09/09/2016
Sony adds 4K to its BRC series PTZ camera line-up
BRC-X1000 combines 4K resolution with flexible remote operation and diverse camera control functions; HD version, BRC-H800, expands users’ options
Asia Pacific, 9 September 2016 – Asia Pacific, 9 September 2016 – Sony is expanding its BRC series of robotic PTZ cameras with the latest addition of its first 4K model – the BRC-X1000 – alongside the Full HD version, BRC-H800.
Similar to its peers in the BRC series, the all-new BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 are ideal for small-to-midsize production companies as a primary camera for local broadcast affiliates, cable TV operations, education, hospital and government applications, as well as live event recordings for houses of worship or weddings. It also serves as a key production element in large, advanced media production facilities that require the proven efficiencies which BRC remote-operated cameras can bring to the production workflow.
“The new flagship, BRC series, lays the foundation for practical, cost-effective 4K robotic PTZ applications,” said Riki Nishimura, General Manager, Business & Industrial Solutions Marketing Division, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “Sony’s all-new BRC-X1000 is ideal for end-to-end 4K production setups and definitely an excellent choice for ‘future-proofing’ by offering 4K for tomorrow, plus a variety of HD resolutions today, all in one camera.”
The new BRC cameras share much of what has made Sony’s HD BRC-H900 one of the most effective production tools available today. The ability to deliver extraordinary image quality and sensitivity that matches traditional manually-operated studio cameras is just the starting point. The heart of these new PTZ cameras is Sony’s 1.0 type back illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and image processing engine coupled with a 12x optical zoom Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. Clear Image Zoom capabilities to 24x in HD and 18x in 4K allow users to enlarge an image while retaining its original quality.
The BRC cameras’ high speed 60p HD mode can capture fast-paced subjects, which is extremely useful when shooting live sports. Future support for 24P1 will give professionals additional flexibility to use them as creative tools equipped with stunning bokeh for dramatic depth-of-field effects.
Sony’s latest easy-to-use BRC cameras combine imaging excellence with advanced intelligent capabilities, enabling a single camera operator to manage a multi-camera production. The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 presently support up to 16 position presets2, making it easy for an operator to transition seamlessly between multiple presenters speaking on stage, or smoothly track an individual walking mark-to-mark. More complex camera movements – gliding up, down and across from close-up to wide shots – can be preprogrammed with new control features such as PTZ Trace Memory and PTZ Motion Sync for added flexibility3. In addition, the zoom speed is adjustable manually.
Sony is also developing a new remote controller to allow more intuitive and sensitive operation, as well as a one-time IP setting for the cameras, planned to be available in 2017.
The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 include key features to ease integration for installers and broadcast engineers. These include:
• PoE+ Support (less cables)
• Genlock Support
• LAN – VISCA over IP Control
• RS422 Serial VISCA Support
• Dual link 3G-SDI x 2 (BRC-X1000), 3G-SDI x 2 (BRC-H800)
• HDMI
Easy to implement end-user software upgrades via IP will be made available as more features and functionality are added to the cameras.
Sony’s all-new BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 cameras are scheduled to be available in Asia Pacific from December 2016, with pricing to be announced.
1 Planned for 2017
2 Additional presets planned for future upgrades
3 Planned for 2017