Recent Sony models in the company's HXC studio video camera lineup are the HXC-FB80 and HXCU-FB80 CCU (camera control unit). The HXC line is Sony's more affordable studio camera lineup for those where the HDC series is out of reach.
While being an HD camera, the CCU provides an upscaling function for the camera’s 1080p output, enabling a UHD signal from the camera and CCU package. This would be beneficial for churches installing a UHD or 4K video infrastructure and switching system, but that are holding off on investing in UHD broadcast studio cameras, enabling the HD camera package to work in the UHD infrastructure.
While being an HD camera, the CCU provides an upscaling function for the camera’s 1080p output, enabling a UHD signal from the camera and CCU package.
HD output is provided through a 3G-SDI connection. The UHD output from the CCU is achieved through either a 12G-SDI or quad 3G-SDI connection.
Sony reports the camera to have a signal-to-noise ratio of -60 dB and high light sensitivity, making it good for low-light shooting. And for wider dynamic range, Sony intends to add a Hybrid Log-Gamma via a free firmware update in 2018. This may make it especially useful for churches that desire to keep their stage lighting more targeted towards those attending in person and less on the needs of a video broadcast.
It’s available as a camera body-only configuration or in two configurations that include an HD lens.
The camera sensors are three 2/3-inch CMOS sensors and provide a 59.94Hz progressive image at 1920x1080.
The camera sensors are three 2/3-inch CMOS sensors and provide a 59.94Hz progressive image at 1920x1080. It’s not mentioned in Sony’s announcement if the camera uses a rolling shutter or global shutter—a global shutter eliminates the warping effect that a rolling shutter imparts to fast-moving objects.
The camera has a built-in ND filter that’s positioned via a servo motor, making it capable of being remotely controlled via the CCU.
Using fiber optic cable, the distance between the video camera and the CCU can be up to 1,970 feet, and extendable to 3,280 feet.
In addition to being controlled by the CCU front panel, the camera can also be controlled remotely via Sony’s HZC-RCP5 PC software as well.
The HXC-FB80 camera and HXCU-FB80 camera control unit were planned for release in January 2018. Sony exhibited the new system at the NAB Show New York in October 2017.
The HXC-FB80 camera and it’s CCU are expected to be available in January of 2018. Pricing has not been announced as of yet, but their current model in this product line, the HXC-FB75, retails for about $20,000 online for the camera body without a lens.
The VXC-FB80 sounds as though it has a number of desireable features for a serious studio camera, and could be a benefit for a church with a large-scale IMAG system or broadcast system in place.
