Drop & Tow Camera Systems
Save Time. Start Surveying.
Get the clarity, capability, and control you need to capture high-quality underwater imagery, simplify deployments, and reduce the time spent processing survey data.
Clarity
The Rayfin Coastal camera has been designed to deliver the highest image quality for drop and tow applications.
Capability
The Drop Camera System makes deployment easy. The Tow Camera System delivers perfectly smooth video.
Control
The DVR+ keeps your survey organized from capture to review. ReviewStudio makes post-dive review faster and easier.
Capture Better Data
Capture high-resolution stills and 4K video for clear, reliable data. When paired with DVR+, metadata such as altitude, depth, GPS, and time can be embedded directly into images, improving data alignment and reducing post-processing time.
Deploy Faster
Field-tested, ready-to-deploy frames eliminate weeks of design and integration. This allows teams to mobilize faster, ensuring you spend less time preparing equipment and more time collecting the data your research depends on.
Operate from One Interface
Control your camera, lights, and lasers, tag events live, and automate data logging with timestamps, all from a single interface. This streamlined software increases ease of use, enabling faster completion of projects.
Finish Projects Faster
Software for streamlined post-dive review, event editing, and efficient data validation. You can export structured logs that minimize manual work, reducing the time required to complete the report.
Find the Right System For Your Survey
Fast deployment. Minimal complexity.
A simple system for deployment from small vessels, delivering high-quality imaging during vertical drops and drifting surveys.
Because the system makes zero seafloor contact, it is particularly well suited to marine protected areas, coral reefs, and environmental impact assessments.
Key details
Up to 400m operation
Rugged aluminum drop frame with stabilization tail
27.5 kg in air; optional weight plates available
Rayfin Coastal HD/4K camera
Depth, altitude, GPS, time, tilt, roll, and temperature data
Smooth video across large survey areas.
Designed for deployment from vessels with an A-frame, the Tow Camera System delivers continuous high-quality imaging along transects.
Its passive altitude control makes it ideal for seafloor mapping, fisheries research, and repeat surveys.
Key details
Up to 380m operation
Passive altitude-control tow frame
Rayfin Coastal HD/4K camera
Continuous imaging for efficient large-area surveys
Depth, altitude, GPS, time, tilt, roll, and temperature data
Reduce Post-Processing Time by 50% or More
SubC Rayfin cameras capture 12.3-megapixel images with GPS lat & long, altitude, depth, and time synced in EXIF metadata. This synchronization has been shown to significantly save time in post-processing. Additionally, SubC Parallel Line Lasers enable accurate measurements of distance and scale.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Rayfin has been a game-changer for Ocean Ecology's teams, cutting our post-survey processing times by at least half, and even more for larger projects. The efficiency it offers is unparalleled, making it an invaluable tool for our survey operations.”
Ashley Kirby,
Head of Survey
“We needed a drop camera system for year-round Atlantic use at 300 m and up to 14 hours continuously. SubC delivered, even building the GPS overlay we needed. We’re now a repeat customer using SubC systems in two Atlantic provinces.”
Machaela McDonald, Dipl. T, Ept,
Marine Environmental Technologist
“We've been impressed with the software's capabilities. Features like the visual EXIF GPS indicator are incredibly helpful. The collaborative approach has truly enhanced our project workflow, and it's great to have such a responsive and supportive partner in SubC Imaging.”
Katie Duncan,
Project Environmental Scientist
The Same Proven Stack, Ready to Upgrade Your System
16+ years of proven success: Our first cameras in 2010 were delivered to customers to upgrade their drop systems. Since then, we’ve continually perfected our technology for drop and tow applications.
Portable DVR+ Laptop
BPC Technology
Kevlar Data Cable
SubC Imaging technology enabled KOLOSSAL and its research partners to conduct repeatable deep-sea surveys from an Antarctic tourism vessel, collect 62 hours of footage, and capture the first published video evidence of anchor and chain damage to Antarctic seafloor habitats.
Rayfin Coastal
Altimeter, Lasers, Lights
The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University used SubC’s Rayfin Benthic camera on their “BathyCam” drop frame to uncover a diverse marine ecosystem within the Funk Island Deep marine refuge, northeast of Newfoundland.
Speak to Our Sales Team
In Stock and Project Ready
SubC systems are built to order, with all components stocked with best-in-industry lead times.
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
