Why are TV Cameras still HUGE and expensive ?

Summary

This video explains why large, expensive broadcast camera setups are used instead of consumer cameras. The main reasons are: broadcast cameras need long zoom lenses to capture distant subjects; fast, variable zooms; exceptional focus capabilities; big apertures for low light; and motorized controls. The lenses, accessories and stabilized tripods add most of the weight and cost. Everything is designed for one-take live shooting where the camera must adapt to the environment, not vice versa. So while complex and costly, these systems maximize efficiency in capturing live action under tough conditions.

Takeaways

• 😲 The lens used in large TV broadcast cameras can cost 70 times more than the camera itself
• 🚀 These lenses need to have very long focal lengths to capture distant subjects
• 👀 They must support fast and smooth zooming so camera operators don't miss any action
• ⚙️ Motorized controls allow precise remote adjustments to focus, zoom, and aperture
• 🌄 Big lenses and cameras require extremely stable, heavy-duty tripods for support
• 🎥 The cameras have features like ND filters and color correction built right in
• 💪 Shoulder-mountable cameras maximize mobility while retaining stability
• 🎞️ Broadcast gear is designed to adapt to the filming environment with minimal retakes
• 🔭 The huge lenses and cameras capture as much of the event in one take as possible
• 💰 Renting all this specialized gear, like the lens and tripod, can get very expensive

Q & A

Why are broadcast camera setups so big and expensive compared to consumer cameras?

Broadcast camera setups need to have long focal length lenses to reach far away subjects, fast aperture for low light situations, powerful image stabilization for zooming, and motorized controls for precision focusing and zooming. These features require large, complex and expensive lens designs.

What features do broadcast cameras have that consumer cameras lack?

Broadcast cameras have internal ND filters for exposure control, internal camera control units for remote color correction, special fiber optic connectors for video transmission, multiple buttons for quick settings access, and a larger form factor for handheld shoulder operation stability.

Why can't broadcast productions use DSLR or mirrorless cameras?

Consumer cameras lack the long focal length lenses, image stabilization, motorized controls and robust connectivity needed for live broadcast environments where camera positions are fixed and lighting conditions are unpredictable.

How much did the lens used in the example setup cost relative to the camera?

The lens used cost 70 times more than the camera itself at over $200,000.

Why do broadcast setups require such heavy and stable tripods?

The total setup weight can exceed 100 lbs, so a very sturdy tripod is needed to support it without tipping over. The fluid tripod head also needs to dampen vibrations from the heavy setup.

Why can't the operator directly adjust focus and zoom on the lens during operation?

The extremely long focal lengths amplify even the slightest lens contact into disruptive image movement. So remote motorized control handles are used instead.

How does the camera have to adapt to the broadcasting environment?

The camera setup has to be flexible to handle any viewing angle and lighting condition with only one chance to capture the live action, compared to preset positions and redos in traditional video production.

What was the total cost of producing the demonstration video?

The creator rented the full camera gear setup and did not disclose the actual cost, but it was described as not very cheap. Blackmagic Design provided equipment as sponsorship.

What is the benefit of the camera having a larger form factor?

The larger camera body allows mounting it on the operator's shoulder for handheld stability, whereas smaller cameras would require accessory rigs for shoulder operation.

Are there more affordable broadcast camera packages available?

Yes, companies like Blackmagic Design offer broadcast camera packages costing around $3,000 without lenses and accessories.