Photography by Miller David

Author:Miller, David
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: David Miller
Published: 2016-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

Initially, the first video cameras were, in effect, mechanical flying-spot scanners. This came into fashion between 1920 and 1940. This was the era of mechanical television. After a period of improvements within the creation of video camera tubes, the industry moved on to electronic television. The first cameras were exceptionally large and divided into two major sections. The first was a camera section, which would house the lens, electronics, and tube pre-amps. It was connected using a large diameter multicore cable, so it could reach the other camera electronics. Customarily, these were mounted on a rack. Typically, the rack was in a separate room or even a track in a remote location. At that point, the camera head was incapable of generating a video picture signal without assistance. Instead, the rack unit would release the video signal to the rest of the studio, so it could be switched and transmitted. The 1950s saw the miniaturization of some of these parts so there were monochrome cameras that could operate on a standalone basis. Sometimes, it was even possible to hold them in the hand giving the user greater flexibility in their use. The studio configuration remained a part of the setup. A large cable would still transmit signals to the Camera Control Unit or the CCU. This CCU served the important purpose of aligning and operating the camera functionality. These would include exposure, timing, black levels, and video.

Color Cameras join the Fray

The first cameras were bulky and cumbersome. A case in point is the RCA TK-41C, which came on the market in 1954 and weighed a shocking 310lbs. It is notable that between 1950 and 1965, the first color cameras were hitting the USA and Europe. Two relatively complex models came out with the RCA TK-40/41 series. They had between three and four pickup tubes, but their weight was really not practical for those who took moving photography or had to work in a range of locations. It was only in the 1970s that people started to use handheld color cameras. The first generation would be split into a head unit, which housed the body of the camera, lens, and pickup tubes. It was held on the shoulder or body brace, so it was directly in front of the operator. A cable bundle would then connect it to the backpack CCU. A typical example is the Ikegami HL-33 ENG, which came on the market in 1973. Others were the Thomson Microcam and RCA TK45. These were constructed from a two-piece framework. When undertaking fieldwork, the photographer still had to use a separate VTR to record the video output.

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