Ikegami HC-HD300 Cameras Debut at DUB Productions

DUB Productions was ready to grow beyond simply being the first-call news shooters for networks and local stations. When the Atlanta and Louisville, KY-based company saw the opportunity to add original content production to its mobile ENG/EFP expertise, it selected three new Ikegami HC-HD300 CMOS Camera Systems.

A family business that launched in 1998 to supply satellite uplink services, DUB Productions has steadily developed to become a go-to mobile production resource. More recently, DUB has chosen to take control of its future by also being a turnkey provider of original content ranging from sports to talk shows and beyond.

“We’re making a name for ourselves in multi-camera production,” says Craig Olmstead, Owner & CEO of DUB Productions. “When we decided to upgrade our cameras, we looked at the Ikegami HC-HD300 and we were surprised at how much it could do — we thought this level of imagery and functionality was only available on something much more expensive.”

A highly flexible, docking style camera that represents Ikegami’s most affordable HD studio camera system, the HC-HD300 is ready for the studio or field. It features a newly-developed 2.5 million pixel 1/3-inch 3-CMOS optical block design, in keeping with the outstanding imagery and same rugged construction of the broadcast-ready Unicam HD line.

“We instantly noticed an upgrade in the look that the Ikegami HC-HD300 achieves,” Olmstead notes. “The colors looked more vibrant, and even if it was dim in the facility it still looked like a ton of light: A volleyball championship that we shot for the Web looked like something you would see on a national network. These cameras have transformed our productions from the viewer standpoint.”

Ideal for broadcast TV stations as well as educational, corporate and house of worship applications, the highly versatile Ikegami HC-HD300 also works in conjunction with a newly developed camera control system consisting of the FA-300 Fiber Adapter and BSF-300 Base Station, utilizing OpticalCON DUO connectors for its fiber camera cable connection. The lightweight and compact size (1.5RU) BSF-300 is easily integrated into any studio, mobile truck, or portable flypack. When using hybrid fiber camera cable, the base station provides power to the fiber adapter and the camera itself.

“Since I’m also often the one who’s setting things up, what really impresses me is the functionality of the HC-HD300’s fiber system,” says Olmstead. “The flexibility of running power, intercom, return video, and tally all in one Opticon makes a world of difference to us. Additionally, the connections are very tight and secure with a rugged and durable feel.”

The HC-HD300 continues Ikegami’s tradition of outstanding reliability, backed with world-class customer service. “We work those camera hard from8 AM to midnight every day, and not one of them has had an issue,” Olmstead states. “In the event that you’re ever in a pinch, you really need a vendor to have your back. It means a great deal that I can pick up the phone right now, call my Ikegami salesperson, and he’ll answer. That commitment speaks volumes to me, and I’ll choose a company like that every time.”

As DUB Productions continues to expand its presence and service offerings throughout the Southeast, its Ikegami HC-HD300 cameras add up to a big advantage. “The camera is the most important part of the equation,” Craig Olmstead concludes. “If you have the right stuff, and you provide a tool like the HC-HD300 to help people do their job and make their lives easier, they will recommend you.”