Production Crew invests in Ikegami UHK-X700 cameras for new OB truck
Production Crew, a division of Riyadh-based AFLAM Productions, has upgraded its broadcast capabilities with the acquisition of 12 Ikegami UHK-X700 UNICAM-XE 4K-UHD camera systems. These cameras will be integrated into the company's newly designed 12G-SDI outside broadcast (OB) truck, ensuring high-quality 4K-UHD HDR production for live events. Each system includes the camera head, a 7-inch LCD viewfinder, BSX-100 base station, OCP-300 operation control panel and a T-430 tripod mounting plate.
The OB truck, designed and built by Dubai-based El Baba Smart Technology, is fully equipped to handle large-scale outdoor events at full broadcast quality.
Shady Mokdad, executive director of AFLAM Productions and managing director of Production Crew, said: 'We have been using HDK-73 cameras in our studios for many years and are very pleased with their performance and reliability as well as the technical support provided by Ikegami. Our aim in choosing UHK-X700 cameras is to bridge the quality gap between broadcast and digital film.
'Pre-purchase tests confirmed the excellence of the UHK-X700 cameras in terms of optical and electronic performance, thanks in good measure to their three 2/3-inch CMOS 4K sensors which incorporate a global shutter to provide freedom from rolling-shutter distortion and flash-banding artifacts.
'From an electronics perspective, each UHK-X700 supports a wide range of high-grade video processing functions, including high dynamic range and wide colour gamut as well as 16-axis colour correction, within a space-efficient and power-efficient ASIC.
'The cameras inherit the robust build quality that we associate with Ikegami products, allowing confident operation outdoors as well as in studio environments. The UHK-X700 also includes features necessary to sustain our reputation for creative excellence, such as optical vignetting correction, remote back focus adjustment, plus viewfinder-based focus-assist, safe-area markers and filter settings.'
Mokdad added: 'Ease of operation is another major feature, especially important in today's world of multiple transmission formats and modes of delivery. The new vehicle is cabled to accommodate up to 16 camera systems if we need to expand our workflow.'
Asim Saeed, Business Development Manager, Ikegami, commented: 'We are very pleased to be chosen as a technology partner in this high-profile project. 4K-UHD continues to increase in popularity as the logical mastering format for productions with a potentially long commercial lifetime. The UHK-X700/BSX-100 combination chosen by AFLAM's Production Crew team allows cameras to be securely linked up to 3 kilometres from their operating location, including the power to the camera head. Simultaneous output in HD SDR and UHD HDR video formats is supported, including mixed sources. 4K-UHD video is available as a 12G-SDI feed directly from the camera head, enabling the UHK-X700 to be integrated into a wireless system.'
The UHK-X700 cameras, designed for studio, OB and electronic field production, feature a low centre of gravity for seamless operation on pedestals, tripods, or shoulder mounts. They also offer high frame-rate capture, supporting 2x speed in 4K and up to 8x speed in HD for slow-motion coverage of live events.
The Ikegami OCP-300 controller enhances workflow efficiency, providing touchscreen LCD controls, rotary encoders, and PoE (Power over Ethernet) support. Its memory card slot enables quick and seamless camera setup, ensuring a streamlined production process.
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