Most companies that we know today are mainly interested in sky-based drones, however, there is a Chinese startup which has developed camera-equipped ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for underwater exploration. Youcan Robot launched the consumer-focused BW Space submersible last year. Twelve months on and Youcan has come up with a more advanced version of its original machine called the BW Space Pro Zoom. The update includes various notable improvements like 6x optical zoom and enhanced image stabilization for more professional-looking footage.
The BW Space Pro Zoom
The underwater drone not only has a 6x optical camera but also there is a new four-motor design. This offers much more variation in underwater movement, allowing the drone to rise and dive with greater control, combined with up-and-down tilts of 45 degrees. The BW Space Pro Zoom can dive to depths of 100 meters (330 feet), with a real-time video sent via a tether linked to a Wi-Fi repeater that floats on the surface. Moreover, the range is also decent with the operator able to use a smartphone or the accompanying remote to control the machine up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from the repeater. The underwater drone has a 1/1.8 inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 12-megapixel images and high-resolution 4K video, with onboard LED lights that can adjust their strength automatically in an effort to properly illuminate the subject in front. The submersible’s battery allows the drone to go on for five hours while taking stills, and three hours while shooting a video which is quite reasonable.
The Zoom version of the drone should ship on October 25th with the price tag of $1,999. It is now available now for pre-order, at $1,699. Looks like, with the BW space pro, underwater video capturing with drones is going to be a more interesting proposition than before for drone enthusiasts.