Grass Valley is introducing the LDX 180. “The first oversampled large imager camera designed specifically for live production workflows.” The new camera is equipped with an S35 global shutter CMOS imager, designed to bring the artistry of cinematic storytelling into fast-paced live production environments and deliver “true cinematic depth of field with all the speed and precision of a broadcast camera.”
Built on the industry leading LDX 100 Series camera platform and with a brand-new Grass Valley-developed imager and Creative Grading, the LDX 180 seamlessly integrates with existing LDX Series cameras such as the LDX 135 and LDX 150 to ensure consistent colorimetry, shared transmission, and a unified visual language within a single production. The camera is making its global debut at NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas (booth N506) alongside the latest developments in the LDX Series.
“For the first time, sports, concerts and live events can be captured with a whole new layer of emotion, revealing the drama and intrigue behind every moment,” the announcement states. “The LDX 180 enables productions to blend shallow depth of field cinematic shots with wide tactical 2/3” perspectives to capture every layer of the story with one suite of cameras.”
It also works seamlessly with XCU and NativeIP to provide options ranging from SDI to SMPTE ST 2110, fitting directly into existing live production workflows, designed to eliminate additional integration complexity and reduce setup time.
“The LDX 180 is the only large imager camera that delivers cinematic storytelling without compromising speed, connectivity, or workflow integration,” explains Paul de Bresser, Product Manager for Cameras at Grass Valley. “This is not just another retrofitted cinematic camera, the LDX 180 has been purpose-built for the realities of live workflows, bringing greater emotional depth to live productions and enabling broadcasters to unlock new capabilities in cinematic storytelling for sports, concerts, and drama productions.”
The camera incorporates Grass Valley’s in-house developed Xenios CMOS imager which offers oversampled UHD resolution for cinematic depth of field, while integration with Creative Grading allows for the impact of every shading adjustment to be seen in real time with graphical controls. Built on Grass Valley’s Emmy-award winning technology innovation and purpose-built for live production environments, the LDX 180 is designed for full cinematic productions using multiple LDX 180 cameras, or within hybrid productions utilizing a mix of LDX 135, 150, and 180 systems for a seamless combination of cinematic and broadcast visuals.
For hybrid productions such as live sports and concerts, the combination of LDX cameras allows for a blend of wide shots for tactics or crowd coverage using the LDX 110/135/150, with the LDX 180 providing the filmic emotional player reactions or singer close-ups. For full cinematic environments such as drama productions, deploying multiple LDX 180s uniquely enables big-screen depth of field quality while maintaining fast live production workflows.
“Live productions can now capture depth, intensity, and connection in a way that was previously impossible,” de Bresser adds. “The LDX 180 continues Grass Valley’s legacy of propelling the industry forward with award-winning innovations that are redefining visual storytelling, and at NAB Show we are showcasing how our game-changing solutions are leading the media revolution, and redefining what’s possible in live production.”
Visitors to NAB Show will have the opportunity to experience the new LDX 180 and the latest LDX Series advancements on booth #N506, April 6-9.
