Figure 14-5.—E1ectronic news gathering (ENG) camera.
(CCU), usually located in the control room. The CCU
consists of a waveform monitor (an oscilloscope that
displays a video signal graphically), television monitor
and shading control.
Studio cameras are expensive, ranging in price from
under ,000 to more than 0,000. However, the more
expensive cameras deliver high-quality images in a variety
of production conditions.
ENG CAMERA
The electronic news gathering (ENG) video camera
replaced 16mm motion-picture film for television news in
the mid-1970s. The ENG cameras are automated and fully
operational within a few seconds after they are switched
on. You can make adjustments to extreme production
situations quickly and easily.
Most ENG cameras weigh between six and 20
pounds, depending on the number of pickup tubes inside
the camera. They are powered by batteries, but you may
also run them from AC current using an adapter. An ENG
camera is shown in figure 14-5.
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.
14-4
