The Evolution and Future of Video Cameras Used by News Crews
The evolution of video cameras used by news crews has been a fascinating journey marked by significant technological advancements. While the current trend is towards miniaturization, large broadcast-quality cameras remain a staple in professional settings. This remains so due to factors such as image quality, optics, durability, functionality, and compliance with broadcast standards.
Factors Influencing the Size of Video Cameras Used by News Crews
The size of video cameras used by news crews can be attributed to several critical factors:
Image Quality
Larger cameras typically come with bigger sensors, enabling them to capture more light and detail, resulting in higher image quality. This is essential for meeting broadcast standards, ensuring clarity, and maintaining the integrity of the footage.
Optics
Professional cameras often feature interchangeable lenses, which are larger and heavier, providing better optical performance and versatility in various shooting conditions. This allows for a wide range of creative possibilities and angles.
Durability
News crews often work in challenging environments. Larger cameras are usually built to be more robust and can withstand rough handling and adverse weather conditions. This ensures that the equipment remains reliable and efficient during demanding field work.
Functionality
Professional cameras are equipped with advanced features such as better cooling systems, more extensive battery life, and advanced audio inputs, which can contribute to their size. These features enhance the overall functionality and reliability of the camera, making them indispensable for complex shoots.
Ergonomics
Larger cameras can have better handling and stability, particularly when shooting for extended periods. This ergonomics aspect ensures that the crew can maintain comfort and efficiency throughout the shoot, reducing the risk of fatigues and improve the overall quality of the work.
Broadcast Standards
Many news organizations have specific technical requirements to meet broadcasting standards. This necessitates larger, more complex systems, which often require external accessories. Thus, the size of these cameras remains significant even in modern times.
The Evolution of Professional Video Cameras
While professional video cameras have significantly shrunk in size over the past few decades, larger broadcast-quality cameras remain prevalent in many professional settings. This is due to these factors:
Early Days of Television
Initially, television cameras used cathode-ray tubes (CRTs). The pickup tube, an image orthicon, was a large tube, and the camera system was part of a bigger camera chain. This setup was typically used in studios, but as television evolved, there was a need to cover events outside the studio live. This led to the development of large vans to support these systems.
Color Television
The advent of color television pushed the envelop further. The development of the RGB electronic color system by RCA and the introduction of the plumbicon tube by Philips revolutionized the industry. These advancements allowed for smaller, more compact color cameras.
Handheld Cameras
The late 1970s saw the introduction of the first independent handheld broadcast-quality color camera system, the RCA TK76. This marked a significant milestone in the evolution of video cameras. In the 1980s, the development of the saticon tube further reduced the size of cameras, and in the 1990s, the use of three charge-coupled devices (CCDs) for solid-state imaging led to even smaller cameras.
Modern Cameras
Today, even the CCD is considered outdated. Modern cameras use CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) imaging devices. A network-quality camera with a CMOS imager from Blackmagic can be purchased for about $6000 without a lens.
However, when used in a multi-camera broadcast or for professional reasons, additional electronic gear such as buildups, external viewfinders, and advanced lenses increase the overall size. These accessories are essential for maintaining the high standards of visual quality required in professional video production.
Despite the advancements, the lens is a crucial component that significantly impacts the size of professional video cameras. High-quality lenses, especially those used in sports remotes, can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000. These lenses, with a large aperture and extended focal length, produce superior images with exceptional magnification.
The Future of Video Cameras
While the trend towards smaller, more portable cameras continues, the segmented evolution of video technology suggests that dedicated high-end broadcast cameras will remain a niche but vital segment. As technology advances, we can expect to see more improvements in miniaturization, while maintaining the necessary quality and functionality required for professional news crews.
Conclusion
The size of video cameras used by news crews remains significant due to their high standards of image quality, durability, and functionality. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more advancements in miniaturization, but it is likely that dedicated broadcast-quality cameras will remain a crucial tool in the professional videographer's arsenal.