Camera Corps Qx robotic camera to take centre stage at BVE 2018

A highlight of the Camera Corps exhibit on the Vitec Group stand will be the latest upgrade to the Q-Ball miniature robotic pan/tilt/zoom/focus camera. Previewed at NAB New York in October and now being introduced for rental or purchase, the Qx incorporates the strengths of its predecessors plus a more advanced camera module.

The new Qx retains the spherical shape and compact dimensions which made the Q3 exceptionally easy to mount and to conceal from other cameras. A superior 2.1 megapixel 1/3-inch CMOS Full HD sensor delivers 1080p60, 1080p50, 1080i and 720p via HD-SDI. Other new features include finer iris control (increased from 101 to 256 steps between closed and F1.6), and finer black level control (increased from 127 to 200 steps). Among other improvements are enhanced 18:1 zoom optics within the camera head plus ITU Rec. 709 HD gamma correction.

“Qx is a worthy successor to the Q-Ball which took the broadcast market by storm when introduced in 2009, and to the Q3 which followed in 2014,” says Camera Corps’ Barry Parker.

“The Qx delivers higher video quality, giving producers the freedom to mix the output more easily with that of full-size studio and OB cameras. The camera has a shutter with a speed range of 1/4 to 1/8,000 second. Imaging sensitivity is F5.6 at 2,000 lux and the minimum illumination level at F1.6 is 1.5 lux. Enhanced IR capability allows live video capture in zero visible light conditions using infra-red illumination.

“Additional features include automatic exposure, auto white balance, colour correction, edge enhancement, noise reduction and gamma control. A genlock input allows easy synchronisation with other equipment.

“Existing Q3 heads can be factory-upgraded to the full Qx specification, enabling our customers to extend the life cycle of their cameras and secure the greatest possible return on investment.”

Fully compatible with all existing Camera Corps control systems, the Qx robotic pan/tilt/zoom/focus head can be rigged with just a single cable to the head. Over 100 Qx heads can be operated from a single Camera Corps joystick panel. The controller can be programmed easily by the operator.

Camera Corps will also be showing other equipment such as the latest version of its Meerkat camera and the ‘Simply SMPTE’ hybrid electro-optical link which allows secure operation of all cameras across distances of 5 kilometres or more.