Similar to the miniature, wearable broadcast cameras that you might have seen on the referees during this year’s World Cup matches, these mini “lipstick-style” cameras can actually be quite useful.
They also just happen to look like the cyberpunk cameras worn by Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren in the 1992 sci-fi action classic Universal Soldier. But that’s for another discussion.
While we’re not sure what’s been worn by the referee teams at the World Cup, PROTON Camera Innovations has launched something similar with their new PROTON LS, a miniature broadcast camera housed in a cylindrical lipstick-style chassis that is designed for wearable action and features a global shutter sensor capable of 12-bit dynamic 1080p capture.
Here’s what you need to know.
PROTON LS Miniature Broadcast Camera
Set to debut at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam, the PROTON LS does indeed look like a lipstick-style mini broadcast camera. It also sounds quite capable, as it is reportedly built around a 1/3-inch global shutter sensor that will deliver high-quality 12-bit dynamic 1080p capture with full HDR compliance across HLG, PQ, and S-Log3 gamma curves.
“The LS is the latest piece in a broader strategy. We are building a family of miniature broadcast cameras, each optimised for different deployments, whilst remaining flexible and adaptable across a broad range of contexts, and all sharing the same DNA of exceptional image quality and rugged reliability. Whether a production team needs the ultra-compact PROTON CAM, the weather-sealed RAIN, the flexible FLEX, the all-in-one PRO, or now the lipstick-shaped LS, they can choose the right tool for the job. The only limitation is their creativity”. — Marko Hopeken, CEO of PROTON Camera Innovations.
Plus, unlike other rolling-shutter sensors we’ve seen, which can look quite wobbly or skewed during high-speed movement and vibrations, this global shutter promises to read the entire frame simultaneously, which should help with bouncy, rough footage.
On top of its sensor specs, the PROTON LS will be designed with an IP67 weather-sealed housing measuring just 19mm in diameter and 58mm in length and will weigh around 50 grams even with its cable included, meaning it should indeed be quite mountable and wearable.
Credit: PROTON Camera
Price and Availability
We don’t have any details about full specs, pricing, or availability just yet.
But if you’re curious about this innovative new lipstick-style mini-broadcast camera option, you can find more info on the company’s website here.
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