Ikegami Announces UHK-430 4K/HD Portable Camera System

Ikegami has chosen CABSAT 2016 to launch its new UHK-430 4K/HD portable camera system.

First in Ikegami's next-generation Unicam XE series, the UHK-430 employs three newly-developed 4K-native 2/3 inch CMOS sensors which provide full 3840 x 2160 ultra-high definition resolution plus the depth of field required for studio and outdoor production. The camera is equipped with a B4 bayonet mount compatible with 2/3 inch HD lenses. An optional SE-U430 expander accommodates large studio or OB lenses.

Two piece construction allows the UHK-430's sensor and lens head to be detached as a compact unit for easy deployment on a support devices such as long-reach manually-controlled camera poles. In this mode, the head can be operated up to 50 metres from the camera body. The head can also be replaced by other assemblies such as a Super 35mm large-sensor front-end. This will be compatible with Positive Lock lenses. Camera heads for special applications will become available as part of the UHK-430 product range, including a high frame-rate version.

Additional features include 12G and IP CCU outputs and a new Ikegami processor which allows 40 gigabit/s uncompressed baseband video transmission.

Commenting on the launch, Masanori Kondo, President of Ikegami Europe, said: "The UHK-430 is one of the most important additions to our product range in recent years. It allows very high quality UHD and wide dynamic range production while at the same time interfacing easily with current HD systems. The high frame-rate option will be particularly appreciated by OB production companies as it provides easy access to slow-motion effects both for sports and stage-event coverage.

"In its standard form, the UHK-430 weighs just 4.5 kg and comes with a 2 inch viewfinder and portable lens. Dimensions are 149 mm wide x 243 mm high x 340 mm front-to-back. The camera's integral B4 bayonet mount allows direct docking with conventional 2/3 inch HD lenses. 4K content can be produced for demanding applications such as live remote, sports or events just as easily as for conventional HD programmes.

"The new processor enables the UHK-430 to deliver a wide range of features including a 16-axis colour matrix and focus-assist for 4K and HD video modes. BT.2020 extended colour space specification is supported in 4K mode. BT. 709 colour space is supported in HD modes and can also be switched in during 4K operation. The processor also contributes to low power consumption."

Designed for use with the UHK-430, the compact 3U 18.5 kg model CCU-430 camera control unit supports easy migration from HD to 4K live production. Features include switchable 4 x 3G-SDI 4K output as well as HD output. An optional plug-in board makes 4K video, HD video, and HD cutout from 4K available simultaneously. 12G-SDI and Video over IP interfaces will be introduced in the coming months. Also being introduced is the SE-U430 system expander which will allow the use of studio viewfinder and large studio lens with digital interface on Unicam XE series cameras.
 
A built-in 40 gigabits per second optical transceiver enables full bandwidth 4K resolution signal transmission between camera and CCU. Uncompressed RGB 4:4:4 signals allow very high quality chroma keying. Dual HD outputs are provided for teleprompt and talent monitor plus return video lines from studio to viewfinder. The camera also has a Gigabit Ethernet data port to allow networked control.

Also integral to the camera is Ikegami's newly developed iLog which can be used to achieve high contrast to handle wide dynamic range. Based on logarithmic gamma processing, it allows more image information to be retained for greater headroom and colour grading.

The UHK-430 will be demonstrated on the Ikegami stand (B1-40) at CABSAT 2016 in the Dubai World Trade Centre, March 8-10.

ikegami.eu