Basics of Video Lighting, 2nd Edition

3 The video camera

Video cameras are simply devices which can convert the images we see into electrical images that can be recorded onto magnetic tape. The two main ways of doing this are either by using cathode ray tubes (tube cameras) or charge coupled devices (CCD cameras). Tube cameras are now almost exclusively redundant, although some countries will still have the old technology’ (Figure 3.1). The advancing micro electronics industry has given us lighter, smaller, better, more reliable and more sensitive imaging technology. As with computer technology these CCD devices are known as chips. Hence three-chip cameras.

Figure 3.1 Three-tube camera shown for comparison

All cameras have a lens, which helps to control and shape the image achieved. ...