Toshiba's 'Broadcast Enhanced' 3-CCD Remote Head Camera System IK-HD2 Announced by SeeSense

SeeSense, the miniature camera imaging professionals based out of the UK and across Europe, have been providing cameras that get "big shots from small places" since 2010, and today they aim to make those shots even better, announcing the release of Toshiba's 3-CCD miniature camera, the IK-HD2. Like the existing and very popular IK-HD1, the HD2 is a remote head camera system that is ideal for broadcasting, sports, film and TV, medical and aerial videos, and a host of other uses. Toshiba has enhanced the new model by adding several new features to the CCU making it more "broadcast friendly". For specs and a list of these enhancements, hit the jump.

This is what SeeSense says about the new HD mini cam, the Toshiba IK-HD2:

This BBC approved camera delivers HD imagery from a remote compact camera head with 4 CCU cable length options from 3 to 30 metres [about 9.8 - 98.5 ft.] It is ideal for imaging objects in motion with sharp detail and little or no motion artifacts.

The system includes a lightweight and ultra compact 1/3” 3-CCD HD camera head, which outputs 1920 x 1080 (16:9 ratio) at 50fps, onscreen menu, and HD-SDi output. The "Broadcast Enhanced" IK-HD2 has the following new features:

• Manual User mask setting for Auto-Shutter (exposure) and white balance
• Black Gamma level set
• Edge detail output - great for focus assist
• Manual Red and Blue black balance adjust
• SeeSense also offer a “IK-HD1 Image Improver” .

The IK-HD1 Image Improver is a special converter that improves "camera knee & clip function by reducing the knee point to around 85% and clip to just over 100% as well as providing several other enhancements."

Since the HD2 was only recently announced, I haven't been able to locate any videos. However, to get a general feel of what it is, how it works, and what it can do, check out these videos. Here, Paul Dempster of Toshiba gives us a rundown of the previous model, the IK-HD1, which is similar in construction as the IK-HD2.

According to Creative Cow, the initial response from broadcast companies who have worked with the HD2 has been positive, saying that it works "straight from the box and is more straightforward to use than the already popular IK-HD1." They also mention that it's "intuitively simple to set up and superb HD images are obtainable as soon as it is plugged in."
The CCU on the HD2 is compatible with the existing IK-HD1H camera head, and it will also "integrate with many existing Remote Control Panels (RCP)."

For more info on the IK-HD2, head over to SeeSense's website.

What do you think? Have you ever worked with Toshiba's IK-HD1/HD2 before? Even though its use is generally for broadcasting, what uses could you find for the HD2 (as well as other remote head mini camera systems) on your indie film projects? Let us know in the comments.

Links:

• Toshiba IK-HD2 -- SeeSense
• SeeSense announce new Toshiba Broadcast Enhanced 3-CCD Miniature Camera -- Creative Cow