Proton – the German-based producer of ultra-miniaturised broadcast cameras – will be using its attendance at Hamburg Open (Hall B6, Stand 419) to showcase a major new feature being rolled out across its camera range: a crop, pan and tilt function that gives operators far greater control over framing, without any loss of resolution. The crop/pan/tilt function will be made available at no cost to users across the Proton Full HD (1080p60) range, reinforcing the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and accessible innovation.
The new capability takes advantage of Proton’s larger-than-HD sensors, allowing users to ‘zoom’ into an area of the image while retaining full image integrity. Unlike a traditional digital zoom, no interpolation or algorithmic compensation is involved; the camera simply makes use of a wider sensor area than is ultimately output. And because this enhancement is delivered through firmware rather than optics, it provides new levels of framing flexibility without affecting the camera’s famously compact form factor.
Users can choose between 11 crop factors, from 1.0 to 1.6, and can offset the crop anywhere within the full image using pan and tilt controls. This allows operators to pre-position a shot virtually before switching to the feed, giving Proton cameras a degree of creative adaptability that was previously the preserve of manned, full-size systems. While rolling-shutter behaviour limits real-time movement on air, upcoming global-shutter announcements will significantly expand the versatility of live repositioning within this feature.
The business value of the update is substantial. Proton cameras are typically deployed as supplementary, unmanned units – delivering distinctive, hard-to-achieve angles in sports, live events, and entertainment formats. Whilst they provide creative shots that could not be matched by standard broadcast cameras, once mounted, Proton cameras generally had a lower scope for reframing, making composition a fixed decision. With this new feature, operators can refine shot selection throughout the production, ensuring every angle contributes actively to the narrative.
The new upgrade also offers a practical advantage in scenarios where housings, mounts or artefacts may intrude on the edge of the image. A modest crop can now be applied to eliminate those elements cleanly, with no penalty to picture quality. The result is a more polished, intentional output that preserves the creative intent of the shot.
Speaking on the new feature, CEO Marko Höpken said: “Our camera range has been developed to give production teams more freedom in how they capture the world – from our flagship Proton camera, the smallest broadcast-grade camera on the market, to our Zoom -for extendable zoom with no quality loss – Flex and Rain models, the aim has always been to maximise creative potential, even in challenging conditions. This update expands even further on that mission – granting users more control, more precision, and more creative opportunity”.
He continued: “By extending the capabilities of our sensors and offering flexible, resolution-perfect reframing, we’re making our cameras even more powerful tools for storytelling, without adding complexity or cost for our users”.