Sony Launches Ultra-Sensitive, Two-Piece Full HD Surgical Video Camera

January 29, 2019 – Sony’s latest surgical video camera sets new standards in low-light sensitivity. Available now, the MCC-1000MD is ideally suited for microsurgical applications including ophthalmology and neurology procedures. Built on Sony’s expertise and knowledge, accumulated over decades as a world leading supplier of high-quality broadcast and professional products, the MCC-1000MD features the latest generation image sensor technology offering outstanding low-light sensitivity, compared to traditional cameras on the market.

The two-piece camera’s light, space-saving design allows easy mounting of the separate C-mount head on most surgical microscopes in the operating room. The compact camera head combines 3 1/2 .8 inch-type Exmor R CMOS sensors with advanced image processing technology to give the MCC-1000MD a sensitivity of F20 plus an impressive 63dB signal-to-noise ratio. This allows the camera to capture crisply detailed progressively scanned video images with a horizontal resolution of over 1000 TV lines and minimal picture noise, even in very low light conditions.

Its class-leading sensitivity makes the MCC-1000MD ideal for procedures involving anatomical areas that are difficult to illuminate during intricate microsurgery, such as ophthalmic posterior surgical procedures involving the retina and optic nerve areas, and neurosurgical procedures.

Operating in High Dynamic Range mode with a compatible HDR monitor, the MCC-1000MD can capture surgical images with an expanded contrast range – ideal for viewing wet, glossy or heavily shadowed anatomical structures that are difficult to visualize accurately.

The camera offers a choice of six Picture Profile settings, optimized for various shooting conditions encountered in ophthalmic surgery. Other image-adjustment features include Auto Exposure, Knee and Digital Zoom plus Picture Flip and Genlock. A special fluorescein mode adjusts image hue and saturation for optimal results with ophthalmological examinations requiring the use of fluorescein dyes.

Generous signal connections include HDMI, HD-SDI (3G-SDI), S-Video and composite video, simplifying integration into virtually any SD or HD hospital workflow. All outputs are active simultaneously, allowing camera images to be displayed on a second or third monitor in the OR, if needed.

Video outputs from two MCC-1000MD units can be synchronized, allowing the capture of 3D high definition video images. These can be displayed on 3D surgical monitors such as Sony’s LMD-X310MT and LMD-X550MT, or stored for subsequent playback using the HVO-3300MT 3D medical recorder.

“The MCC-1000MD is a powerful demonstration of Sony’s advanced imaging capabilities, which are continuing to open exciting new workflow possibilities for surgeons in modern operating rooms,” says Brian Zimmer, senior marketing manager, Sony Healthcare Solutions. “Limitations of conventional surgical camera systems have traditionally meant a trade-off between image quality and sensitivity, which restricted their effective use in low-light applications. The MCC-1000MD delivers on both these performance vectors and will greatly enhance doctors’ capabilities for ophthalmic and neurosurgery applications.”

The MCC-1000MD is planned to be available in February. For more information, visit pro.sony.