BBC’s “Dung Cam” is just what it sounds like—a remote-controlled, robotic camera hidden in a fake pile of animal dung, used to film wildlife up close without scaring them. Here, it was used to watch a herd of elephants for their “Spy in the Wild” series.
Built by John Downer, the camera is tucked inside a rolling, dung-like shell, allowing it to move quietly and record close-up scenes, like a baby elephant with its herd. The setup often includes multiple cameras—up to 10 at a time, like boulder-cams and long-lens cameras—to capture different viewpoints.
Sale
Insta360 X4 Standard Bundle - Waterproof 8K 360 Action Camera, 4K Wide-Angle Video, Invisible Selfie...
- IMMERSIVE 360 VIDEO - The 8K era is here. Insta360 X4 delivers 360° video in stunning 8K or 5.7K60fps! Use Active HDR to keep shots color accurate...
- SIMPLE, EASY REFRAMING - With Insta360 X4, get out there and shoot, not having to worry about lining up a shot. Shoot first, then reframe easily...
- INVISIBLE SELFIE STICK EFFECT - The signature third-person Insta360 shot, a specialty of 360 cameras. Immerse your viewers in obstruction-free 360°...
You don’t see the tech inside the motorized vehicle, but it likely has a small high-definition camera that records clear video for TV. BBC’s spy cameras, like those in EarthFlight or TunaCam, often use tweaked compact cameras with small lenses to stay hidden while delivering great footage. The lens needs a wide aperture to perform well in varied lighting, such as dim forests or bright savannas.
The outer shell’s exact material isn’t clear, but it looks very much like animal dung. It’s probably made from a lightweight, weather-resistant material, like molded resin or composite plastics. Its hand-painted shell is certainly sturdy, built to withstand tough environmental conditions.
To operate from a distance and send footage, the Dung Cam uses a wireless module (like Wi-Fi or a custom RF system) for live control and video streaming. This allows operators to guide the camera and view footage from far away, reducing human interference. The range varies by environment but could extend tens or hundreds of meters.
[Source]
