Latin America. Sony is expanding its BRC series of PTZ robotic cameras with the addition of its first 4K model: the BRC-X1000 camera, ideal for small and medium-sized production companies, educational, hospital and government applications, and for recording live events for religious temples or weddings.
In addition, it acts as a key element in advanced media production facilities that require the proven efficiencies that remotely operated BRC cameras bring to the production flow.
A Full HD version, the BRC-H800 camera, with a single Exmor R CMOS sensor will also be available.
"This new and iconic model from our BRC line lays the foundation for practical and cost-effective 4K PTZ robotic applications," said Claudius Bezerra, Sony Product Manager. "The BRC-X1000 is ideal for comprehensive 4K production setups and an excellent choice for 'future guarantee' as it offers 4K for tomorrow, plus today's different HD resolutions, all in one camera."
The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 cameras share much of what Sony's BRC-H900 HD camera has done, one of the most effective production tools on the market today. The ability to deliver outstanding image quality and sensitivity similar to that of traditional manual studio cameras is just the starting point.
The heart of these new cameras is the 1.0" backlit Exmor R CMOS sensor and Sony's image processor, combined with a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom. Clear Image Zoom's capabilities of up to 24x in HD and up to 18x in 4K allow users to enlarge an image while retaining its original quality.
The cameras' high-speed HD 60p mode can capture fast-moving subjects, which comes in handy when filming live sports. Future 24P support (planned for 2017) will give professionals greater flexibility to use cameras as a creative tool with a spectacular "bokeh" effect that allows for incredible depth-of-field effects.
The new easy-to-use BRC cameras combine imaging excellence with advanced intelligent capabilities, allowing a single camera operator to control multi-camera production. Currently, the BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 cameras support up to 16 default positions (it is planned to incorporate more default positions in future updates), making it easier for the operator to seamlessly move from one speaker to another in presentations on stage or smoothly follow a presenter who walks from one brand to another. More complex camera movements (up, down, and transverse swipes from close-ups to shots from afar) can be pre-programmed thanks to new control features such as PTZ Trace Memory and PTZ Motion Sync, which provide greater flexibility (planned for 2017). In addition, the zoom speed is regulated manually.
Sony is also developing a new remote controller that will offer more intuitive and responsive operation, and one-time IP configuration, which is planned for release in 2017.
The BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 cameras include key features that facilitate integration for installers and engineers in the transmission area. These include:
• PoE+ support (fewer cables)
• Genlock compatibility
• LAN control - VISCA over IP
• Support for VISCA RS422 Series
• Dual 3G-SDI x 2 (BRC-X1000), 3G-SDI x 2 (BRC-H800)
• HDMI
Easy-to-deploy over IP end-user software updates will be released as features are added to the cameras.
The launch of the BRC-X1000 and BRC-H800 cameras is scheduled for December 2016. Subsequently, the respective prices will be announced.
