Camera Corps reports ‘strong interest’ in RF Q-Ball
Registering a ‘very strong interest’ in its expanded range of ultra-compact, remotely-controlled television production equipment at the recent BVE show was UK-based company Camera Corps. Centre of attention was the RF Q-Ball wireless pan/tilt/zoom camera – a new addition to the Camera Corps rental fleet.
Camera Corps’ Q-Ball, Q-Ball Pre-Set and RF Q-Ball are ultra-compact remotely-controlled cameras with integral 10-times zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan/tilt motors. Housed in a robust 120 millimetre (4.5 inch) diameter aluminium sphere, each camera head has a 2 megapixel CMOS sensor and is capable of operating in daylight or infra-red illumination. The camera delivers 1080i/720p high definition or 625/525 standard definition at 50 or 59.94 Hz refresh rates.
RF Q-Ball enables up to 96 Q-Ball and/or MiniZoom cameras to be operated via a single data transmitter attached to a standard Camera Corps RCP remote control panel or Joystick panel. The entire system is waterproofed for use in all weather. Antennas can optionally be coupled via extension cables.
Reflecting on the BVE reception to RF Q-Ball, Camera Corps’ sales & project coordinator Dan Jarmany comments: “The original Q-Ball had a dramatic impact on television production when it was introduced at the 2009 NAB Show. It made remotely controlled broadcast production cameras easy to transport, install and operate, not just inside studios but outdoors in practically any climate. RF Q-Ball makes installation even easier as no cables are needed to carry guidance signals to the remote head or to bring the HD-SDI video and audio video back into the control room.
“BVE visitors very quickly picked up on the advantages RF Q-Ball provides. One example is outside broadcasting from major public venues where there are restrictions on attaching cable support fittings to the structural fabric of listed buildings. Another is in sports coverage where an additional camera is needed in a difficult location at short notice and the crew doesn’t have time to run cables over or under an arena or race-track.”
“BVE 2013 generated a very healthy level of new rental and sales leads,” adds Camera Corps’ equipment manager, Neil Ashworth. “Visitor numbers to our stand were higher than at IBC 2012 and the market is evidently much more buoyant now than during the weeks immediately after the 2012 London Olympics.”