The BBC‘s Natural History Unit has chosen Camera Corps to provide remote camera systems for the seventh Springwatch series of wildlife programs. A combination of Q-Ball robotic heads and MiniZoom cameras are being used to provide close-up high-definition images of wildlife under daylight and infra-red-illuminated conditions. The show is being shot at nature reserve in Wales.
Remotely controlled equipment is ideal for obtaining close-up wildlife video. Q-Ball combines an HD/SD camera, 10x optical zoom plus a variable speed pan and tilt mechanism sealed inside in a weatherproofed housing. Its positioning motors can be operated over a very wide speed range with gradual acceleration if required.
Camera Corps’ HD MiniZoom is an ultra-compact camera incorporating a 1/3 inch 2 megapixel 16:9 CMOS sensor delivering 1080i/720p HD or 625/525 SD, both at 50 or 59.94 Hz and in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. Focus can be controlled manually or automatically.
A development of the HD MiniZoom, Q-Ball incorporates a built in 10x zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan/tilt motors in a 115 mm diameter machined-aluminum sphere. A 37 mm thread 0.7x wide-angle lens adapter is optionally available. Master black level and color saturation controls allow color matching with other HD/SD cameras. Q-Ball is fully compatible with all existing Camera Corps robotic control systems and CCU panels. Up to four SDI-embedded audio channels are available to accommodate stereo microphones. Up to 96 Q-Ball cameras can be operated under full remote control from a single Camera Corps Multi Camera Keypad. Q-Ball weighs 1.3 kg including mounting shaft and can be operated at any angle. The camera interface operates from 9 to 18 V DC power supply.
