Bexel Develops Compact POV Camera for HFR Live Production
The new Clarity 800 is the first model in Bexel’s new family of cameras targeting the POV market with HFR image capture.
Bexel’s Global Broadcast Solutions division has unveiled a miniature, high-frame-rate (HFR) camera for live production that, due to its size, can be mounted in a myriad of places while capturing steady and smooth real-time images; in both standard rates and HFR (up to 480 fps in HD). The new Clarity 800 is the first model in Bexel’s new family of cameras targeting the POV market. Future camera models for both HD and 4K (UHD), using the same system design, will be introduced later this year.
With its vast experience in live production, Bexel has recognized a need for such a small camera—only 4.7 inches high, 2.56 inches wide, and 1 inch thick—in HFR projects, for applications like sports and event production. It has announced two different models, one for HD (up to 8x at 480 fps), and the second for 4K (UHD, up to 2x at 120 fps), with the Clarity 800-HD the first to be delivered. The camera uses a 4K 7mp Micro 4/3-inch CMOS imager and 1080p HD signal processing.
“Our own experiences supporting customers' demanding production requirements — from the court to the ice — revealed there was a strong market demand for a high-speed camera with real-time processing,” said Edd Bonner, vice president of engineering and operations, Bexel. “We also identified growing demand for HFR, and a complete gap in the market for a POV camera with real-time processing optimized for live sports. The Clarity 800 will be a real game-changer for our industry, allowing for HFR to be easily used in any application.”
Bonner said that the Clarity 800 easily integrates into a live event ecosystem, operating as a broadcast camera system with real-time processing via fiber optics and integration with industry-standard video servers. Features include a full-function camera remote control panel (RCP) for paint control of the camera and a positive-lock lens mount with lens control of focus, iris, and zoom motors.
“A robust and affordable camera of this size and with these features is highly desirable in the environments in which we operate,” said Tom Dickinson, chief technology officer, Bexel. “HFR for HD video will continue to expand, and broadcasters need to be ahead of viewer demand for the latest formats.”
The Clarity 800 camera is available for rent exclusively through Bexel and Camera Corps, which has an expansive global footprint spanning the Americas and Europe. More information about the Clarity 800 and other Bexel products and services is available here.
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