Armadex Digital camera OZC 3 – ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 explosion-proof 4K camera with 4x optical zoom
The Armadex OZC-3 is a rugged digital camera designed for image capture in hazardous environments, such as offshore and marine installations, gas and chemical facilities and industrial production sites. The camera is certified for ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust), allowing organizations to safely create photo and video documentation within the scope of these zones. In practice, this supports inspection, maintenance and reporting processes where reliable visual capture is essential, without compromising compliance requirements within Ex environments. In addition, the OZC-3 is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for daily use by technical professionals on site.
Functional positioning
Functionally, the Armadex OZC-3 positions itself as an ATEX/IECEx-certified camera for operational use in Zone 2/22, focusing on inspection, maintenance recording and visual evidence. The camera supports 4x lossless optical zoom with a maximum zoom of 14x and is designed for situations requiring detail capture at a safe distance. Additionally, hazardous-area modes are available intended for conditions such as dust, low light or documentation of labels. The OZC-3 also pairs with a smartphone for viewing and transferring images, which can reduce turnaround time in maintenance and inspection workflows without additional claims of performance or compliance beyond the specified certification.
Design and operation
The OZC-3 is designed as a compact, portable camera with a size suitable for everyday use in the field. The device measures 113.9 × 65.8 × 32.7 mm and weighs approximately 249 grams (including battery and memory card). The construction is geared toward rugged deployment: the camera is drop-resistant to 2.1 meters and is designed to continue to function reliably in work situations with physically intensive use. For professionals, this means a practical form factor for inspection rounds and maintenance work, where the camera is easy to carry and remains quickly deployable on site.
Audio, display and camera
The camera is equipped with a 3.0-inch monitor with approximately 1,037k dots, which aids in checking shots in the field. For photography, the OZC-3 uses a 12 MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor and supports JPEG and RAW (12-bit lossless compression), including the ability to capture JPEG+RAW. For video, the camera supports 4K recording (3840×2160) up to 30p/25p, with Full HD options up to 60p/50p and additional HD modes. In practice, this means teams can capture both photos and video for inspection and maintenance reporting, with output formats suitable for archiving and analysis.
Performance and hardware
The OZC-3 uses the TruePic VIII imaging engine. Exposure options include an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 and a shutter speed of 1/2 to 1/2000 second (with slower times of up to 4 seconds in A mode). For stability, Sensor Shift Image Stabilization is employed. In addition, the camera supports sequential shooting up to about 20 fps (selectable) and a lower burst mode around 5 fps. For operational use, this provides flexibility for both controlled documentation and situations where multiple shots are desired in quick succession, without additional performance values.
Connectivity and positioning
For connections, the OZC-3 supports USB Type-C and Micro HDMI (Type D), for data transfer and display. Wireless connectivity is available via Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy). For location and context recording, the device features a Field Sensor System with GPS (GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS), plus a compass, pressure gauge, temperature sensor and acceleration sensor. OI.Share functionality allows images to be linked to a smartphone for instant review and transfer. For B2B deployments, this means that imagery can be shared faster and records can be enriched with environmental and location data, depending on the chosen settings and workflow.
Battery and deployment time
The camera operates with a LI-92B Li-ion battery. A guide value of approximately 340 photos per charge has been specified for deployment duration. This supports deployment during inspection rounds and maintenance work, with the actual duration depending on the use of features such as video recording, wireless connectivity and screen activity. In addition, the camera is specified for operation down to -10°C, which is relevant for use in cooler environments within the specified limits.
Rugged certifications and reliability
The OZC-3 is designed for rugged deployment in demanding environments. Specified “tough capabilities” include waterproofness to 15 meters depth, drop resistance to 2.1 meters and crushproof to 220 lbf / 100 kgf. In addition, the camera is freeze-proof to -10°C and features anti-fog dual pane lens cover glass. These features support reliable deployment for inspections and maintenance in industrial environments, where equipment may be exposed to moisture, dust, shock and temperature fluctuations.
ATEX/IECEx
The Armadex OZC-3 is certified for ATEX Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust) under EU Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX114). ATEX markings: II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc (gas) and II 3D Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc (dust). IECEx certificate: IECEx OBAC 25.0008X, with markings Ex ic IIC T4 Gc and Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc. Standards applied include EN 60079-0 and EN 60079-11 (ATEX) and EN IEC 60079-0 and EN 60079-11 (IECEx).
Applications
The OZC-3 is suitable for organizations that need to document in hazardous environments, such as on FPSOs, LNG tankers, gas plants and chemical plants. Within these contexts, the camera supports capturing maintenance status, component details, labels, anomalies and proof photos for reporting. Modes such as Construction Mode, Slow Shutter and Document Mode (Label Capture) address situations with dust, changing light conditions and the sharp capture of information on objects. Combined with close-up capabilities (up to about 1 cm), the camera can be used for detail inspections, within the limits of specified functionality.
Key features
- ATEX/IECEx certified for Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust)
- ATEX marking gas: II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc; dust: II 3D Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc
- 4x lossless optical zoom, 14x maximum zoom; 25-100 mm (35mm equivalent)
- 12 MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor and TruePic VIII imaging engine
- 4K video (3840×2160) up to 30p/25p; Full HD up to 60p
- Rugged: drop-proof 2.1 m, crushproof 100 kgf, freeze-proof -10°C, waterproof to 15 m
- Connectivity: USB-C, Micro HDMI, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 BLE
- Field sensors: GPS (GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS), compass, pressure gauge, temperature and acceleration sensor
- LI-92B Li-ion battery; target value approximately 340 photos per charge
- OEM configuration: no Xenon Flash; built-in LED light is active
Technical specifications
ATEX/IECEx and compliance
- Zones: 2 (gas) and 22 (fabric)
- ATEX gas marking: II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc
- ATEX dust marking: II 3D Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc
- IECEx certificate reference: IECEx OBAC 25.0008X
- Applied Standards (ATEX): EN 60079-0:2018; EN 60079-11:2012
- Standards applied (IECEx): EN IEC 60079-0:2017; EN 60079-11:2011
Image and recording
- Sensor: 12 MP – 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS
- Photo formats: JPEG; RAW (12-bit lossless); JPEG+RAW
- Photo resolution: up to 4000 × 3000
- Video: 4K 30p/25p; FHD up to 60p/50p; HD 30p/25p
Lens and stabilization
- Lens: 25-100 mm (35mm equiv.), 4x optical zoom
- Aperture: F2.0 (W) – F4.9 (T)
- Stabilization: Sensor Shift Image Stabilization
- ISO: 100-12,800
- Shutter speed: 1/2 – 1/2000 s (A-mode up to 4 s)
Connectivity and interfaces
- USB Type-C, Micro HDMI
- Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
Field sensors / positioning
- GNSS: GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS)
- Sensors: compass, manometer, temperature sensor, acceleration sensor
Nutrition and physical
- Battery: LI-92B Li-ion
- Indicative deployment: approximately 340 photos per load
- Dimensions: 113.9 × 65.8 × 32.7 mm
- Weight: approximately 249 g (with battery and memory card)
- Temperature (called): -10°C to +40°C
Rugged specifications
- Shockproof 2.1 m
- Crushproof 220 lbf / 100 kgf
- Waterproof 15 m
- Freeze-proof -10°C
- Anti-fog dual pane lens cover glass
