CIS VCC-HD3 – Cameras

The VCC-HD3 outputs 3G-SDI / HD-SDI video only; it does not include native CCU (Camera Control Unit) or RCP (Remote Control Panel) connectivity via triax or fibre. It functions as a self-contained camera with local gain, iris, and shutter control. For full remote operation, you will need to implement serial or Ethernet-based control via a third-party controller or integrate it into a system with an external control interface. Confirm available control protocol options when ordering.

The VCC-HD3 supports both C-mount and CS-mount via adapter configuration—verify which is installed on your unit. C-mount lenses have a longer back focal distance and require no adapter; CS-mount lenses are shorter and need a 5 mm extension. With the 1/1.8" Pregius sensor and 3.45 µm pixels, you need quality broadcast-grade optics to avoid vignetting or soft corners. Check that any lens is rated for Full HD at that sensor size and minimizes distortion across your intended zoom range.

Yes. 3G-SDI is backward-compatible with HD-SDI and standard SDI infrastructure. The VCC-HD3 outputs 10-bit SDI video from its 12-bit internal pipeline, suitable for direct feed into broadcast mixers, routers, and multi-format recorders. Output level is selectable between Level A and Level B (75Ω BNC termination standard). Confirm your downstream equipment's SDI input impedance and cable quality—poor termination will degrade signal. No additional conversion or interface cards are required for SDI connectivity.

Global shutter eliminates rolling shutter entirely—the entire sensor exposes simultaneously, eliminating skew and tearing during fast pans or with moving subjects. This is a key advantage in live broadcast and sports. However, global shutter typically demands higher gain at low light. The VCC-HD3 shutter range extends to 1/13,600 s, supporting high-speed shuttering in bright outdoor conditions. In high-vibration environments (OB van, handheld), the 10G vibration rating and compact form factor provide mechanical robustness; mount securely to minimize induced jitter.

The 3.5 lx specification at F1.4 is achievable but assumes good lens quality and maximal gain. Real-world low-light performance depends on lens aperture, gain setting, and acceptable noise floor. The Clairvu ISP includes 3DNR (3D noise reduction), which helps at higher gains but introduces latency—confirm frame delay for live applications. At 48 dB maximum gain, expect visible chroma noise and reduced contrast. For sustained low-light events, use faster lenses (F1.2 or wider) and balance gain/shutter; test your complete optical chain before deployment.

Yes. The camera supports genlock via Tri-Level Sync (TLS) or Black & Burst (BB) input, essential for multi-camera productions. Confirm the genlock connector type (typically BNC) and that your sync distribution equipment outputs the correct standard. When genlocked, all frame timing locks to house sync, ensuring seamless switching and recording across multiple VCC-HD3s or mixed camera chains. Genlock is required in any live broadcast or OB van scenario; do not omit this in your system design.

At 4 W per unit, power consumption is minimal—a 12 V regulated DC supply with 1 A per camera is sufficient. In an OB van, use a centralized 12 V rack PSU with individual fused distribution; avoid long unshielded power runs near SDI cables to prevent hum injection. For portability, battery-powered setups (Anton Bauer, V-mount) work well for brief operations. Voltage stability is critical—maintain ±5% around nominal 12 V to avoid image artifacts or ISP drift. Plan redundant PSU if cameras are mission-critical; low-voltage shutdown protection is recommended.

The Clairvu ISP handles AE, AWB, color correction, gamma, HDR, and 3DNR in firmware. Tuning profiles for sports, studio, or ENG may be available as configuration presets—contact CIS to confirm installed firmware version and available profiles for your use case. HDR capability depends on firmware implementation; clarify if this camera supports HDR-SDI output or is SDR-only. Updates and customization require direct engagement with CIS; plan qualification time before production deployment and maintain known-good firmware backups.

The 12-bit A/D conversion and 12-bit internal ISP processing provide headroom for color correction and grading. Output is quantized to 10-bit SDI (industry standard for HD broadcast). This 2-bit reduction is transparent in SDR; the 10-bit path provides sufficient tonal gradations for professional post-production. The bottleneck is not the output bit depth but lens quality, sensor fill factor (3.45 µm pixels), and downstream recorder bit depth. Confirm your recording chain supports 10-bit capture; 8-bit recording will compress further but remains broadcast-acceptable for most live applications.

Yes, every used or ex-demo unit is tested and covered by a 90-day warranty. In the event of a failure, the round-trip transport cost is shared equally between the customer and Broadcast Depot.

Yes, Broadcast Depot ships worldwide. We arrange transport on quotation, or you can use your own carrier. Delivery usually takes 3 to 5 days. OB vans are delivered by driver or collected on site.

Yes, in case of an error or if you would like another product from our stock: returns and exchanges are possible with no time limit. Contact us to arrange it.