Oceanbotics SRV-8 ROV Returns to Shark Week with Upgraded Camera Technology
CATALINA ISLAND, CA — The Oceanbotics team is no stranger to shark-infested waters. 2026 marks four straight years of partnering with Discovery Channel production teams—using the Oceanbotics SRV-8 ROV to track and capture footage of sharks underwater.
This year, Ryan Gates (ROV Pilot and Outside Sales) and Mira Nagle (Head of Marketing) spent two full days off the coast of Catalina tracking and filming Mako sharks. To capture the best footage yet, the team deployed a fully loaded vehicle equipped with a 2D imaging sonar (Blueprint Subsea) and the NavPod Navigation Module for maximum situational awareness.
The SRV-8 remotely operated underwater vehicle is upgraded with a new 4K camera that comes standard.
New Cinematic 4K Technology
The biggest upgrade to this year’s expedition was the integration of Oceanbotics’ new 4K camera technology, which now comes standard across all SRV-8 series ROVs.
The new 4K camera delivers ultra-high-definition clarity, allowing filmmakers to capture the textures of a shark’s skin, the precise movement of its gills, and sharp imagery even at a distance. Combined with the vehicle’s powerful onboard lighting, the 4K camera ensures that broadcast-ready, cinematic footage is captured on every dive.
How the Oceanbotics SRV-8 ROV Captures Cinematic Shark Footage
The SRV-8 ROV is a rugged, capable remotely operated vehicle designed for all types of waters, making it the ideal tool for capturing cinematic shark footage:
1. Rapid Deployment
The ROV is connected to a ruggedized laptop, powered on, and tossed directly into the water. Total deployment time is less than 3 minutes.
2. Sonar Tracking
The ROV pilot uses the camera and 2D imaging sonar views within SubNav OS software to spot approaching sharks from every angle underwater.
3. Precision Locks On
Using a handheld controller, the pilot activates pitch and depth locks to hold a steady hover, framing the perfect shot as the sharks swim by.
4. Steady Close-Ups
Attracted by the vehicle, curious Mako sharks often brush past it. The SRV-8’s stability ensures smooth, cinematic 4K footage even during these close encounters.
5. Instant Export
Once the mission is completed, the ROV is packed into durable cases while SubNav OS instantly exports .mp4 (4K video), .jpeg (stills), and .sonar files to the laptop for immediate sharing with the production crew.
Large Mako Sharks Captured with the SRV-8 ROV’s 4K Built-In Camera
Oceanbotics is honored to remain a part of the Shark Week legacy and is proud to support this adventurous television tradition with cutting-edge ROV technology. Check out some 4K shots of these amazing sharks below.
Watch “Biggest Mako on Earth”
Catch more stunning shark footage captured by the SRV-8 in Biggest Mako on Earth, now streaming on Discovery+ alongside the entire Shark Week collection.
