UK new-gatherers take advantage of Sony NTSC SX camera

THE introduction of the US NTSC SX camera will greatly improve news agencies' ability to work closely with US networks.
The first production company to take delivery of the camera, Locum Productions based in London, made the decision as global news-gathering process generally was making greater use of this Sony technology.
According to Simon Cumbers, a cameraman with Locum, the camera SX is now the format of choice in international news-gathering. But the absence of NTSC SX gear in the UK has proved to be a problem when working with US networks such as CNN.
He said: "Up to now, we've had to hire ageing SP cameras. Many of these were in action in Afghanistan recently, and several have been badly affected by the dust. I doubt they'll see the light of day again."
The camera, a DNW-9WS, is also widescreen switchable and Locum are also pushing it as an affordable alternative on NTSC Digital Betacam shoots.
Mr Cumbers added: "It's a digital format and, with an SDI connection, it can be played into any NLE system for perfect compatibility with Digibeta." (GMcG)