Dazn produces boxing from Wembley with Sony HDC-F5500V cameras

The high-stakes boxing match held last Saturday at Wembley Stadium, in which Usyk became two-time heavyweight champion after defeating Dubois, not only attracted fans but also marked the first live broadcast with the new HDC-F5500V camera from Sony.

The 'Serial Number 1' camera, supplied through the professional broadcast equipment distributor Top-Text to rental company Livewhire, was used to capture emotion-filled cinematic footage for DAZN's production of the event.

The HDC-F5500V, a next-generation live production camera, features a global shutter CMOS sensor Super 35 mm and introduce the function filtro ND variable, which offers greater creative control to television operators. It is based on Sony's HDC-F5500 platform, widely adopted in the entertainment and live production markets. This next-generation live production camera features a single Super 35mm global shutter CMOS sensor and introduces variable ND filter functionality, offering greater creative control to broadcast operators. Once the trader sets the opening limit, the gain and VND emulates the opening and closing of the iris outside that limit. Therefore, the variable ND filter offers a greater control over exposure, which allows capturing cinematographic images with a shallow depth of field and bring the excitement of sports, music and other live events even closer to the viewing public.

Livewhire, a trusted UK rental company, provided the HDC-F5500V, along with additional Sony equipment, for the production. Top-Teks facilitated the initial delivery and collaborated with Sony on initial technical support.

A collaborative launch

For this television production commissioned by Dazn, Livewhire noted that the HDC-F5500V was used for high-impact input shots, where cinematic image quality can best be displayed. In addition to the new model, Livewire also upgraded three existing Sony HDC-F5500 cameras to the new "V" configuration, allowing for greater flexibility and consistency across your fleet.

“The Sony HDC-F5500V is an important milestone for system cameras,” says Mike Thomas, CEO of Top-Teks. “We are increasingly seeing the HDC-F5500 Super 35mm at live events where a more cinematic feel is required; “The V version offers exposure controls that are typically specific to Sony’s Cinema line, making production much more satisfying with a system camera than with a fiber-attached cinema camera.”

"The shallow depth of field isolates subjects dramatically: when boxers enter the ring, you want all eyes on them. The HDC-F5500V brings a cinematic intensity that enhances the atmosphere. Seeing the HDC-F5500V used in one of the most important and followed events of the year demonstrates the confidence these products inspire," he concludes. Daryl Bidewell, vision supervisor.