Russ Walker, Director – Strategic Planning for Marshall Electronics just sent me a press release about a new $499 Broadcast Quality HDSDI mini camera. Sounds like GoPro has inspired Marshall to step into the small camera market. What Marshall has done is bring with them the years of broadcast experience into the mix. I am contacting Russ right after this is posted about getting two to test for a hands on review.
Marshall Develops Low Cost “Palm Size” Broadcast HDSDI CameraThe CV500-MB is a low cost 1080i/59.94 solution for all types of compact Broadcast applications.El Segundo, Calif., December 20, 2013 – Marshall Electronics presents its new CV500-MB HD-SDI Miniature Camera providing full HD 1920x1080i/59.94 video for filming all types of Broadcast applications such as Reality TV, Extreme Sports, Documentaries, Stunt Filming, Hidden Cams, and others. The CV500-MB is only 1.5” square, enabling unobtrusive placement or concealment.
The CV500 series incorporates a newly designed Sony Exmor® 2.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and a miniature High Definition Prime Lens. The new Sony Exmor® sensor enables the HD-SDI Mini Camera to operate at very low lighting conditions, 0.5Lux (color) & 0.1Lux (b/w) with Sens-Up (30X) technology ensuring vivid images as low as 0.02Lux.
CV500-MB is supplied with a 3.7mm 3MP Prime HD lens. Marshall offers a variety of other miniature HD lens options to accommodate specific conditions in the field. This offers greater flexibility to get the optimal field of view, depth of view, and distance to scene.
At less than 1½ inch square, CV500-MB can be integrated into reality shows, green rooms, helmet cams, stunt cars, dash cams, remote transmitter packs and other small areas where other cameras would not fit or would be obtrusive. It’s size does offer some limitations though, as securing it to a cars windshield may prove quite troublesome. Users may well be better off utilising traditional dash cams from a supplier like BlackBoxMyCar.com, unless a suitable mounting system is provided.
Marshall’s CV500-MB HD-SDI Mini Camera comes programmed at a resolution of 1080i/59.94 for Broadcast applications. Other models are available in 1080p/60 (3G-SDI), 1080p/30, 720p/60, 1080i/60 for applications in Security, Audio/Video, Robotics, Industrial, and OEM. All versions have the ability to switch between PAL/NTSC, and offer a 2nd simultaneous video stream through a CVBS (BNC) output cable
“The CV500-MB is capable of capturing difficult and compelling shots by going where
other cameras can’t go. With the prevalence of reality and documentary television, a tiny camera with these capabilities is invaluable to today’s broadcasters and filmmakers,” said Leonard Marshall, CEO of Marshall Electronics.
Video enhancement features such as Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), Digital Noise Reduction (2D+3D), High Light Compensation (HLC), Automatic White Balance, Digital Defog, Auto Day/Night, Privacy Masking, Digital Zoom, and Motion Detection offer effective tools for clear, crisp images in all types of applications.
CV500-MB is available now with a single unit price of $499.00, and volume discounts are available. CV500-M 1080p/60(50) (3G-SDI), 1080p/30(25), 1080i/60, 720p/60(50) models are also available upon request.
About Marshall Electronics
Marshall Electronics Broadcast Division supplies high quality LCD monitors, IP security cameras and servers, distribution, and conversion solutions for broadcasters around the world. Marshall specializes in the development, manufacturing and distribution of high tech electronic products used in a wide range of professional applications. Visit www.lcdracks.com for Marshall’s full line of Broadcast products.
With the right mount it sounds like a possible solution for 3D POV in cars.
Here’s a challenge for Marshall: How about dual sensors (3D) behind a single lens?