Grass Valley White Paper: Imaging System Architectures: Technical Comparison of 1 vs. 3-Imager Designs and 2/3″ vs. Super 35 Image Sensor Formats

For many years, high-end live production cameras have predominantly utilized three 2/3″ CMOS image sensors in combination with a prism beam splitter and B4-mount lenses. This configuration has been widely regarded as the optimal balance of image quality, depth of field, lens compatibility, and operational flexibility across a broad range of production scenarios.

In recent years, however, the landscape of live production cameras has evolved. New configurations have emerged — differing in both the number of image sensors and the size of the image sensor — each influencing the choice of lens mount and the design of the optical system.

But what are the trade-offs between single-sensor and three-sensor camera systems, and how do different sensor formats, such as 2/3″ and Super 35, influence those choices? This paper explores these considerations to help guide the selection of the most appropriate imaging architecture for today’s diverse live production needs.

To read the full white paper, click HERE.