Camera Corps’ Q-Ball HD/SD robotic camera is capturing all of the antics of the hit series “I’m a Celebrity‚ Get Me Out Of Here,” which is being shot in the Costa Rican jungle. ITV Studios awarded the contract for the series to broadcast solutions company Gearhouse Broadcast, part of Gravity Media Group. Camera Corps provided point-of-view cameras, remote pan/tilt heads and camera controllers. The show is being transmitted in the United States by NBC and in the UK by ITV2.
Introduced at the 2009 NAB convention in April, the Q-Ball consists of a full dual-mode color camera, high-precision pan and tilt system, 10:1 zoom optics and infrared night-vision capability, all under full remote control. Pan and tilt can be operated at any speed from four seconds to 20 minutes per 360-degree rotation through an unlimited number of turns with no visible stepping. Integral low-noise motors allow the camera to be repositioned smoothly during live shooting rather than merely between shots.
Designed for fast exterior or interior rigging and derigging, the Q-Ball measures just 115mm in diameter and weighs 1.3kg, including mounting shaft. It can be operated at any angle. The camera incorporates a 1/3in 2 megapixel 16:9 CMOS sensor delivering 1080i/720p HD or 625/525 SD, both at 50 or 59.94Hz and in 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio.
The signal-to-noise ratio is >50 dB. Focus can be controlled manually or automatically. The Q-Ball interface delivers up to four channels of audio embedded into the SDI feed and is powered by 9V to 18V DC power supplies.