Production Crew Acquires 12 Ikegami UHK-X700 UNICAM-XE 4K-UHD Camera Systems

Production Crew, a division of Riyadh-based AFLAM Productions, has invested in 12 Ikegami UHK-X700 UNICAM-XE 4K-UHD camera systems for integration with a new 12G-SDI OB truck.

Each system includes the camera head plus a 7 inch LCD viewfinder, a BSX-100 base station, an OCP-300 operation control panel and a T-430 tripod mounting plate.

Designed and built by Dubai-based systems integrator El Baba Smart Technology, the vehicle is fully equipped to allow mastering of large-scale outdoor events in full broadcast quality 4K-UHD HDR.

"We have been using HDK-73 cameras in our studios for many years and are very pleased with their performance and reliability well as the technical support provided by Ikegami," commented Shady Mokdad, executive director of AFLAM Productions and managing director of Production Crew. "Our aim in choosing UHK-X700 cameras is to bridge the quality gap between broadcast and digital film.

"Pre-purchase tests confirmed the excellence of the UHK-X700 cameras in terms of optical and electronic performance, thanks in good measure to their three 2/3-inch CMOS 4K sensors which incorporate a global shutter to provide freedom from rolling-shutter distortion and flash-banding artifacts.

"From an electronics perspective, each UHK-X700 supports a wide range of high-grade video processing functions, including high dynamic range and wide color gamut as well as 16-axis color correction, within a space-efficient and power-efficient ASIC.

"The cameras inherit the robust build quality that we associate with Ikegami products, allowing confident operation outdoors as well as in studio environments. The UHK-X700 also includes features necessary to sustain our reputation for creative excellence, such as optical vignetting correction, remote backfocus adjustment, plus viewfinder-based focus-assist, safe-area markers and filter settings.

"Ease of operation is another major feature, especially important in today's world of multiple transmission formats and modes of delivery. The new vehicle is cabled to accommodate up to 16 camera systems if we need to expand our workflow."

"We are very pleased to be chosen as a technology partner in this high-profile project," added Asim Saeed, Ikegami business development manager. "4K-UHD continues to increase in popularity as the logical mastering format for productions with a potentially long commercial lifetime. The UHK-X700/BSX-100 combination chosen by AFLAM’s Production Crew team allows cameras to be securely linked up to 3 kilometres from their operating location, including power to the camera head. Simultaneous output in HD SDR and UHD HDR video formats is supported, including mixed sources. 4K-UHD video is available as a 12G-SDI feed directly from the camera head, enabling the UHK-X700 to be integrated into a wireless system."

UHK-X700 cameras are 3840 x 2160 RGB UHD-native and designed for use in pedestal or tripod mounted studio and OB applications as well as fully mobile electronic field production and newsgathering. Each UHK-X700 is uniformly balanced and has a low centre of gravity to ensure easy operation on a pedestal, tripod or shoulder. Optional high frame-rate capture at up to 2x speed in 4K or up to 8x speed in HD can be performed via the BSX-100 base station to allow slow-motion display of stadium or stage events.

Ikegami's OCP-300 controller supports Ikegami's conventional one-by-one ICCP and Ethernet based control. It includes a touchscreen LCD with rotary encoders plus a memory card slot for full camera setup and filing capability. The OCP-300 also supports PoE, powering over Ethernet, so separate power supplies are not necessary.

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