish App by connecting the Boxfish 360 camera to your

computer using a Micro-USB cable. The Micro-USB port is located inside the

housing opposite the power plug.

Prepare the Boxfish 360:

1. Remove the top lid and locate the Micro-USB port.

2. Connect the camera to your computer using your Micro-USB cable.

3. Double-tap the record button like you would when recording timelapse photos

Copy Data:

1. Start the Boxfish App for Windows or Mac.

2. Click on the “Copy Data” heading

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3. Select the appropriate port for the camera device. The port name depends on

your operating system. For most users there should be only one option to

choose from, this being the Boxfish 360 camera.

4. If the list is empty, make sure the Boxifsh 360 is connected and turned on,

and then press “Refresh Devices”

5. Choose the target directory. If the folder doesn't exist it will be created.

6. You can specify a project name that will be added to every copied file name.

This can make it easier to organise your files later.

7. Press "Copy Data"

8. The App will copy the log data, creating a new file per recording.

9. It takes about 30 seconds to copy 500 datasets.

10. You can open the CSV files in Excel, Numbers, Calc, or a text editor.

Sample data files:

Erase Memory:

After downloading the data you may press “Erase memory” to free up log space for

future data. The memory can hold up to 32 thousand log entries, which is roughly 12

hours of recording at one entry per second.

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