We have traditional broadcast field production cameras, but for some applications small is good. We also use Robotic Pan Tilt Zoom cameras (PTZ), which have good quality and the convienience of one person operating many. These cameras can also be placed anywhere, so space and location considerations are minimized. These cameras are not right for all productions, and if high quality is what you need we will recommend our traditional field EFP cameras, but for some applications these cameras offer affordable mulitcamera coverage.
Panasonic AW-HE50
The Panasonic AW-HE50 with HD/SD-SDI features a sleek, compact design that combines outstanding image quality, smooth pan/tilt/zoom operation, and easy integration for superior HD production. The camera utilizes full HD MOS sensors (effective resolution 1920 x1080), along with Panasonic's exclusive Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) technology and Hybrid 2D/3D Noise Reduction processing, to produce smooth, sharp HD video. Equipped with IP control interface the cameras work well with the Panasonic controller to allow one operator to control several cameras.
The camera incorporates a smooth and highly-accurate pan-tilt head
that offers precise, fast, fluid movement in all directions, thereby enabling the capture of both slow and fast-moving objects without the excessive vibration and "bounce" previously associated with small pan-tilt cameras.
• Supports 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 480/59.94i and 576/50i
• Full HD CMOS imager and new DSP produces realistic video in varied lighting conditions
• 18X HD optical zoom lens plus a 10X digital zoom for use in rooms of all sizes
• Three-step gamma correction and seven-step chroma level adjustment
• Up to 100 pre-set memories can be stored, for rapid and precise remote recall
• An electronic shutter (1/100 to 1/10,000 a sec) with synchro scan
• Built-in tally light for remote studio use
• 3.5-lb design, ceiling mounting bracket, and other features for quick, easy installation
Panasonic Remote Camera Controller
The Panasonic Remote Camera Controller uses serial and IP control to support the Panasonic AW-HE50. Simple to set up and operate, the controller offers automatic IP setup. Using the Remote Camera Controller, we can control up to 100 AW-HE50 units via an IP connection.
Camera functions including pan/tilt, zoom, focus, iris, gain, pedestal, shutter, white/black balance, and switch scene files can be adjusted remotely via the device. The controller is subcompact at 8.26 x 2.63 x 6.96" (210 x 67 x 177 mm) and weighs 2.4lb (1.1kg). Ergonomically designed, the controller is ideal for creating a mulitcamera switched program. With experience, we have learned how to use this controller and our cameras to create interesting content with as few as 2 people on the crew. This controller and these cameras work especially well in talk show like situations, slide presentation type events, and for 3rd or 4th cameras in other multicamera environments. Because we can control these cameras remotely, they can also be hung from truss and provide a speactacular wide shot from above.