Camera Corps RF Helmet Cams turns heads at ski-cross and snow-cross events

Eight fully operational live camera systems

"Using high-quality miniature cameras mounted directly on the contestants' helmets, we were able to deliver the actual visual experience of participating in snowboarding and ski-cross," explains Camera Corps' Technical Director Jim Daniels. "The equipment required is now so light and compact that it can be worn with no adverse effect on sporting performance."

Eight fully operational live camera systems were available during the events, feeding live video via a wide-area diversity receive system. Up to four cameras could be used at any one time, each assigned with a distinct transmission frequency. Multiple receive sites interconnected via optical fibre were installed by Broadcast RF, the receive antennas being positioned to ensure optimal coverage from each camera for the entire course length. Each camera measured just 7 cm long by 1.9 cm diameter with a total height of 7 cm including aerial. Camera and transmitter were powered by a 295 gramme rechargeable battery belt with a capacity of 90 minutes.

Camera Corps specialises in providing high-volume support services

"Live video from the driver's viewpoint has long been extremely popular in motor-racing," adds Camera Corps' founder and Managing Director Laurie Frost. "We introduced bobsleigh cameras several years ago, three of which were in use during this latest series of events. The technology has now advanced to the point where we can, in principle, deliver live video from individual contestants at almost any sports event. It is a great tribute to the contestants that so many were willing to share their experience in this way with television audiences.

In addition to the Helmet Cams, Camera Corps provided two 40 metre tracking systems, nine sports dollies, over 60 robotic heads, 118 HD cameras, pop-up cameras and a large inventory of lenses, controllers, interfaces and support equipment. These were installed and supervised by a 44-strong Camera Corps team to provide point-of-view video.

About Camera Corps

Camera Corps specialises in providing high-volume support services for reality television programmes as well as very large-scale sports events. The company has achieved a pre-eminent reputation for its ability to acquire exciting and unusual television content from exceptionally challenging environments. Its ever-growing arsenal includes high-level cranes, HD and SD motorised tracking cameras, underwater cameras, bullseye-mounted archery target cameras and fire-proofed high-temperature cameras. The Camera Corps team expands during large-scale events from 10 full-time staff based at Shepperton Studios to as many as 200 specialists, including highly-skilled rock climbers able to establish camera positions in almost any location.