Ikegami is set to introduce its new multi-format, ultra-low-light camera, the HDL-F3000, at IBC in Amsterdam. Weighing just over two pounds (1 kg) and roughly 4 x 5 x 3 inches (100 mm x 123 x 80 mm) in size, the camera is controlled by a slightly larger control unit that adjusts gamma, gain, a color filter and digital zoom on the fly. Easily transportable and with illumination levels that the company says function in little more than starlight, the HDL-F3000 hits the sweet spot of aerial shoot conditions, particularly when flying at night.

The compact camera boasts three 2/3-inch 2.6 megapixel MOS sensors for maximum 1080p and 1080i resolutions. The camera's baseline lowest light mode is a minimal 0.0068 lux, but that can be improved with frame accumulation switched on. According to the company, the camera is equally adept at shooting at any light level without losing a single pixel of resolution, day or night. It also features control options that can remove haze and correct backlight while in operation.

Aimed at the Asian, African, European and UK market shooting for PAL television distribution, the camera supports 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 1080/29.97psF, 1080/25psF, 720/59.94p, 720/50p. Shutter speeds are limited to eight increments from 1/100 and 1/10000.

The control unit, which will operate the camera at a range up to nearly 100 feet or 30 meters, includes access to a color bar generator, operating menu control, external sync input (HD/SD), two HD-SDI outputs, a power input, and the camera head interface.