Weighty Matters: Tv Cameras And Their Heft

TV cameras are notoriously heavy and expensive. The bulk and cost are often attributed to the camera itself, but in reality, it's the extras that are bolted on that add the most weight and expense. The camera lens, for example, can cost upwards of $200,000 and weigh several pounds. The tripod and fluid head can also add significant weight and cost to the setup, with some setups costing around $20,000. Other components like remote control handles, lens adapters, monitors, and fibre optic transmission modules can also tack on a few extra pounds and thousands of dollars. All in all, a typical TV camera setup can cost around $250,000 and weigh anywhere from 15 to 100 pounds.

The weight of a TV camera setup depends on the lens used

Prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length, typically weigh between 200-800 grams (0.44-1.76 pounds). On the other hand, zoom lenses, which offer variable focal lengths, can range from 500 grams to 2.5 kilograms (1.1-5.5 pounds) or more. The weight of the lens is an important consideration for photographers, as a heavy setup can lead to discomfort during long shoots or travel.

The high weight of broadcast camera lenses is due to the numerous features and capabilities they offer. These lenses are designed to cover a massive focal range, have a wide maximum aperture, be parfocal, provide image stabilization, and include powerful and accurate motors for aperture, zoom, and focus control. Additionally, they often have a large number of glass lens elements, which contribute to their weight.

The weight of the lens also has an impact on the choice of camera body. A lens that is too heavy for a small and light camera body can strain the lens mount and body, affecting stability and potentially causing damage over time. Therefore, it is essential to consider the weight of the lens when setting up a TV camera to ensure the equipment is properly balanced and stable.

A typical broadcast handheld rig weighs 15 lbs, but this varies

The weight of a TV camera varies depending on the type of camera and the specific components attached to it. A typical broadcast handheld rig weighs around 15 lbs, but this can differ based on the lens and other accessories included in the setup.

The weight of a camera setup is influenced by the size and weight of the lens, which is often the heaviest and most expensive component. In a broadcast setup, the lens needs to be versatile and adaptable to different environments, contributing to its size and weight. Other factors that affect the overall weight include the camera body, tripod, remote control handles, lens adapter, monitor, and fibre optic transmission module.

The weight of a camera can range from a simple setup with a minimal number of accessories to a complex arrangement with multiple components. For example, a camera with an optimo 12-1 lens can weigh over 30 lbs, while a hard camera setup can weigh around 70-100 lbs. On the other hand, a lightweight camera like the Red DSMC2 weighs about 8 lbs with a Zeiss Prime lens and battery.

The Arri Amira camera's weight can vary from 18 lbs to 25 lbs depending on the configuration. Similarly, the F55 with the RAW recorder can weigh around 18-25 lbs. Lenses also play a significant role in the overall weight, with some weighing as little as 4 lbs and others much heavier.

It's important to note that the weight of a camera setup is not just about the camera itself but also the accessories and lenses attached to it. The weight can be adjusted by adding or removing components to suit the specific needs of the filming environment.

Camera weight is important for mobility and hand-holding

The weight of a camera setup is a crucial factor in ensuring mobility and ease of hand-holding. A typical broadcast handheld rig weighs around 15 lbs, including the lens, while an Arri Amira can range from 18 to 25 lbs. For handheld work, it is essential to strip down the setup to make it as lightweight as possible, often opting for lighter lenses to improve mobility without compromising stability.

The weight of a camera can significantly impact its stability, with heavier cameras providing more stability. Handheld rigs are typically no less than 20 lbs to ensure sufficient stability for smooth and controlled shots. While weight can be a factor in stability, it is important to strike a balance between weight and mobility to avoid cumbersome setups that hinder dynamic filming.

The camera lens plays a significant role in the overall weight of the setup. Lenses can vary widely in weight, from 4 lbs for smaller lenses to much heavier options for large zoom lenses. The choice of lens can significantly influence the overall weight of the camera setup, impacting both its mobility and stability.

While camera weight is essential for mobility and hand-holding, it is also crucial to consider the trade-offs. Heavier cameras may provide improved stability, but they can also be more challenging to manoeuvre and carry for extended periods. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance between weight, stability, and mobility to suit the specific filming requirements.

Heavy cameras are more stable, which is important for handheld work

The weight of TV cameras is largely due to their massive lenses, which can cost upwards of $200,000. These lenses are heavy because they are packed with features that allow them to adapt to almost any environment.

The stability provided by heavier cameras is particularly beneficial when using long lenses. In-lens stabilisation, or optical stabilisation, has traditionally been the most common type of stabilisation for DSLRs. This technology works by moving the glass elements within the lens to counteract camera movement. Sensors inside the lens detect how the camera is moving and adjust the elements accordingly. Longer lenses often require this type of stabilisation, as in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) may not be as effective for these focal lengths.

Additionally, heavier tripods provide greater stability for cameras. A heavier tripod lowers the centre of gravity, making it less likely to topple over. Heavier tripods also tend to have a sturdier construction, further contributing to their stability.

While heavy cameras offer advantages in terms of stability, it is important to consider the trade-offs. Heavier cameras can be more tiring to hold for extended periods, especially without a support system. This is where stabilisation rigs come into play, providing additional support for the operator and helping to reduce fatigue.

The Fujinon 4K UHD 8.4-900mm f/1.7 4K lens weighs 212,000 lbs

Television studio cameras are significantly larger than DSLR photography setups and most cinematography rigs. The Fujinon 4K UHD 8.4-900mm f/1.7 4K lens weighs 212,000 lbs and costs $212,000, making up the majority of the cost and weight of a broadcast setup.

The Fujinon 4K UHD 8.4-900mm f/1.7 4K lens is a box-style field lens with a high 107x zoom range and 4K optical-quality imaging. The lens has an 8.4-900mm zoom with a 16.8-1800mm range when using the built-in 2x extender. Its OS-TECH optical image stabilization is designed to produce steady shots, even at long ranges, and can be switched on and off. The lens features aspherical elements, a multi-layer lens coating, and extra-low dispersion glass to help produce an optimal image.

The Fujinon 4K UHD 8.4-900mm f/1.7 4K lens has a 9-blade iris for attractive bokeh and natural-looking bright objects. It achieves crisp, high-resolution images with detailed contrast levels, HDR (high dynamic range), and true blacks through the use of optical simulation technologies, extra-low dispersion glass, minimization of aberrations, and advanced HT-EBC lens coating. The lens also includes the QUICK ZOOM feature, which allows the operator to quickly zoom in to check focus and then zoom back out to the original frame.

The Fujinon 4K UHD 8.4-900mm f/1.7 4K lens is designed for 4K HDR shooting in various scenes, such as relay broadcasting of sports and live broadcasting of concerts. Its floating focus system controls multiple lens groups according to the shooting distance, enabling high-resolution images across the entire zoom range. The lens is also equipped with an optical image stabilizer to correct vibrations and produce stable images.

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