Video Equipment
This page briefly explains some common types of hardware used in video production.
Note: For lists of equipment by manufacturer, see our Equipment Database.
| Camera | Technically speaking, a video camera is the component which includes the CCU imaging device, i.e. the part which converts light into an image. Professional cameras do not usually have a lens or recording mechanism — these are separate items which are added to the camera. In everyday use though, a combined lens/camera/recorder is referred to as a camera. The recording mechanism and housing which attaches to the back of a camera is simply called a camera back. More Info: Camera Tutorials |
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| Camcorder | A camera in which the recording mechanism is built in, so the camera and recorder are a single unit. Most camcorders have a built-in lens as well. Most consumer-level video cameras are camcorders. |
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| TBC (Time Base Corrector) | A device which adjusts and/or improves the quality of a video signal. Can be used to synchronise different vision sources before being mixed together, to avoid picture disturbances when cutting from one source to another. More info: Time Base Correctors |
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| Tripod | Camera support consisting of three legs and a head. More info: Tripod Tutorial |
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| VDA (Video Distribution Amplifier) | A device which takes an incoming video signal and outputs multiple versions of the same signal at the same strength. | |
| Y/C Separator | A device which splits a composite video signal into luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals. |