Ultra slow motion took a major step forward as a live broadcast production tool, with the world-first use of 4K continuous super motion at the eni Motorrad Grand Prix in Germany. I-MOVIX’s X10 UHD was used in a variety of ways to explore the system’s potential in both 4K and HD coverage.
MotoGP TV rights holder Dorna Sports used an X10 UHD system in 4K high speed modes at 500, 750 and 1,000fps, and in 4K 2x super slow motion delivering a continuous 2160p feed at 100fps. The demonstration of the 4K capture in continuous super slow motion is a world first, the X10 UHD being the only system capable of doing this live, the company claims. During the event, Dorna Sports also pioneered continuous 10x super slow motion in 1080 HD at 500fps.
“The image quality of the high frame rate 4K shots was astonishing and a real breakthrough,” said Manel Arroyo, managing director at Dorna Sports. “High frame rate 4K footage provides image detail and sharpness you can’t get any other way, and it’s clearly a must for capturing new levels of detail in fast-moving sports action such as motorcycle racing. With the continuous 10x super slow motion mode in HD at 500fps, the availability of every second of coverage for high-quality super slow motion instant replay opens up lots of new potential for analysis and insight.”
The I-MOVIX X10 UHD system was tested in two configurations: with the new FUJINON’s 4K Cine lens, Premier PL 25-300mm Cabrio Cine Zoom (ZK12x25) and with an XA99x8.4 BESM big box lens and IBE HDx35 adapter.
Combining the core X10 ultra-motion technology with Vision Research’s Phantom Flex4K camera, the I-MOVIX X10 UHD supports operation in a range of modes to meet differing production requirements, and can be re-configured for new 4K or HD shooting scenarios.