Camera Corps Robotic Heads Chosen For TV Nature Programme

The BBC Natural History Unit has chosen Camera Corps to provide remote camera systems for the seventh Springwatch series of wildlife programmes which commenced May 30.
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.
Springwatch is the largest annual outside broadcast production and this year centres on the RSPB's Ynys-hir nature reserve near Machynlleth, mid 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. Signal-to-noise ratio is >50 dB. 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-aluminium sphere. A 37 mm thread 0.7x wide-angle lens adapter is optionally available. Master black level and colour saturation controls allow colour 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.
(KMcA/GK)