In the age of rapidly improving technology, CBS plans to take this year’s Super Bowl cameras to the next level. There will be 120+, of many different types, to give fans a memorable viewing experience.
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Following a deal with NBC before the 2020 season, CBS secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the Super Bowl for their 21st time. Although much has changed for the worse since then due to COVID, it has allowed the network to innovate on the broadcast of the big game in a unique way.
As there will be a reduced number of fans in Tampa, only around 22,000, CBS now has the opportunity to use a varied range of cameras and viewing angles.
Let’s take a closer look at the cameras which will be used in Tampa next Sunday.
Also read: NFL Pro Bowl 2021: How Will The Virtual Pro Bowl Work This Year?
Super Bowl Cameras: A breakdown
Out of the 120 cameras which will be action, a whopping 32 will be pylon cams. Yes, you read that right. A total of 32 cameras will be placed inside the 4, 18 inch tall pylons: truly amazing how far technology has come.
These cameras should help give a clear view of the sideline and goal line in crucial situations. In addition to this, there will be 31 super slo-mo cam and 12 with 4K and 8K capabilities. Who even knew you could record in 8K?
Moreover, there will be 4 augmented cameras to assist with the creation of in-game graphics. However, perhaps the most interesting and never-seen-before aspect comes from the new cameras.
CBS will use 3 new cameras-the Trolley cam, Venice cam, and Movie Bird Crane-for the first time ever in a Super Bowl. Here’s what they said in relation to the new cameras in a recent press release.
Trolley Cam
The Trolley cam, as its name suggests, will move on a zip-line across the length of the stadium. It will give the audience the same view that a fan in the 8th row of the stands would see.
According to CBS, the camera can travel at up to 65 miles per hour.
Venice Cameras
There will be 2 of these in Tampa on the 7th, and their purpose will be to provide a “cinematographic feel.” The Venice cams, normally used in the world of cinema and advertising, create a short depth field to create a dramatic look.
When they were used earlier in the season, they were a huge hit with the fans. Many drew comparisons to Madden, saying that the camera made them feel as though they were playing a video game.
Movie Bird Crane
This one is relatively straightforward. Again mostly used in movies, it is a 53 foot tall crane which will be used to get “sweeping shots” of the pregame set.
Additionally, it will cover game action and help with augmented reality.
