Originally, POV cameras were just stripped-down, standard-issue models that could function as a basic, but valuable, extra eye to catch a shot from on high, whether for weather, sports, or other production scenarios. The release of Panasonic's AK-HC1500 1080i/720 switchable HD camera at NAB 2006 shows how that's changed: Besides the new three 2/3in. CCDs, 14-bit A/D converter, and DSP, there are Varicam-based chops like 24p, a variable frame rate, and cine gamma curve.
Secaucus, N.J.
www.panasonic.com/broadcast

Weighs 3.3lbs.
Price: $19,950

Want an inexpensive way to dress up a set? How about a cookie? (Or cucoloris, which any smart lighting director knows is an ideal add-on to a light for casting shadows to produce patterned illumination.) CookiePRO Lighting Patterns from coolTVtools.com includes three stamped 12"×12" lighting patterns that can be used with virtually any type of focusable light. The random windowpane and horizontal/vertical blinds patterns are ideal to use with gels to add contrast and depth to an ordinarily dull background.
Mayer, Ariz.
(888) 488-8665
www.coolTVtools.com

Includes three patterns, CookiePRO filing system, and carrying case.
Price: $19.95

For better shooting with today's lighter, smaller, often hard-to-hold camcorders, choosing to use camera support gear makes sense. Barber Tech's Steddiepod handheld camera stabilizer can help. It works as a monopod, can be boomed up over crowds, or work for low-angle POVs when a camera is attached to the bottom mount of the device. Steddiepod comes with a fluid head for panning and tilting, a level ball, dutch tilt, and a quick-release plate.
Lancaster, Calif.
(818) 982-7775
www.barbertvp.com

Weighs less than 5lbs.
Price: $449

Panasonic's new AG-HVX200 DVCPRO HD camcorder offers a built-in HDV tape drive for those productions that might not need to record the device's full DVCPRO HD signal on P2 media. Another alternative comes from Specialized Communications, which debuts the CinePorter CP-2 portable hard drive recorder at NAB. Designed specifically to work with the AG-HVX200, the shock-mounted CP-2 offers capacities from 100GB to 240GB. The recorder includes USB 2.0 and FireWire 800 ports.
Smithsburg, Md.
(800) 359-1858
www.spec-comm.com

Includes hot-swappable battery.
Price: $2,199

Need to move video from the camcorder to a pro facility's network? DVEO's FireBridge HDV to DVB-ASI converter might do the trick. It accepts FireWire output from the latest generation of HDV camcorders. The device also hooks directly to Tandberg, Terayon, and Harmonic gear that you might find in a broadcast operation. FireBridge is also compatible with DVEO's T-Streamer/ASI, a transport stream recorder/player with a built-in transport stream analyzer.
San Diego
(858) 613-1818
www.dveo.com

FireBridge converts the JVC GY-HD100U's 720/ 30p output to standard 720/60p.
Price: $4,995

Will 3D catch on for feature films like James Cameron believes? Whatever your bet, for some jobs 3D could be just the thing, whether for a kiosk, museum display, or other site specific presentation. If you're tempted, consider using 21st Century's 3DVX3 camera, the next generation of its 3D system built around two mated Panasonic AG-DVX100As. The unique direct-to-disk recording system employs two Mac Minis to record 1280×720p HD to paired sets of removable 7200RPM drives.
New York
(888) 673-6921
www.21stcentury3d.com

New LCoS technology provides a bright SVGA viewfinder display.
Price: Rental only