SubC Camera Comparison Guide
Choosing an underwater camera isn’t just about depth rating. It’s about compatibility, workflow, image quality, and system flexibility. SubC Imaging’s Rayfin cameras are built to support a wide range of subsea applications, from deep-sea science to coastal ROV inspections.
All Rayfin cameras offer dual storage mode, allowing users to configure each deployment for either internal recording or live topside media transfer, supporting flexible workflows across project types.
Use this guide to compare our three Rayfin models: Benthic, Coastal, and Micro. Each is designed for specific underwater environments and operational needs. If you need help deciding, our team is happy to recommend the best configuration for your project.
Rayfin Benthic 6000m
Rayfin Coastal 500m
Rayfin Micro 500m
SubC’s Underwater Cameras
The Rayfin Benthic is SubC’s most versatile and durable subsea camera. Built with a Grade 5 titanium housing and water-corrected sapphire lens, it’s designed for long deployments and harsh environments, supporting observatory, autonomous, and inspection workflows at depths up to 6000m. It offers flexible power and data configurations, including support for multiple live video formats, up to four auxiliary ports, and real-time or internal media storage. Ideal for deep-sea research and multi-sensor integration, the Benthic delivers unmatched imaging performance in even the most remote conditions.
The Rayfin Coastal is optimized for mid-depth inspections, surveys, and drop/tow camera systems. SubC’s Boost Power Comms (BPC) technology combines power and HD video over a single subsea cable, reducing cost and simplifying deployment. It’s housed in rugged anodized aluminum and supports real-time data transfer or internal recording depending on project needs. Whether you’re upgrading an ROV or deploying from a vessel, the Coastal balances performance and practicality in one.
The Rayfin Micro is SubC’s smallest and most lightweight camera, purpose-built for observation-class ROVs and compact inspection platforms. It delivers high-resolution video with minimal power draw and integrates seamlessly with the Rayfin Single Channel Inspection system for instant topside access or onboard recording. Designed for tight spaces and rapid deployment, it’s a smart choice for marine science, shallow inspection, or cost-sensitive offshore operations that still require SubC-quality imaging and data capture.
LiquidOptics™ Lenses
Every Rayfin camera features SubC’s proprietary LiquidOptics™ lenses, a 1:1 water-corrected sapphire design that improves sharpness, minimizes distortion, and increases field of view. Compared to standard flat ports, LiquidOptics™ delivers higher color accuracy and better imaging in challenging subsea environments.
Compared to a generic flat port lens, SubC’s LiquidOptics™ provides sharper images with less distortion.
Camera Comparison Chart
| All Rayfin Models | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 12.3MP | 4056 x 3040 pixels | 12-bit CMOS | ||||
| Lens and Optics | Water-corrected, scratch-resistant sapphire LiquidOpticsTM | ||||
| Angle of View (in water) | 81-degree diagonal with less than 3.4% distortion | ||||
| 縮放 | 10x Digital (5x Optical zoom equivalent) | ||||
| Focus Range | 15cm to infinity | ||||
| Ethernet Video | RTSP H.265 and H.264 - 4K | 1080p | 720p | ||||
| Media Formats | Video - MPEG4, H.264, H.265 | Stills - JPEG | Data - CSV | ||||
| Rapid Digital Imaging (RDI) | Configurable continuous stills; 2Hz (2 per second) to 0.1Hz (1 every 10 seconds) | ||||
| Data Capture Modes | Real-Time Media Transfer | Real-time digital stills and data to topside over Ethernet. Stored on HDD, SSD or NAS. | |||
| Internal Storage | 512GB: 10+ hours of 4K video, 40+ hours of HD video and thousands of photos. Optional 1TB upgrade doubles capacity. | ||||
| Control | Over Ethernet with provided SubC DVR+Overlay software | Rayfin API is available for 3rd party integration | ||||
| Data Logging | NMEA 0183 & 2000 format @ 10Hz | ||||
| Clock Sources | NTP Server, Time from Data string | ||||
| Temperature (in water) | -20˚C to +30˚C | ||||
| Protection | Short circuit | Under-over voltage | ESD | Over-temperature | ||||
| Aux Ports | Two ports, capable of powering and controlling LED Strobe/Lamps, Lasers and other devices | ||||
| Rayfin Micro | Rayfin Coastal | Rayfin Benthic | Rayfin w/ Hibernate Option | ||
| Application | Live inspections and surveys with small subsea systems as deep as 500m | Drop and Tow camera systems | Live inspections and surveys / Battery-powered systems / observatory / and more |
Timelapse of deep sea habitats and structures | |
| Model Differentiators | Light weight, small size, lower cost | SubC BPC technology for power and data over twisted pair or coax | Titanium and Sapphire construction multi-purpose camera for ROV, autonomous systems, observatories and more. | Contains the Hibernate option for low power consumption, allowing batteries to last for months to years | |
| Built-in Sensors | Tilt and Roll | Tilt, Roll, Depth and Temperature | Tilt and Roll. Optional Depth and Temperature |
Tilt and Roll | |
| Depth Rating | 500m | 6000m | |||
| Materials | Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminium, Delrin, Sapphire | Grade 5 Titanium, Delrin, Sapphire | |||
| Voltage and Maximum Power | 12 - 32.5 Vdc @ 7.4Watts | 40 - 78 Vdc @ 18 Watts |
16.5 - 32.5 Vdc @ 13.5 Watts | 7.4Watts Max. 20 mW while Hibernating | |
| Weight (in water) | 0.46 Kg | 0.8 Kg | 1.6 Kg | ||
| Dimensions | Ø 77.5 | 165mm x 64.5mm | Ø 101 | 241.5mm x 89mm | |||
| All SubC camera products come with the SubC Annual Success Program, which includes end-to-end support consisting of warranty, manuals, on-boarding, and human support. | |||||
All Rayfin Camera Specification Sheets
Not seeing exactly what you need?
Rayfin camera models can be further customized. Talk to a member of our team to learn more.
