CONVERTIBLE CAMERA

Some of the more expensive ENG cameras maybe converted from an ENG format to a studio camera head with a large viewfinder and advanced zoom lens. In terms of practicality, the convertible camera is tough to beat because you can use the same camera for two distinct applications. For instance, you can use a convertible camera to cover the 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Navy Commissary, then connect it to a CCU in the control room for the evening news six hours later. Furthermore, the convertible camera is invaluable for remote productions requiring several cameras, such as sporting and entertainment events. A convertible camera is shown in figure 14-6.

CAMCORDER

Unlike the standard ENG camera, which must be connected to the videocassette recorder (VCR) with a cable, the camcorder (fig. 14-7) combines a camera and a videocassette in one unit. The camcorder weighs less than an ENG camera and may be operated by one person. This allows increased mobility in tight ENG situations.

Figure 14-6. - Convertible camera.

Figure 14-7. - Camcorder.