NAB 2024 | PROTON Debuts World Smallest Camera

PROTON Camera Innovations - a German innovator in the field of miniaturised cameras – will be using their first attendance at NA2024 (Booth C3452) to launch PROTON CAM, the world’s smallest broadcast-quality camera.

PROTON CAM is tiny in size, measuring just 28mmx28mm and weighing only 24 grams, but also incorporates market-leading specifications compared to other comparable cameras on the market. From an image quality standpoint, it incorporates 12-bit sensor technology and advanced FPGA to deliver unmatched high resolution and dynamic range, capturing every detail with exceptional clarity. It also grants a wide-angle view of up to 120° and better low-light performance, without any image distortion, thus allowing broadcasters significant flexibility and creative scope in its deployment.

Additionally, a tally light and stereo audio functionality are integrated into the miniature unit – an upgrade from other offerings on the market which generally lack a tally light and maintain only mono audio capture. This again extends the way in which the PROTON CAM can be used, making it ideal not only for spontaneous action capture, but also directed productions where there is a need for synchronized audio capture and consideration of camera status.

Power consumption is a further area in which the PROTON’s advanced feature set provides broadcasters with greater flexibility in how and where the camera is deployed. Not only does the camera maintain a longer battery life than comparable market offerings, but its lower power consumption also reduces heat generation, ensuring reliable operation even in challenging environments.

This means that the creative application of the PROTON CAM is almost limitless. For instance, in the rapidly expanding realm of drone cinematography where size, weight, and power consumption are critical factors, the PROTON represents an ideal solution; its compact design, low power consumption, and superior image quality make it perfect for capturing breathtaking aerial shots in everything from live sports events to cinematic productions.

Moreover, in the realm of sports broadcasting, the PROTON opens up new possibilities for immersive viewer experiences; it can be mounted on players and referees, or integrated into equipment, be that on-board cameras in motor racing or extreme sports, or nets and pitch-markers in tennis and football. These unusual and often unprecedented angles and perspectives enhance the overall viewing experience for audiences worldwide, immersing viewers in the moment.

This immersive quality is not limited to sport alone. Live concerts, events, reality shows, TV and film will all benefit from the compact and discrete nature of the PROTON, allowing cinematographers and DoPs to not only capture dynamic, high-quality footage in any environment, but granting a valuable tool for those seeking innovative ways to tell their stories and capture compelling visuals.

The PROTON CAM represents the culmination of the PROTON team’s decades-worth of collective experience in the field of miniaturised cameras. Speaking of this experience, Marko Hoepken, CEO for PROTON, said: “Whilst collectively the PROTON team have attended so many NAB shows over the years as members of various organisations, there is always something very special about attending for the first time as a new company”.

He continued: “Crucial to the core proposition of PROTON as a company is our ability to maintain 100% ownership over our research and design process, meaning that we guarantee full control over the innovation and quality standards of our product. Whilst the tiny size of the PROTON is of course a key USP, it was crucial to us that this was not a gimmick that came at the expense of other deliverables. The exceptional image quality and technical specifications embodied within the PROTON are what will set it apart from the market, and we look forward to demonstrating this at NAB2024”.

PROTON – a new entrant in the field of miniature cameras – leverages its team’s extensive experience in camera miniaturisation to deliver the industry’s smallest and lightest broadcast-standard camera currently on the market. Incorporating advanced FPGA technology with a larger sensor than competitor models, the PROTON delivers wider shots, higher dynamic range, improved low-light performance and lower energy draw.

With the addition of stereo audio and tally light, the PROTON is perfect for sports broadcast, live events, drone attachment, PoV and body-mounting or any number of other creative and immersive cinematography applications where versatility, robustness and space are key determinants of success.