Those amazing underwater shots were taken at the Tokyo Olympics on the Sony Alpha cameras. For that, AP utilized a dedicated ‘Pool Housing’ apparatus that contained the Sony Alpha 1 and the Sony Alpha 9 II mirrorless cameras. Read about the tech behind it.
Sony Alpha cameras for Tokyo 2020’s underwater shots
In order to get the underwater shots at the Tokyo Olympics, the AP (Associated Press) deployed a new robotic cameras system developed by Telemetrics. The apparatus contained the Sony Alpha inside. This underwater robotics camera system was designed and built especially for Olympic-sized pools and water sports events.
An underwater robotics camera system
The robotics and camera integration by Telemetrics (called PT-CP-S5) is characterized by its simplicity of deployment. An Ethernet cable is needed to allow the interface to the robotics systems. Then, the photojournalist at AP could fully control the camera system remotely (including shutter, focus, zoom, and more) as well as monitor camera feeds live from RCCP-M remote camera control panel. The AP brought six PT-CP-S5 compact robotic Pan/Tilt camera systems supporting Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras mounted on the Telemetrics PT-CP-S5 Pan/Tilt Head inside a Telemetrics WP-HOU-A9 Weatherproof Camera Housing.
These games are history and there is only one opportunity to capture the action. Our robotics are designed to deliver in even these most demanding applications. We’re excited to see the images generated from this collaboration with the Associated Press.
Michael Cuomo, Vice President of Telemetrics
Designed exclusively for Alpha mirrorless
“The system is easy to set up and allows unique photos to be captured that would not be possible without this solution,” said Michael Cuomo, Vice President of Telemetrics, adding that a single operator will use the RCCP-M panel to control multiple cameras simultaneously and have a full live preview of all the cameras. “These games are history and there is only one opportunity to capture the action. Our robotics are designed to deliver in even these most demanding applications. We’re excited to see the images generated from this collaboration with the Associated Press.” This underwater camera system was developed to work exclusively with Sony Alpha. In that case, the only cameras used were the Alpha 9 II and the flagship Alpha 1.
Rea-time workflow
The single operator had control over multiple cameras at the same time with a full live preview of their images via the control panel, full control of camera functions, including shutter, zoom, and focus. The captured images transferred immediately to a poolside technician operating the RCCP-M panel. Once edited, toned, and captioned, images will be sent to AP members and clients worldwide in real-time via FTP.
From our side, the most interesting conclusion derived from the case study presented above, is the exclusive utilization of Sony Alpha cameras, over Nikon and Canon.
Summary
Most of the time, when capturing high-quality shots professionally, the operation is done by an experienced underwater photographer/cinematographer, and not by an underwater robotic apparatus. However, in the case of an Olympic contest, when the distraction has to be minimal, the only logical and acceptable solution is by utilizing robotics and automation of pool housing. From our side, the most interesting conclusion derived from the case study presented above, is the exclusive utilization of Sony Alpha cameras, over Nikon and Canon. A photojournalist at AP stated that the company uses only Sony Alpha cameras when a robotic solution is needed. Why do you think this is the reason for that? Feel free to comment below.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital Camera
