Sony Electronics’ new HDC-F5500 Super 35mm system camera is being used to wow sports fans. They’re enjoying an elevated and expressive presentation of their favorite sports.
The new imaging technology provides shallow depth of the field to heighten the passion. And, it can provide cinematic looks of the action on and off the diamond baseball and football field.
Some of the highlights of the new HDC-F5500 camera system include the following:
- a highly sensitive Super 35mm
Image courtesy of Sony Electronics.
- a 4K CMOS global shutter image sensor that enables lush images with several available color gamuts, as well as use of PL mount 35mm lenses
- a high frame rate capability of up to 120fps, making it a valuable tool for sports production
- a motorized 8-step ND filter that allows for the precise selection of focus depth and that works with a flexible shutter system for capture of fast-moving subjects
The HDC-F5500 also produces stunning pictures in all instances, whether in bright lighting or during night games.
In its broadcast debut, the Sony HDC-F5500 camera was used during FOX’s coverage of baseball’s American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros. The camera was equipped with a long box lens and positioned behind the first base dugout during games 3, 4, and 5 of the Championship Series.
CBS employed the HDC-F5500 during the recent football game between the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The camera captured Tom Brady’s 600th career touchdown pass. It was used throughout the game in a handheld configuration on the near sideline, as well as in a live application. Thus, it provided an engaging cinematic look.
ESPN also incorporated the system camera into the “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants. Then, the camera was integrated into the key sideline cart position. According to Sony, the content captured with the HDC-F5500 transformed the look and immersivity of several plays during the game. It also integrated smoothly with additional Sony HDC-series cameras used during the broadcast.
“The HDC-F5500 camera was designed specifically for live event production, with feedback from the industry. So, it’s fitting that its first public uses allowed it to capture some of the most anticipated sporting and broadcast events of the year,” said John Studdert, vice president of media solutions at Sony Electronics.
FOX Sports’ VP field operations and engineering, Brad Cheney, also attested that the images captured by the camera matched the tone and quality of the main broadcast.
“With the implementation of the HDC-F5500 [camera], FOX, CBS and ESPN continue their commitment to amplifying audience engagement through artistic and innovative uses of technology. The emotion and competition of these games were elevated by the camera’s cinematic storytelling abilities,” Studdert concluded.
