Different Types of Television Cameras

 

Different Types of Television Cameras

Introduction

A television camera is an electronic imaging device used in television production to capture visual scenes and convert them into electrical or digital video signals suitable for live broadcasting or recorded transmission. It is designed to meet broadcast standards in terms of image resolution, color accuracy, frame rate, and signal stability, and is commonly used in studios, outdoor broadcasts, news gathering, and field productions.

In professional television systems, the camera functions as part of a camera chain, working in coordination with lenses, sensors, viewfinders, recording or transmission units, and control systems to ensure consistent and high-quality visual output for television audiences.

1. Studio Cameras

Studio cameras are professional-grade cameras permanently installed in television studios. They are typically large, robust systems mounted on pedestals and connected to external control units. These cameras are optimized for controlled environments where lighting, framing, and color consistency are carefully managed.

Studio cameras are widely used in news bulletins, talk shows, panel discussions, game shows, and multi-camera entertainment programs. Their major strength lies in their ability to deliver consistent image quality over long broadcast durations. Because they rely on continuous power and technical supervision, studio cameras are not intended for mobile or outdoor use.

Studio cameras are large, high-end cameras permanently installed in television studios.

Key Characteristics

• Mounted on pedestals or tripods
• Connected to a Camera Control Unit (CCU)
• Operated by a camera person with support from a vision engineer
• Designed for continuous power and long broadcasts

Common Uses

• News studios
• Talk shows
• Reality shows
• Multi-camera television productions

Advantages

• Exceptional image quality
• Precise color control and exposure
• Ideal for controlled lighting environments

2. Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Cameras

ENG cameras are designed specifically for news reporting and on-location journalism. They are portable, self-contained units that combine the camera body, lens, audio inputs, and recording system into a single device. These cameras are usually shoulder-mounted, allowing camera operators to move quickly in unpredictable environments.

ENG cameras are commonly used for breaking news, interviews, press coverage, and outdoor reporting. Their durability, fast setup time, and ability to operate on battery power make them indispensable for field-based television production. While compact, they still meet broadcast standards for image and sound quality.

ENG cameras are portable cameras used primarily for news and field reporting.

Key Characteristics

• Shoulder-mounted or handheld
• Battery-powered
• Built-in microphone and lens
• Quick setup and mobility

Common Uses

• News reporting
• Interviews
• Live outdoor broadcasts
• Breaking news coverage

Advantages

• High mobility
• Durable and weather-resistant
• Broadcast-quality output

3. Electronic Field Production (EFP) Cameras

EFP cameras are used for high-quality field productions that require better image control than ENG cameras but more flexibility than studio cameras. They are often employed in planned outdoor or semi-controlled environments where lighting and camera placement can be managed to some extent.

Typical applications include sports coverage, concerts, award shows, live events, and reality television productions. EFP cameras are frequently connected to outside broadcast (OB) vans and may use external lenses, audio mixers, and monitoring systems. They provide a balance between mobility and superior visual output.

EFP cameras are used for professional field productions that require higher quality than ENG.

Key Characteristics

• Similar size to ENG cameras but higher-end sensors
• Often used with tripods and external audio
• May connect to OB vans

Common Uses

• Sports coverage
• Concerts
• Live events
• Outdoor reality shows

Advantages

• Superior image quality
• Flexible for controlled and semi-controlled environments

4. Handheld and Prosumer Camcorders

Handheld camcorders, often referred to as prosumer cameras, are compact video cameras designed for independent producers, educational institutions, and small production teams. These cameras integrate the lens, sensor, and recording system into a lightweight body, making them easy to operate with minimal crew support.

They are widely used for documentaries, student projects, corporate videos, training films, and television features. Although they may not match the technical depth of studio or EFP cameras, modern prosumer camcorders offer high-definition or even ultra-high-definition recording, making them suitable for broadcast and online distribution.

Handheld camcorders bridge the gap between consumer and professional cameras.

Key Characteristics

• Compact and lightweight
• Integrated lens, sensor, and recording unit
• Often used by independent creators

Common Uses

• Documentaries
• Educational videos
• Student productions
• Corporate videos

Advantages

• Cost-effective
• Easy to operate
• Portable and versatile

5. DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras for Television Production

Originally developed for still photography, DSLR and mirrorless cameras have become increasingly popular in television and digital video production. Their large sensors and interchangeable lenses allow creators to achieve a cinematic visual style with shallow depth of field and strong low-light performance.

These cameras are commonly used in television commercials, music videos, web series, promotional content, and short-format programs. While they often require additional accessories for professional audio and stabilization, their affordability and visual flexibility have made them a valuable tool in modern television workflows.

Although originally designed for photography, DSLR and mirrorless cameras are widely used in television production today.

Key Characteristics

• Large sensors
• Interchangeable lenses
• Shallow depth of field

Common Uses

• Television commercials
• Web series
• Short films
• Music videos

Advantages

• Cinematic look
• Affordable compared to cinema cameras
• High low-light performance

6. PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

PTZ cameras are remotely controlled cameras capable of panning, tilting, and zooming without physical operators behind them. They are typically fixed in position and controlled through software, joysticks, or automated presets.

PTZ cameras are widely used in newsrooms, lecture halls, reality show sets, religious broadcasts, and live-streaming studios. Their key advantage is efficiency, as a single operator can manage multiple cameras simultaneously. This makes them especially useful in productions with limited crew or repetitive framing requirements.

PTZ cameras are remotely controlled cameras commonly used in automated setups.

Key Characteristics

• Motorized pan, tilt, and zoom
• Controlled via joystick or software
• Fixed installation

Common Uses

• Newsrooms
• Lecture halls
• Reality shows
• Live streaming

Advantages

• Requires fewer camera operators
• Consistent framing
• Ideal for multi-angle coverage

7. Action Cameras in Television Production

Action cameras are small, rugged cameras designed to capture footage in extreme or unconventional conditions. They are shock-resistant, lightweight, and often waterproof, allowing them to be mounted on helmets, vehicles, sports equipment, or confined spaces.

In television production, action cameras are frequently used for sports coverage, adventure programs, travel shows, and reality television. Although their image quality may be more limited compared to professional broadcast cameras, they offer unique perspectives that enhance visual storytelling.

Action cameras are small, rugged cameras designed for extreme conditions.

Key Characteristics

• Ultra-compact
• Wide-angle lenses
• Shockproof and waterproof

Common Uses

• Sports broadcasting
• Reality TV
• Travel shows
• POV shots

Advantages

• Unique perspectives
• Lightweight and durable
• Easy mounting options

8. Specialty Television Cameras

Specialty cameras are developed for specific technical or creative purposes within television production. These include high-speed cameras for slow-motion analysis, underwater cameras for marine and wildlife programs, thermal cameras for investigative reporting, and drone-mounted cameras for aerial cinematography.

Such cameras expand the visual language of television by enabling shots and perspectives that are not possible with conventional camera systems. They are commonly used in sports analysis, scientific programming, documentaries, and cinematic television productions.

These cameras serve specific technical or creative purposes.

Types Include

• High-speed cameras (slow motion)
• Underwater cameras
• Thermal/infrared cameras
• Drone-mounted cameras

Common Uses

• Sports analysis
• Wildlife documentaries
• Investigative journalism
• Aerial shots

Conclusion

• Television cameras are not one-size-fits-all devices; each type is engineered to serve particular production needs. 
• From large studio cameras ensuring consistency in controlled environments to portable ENG cameras capturing real-time events, the diversity of television cameras reflects the complexity of modern broadcasting. 
• As television continues to merge with digital and online platforms, the role of different camera types will continue to evolve, offering creators greater flexibility and creative freedom.
• A clear understanding of these camera categories enables media students and professionals to select appropriate tools, optimize production quality, and adapt effectively to varied broadcasting scenarios.