Here are the different types of television cameras available on the market:
ENG Cameras or Video Production Cameras
First, we have ENG (Electronic News Gathering) video cameras. Initially, these cameras were exclusively used by live news studios. However, they have now transcended as the dominant means of video production for most broadcasting uses, such as producing live events, shooting documentaries, music videos, and corporate training tapes.
Also known as broadcasting cameras or cinema cameras, these equipment are typically the most expensive camera types, ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000.
These cameras have a variety of high-end features. For example, some ENG cameras can record in frame rates of up to 240 fps, allowing you to capture the tiniest of detail. Others may allow the frame rate to be adjusted while recording. Further, some ENG cameras have advanced sensors that adapt to any lighting condition, accept various lenses, and do much more.
If you need a television camera that offers maximum configurability and utmost precision, an ENG camera will best suit your requirements.
Studio Cameras
These types of television cameras are placed on the floor, supported by pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms called pedestals. Typically, they are used within a studio.
These cameras can be placed on a tripod when used outside a formal broadcasting facility. So, there’s always a base that supports them. Studio cameras can further be of many types, but they all retain the following defining characteristics:
- They are lightweight, which signifies that you can easily take them off the pedestal.
- They are lens-flexible, which means their lens can be changed to a smaller size to be used handheld on a camera operator’s shoulder.
- They are cable-bound, which means they are not portable like a camcorder.
- They are equipped with a tally light, which is a small signal lamp that indicates that the camera is “live.”
- They can’t record.
EFP (Electronic Field Production) Cameras
EFP cameras are considerably similar to studio cameras in that they predominantly find their use in multiple camera-switched configurations. However, these television cameras are mainly used outside the studio environment.
For sports, concerts, and live news coverage of special events, EFP cameras are almost exclusively used. These cameras can be mounted on pedestals and cranes or kept on the camera person’s shoulder.
And again, similar to Studio Cameras, EFP Cameras have no recording ability. They only transmit signals to the broadcast facility via fiber optic cables, radiofrequency, or triaxial cables.
PTZ Cameras
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras are the types of television cameras that are implanted within a solid frame and operated remotely.
Having a flat base, PTZ cameras can be securely affixed to different surfaces, such as a table, ceiling, or tripod. These cameras are an outstanding choice for “set and forget” recording styles, where the filming locations or conditions are not frequently changed.
If you are looking for television broadcasting services, QES Malaysia is widely familiar with the various televisions made available! Contact them today to find out how they can provide you with the equipment or consultation you need.