2009Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Fiber optic transmission systems for cinema cameras in Steadicam applications
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A fiber optic system designed for Genesis and F35 cameras can weigh less than an XL package and is comparable to an Arri LT weight, making Steadicam work with these cameras more manageable
- Multi-mode fiber systems can transmit dual link 4:4:4 HD-SDI according to SMPTE 492 standard with full bi-directional paint control
- Systems that do not require return video and do not power the camera can be significantly less expensive than full-featured alternatives
- Off-speed recording through fiber requires separate recorder hardware like an SRW1 or Panavision SSR to handle frame rate metadata
- Fiber jumper costs can vary dramatically between systems, from $10 to around $1000 per unit
- Some fiber optic systems are not designed to dock to the camera to allow use across multiple camera types and in both 4:4:4 and 4:2:2 conditions
Depends on
- Limited comparison data on flexibility and durability of different fiber hose types between manufacturers
- Only a small number of the described systems were in active use at the time of discussion
- System cost figures for the custom-built option were not publicly disclosed
- Long-distance transmission capabilities and maximum cable run specifications not discussed