The Sony HDC-5500 camera immortalizes the proclamation of Pope Leo XIV from the Vatican

The momentous announcement of the appointment of Pope Leo XIV was recorded in history thanks to the camera Sony HDC-5500, reaffirming the Vatican's trust in the Japanese manufacturer.

The HDC-5500 delivered exceptional image clarity, true-to-life color reproduction and accurate high frame rate capture, ensuring the moment reached millions of viewers around the world. With in 4K HDR and the ability to operate in complex lighting conditions such as those on the evening of Thursday, May 8, the HDC-5500 was ideal for capturing the unique atmosphere of the Vatican, from the crowds at dusk to the reveal in the iconic loggia.

The Vatican's choice to use Sony's flagship HDC-5500 is in line with its ongoing commitment to excellence in storytelling, transparency and technological innovation, as well as its commitment to archive the evolution of the history of the Catholic Church. Previously used for high-profile events such as Easter Mass and Christmas celebrations, the camera has once again proven to be the ideal solution for live broadcasting critical missions.

Unprecedented visual fidelity

"We have a long-standing relationship with Sony, based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence. Thanks to this collaboration - and the innovation introduced by our Technology Directorate, in particular through the adoption of 4K HDR - we have been able to capture the depth and emotion of extraordinary events, such as the first public appearance of Pope Leo the solemnity and meaning of every moment we share with the world,” he says. Francesco Masci, director of Technology of the Dicastery for Communication.

“Capturing such a globally significant moment requires technology that can be trusted to work perfectly,” he highlights. Norbert Paquet, Head of Live Production at Sony Europe. “We are honored that the Vatican continues to choose Sony solutions and that the HDC-5500 has helped convey this moment of spiritual and historical importance to the world.”