Boxfish Luna User manual

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

Camera Operations

Manual

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

Table of Contents

1 About the main camera inside the Boxfish Luna .....................................................5

1.1 Supported cameras ....................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Limitations.................................................................................................................... 5

2 Recording and storage hardware .................................................................................6

2.1 Video recording and storage devices..................................................................6

2.2 Retrieving video files................................................................................................. 7

2.3 Photo files recording device and storage/retrieval ........................................ 7

2.4 About the HDMI dongle ........................................................................................... 7

3 Initial camera setup ...........................................................................................................8

3.1 NTSC vs PAL ...............................................................................................................8

3.2 External Output settings .........................................................................................8

4 Ninja V connection and setup........................................................................................9

4.1 Hardware required.....................................................................................................9

4.2 How to connect the Ninja V to Control Station ............................................... 9

4.3 Ninja V settings......................................................................................................... 10

5 Summary of recording options available with the Luna ...................................... 13

6 Overview of Control Station controls for Boxfish Luna ...................................... 14

7 Boxfish Luna startup sequence....................................................................................15

7.1 Power up sequence..................................................................................................15

7.2 Camera Control GUI startup screen ...................................................................15

7.3 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................15

8 Remote control of movie/photo settings................................................................. 16

8.1 How to load camera settings upon startup..................................................... 16

8.2 Changing from movie mode to photo mode (and back).............................. 16

8.3 Camera control settings labels on the Camera Control GUI ..................... 16

8.4 How to change camera settings ......................................................................... 16

8.5 (For Lunas with Rapid Set thumbwheel only) Quickly change ISO and

aperture values ......................................................................................................................17

8.6 Troubleshooting camera settings....................................................................... 18

9 Remote control of zoom and focus............................................................................ 19

9.1 Zoom dial .................................................................................................................... 19

9.2 Focus controls........................................................................................................... 19

10 How to record video with the Ninja V ...................................................................... 20

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

10.1 Recording options................................................................................................... 20

10.2 Procedure .................................................................................................................. 20

10.3 How to record 10-bit 4:4:4 on the Ninja........................................................... 20

11 How to record video with the Alpha 1 or A7S III camera .....................................22

11.1 Recording options....................................................................................................22

11.2 Memory card specifications .................................................................................23

11.3 Procedure for recording video on camera.......................................................23

11.4 Procedure for downloading video files to Control Station.........................23

11.5 How to record 4K50/60p, 4K100/120p or 8K25/30p ....................................24

12 How to take still images.................................................................................................25

12.1 Photo options............................................................................................................25

12.2 Procedure ...................................................................................................................25

13 Recording with both Ninja and camera ....................................................................27

13.1 Recording with Ninja and camera....................................................................... 27

13.2 Ninja and camera (recording on Ninja triggered by camera) .....................27

13.3 Recording options when both Ninja and camera are used ....................... 28

14 Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................................29

15 How to open your Boxfish Luna to access front camera................................... 30

15.1 Take out internal tray from Luna........................................................................ 30

15.2 About the camera assembly................................................................................ 30

15.3 Put lens cap on camera.......................................................................................... 31

15.4 How to move camera forward ............................................................................. 31

16 How to adjust settings on the camera itself, insert card and format card ...33

16.1 How to adjust and save new settings ...............................................................33

16.2 How to insert / format new memory card........................................................33

17 How to swap between camera lenses.......................................................................34

17.1 Preparing for lens swap .........................................................................................34

17.2 Take off front plate surrounding lens................................................................34

17.3 Unclip navigation camera ......................................................................................34

17.4 Loosen / rotate zoom mechanism......................................................................35

17.5 Eject lens and put new one on.............................................................................35

17.6 Ensure lens can move freely within anti-reflective plate and dome .......35

17.7 Position of camera on rails with different lenses ..........................................36

18 How to put the camera and tray back into the Luna............................................ 37

18.1 Check camera assembly ........................................................................................37

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

18.2 Put tray back into ROV ..........................................................................................37

19 Document history............................................................................................................ 38

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

1 About the main camera inside the Boxfish Luna

1.1 Supported cameras

The Boxfish Luna is designed to contain either a Sony a7S III or Sony

Alpha 1 camera.

The camera mounting system and robotics within the Luna are designed with

the flexibility to swap between these two cameras if you wish. Additionally, the

Luna can support multiple lenses for each camera.

1.2 Limitations

Our design works within the following constraints:

Each camera integrates differently with the Luna. Sony’s design for camera

outputs impacts how we are able to integrate each camera into our Luna

system.

Bandwidth and length of the Luna fibre-optic tether. Different recording

and monitoring options for each camera are available for different tether

lengths (depending on whether your tether is 300m or shorter, or over

300m).

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

2 Recording and storage hardware

The diagram below shows the recording and storage devices that may be used

with the Boxfish Luna.

2.1 Video recording and storage devices

Video may be recorded on the below devices:

1. Ninja V. This device can be connected to and powered by the Control

Station. With a compatible SSD attached, it can record the camera’s HDMI

output, which is transferred over the Luna’s tether.

2. The Alpha 1 or a7S III camera. Video may be recorded using the camera and

stored to the memory card(s) installed in the camera. We supply an 80GB

CFExpress card with your camera.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

2.2 Retrieving video files

Alpha 1 cameras: There are two options:

o Files may be retrieved from the card inside the camera, and

o You also have the option download files over the tether to a USB

storage device (a high-speed SSD is preferable) attached to the

Control Station. Note that the original file will remain on the card

until you manually delete it using the camera.

A7S III cameras: A7S III video files cannot be sent over the tether, and must

be retrieved from the card inside the camera.

2.3 Photo files recording device and storage/retrieval

The Luna can take still images with either the Alpha 1 or A7S III.

Photo files will be stored on the camera’s memory card (80GB CFExpress card

supplied with your Luna).

To retrieve the files:

Alpha 1 cameras: Files may be transferred over the tether to a device (such

as the 128GB USB stick supplied with your Luna) attached to a USB port on

the Control Station. Note that the original file will remain on the card until

you manually delete it using the camera.

A7S III cameras: Files cannot be transferred over the tether, therefore the

files must be retrieved from the memory card inside the camera.

2.4 About the HDMI dongle

The HDMI dongle will be installed internally in Lunas for tethers longer than

300m.

For Lunas with tethers ≤300m, the HDMI dongle should be used in following

scenarios:

All video recording, except for ProResRAW on the Ninja

All still image taking.

Further details about HDMI dongle use are covered in this manual.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

3 Initial camera setup

We will set up and test your Luna before shipping with the following settings in

place on the camera.

3.1 NTSC vs PAL

Depending on your region we will set up your camera for NTSC or PAL. This

setting can be found in the Setup > Area/Date > NTSC/PAL Selector menu.

Available framerates:

For NTSC, 30p, 60p or 120p

For PAL, 25p, 50p. or 100p.

3.2 External Output settings

What you will see at the surface (on Control Station screen and Ninja) is

determined by the HDMI External Output settings (Setup > External Output

menu).

Within the menu, the following will be set:

HDMI Resolution determines output when the camera is in photo mode.

This will be set to AUTO so that you can see 4K display at the surface when

the camera is in photo mode.

HDMI Output Settings: These determine output to the surface when the

camera is in movie mode. There are three settings in this menu that we will

set as below.

*Time Code Output will be set to On in case you wish to obtain video files that

can be used in stability software, see Section 13.2.

Setting name

Value

RAW Output

Output Resolution

AUTO

RAW Output Setting

30p (NTSC) or 25p (PAL)

Time Code Output *

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

4 Ninja V connection and setup

This section covers how to connect your Ninja recorder to the Control Station,

and optimum settings for recording with the Ninja, depending on your tether

length and desired recording framerate and resolution.

4.1 Hardware required

Ninja V

2x HDMI cables

Ninja power cable

Ninja battery eliminator

Atomos SSD, inserted into back of the Ninja

(Optional) HDMI dongle (useful only for tether lengths ≤300m. If tether is

>300m, dongle will be installed inside the Luna).

4.2 How to connect the Ninja V to Control Station

1. Insert the SSD card into the back of the Ninja.

2. Insert the battery eliminator into the battery compartment on the back of

the Ninja.

3. Screw in the Ninja mount to the ¼” mounting point on the Control Station.

4. Attach the Ninja to the mount and set the Ninja to your desired position.

5. Attach the power cable to the input on the battery eliminator on the back of

the Ninja. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ninja power output port

(labelled ACCESSORY) on the Control Station. Please note: Pay close

attention to the orientation of the groove on the cable and align it with the

notch on the connector. Take care not to damage the pins in the connector.

Push the cable down as far as you can into the connector, and screw in the

cable to hold it in place.

6. Connect one HDMI cable to the HDMI Out port on the left side of the Ninja,

and the HDMI port in the centre of the Control Station, just below the lid.

IMPORTANT!

Do not force the Ninja power cable into the ACCESSORY port on the

Control Station (Step 5 below). The male pins on this connector can be

broken if the cable is not aligned properly. Make sure the notch on the cable

aligns with the groove on the connector before inserting the cable into the

connector, and do not use force.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

7. Connect the other HDMI cable to the HDMI In port on the left side of the

Ninja, and the other end to the CLEAN HDMI port on the Control Station.

8. (Optional, if tether is ≤300m) connect it to the CLEAN HDMI port and

connect the HDMI cable to the dongle.

9. Power on the Ninja using the power button on its right-hand side and wait

for the camera feed to appear on the Ninja and the Control Station 17”

screen.

Ninja V Recorder attached to the Boxfish Luna Control Station. If the tether is

≤300m, the dongle will force 10-bit video output (instead of RAW). The dongle

must also be used for ≤300m tethers when camera is in PHOTO mode.

4.3 Ninja V settings

The Ninja will be set up for you initially with the settings listed in this section.

There are only a few settings that you will need to change to achieve various

filming options – we have noted these below.

4.3.1 Accessing settings menus

Touch the applicable item from the top menu: IN, OUT, MON or REC.

4.3.2 IN menu

Settings in the IN menu determine the camera output into the Ninja.

Note: If you have a 300m or shorter tether, your camera will output

RAW automatically. If you do not wish to record RAW, use the

HDMI dongle. The HDMI dongle will force the camera to output in 10-bit instead

of RAW. Because the Ninja will expect to see RAW but not receive it, a “Not

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

RAW Input” icon will appear on the Ninja, and you will need to select another

compression option for recording (see REC menu below).

IN settings set up at Boxfish:

SOURCE

Input

HDMI

Signal

4.3Kp29.97 (if tether is ≤300m

and dongle not used)) OR

UHD29.97 (if tether >300m)

HDMI Standard

TRIGGER

Source

HDMI

Trigger *

Off

DEVICE

Manufacturer

SONY

Name

ILCE-1 (Alpha 1) OR

ILCE-75M3 (a7s III)

REMOTE

Remote Mode

Calibration/LANC

CAMERA

OUTPUT

Log/HDR

Camera

Standard/Sony

Gamma

S-Log3

Gamut

S-Gamut3.cine

*You can set Trigger to On if you wish to record with the Ninja whenever the

camera is set to record – see Section 13.2.

4.3.3 OUT menu

This menu contains settings that determine how the Ninja converts the camera

output to display on the Control Station 17” monitor.

VIDEO OUT

HDMI Output

UHD29.97

Signal

UHD29.97

HDMI Standard

OUTPUT OPTIONS

4K To 2K Output

Off

DCI Crop

Off

HDMI Timecode

Off

HDR

HDR Out

HDR Type

Gamut

Rec.709

LUT Out

Off

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

4.3.4 MON

Controls how the camera output will appear on the Ninja monitor itself. Select

REC 709.

4.3.5 REC

We recommend using the ProRes codec. Approximate recording durations are

given below for a 500GB SSD.

Codec Format

Compression

Approx. length of recording (500GB SSD)

ProRes

2.5 hours (2:34:06)

ProRes

422

1.75 hours (1:46:24)

ProRes

1.15 hours (1:11:53)

ProRes

ProRes RAW *

22 minutes (0:22:12)

* Notes:

ProRes RAW will be available only if your tether is less than 300m, and you

are not using the HDMI dongle.

If you have not purchased your Ninja from us, you will need to install

ProResRAW onto your Ninja.

4.3.6 Other useful settings

RGB Parade is useful for monitoring exposure.

See the Ninja V User Manual for more: https://www.atomos.com/product-

support.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

5 Summary of recording options available with the Luna

The Luna provides several recording options:

1. Ninja recorder (video only)

2. Video with Alpha 1 or A7S III camera

3. Photos with Alpha 1 or A7S III camera

4. Both Ninja and Alpha 1 / A7S III camera.

Instructions for all options are covered in this manual.

The below table may be useful to determine devices and setup needed to

achieve your objectives.

Recording device

Ninja

only

Camera

only

Ninja and camera

(start/stop

recording

independently)

Ninja and camera

(Ninja start/stop

recording triggered

by camera)

ProResRAW

(tethers ≤300m)

✓

Framerates >

25/30fps

✓

(but not

recommended)

4:4:4 colour

sampling

✓

(Alpha 1

only)

✓

(Alpha 1 only)

✓

(Alpha 1 only)

Still images

✓

Transfer media files

to surface

✓

(Alpha 1

only)

✓

(Alpha 1 only)

✓

(Alpha 1 only)

Obtain files for

stability correction

with Sony Catalyst

Browse

✓

Obtain RAW files for

stability correction

in Gyroflow

✓

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

6 Overview of Control Station controls for Boxfish Luna

The below diagram shows camera control functions of the Boxfish Luna. Full

explanations are given in later sections of this manual.

USB ports: Used to connect a USB stick/SSD device to the Control Station for

photo and video transfer (video transfer available for Alpha 1 cameras only).

Manual Focus On/Off switch

VIDEO button. Press once to start recording video on-camera. Will also start

recording on Ninja if Time Code Control is On, and Trigger on Ninja is On.

Also used for troubleshooting: press and hold for six seconds to restart camera.

If in Photo mode, press once to return to Video mode.

PHOTO button. Change to photo mode/take a photo

(Optional) Rapid Set button. Use in conjunction with thumb wheel (G)

(Optional) Thumb wheel to rapidly change ISO or aperture values, depending on

what is shown under the Rapid Set label (F)

Zoom dial. Rotates lens to zoom in and out

Focus button

Button to display menus available for remote control of camera photo and video

settings

Scroll dial. Used to scroll through available camera settings within each menu

selected with (J)

OK button (

✓

). Used to select a new setting

Download Media button. Can be used with Alpha 1 cameras only. Used to

download photos and/or videos recorded on-camera (to memory card) to a USB

stick connected to Control Station

Camera Control GUI: Graphical User Interface for the camera control options

available on the Control Station

HDMI dongle goes here if using (between HDMI port and HDMI cable to Ninja)

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

7 Boxfish Luna start-up sequence

7.1 Power up sequence

Always power on the Control Station before powering up the ROV.

This will ensure that the correct camera settings appear on the Control Station.

When the Luna is powered up, the device powering the camera controls

(indicated by the Camera Control GUI) will also start up.

Note: The full start-up sequence can take a few minutes – please be patient.

7.2 Camera Control GUI start-up screen

When the start-up sequence is successful, A1 Ready or A7SIII Ready will be

displayed in green text on the Camera Control GUI.

7.3 Troubleshooting

If the start-up sequence does not complete properly, press the VIDEO button

for six seconds. This will restart the camera system. Wait for the A1 Ready or

A7SIII Ready label to appear.

IMPORTANT!

Power on the Control Station and allow it to completely boot up before

powering up the ROV. Do not connect any USB devices to the Control

Station before it is powered up.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

8 Remote control of movie/photo settings

The Camera Control GUI (under the Camera Control label on the bottom right

of the telemetry screen) displays camera settings available for adjustment via

the Control Station.

8.1 How to load camera settings upon start-up

1. Power on the Control Station and wait for it to boot.

2. Power on the ROV and wait until the A1 Ready or A7SIII Ready appears in

green text on the Camera Control GUI.

3. Press the Menu button (bottom button on right hand side of telemetry

screen) to load the current settings saved on the camera (on startup the

camera will be in Movie mode. Therefore, movie settings will appear).

8.2 Changing from movie mode to photo mode (and back)

1. To change to Photo mode, press the PHOTO button on the Control Station

once.

2. Wait about 10 seconds for the system to change modes (do not press any

buttons). When photo settings are ready, the label Photo-Manual will display

in green text.

3. To change back to Movie mode, press the VIDEO button once and wait.

When settings have loaded, Movie-Manual will appear in green text.

8.3 Camera control settings labels on the Camera Control GUI

Under the Camera Control heading are the following labels:

Top label in white colour (eg Aperture) is the name of the setting

Middle label in green colour (eg F6.3) is the currently selected value for the

setting

8.4 How to change camera settings

To change a setting, use the controls shown below.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

1. Press the Menu button (bottom right) until you

reach your desired menu. The name of the

menu will be displayed in white text. The

currently selected setting for that menu item

will appear in green text.

2. Use the scroll dial to scroll through other

available settings for that menu item. Turn the

dial slowly and wait for each option to appear.

Options will appear in white text.

3. Select the setting you want by pressing the OK

(

✓

)button. The label will turn from white to

yellow briefly before turning green to indicate

the setting is now in use.

8.5 (For Lunas with Rapid Set thumbwheel only) Quickly change

ISO and aperture values

Note: This functionality is only available for Control Stations that have the rapid

set thumbwheel (G) on the right-hand side and Rapid Set label onscreen next to

button (F) (third from the bottom on the right of the screen).

1. Press the Rapid Set button until Aperture appears under the Rapid Set label

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

on the telemetry screen, indicating that aperture values will be adjustable by

moving the thumbwheel up (to increase values) and down (to decrease

values).

2. Stop moving the thumb wheel when your desired value appears in the

Camera Control GUI (O).

3. Press the Rapid Set button until ISO appears under the Rapid Set label.

Adjust values with the thumbwheel as above.

8.6 Troubleshooting camera settings

If you experience any problems with changing settings, press and hold the

VIDEO button for six seconds to restart the camera system.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

9 Remote control of zoom and focus

9.1 Zoom dial

Note: only available for zoom lenses.

Turn the ZOOM dial to zoom the camera in (clockwise) /out (anti-clockwise).

Turn the dial slowly for best results.

9.2 Focus controls

9.2.1 Manual focus switch in OFF position

Default position of this switch is in the OFF position, and the camera will be in

Autofocus mode. In Autofocus mode, the label [AF] appear in the Camera

Control GUI.

9.2.2 Manual focus switch in ON position

When the switch is moved to the ON position, the camera will keep the current

focus setting and not change focus distance. The label [MF] will appear on the

Camera Control GUI.

9.2.3 Focus button

Pushing and holding this button will temporarily enable autofocus when the

button is held down. You can use this to focus on a specific object. Release the

button when desired focus is achieved.

Note: Pushing and holding the Manual Focus switch up to the FN (top) position

will perform the same function as pushing and holding the focus button.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

10 How to record video with the Ninja V

10.1 Recording options

The following options are available for recording with the Ninja.

Note:

ProResRAW compression on the Ninja is only available for tethers 300m or

shorter, as RAW output is not possible over longer tethers

For tethers 300m or shorter, RAW output can be changed to 10-bit by

inserting the HDMI dongle.

Available formats (tether ≤300m)

Monitoring at

surface

Storage

device

ProRes RAW compression: 4.3K 25p (PAL)

ProRes RAW compression: 4.3K 30p (NTSC)

4.3K25p (PAL)

4.3K30p (NTSC)

Ninja SSD

4K: 10-bit 25p (PAL) at 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 *

4K: 10-bit 30p (NTSC) at 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 *

4K25p (PAL)

4K30p (NTSC)

Ninja SSD

* 4:4:4 colour sampling not available for Lunas with a7S III cameras

Available formats (tether >300m)

Monitoring at

surface

Storage

device

4K: 10-bit 25p (PAL) at 4:2:2

4K: 10-bit 30p (NTSC) at 4:2:2

4K25p (PAL)

4K30p (NTSC)

Ninja SSD

10.2 Procedure

1. Connect HDMI dongle (optional, only for tethers ≤300m if you do not wish to

record RAW) *see note below.

2. Connect Ninja to Control Station.

3. Check Ninja settings and select compression option (REC menu).

4. Configure camera settings as desired using the Camera Control GUI.

5. When ready to record, press the Record icon on the bottom left of the Ninja

screen. The button will turn red when recording.

6. When finished recording, download video from the Ninja SSD using the

SATA to USB converter in your accessory box.

Note: If you remove the HDMI dongle from the Control Station during a dive or

testing, you must restart the camera controls by holding down the VIDEO

button for six seconds.

10.3 How to record 10-bit 4:4:4 on the Ninja

Note: This is only available for Alpha 1 cameras, and only if your tether is ≤300m.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

1. Use the HDMI dongle to force 10-bit output

2. Change the Format setting to 8K25p / 8K30p. The sensor will read 8K full-

frame but down-sample the output to 10-bit 4K25p / 4K30p 4:4:4.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

11 How to record video with the Alpha 1 or A7S III camera

From the surface, the VIDEO button can be used to start/stop recording with

the front camera (Alpha 1 or A7S III).

Media files will be stored on the camera’s memory card.

Advantages of recording with the camera:

Recording with the Alpha 1 or A7S III allows you to record higher framerates

and higher resolutions than is possible with the Ninja, because output to the

surface over the tether is limited to 25/30p.

For Luna with Alpha 1 cameras, media files may be transferred to the surface

via the tether for review during a dive if you wish.

With Sony Alpha 1 and A7S III cameras, metadata about camera movement

will be recorded on camera video files to enable later stability correction

using software such as Sony Catalyst Browse.

11.1 Recording options

11.1.1 Alpha 1

Note: the HDMI dongle must be inserted at the surface if tether is ≤300m.

Recording video on Alpha 1

Monitoring at

surface

Storage

device

Retrieval options

4K: 10-bit 25/50/100p (PAL)

4K: 10-bit 30/60/120p

(NTSC)

8K: 10-bit 25p (PAL)

8K: 10-bit 30p (NTSC)

4K25p (PAL) /

4K30p (NTSC)

Camera

memory

card

Transfer to

surface USB SSD

attached to

Control Station,

Camera memory

card directly

11.1.2 a7S III

Note: the HDMI dongle must be inserted at the surface if tether is ≤300m.

Recording video on a7S III

Monitoring at

surface

Storage

device

Retrieval options

4K: 10-bit 25/50/100p (PAL)

4K: 10-bit 30/60/120p

(NTSC)

8K: 10-bit 25p (PAL)

8K: 10-bit 30p (NTSC)

4K25p (PAL) /

4K30p (NTSC)

Camera

memory

card

Camera memory

card

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

11.2 Memory card specifications

Card must be a CFexpress card Type A (an 80GB card is supplied with your

Luna). If you wish to use another card, it must have a minimum read/write speed

500MB/s.

11.3 Procedure for recording video on camera

1. Connect HDMI dongle (only for Lunas with tethers ≤300m when recording

higher framerates than 30p, otherwise will not get camera feed to the

surface). *see note below

2. Configure camera settings as desired using the Camera Control GUI. For

higher framerates (>30p) and higher resolutions (>8K) see later in this section.

3. Press VIDEO button *see note below to begin recording with the camera. A

red [REC] label will appear in the Camera Control GUI to indicate the camera

is recording video.

4. Press VIDEO button again to stop recording with the camera. You may start

and stop recording as many times as you like, as long as there is space on

the memory card. If there is no space left on the card, an error message will

appear in the Camera Control GUI.

5. Download files from camera memory card. For Alpha 1, it is possible to

download files to the Control Station while the tether is connected, see

Procedure for downloading video files to Control Station.

6. Delete files from memory card.

7. Reformat memory card inside camera.

Notes:

If you remove the HDMI dongle from the Control Station during a dive or

testing, the camera controls must be restarted by holding down the VIDEO

button for six seconds.

The camera will be in movie mode by default at start-up. If it has been

changed to PHOTO mode, press the VIDEO button once to change to movie

mode, and once again to start recording.

11.4 Procedure for downloading video files to Control Station

Note: This procedure is only possible for Lunas with Alpha 1 cameras.

1. Insert a USB storage device (*see note below) into a USB port on the

Control Station.

2. Press Download Media button to download video files from the camera

memory card to the USB device.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

3. The Camera Control GUI will display Pending, and the video feed will

disappear from the 17” screen, replaced by the text “Mass Storage Mode”.

4. After file transfer is complete, the system will restart, and the USB device

will automatically be ejected from the Control Station. Wait for the Alpha 1

ready message to appear on the Camera Control GUI.

5. When the memory card is full, you will need to open the Luna and manually

delete files from the card, then reformat the card inside the camera. There is

no way to delete files from the memory card using the Control Station.

* Note:

We recommend using a high-speed SSD (minimum read/write speed of

500MB/S) to speed up the transfer process for video files. Device must be

formatted exFAT and name of the device must not include any spaces.

Device must have at least as much space as camera memory card.

11.5 How to record 4K50/60p, 4K100/120p or 8K25/30p

Using the Camera Control GUI, settings may be as follows:

1. From the Movie Format menu, select:

a. XAVC_S_I_4K (supports 50/60p only)

b. XAVC_S_L_4K (supports 50/60p or 100/120p)

c. XAVS_HS_4K (supports 60p or 120p)

d. XAVC_HS_8K for 8K (supports 25/30p only)

2. Select your desired format by pressing the OK (

✓

)button. The label onscreen

will turn from white to yellow briefly before turning green to indicate the

setting is now in place.

3. On the Movie Framerate menu, available framerates are:

a. 100/120p (cannot use with 8K)

b. 50/60p (cannot use with 8K)

c. 25/30p – use this with 8K Movie format.

4. Select the framerate you want by pressing the OK (

✓

)button on the Control

Station.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

12 How to take still images

Still images may be captured from the surface using the front camera. Images

will be stored on the camera’s memory card.

12.1 Photo options

Note: the HDMI dongle must be inserted at the surface if tether is ≤300m.

Photo resolution

Monitoring at

surface

Storage

device

Retrieval options

Alpha 1 (RAW 50MP)

4K25p (PAL) /

4K30p (NTSC)

Camera

memory

card

Transfer to

surface USB SSD

attached to

Control Station

Camera memory

card directly

A7S III (RAW 12MP)

4K25p (PAL) /

4K30p (NTSC)

Camera

memory

card

Camera memory

card

12.1.1 Note about RAW images

RAW photos will typically appear dark in post processing. This is due to the

single Picture Profile option being used for video recording. The initial dark

images can be corrected in post-production (as the RAW image data is not

altered by the Picture Profile setting).

12.2 Procedure

1. For Lunas with tether ≤300m long, connect HDMI dongle (otherwise in

PHOTO mode there will be no camera output to the surface) *see note

below

2. Put the camera in photo mode by pressing the PHOTO button on the

Control Station. Wait about 10 seconds for the system to change modes and

load photo settings. When ready, Photo-manual will appear in green text on

the Camera Control GUI.

3. Adjust photo settings as desired – see Section 8: Remote control of

movie/photo settings. Photo and File Format headings will allow you to

choose the types of files that will be saved onto the camera memory card:

RAW and uncompressed file types are available.

4. Press the PHOTO button once to take a photo. A red [Img] label will appear

in the Camera Control GUI to indicate that a photo was taken. The photo will

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

be saved to the camera memory card. Note that when the camera takes a

photo it will perform autofocus, so there will be a short delay.

5. Repeat the above for as many photos as desired. Pressing the photo button

rapidly will take photos in sequence, but no faster than what the camera can

take (depending on the extent of focusing being performed, around 0.5 – 1

second will elapse between photos). If there is no space left on the card, an

error message will appear in the Camera Control GUI.

6. Download photo files from card:

a. Optional, available for Alpha 1 cameras only: Insert USB storage device

and press Download Media button to download video files from the

camera memory card to the USB device. The Camera Control GUI will

display Pending while the camera goes into mass storage mode, and

“Mass Storage Mode” will appear on the Control Station screen. After

file transfer is complete, the system will restart, and the USB device

will automatically be ejected from the Control Station. Wait for the

Alpha 1 Ready message to appear on the Camera Control GUI. When

the memory card is full, you will need to open the Luna and manually

delete files from the card. There is no way to delete them using the

Control Station. OR

b. Open Luna to get card from camera and download files.

7. Delete files from memory card.

8. Reformat memory card inside camera.

Note for tethers ≤300m:

If you remove the HDMI dongle from the Control Station during a dive or

testing, the camera controls must be restarted by holding down the VIDEO

button for six seconds.

If filming RAW video alongside photos, note that switching between video

and photo modes will require you to add/remove the HDMI dongle and

restart the camera controls (by pressing the VIDEO button for six seconds).

This will mean you will not be able to record continuous video with the Ninja.

Continuous filming with the Ninja while taking photos is possible when

leaving the HDMI dongle in place and shooting 10-bit video with the Ninja.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

13 Recording with both Ninja and camera

The Ninja and camera may be used together during a dive.

13.1 Recording with Ninja and camera

Your Luna is set up to give you the flexibility to switch between devices or use

both simultaneously during a dive.

This may be useful for the following reasons:

Photos can be taken with the camera while maintaining video recording on

the Ninja.

Video can be taken with the camera at higher frame rates or higher

resolution, while still recording 4K on the Ninja.

Memory space can be optimised space on the camera memory card by

recording snippets of high-framerate or high-res footage while maintaining

continuous recording of 4K video on the Ninja.

With Sony Alpha 1 and A7S III cameras, metadata about camera movement

will be recorded on camera video files to enable later stability correction

using software such as Sony Catalyst Browse or Gyroflow. Note that files for

Gyroflow are most useful when the camera can output RAW video to the

Ninja (only available if the tether is 300m or shorter).

13.1.1 Procedure

1. On the Ninja IN menu (see Section 4.3.2: IN menu)., check that HDMI Trigger

is set to Off (it should be Off by default). Otherwise pressing the VIDEO

button will cause the Ninja to stop/start recording along with the camera.

2. Set other Ninja settings as desired.

3. Use the Ninja, VIDEO and PHOTO buttons to record on either or both

devices as you wish.

13.2 Ninja and camera (recording on Ninja triggered by camera)

It is possible to set up the camera and Ninja so that whenever the VIDEO button

is pressed, the Ninja will automatically start/stop recording along with the

camera.

For tethers 300m or shorter, this method can be used to record to record RAW

files on the Ninja while simultaneously recording video on camera. The two files

can be used together by Gyroflow software to produce better stabilised video

from RAW video capture.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

13.2.1 Procedure

1. On the Ninja IN menu, set Trigger to On (see Section 4.3.2: IN menu).

2. Set the Ninja compression to ProResRAW (REC screen).

3. Press the VIDEO button to begin recording on camera and Ninja at the same

time. Note that recording duration will be limited to the capacity of the

smaller memory device (ie 80GB card in camera).

13.3 Recording options when both Ninja and camera are used

13.3.1 4K at higher framerates

50/60/100/120p at 4K may be recorded on camera. Resulting output to the

Ninja will depend on tether length:

For tethers longer than 300m, 4K25p/4K30p 10-bit 4:2:2 will be output to the

Ninja

For tethers 300m or shorter, the HDMI dongle must be used. 4K25p/4K30p

10-bit 4:2:2 will be output to the Ninja (if dongle is not used, camera will

record 25/30p and RAW will be output to the Ninja).

13.3.2 8K

8K25p / 8K30p full frame may be recorded on camera.

However, because 8K cannot be transferred over the tether, the output to the

Ninja will be down sampled to 4K.

Output to the Ninja will be (note that if tether is 300m or shorter HDMI dongle

must be used):

For Alpha 1: 10-bit at 25/30p with 4:4:4 colour sampling.

For A7S III: 10-bit at 25/30p 4:2:2.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

14 Troubleshooting

Issue

Solution

No feed from main

camera on Control

Station or Ninja

If tether is ≤300m:

Check HDMI dongle is in place – this is needed for all

shooting (except for recording ProResRAW video on

the Ninja)

Filming at high resolutions and warmer temperatures

can cause the temperature inside the ROV to

increase, and it is possible for the camera to

overheat and shut down. To power the camera back

on, press the VIDEO button for six seconds to

restart the camera. It is best to wait until the internal

temperature of the ROV decreases before using the

camera again.

Camera hunts for

focus

This happens if water is murky and there is no object for

the camera to focus on. The issue should resolve once

the camera has an object within focus distance.

Cannot use USB

storage device

(Alpha 1 only)

Check the following:

USB is formatted correctly (must be exFAT)

There are no spaces in the name of the USB device.

Camera settings

cannot be changed

If settings available in the Camera Control GUI hang or

cannot be changed, hold down the VIDEO button for six

seconds and wait until Alpha 1 Ready/A7SIII Ready

appears.

“USB Mass

Storage” appears

on main screen

This is normal at start-up, when restarting camera

controls, and when transferring videos across the

tether. If the message appears and prevents you from

operating the camera controls, open the Luna, move the

camera forward and unplug the USB-C, HDMI and

ethernet cables from the camera and connect them

again.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

15 How to open your Boxfish Luna to access front camera

You will need to access the camera inside the Luna to perform tasks such as:

Retrieving files from memory card

Deleting files from memory card

Adjusting physical dials on the camera

Swapping lenses.

15.1 Take out internal tray from Luna

To access the front camera inside the Luna you must remove the internal tray.

Boxfish Luna tray. The ROV battery pack is visible in the middle of the tray.

To take out the tray, see our Boxfish Battery Charging Manual available at

https://www.boxfish.nz/downloads/.

15.2 About the camera assembly

The camera is at the front of the tray.

The memory card slot is accessible

For Alpha 1 cameras, you can carefully roll the tray onto its side (ideally on a

piece of foam for protection) to access the screen which is placed

underneath the camera

LiPo BATTERY WARNING!

Opening the ROV means accessing where the ROV battery pack

is located. The battery pack contains LiPo batteries.

While out of the ROV, the tray and battery pack must be treated

with care and should not be dropped, bumped or knocked.

Nothing should be allowed to fall onto the tray.

Failure to follow instructions could result in fire or explosion

which could cause injury, death or property loss.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

For A7S III cameras, you will need to move the camera forward to access the

screen.

15.3 Put lens cap on camera

We recommend putting the lens cap on while the tray is out of the Luna. Don’t

forget to remove it before putting the tray back in.

15.4 How to move camera forward

You may need to move the camera’s position to do certain tasks.

15.4.1 Loosen hot shoe clamp

Loosen the hot shoe clamp on the top of the camera. This holds the camera to

the top rails. Don’t loosen this clamp completely, just enough to allow the top

sled to slide along top rails.

15.4.2 Loosen sled on bottom rails

Next, loosen the camera sled holding the camera mount to the bottom rails.

1. Loosen the two hex head screws shown by about ½a turn.

2. Repeat for the two screws on the other bottom rail.

3. Gently slide the camera forward on the rails.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

15.4.3 Put camera back into position

After sliding the camera back on the rails, check the position of the camera lens

in the anti-reflective plate. It should be in the middle of the plate.

You can manually manipulate the position of the camera slightly before

tightening the hot shoe clamp to keep the camera lens in the middle of the

plate.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

16 How to adjust settings on the camera itself, insert card and

format card

16.1 How to adjust and save new settings

1. Press the MENU button on the camera.

2. On the camera’s touchscreen, select settings as desired.

3. Press the MENU button and manually turn the camera off and on again using

the dial on top of the camera.

4. Power the Luna off and on again with the magnetic key.

5. Double-check that the new settings have been saved BEFORE closing the

Luna. Note: when Luna is first powered on, camera will say “USB Mode Mass

Storage” for a couple of minutes while until the Luna completely boots up.

Wait up to a couple of minutes for this message to disappear, then press

MENU button again to check your settings have been saved.

16.2 How to insert / format new memory card

If you wish to use a new CFExpress memory card in the camera:

1. Unplug the USB-C and ethernet cables from the camera

2. Insert the card into the camera

3. Go to the Shooting menu > Media > Format and format the card.

4. Press the MENU button on the camera and manually turn the camera off and

on again using the dial on top of the camera.

5. Power the Luna off and on again with the magnetic key.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

17 How to swap between camera lenses

17.1 Preparing for lens swap

1. Find the lens and the surrounding anti-reflective plate that fits this lens.

2. Take front plate off

3. Unclip navigation camera and move out of the way

4. Loosen hot shoe clamp

5. Loosen 2x screws on each side of the sled so that camera can slide forward

on the bottom rails.

17.2 Take off front plate surrounding lens

The anti-reflective plate needs to come off before changing lenses.

1. Remove the 2x hex head screws holding the front plate to the top rails. Store

the plate in a safe place

2. Slide the plate toward the end of the rails and remove it. Avoid

damaging/scratching the plate while it is not in place on the mount.

17.3 Unclip navigation camera

The navigation camera can be unclipped and moved out of the way.

1. Unclip the navigation camera from the top rail

(right-hand rail as you are facing the camera).

The nav cam will rotate around the left-hand rail.

2. The nav cam will be prevented from rotating a

full 180 degrees by the cables. Leave the nav

cam in the position shown.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

17.4 Loosen / rotate zoom mechanism

Move the zoom mechanism out of the way before you put the new lens on.

1. Loosen the three hex head screws shown to slide the zoom mechanism

forward/back.

2. Loosen the single screw shown below to rotate the whole mechanism within

the white plastic surround, which will move the zoom gear teeth

toward/away from the teeth on the lens.

17.5 Eject lens and put new one on

1. Eject the current lens and store carefully.

2. Fit the zoom mechanism to the teeth on the lens. Adjust the zoom gear

mechanism forward/back, and the teeth in/out until the gear is engaged with

the teeth on the lens.

3. Ensure no cables are pinched.

4. Remove lens cap!

17.6 Ensure lens can move freely within anti-reflective plate and

dome

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

1. Fit the correct anti-reflective plate (that fits the new lens) to rails and secure

with fasteners.

2. Loosen hot shoe clamp and manually manipulate the position of the camera

so that the lens is in the middle of the plate and will not touch the plate

when zoom is used. Tighten the clamp when the camera is in the correct

position.

3. Clip navigation camera back into position.

4. Put tray back inside ROV

5. Connect the ROV, power up components

6. Test camera controls:

a. Zoom dial on the Control Station adjusts the zoom as expected, and

that the teeth aren’t slipping

b. Manual focus and autofocus are working as expected

c. Ensure the front plate and /or dome does not prevent free movement

of the lens.

17.7 Position of camera on rails with different lenses

The below table gives an indication of where the camera would be positioned

with different lenses.

Lens

Position on mounting rails

16-35mm F4

22.5mm or as far back as possible

50mm F2.8 (macro lens)

As far forward as possible - TBC

16-35mm F2.8 (zoom lens)

As far back as possible - TBC

24mm F1.4

TBC

14mm F1.8

TBC

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

18 How to put the camera and tray back into the Luna

18.1 Check camera assembly

Ensure:

1. Lens cap is off

2. Fasteners on sled are secured

3. Correct anti-reflective plate is installed for the camera lens

4. Camera lens is in middle of anti-reflective plate cut-out

5. Hot shoe clamp tightened

6. Navigation camera is back in position.

18.2 Put tray back into ROV

For instructions, see our Boxfish Battery Charging Manual available at

https://www.boxfish.nz/downloads/.

LiPo BATTERY WARNING!

Before replacing the ROV tray, you must inspect the battery

pack to ensure it is in good condition and all cables are

connected.

If the battery pack is damaged or any cables have become

disconnected, charging the battery pack will result in fire and/or

explosion.

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

19 Document history

Date

Description of changes

Release

7/12/22

Reconfigured manual to contain a chapter for each

recording device

Clarified procedures and settings for taking photos

Included some info about stabilisation correction in

post-production.

R10

6/9/22

Updated manual to reflect latest updates:

CamSoftware-1.1.3.tgz

ControlStation-1.2.85L.hex (no rapid set

thumbwheel) or ControlStation-1.2.85LD.hex (rapid

set thumbwheel)

ControlStation-1.1.83L.tgz

Release notes:

New mechanism for photo and video download (for

Alpha 1 cameras only) to eliminate need to manually

reformat card – now files will not be automatically

removed from card so users will need to manually

delete files when card is full

New procedure for operating ISO/Aperture rapid

set thumbwheel.

4/8/2022

New photo download procedure to surface to

match video download procedure (for Lunas with

Alpha 1 cameras only)

Added scenario where tether is >300m and HDMI

dongle is installed inside Luna. Updated tables and

diagrams.

10/6/2022

Removed instructions involving ROV battery tray,

added warnings and linked to new Boxfish Battery

Charging Manual.

10/5/2022

Clarified that USB devices attached to Control

Station must be exFAT format and name of USB

device must not have any spaces.

3/5/2022

Clarified that Control Station must be started up

before Luna is powered on so that camera controls

can start properly. Added PAL to camera

Boxfish Luna Camera Operation

configuration options and amended document to

include PAL framerates. Clarified use of HDMI

dongle. Added instructions for how to format card

in camera after transferring files over tether.

20/4/2022

Added instructions for how to swap lenses and

perform other tasks on the camera inside the Luna.

24/2/2022

Added overview diagram to illustrate recording options

for different tether lengths and different cameras.

29/1/2022

Additions include:

How to record video for tether lengths over 300m.

Initial setup of camera HDMI Output settings for

different recording options and tether lengths.

17/12/2021

Initial release for this manual. Contains camera

operation information that was previously contained in

Boxfish Luna Owner’s Manual. Additions for this release

include:

Instructions to support setup and recording options

for two front cameras (Sony Alpha 1 and Sony a7S

III) using either a Ninja V monitor/recorder or on-

camera.

New/changed controls from new Control Station

layout.

Instructions for how to access front camera inside

Luna to insert/format/remove memory card or to

change camera settings.

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