Armadex OZC 3 – kamera ATEX / IECEx Zone 2/22, 4K, zoom optyczny 4x

Armadex OZC 3 – ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 Camera with 4x Optical Zoom and 4K Video Recording

The Armadex OZC 3 is a professional ATEX/IECEx digital camera designed for capturing images and recording videos in Zone 2 and Zone 22 hazardous areas. The device was developed by the Dutch company Armadex Explosion Protection B.V. in collaboration with OM SYSTEM, based on the rugged design of the TG-7 camera, modified for Ex applications.

The camera combines a 12 MP BSI CMOS sensor, a bright lens with 4x optical zoom, 4K video recording, Sensor Shift image stabilization, and special modes designed for documenting industrial equipment and installations.

The OZC 3 is designed primarily for technical inspections, maintenance, fault documentation, installation inspections, and service work in Ex zones. With the ability to capture images from a distance of just 1 cm, it also allows for the documentation of very small components, cracks, damage, nameplates, and device details.

ATEX and IECEx camera for Zones 2/22

The Armadex OZC 3 is currently ATEX and IECEx certified for environments with a risk of gases and flammable dust.

Explosion protection markings:

ATEX gas: II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc
ATEX dust: II 3D Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc
IECEx gas: Ex ic IIC T4 Gc
IECEx dust: Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc
Gas zone: Zone 2
Dust zone: Zone 22
Protection type: Ex ic – intrinsic safety
Gas group: IIC
Temperature class: T4
Surface temperature for dust: T135°C
ATEX certificate: OBAC 25 ATEX 0069X
IECEx certificate: IECEx OBAC 25.0008X

The camera is designed for professional documentation in environments where the use of a standard camera or smartphone may be unacceptable.

4x Optical Zoom – Inspection from a Safe Distance

One of the most important features of the Armadex OZC 3 is its 4x optical zoom.

The lens offers a range equivalent to 25–100 mm in 35 mm format and a brightness of F2.0 to F4.9.

Optical zoom allows you to take photos without sacrificing the quality typical of digital image magnification.

In practice, it allows you to:

Photograph machine components from a greater distance
Document installations behind barriers
Take photos of hard-to-reach elements
Record details of equipment and installations
Create photographic documentation during inspections
Observe elements located at a safe distance from the operator
Macro and Microscope Modes – Images from as Little as 1 cm

The OZC 3 is equipped with advanced macro photography modes.

Microscope mode allows you to take photos from a distance of approximately 1 cm from the object being photographed.

This feature is particularly useful for documenting:

microcracks
surface damage
corrosion
electrical connections
small mechanical components
electronics
nameplates
device markings
serial numbers
components requiring detailed inspection

4K Video Recording

The Armadex OZC 3 enables professional video documentation.

Supported modes include:

4K 3840 × 2160 at 30 fps
4K 3840 × 2160 at 25 fps
Full HD 1920 × 1080 up to 60 fps
HD 1280 × 720

4K recordings can be used for inspections, documenting service processes, infrastructure inspections, and preparing materials for experts analyzing problems outside the hazardous area.

12MP BSI CMOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Processor

The camera utilizes:

12MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor
TruePic VIII image processor
Image resolution up to 4000 × 3000 pixels
JPEG recording
12-bit RAW recording
JPEG + RAW recording
ISO range from 100 to 12,800

The ability to save RAW files is important for professional documentation, as it allows for the retention of more image information for later analysis and processing.

Sensor Shift Image Stabilization

The OZC 3 utilizes Sensor Shift Image Stabilization, which is stabilization achieved by shifting the sensor.

This solution helps reduce image blur during:
handheld photography
taking photos with magnification
working in low light
performing inspections while on the move
recording video

This is particularly useful in industrial applications where using a tripod is often not possible.

Industrial Inspection Ready Modes

The Armadex OZC 3 offers specialized photography features designed for field work and infrastructure documentation.

Construction Mode

This mode, designed for harsh industrial environments, allows you to:
reduce the impact of visible dust in the image
automatically brighten darker areas
improve image readability
reduce the problem of strong shadows in direct sunlight

Document / Label Capture Mode

The label document mode is designed to capture legible images of:
nameplates
labels
device markings
serial numbers
codes and technical information

This facilitates the subsequent use of photographs in electronic inspection reports.

Slow Shutter

A longer exposure time allows for brighter photos in low-light environments.

HDR and Live Composite

Additional photographic features help capture scenes with significant differences between light and dark areas.

Environmental Data Capture

The Armadex OZC 3 features an integrated field sensor system.

The camera can utilize:
GPS
GLONASS
Galileo
QZSS
electronic compass
pressure gauge
temperature sensor
acceleration sensor

This feature allows for the linking of photographic documentation with information about location and environmental conditions.

This feature is particularly useful during serial inspections of infrastructure spread over a large area.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and HDMI

The OZC 3 offers several communication and data transfer methods:
USB Type-C
Micro HDMI Type D
Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy

Using the OI.Share app, the camera can communicate with a compatible mobile device, allowing for quick viewing and transfer of captured images.

This allows for a process whereby images captured during an inspection are transferred to a mobile terminal and then to the company's reporting system.

Rugged Design for Industrial Operation

The OZC 3 is built with a rugged design suitable for field use.

The manufacturer claims, among other things:
resistance to falls from a height of up to 2.1 m
pressure resistance up to 100 kgf
operation in temperatures from -10°C to +40°C
design resistant to harsh environmental conditions
dual-lens lens to reduce fogging
compact weight of approximately 249 g

Current Ex certification documentation specifies the device's ingress protection rating as IP54.

Armadex OZC 3 Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Armadex Explosion Protection B.V.
Brand: Armadex
Model: OZC 3 / Ex-M OZC 3
Manufacturer's Country / Technology Origin: The Netherlands
Base Device: Modified OM SYSTEM TG-7
Intended Use: Industrial Ex Camera
Gas Zone: Zone 2
Dust Zone: Zone 22
Certification: ATEX / IECEx
Protection Type: Ex ic
Sensor: 1/2.3" BSI CMOS
Sensor Resolution: 12 MP
Maximum Image Resolution: 4000 × 3000 Pixels
Image Processor: TruePic VIII
Lens: 25–100 mm, 35 mm equivalent
Optical Zoom: 4x
Lens Brightness: F2.0 Wide Angle / F4.9 Telephoto
Stabilization: Sensor Shift Image Stabilization
Macro Photography: Yes
Microscope Mode: Yes
Minimum Focus Distance in Microscope Mode: Approx. 1 cm
One Push Tele-converter: 2x
One Push Tele-converter in Microscope Mode: 2x / 4x
ISO range: 100–12800
Shutter speed: 1/2–1/2000 s
Long exposure time in A mode: up to 4 s
Still image recording: JPEG
RAW recording: yes, 12-bit lossless
JPEG + RAW: yes
High continuous shooting: approx. 20 fps
Low continuous shooting: approx. 5 fps
Pro Capture: approx. 10 fps
Interval shooting: up to 299 frames
Time-Lapse: yes
HDR: yes
Live Composite: yes
Construction Mode: yes
Document / Label Capture Mode: yes
Macro Mode: yes
Underwater Mode: yes

Video Parameters
4K: 3840 × 2160, 30p / 25p
Full HD: 1920 × 1080, up to 60p
HD: 1280 × 720
Optical Zoom Recording: Yes
Image Stabilization: Sensor Shift

Display
Diagonal: 3.0"
Number of dots: Approximately 1.037 million
Aspect Ratio: 3:2

Connectivity
USB: USB Type-C
HDMI: Micro HDMI Type D
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy
OI.Share App Support: Yes

Sensors
GPS: Yes
GLONASS: Yes
Galileo: Yes
QZSS: Yes
Electronic Compass: Yes
Manometer: Yes
Temperature Sensor: Yes
Acceleration sensor: Yes

Power supply
Battery: OM SYSTEM LI-92B
Battery type: Li-Ion
Voltage: 3.6 V
Capacity according to current certification documentation: 1350 mAh
Removable battery: Yes
Declared performance: Approximately 340 photos per charge

Dimensions and weight
Width: 113.9 mm
Height: 65.8 mm
Depth: 32.7 mm
Weight: Approximately 249 g with battery and memory card

Durability
Ingress protection according to the current ATEX/IECEx certification: IP54
Drop resistance: up to 2.1 m
Pressure resistance: up to 100 kgf
Operating temperature: -10°C to +40°C
Storage temperature according to certification: -20°C to +60°C
Dual-lens anti-fog lens: yes

SD Memory Cards

Armadex publishes a list of approved SanDisk and KIOXIA memory cards.

Depending on the model, SDHC/SDXC cards with capacities ranging from 32 GB to 1 TB are supported.

The manufacturer lists the following series:
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC / SDXC UHS-II
SanDisk Extreme PLUS SDHC / SDXC UHS-I
KIOXIA EXCERIA PRO SDXC UHS-II
KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS SDHC / SDXC UHS-I

microSD to SD adapters are not supported.

The card should be formatted in the camera before use. The manufacturer recommends a card of at least Class 6 for video recording.

Armadex OZC 3 Certifications
ATEX: OBAC 25 ATEX 0069X
ATEX Gas: II 3G Ex ic IIC T4 Gc
ATEX Dust: II 3D Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc
IECEx: IECEx OBAC 25.0008X
IECEx Gas: Ex ic IIC T4 Gc
IECEx Dust: Ex ic IIIB T135°C Dc
ATEX Directive: 2014/34/EU
EN IEC 60079-0:2018
EN 60079-11:2012
IEC 60079-0:2017
IEC 60079-11:2011

Important requirements for use in hazardous areas

According to certification requirements, the following activities must be performed outside of hazardous areas:

opening and closing the battery compartment
removing and installing the battery
removing and installing the memory card
charging the battery
connecting the HDMI cable
replacing the battery

The device must be equipped with an approved OM SYSTEM LI-92B battery.

Armadex OZC 3 for inspection and maintenance

The camera is designed primarily for professional documentation in locations where the ability to capture clear images is as important as the device's approval for use in hazardous areas.