Video cameras have come a long way in the past 10 years. PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) cameras are playing a larger role in secular events as well as the church market. These cameras are renowned for their low profile, and are small enough that they can be placed under a balcony, on a wall, or even on a tripod. But one of the largest advantages that reduces their size profile is the location of the operator. Unlike standard studio cameras, the operator for a PTZ does not have to be at the camera. In most circumstances, they don't need to be in the same room, or even the same building. By removing the human portion of the footprint, these cameras can be used in many locations discretely, which is a big advantage to an industry where not being a distraction is bread and butter.
Sony, a company known for its camera quality, has released a new camera into this market with the SRG-300SE. The camera began shipping a few months ago, and our review unit should be here any day. Look for a review article coming this fall. In the meantime, available information tells us there are a number of standout features on this camera that make it an interesting addition to the church market. The image-enhancing software and massive optical zoom make this PTZ a real competitor to the standard studio camera.
Optics/Picture quality
Traditionally, PTZs sacrifice image quality and zoom length for their small profile. When compared to cameras that have larger interchangeable lenses, typically the fixed lens PTZ is not going to be able to produce a comparable image or have the effective zoom length. Sony is looking to destroy that stereotype by putting a 30x optical zoom on the SRG-300SE, giving it the ability to get a very tight shot from across a large room. It also has a 12x digital zoom, giving the SRG-300SE an effective 42x zoom, which is a big selling point when compared to larger studio cameras that come standard with much less impressive 12x to 16x zoom lenses. Directors who are concerned about image quality will traditionally stay away from the digital zoom, mainly because unlike optical zoom, which uses the optics in the lens itself to enlarge the image, digital zoom is really cropping in on the image. This typically reduces the resolution too much to make output of the digital zoom effective.
One of the other main stereotypes about PTZ is the lower image quality. Sony is combating this by putting a 1/2.8-inch CMOS processor, along with software enhancements on the SRG-300SE. For example, both the View-DR Wide Dynamic Range Tool and XDRN (Excellent Dynamic Noise Reduction) software are designed to improve the image quality. The View-DR technology uses an electronic shutter to capture multiple images and reproduce each frame. One image is taken using a standard exposure time and either one or three images are taken using very short exposure times, functioning similar to HDR photography. Having this multiple image exposure allows the SRG-300SE to capture more dynamic range in its images. XDNR technology on the other hand, utilizes two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) noise reduction methods adaptively to scenes. This is useful under low-light conditions where XDNR technology can provide clearer images.
Interface
When reading the spec sheet about the SRG-300SE, it becomes clear that Sony is pushing this camera's ease of use --- meaning the interface is easy. This excites me because that means trained volunteers should be able to make this camera sing. The SRG-300SE also has some interesting options when it comes to control. It can be controlled via RS-422, Visca serial control, or through an IP-based computer interface, which supports up to 20 users.
The SRG-300SE outputs video resolutions 1080/59.94 (A/B), 50p (A/B), 29.97p, 25p, 1080/59.94i, 50i, and 720/59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p all over the 3G SDI output. There is also a simultaneous second output directly to web stream via H.264. The SRG-300SE is certified to work with Wowza Media Systems for simple and effective integration via Wowza Streaming Engine server software. This is a great option for small churches that can't afford expensive switchers and streaming tools to get their services on the web.
If you are in the market for a HD PTZ or are looking to reduce your technical footprint in your worship space, take a look at the Sony SGR-300SE. The 30x optical and 12x digital zoom mean this camera can still be functional from the very back of a large room. Add to that the image quality coming off the1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor and all the image quality enhancements like View-DR Wide Dynamic Range Tool and XDRN, and this camera should be capable of producing a quality image in even the toughest of environments. It's available in either black or white housing so it can blend into both contemporary black box or traditional worship environments.
