Ikegami launches its new HD camera upgradable to 4K UHK-X600

In response to the demand for robust, future-proof solutions with a long service life, Ikegami has developed the new UHK-X600 multi-format portable camera supporting 2x, 3x and 4x high frame rate capture in HD, in addition to the optional 4K format (3840×2160/50p).

Additionally, plug-in hardware-based options include a half-over interface card. IP compatible with SMPTE ST 2110 and 12G outputs.

Alan Keil, vice president and director of engineering at Ikegami, comments that the license-key option to move from HD to 4K "offers the freedom to invest in the solutions that best fit your current business model without the risk of losing a production contract because your equipment is not prepared for the future. 4K-UHD is the logical format for high-budget mastering, especially in the US, where ATSC 3.0 offers a potential route for direct terrestrial and satellite transmission to the 2160p home.”

Gisbert Hochguertel, product specialist at Ikegami Europe, says that "the license key option that adds high frame rate video capture is another big advantage when and where needed for slow-motion sports, wildlife documentaries and the like. Meanwhile, HDR is increasingly popular among video streaming services such as Apple TV Plus, Netflix and Prime Video. With almost all televisions sold today supporting UHD-HDR, an increasing number of broadcasters terrestrial and satellite now offer HDR content through their online channels.”

The UHK-X600 comes with Hybrid Log Gamma as standard, including the ability to select between BT.2020 and BT.709 color spaces. “Global shutter imagers minimize artifacts when televising LED screen walls or flash- or strobe-lit stage environments.”

The latest addition to Ikegami's Unicam With three 2/3-inch CMOS cameras and global shutter, it offers a resolution of 1,000 TVL, minimal aliasing and high sensitivity of F11 at 2,000 lux (in 50p mode).

With compact dimensions of 13.4 x 9.6 x 6 inches (34 x 24.5 x 15.5 cm) and weighing just over 11 pounds (5 kilos), the UHK-X600 accepts all ENG/EFP B4 lenses and supports chromatic aberration correction, vignetting correction, ramp compensation and remote back focus control when the latter is also supported by the lens. When combined with the Ikegami BSX-100 or CCU-X100 control units, the camera optionally supports simultaneous output in UHD and HD video formats.