For the Pope’s Christmas blessing in Rome, Vatican Media will integrate an experimental live production set-up using Sony’s new HDC-F5500V 4K system camera with a Super 35 sensor.
On the occasion of the Urbi et Orbi blessing on 25 December, in Rome's St. Peter's Square, Vatican Media will integrate an experimental production set-up for worldwide live broadcast The media team will use Sony’s new HDC-F5500V 4K system camera equipped with a Super 35 sensor, a combination that supports cinematic image creation, even in live scenarios.
Technically Cinematic
The initiative, conducted during one of the most watched celebrations of the year, aims to explore new visual communication capable of combining cinema quality with the technical requirements of global broadcast production and distribution. Owing to the Super 35 sensor, colour and depth of field management, the HDC-F5500V helps to produce more immersive storytelling, enhancing the emotional dimension of the event.
HDR images with a shallow depth of field focus viewers’ attention on the principal performer while blurring distracting background details. As well as tight close-ups, it can capture wide establishing shots of crowds. PL lens mount compatibility opens the potential to compose expressive images with familiar operations.
This initiative continues the long-standing collaboration between the Dicastery for Communication and Sony Europe, a relationship that over the years has fostered the progressive introduction of up to date technology in the service of the Holy See's communication. The project seeks to promote innovation and quality, while ensuring that the Pope's message remains accessible to audiences around the world.
The experiment will be smoothly integrated into the official broadcast using an existing system of high-profile HDC-5500V cameras, without altering the structure of international production. The team will have a chance to discover new perspectives for future papal live broadcasts and enrich the collection of content for the Vatican audiovisual archive.
Large Sensor Capture for Live Events
Sharing the same design and ergonomics as Sony’s HDC family of 2/3-inch sensor live system cameras, the HDC-F5500/F5500V was built to integrate with typical broadcast CCUs, remote control panels, viewfinders and other accessories. Adding the HDC-F5500/F5500V camera head to a production also makes large format sensor imaging available to live-event operators with no special training needed.
The camera has a one-piece design and handle to suit shoulder-mounted or handheld operation as well. Using a new slide mechanism, the viewfinder can be moved closer to the axis of tripod rotation to limit changes in viewing angle as crews navigate crowded stands and other confined spaces.
In general, the HDC-F5500 is a system camera optimised for live events production. The fibre adaptors and other add-ons typically needed to convert cinema cameras for live projects are not necessary, making setting up quick for crews accustomed to working with other system cameras.
Ray of Light
Engineer Francesco Masci, Director of Technology for the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See, stated, “In line with our mission, the Dicastery for Communication continues to invest in research and collaboration with leading technology partners such as Sony, so that the visual narrative of the Holy See’s events increasingly reflects the depth of the message we uphold.
“As St Augustine reminds us, ‘truth is like a ray of light that illuminates everything’. Even technologies, when placed at the service of the person and beauty, can become tools that help to make visible what inspires, unites and uplifts the spirit. Our experimentation in the field of cinema goes precisely in this direction – to explore, with prudence and creativity, new languages that can support the mission of the Church and reach the hearts of people in every part of the world."
Benito Manlio Mari, Senior Sales Manager, Regional Sales South, Sony Italy, commented, “The collaboration with the Dicastery for Communication represents extraordinary added value for Sony Europe, as it allows us to continuously refine the performance requirements of our solutions, putting our technology to the test in one of the most significant live production contexts in the world.” pro.sony
