Can I use the ZED camera underwater?

ZED cameras are not designed for underwater operation, but they can be used underwater inside a suitable waterproof housing, provided that the camera is recalibrated.

Waterproof housing

The IP ratings of our cameras protect them against dust, rain, and splashes (ZED 2i: IP66), and against temporary immersion (ZED X and ZED X Mini: IP67, up to 1 m for 30 minutes). None of them is rated for continuous underwater use; for underwater applications, place the camera in an external waterproof housing that also protects the cable connection (USB 3 or GMSL2). See What is the IP rating of the ZED 2i and ZED X and what does it mean?

Recalibration

ZED cameras are calibrated in air. Water and the window of the housing act as additional lenses and change the optical parameters, so you must recalibrate the camera in its housing, in water, to obtain correct depth measurements:

• with the ZED Calibration tool, if your setup allows you to use a display underwater;
• otherwise, with the ZED OpenCV Calibration tool and a water-resistant checkerboard.

See How do I recalibrate my ZED stereo camera? for details.