The coronavirus pandemic has affected all sectors, and in the sports world it has prevented fans from going to stadiums. LaLiga, as responsible for the soccer competition in Spain, has been using technology, such as augmented reality and drones, to make broadcasts offer a more immersive and realistic feel; something they get with their new movie camera.
Beyond incorporating youtubers like Ibai Llanos to the broadcasts, in the technical section LaLiga and Mediapro have made a new signing: the Sony A7S III. This state-of-the-art camera, introduced just a few months ago, is perfect for close-up and cinephile air while looking for the best league in the world.
This camera is unique. It is a device that includes a 35-millimeter sensor and provides viewers with picture quality similar to that of a movie; In addition to giving a realistic feeling, as if you were in the stands of the stadium or a few meters from the players.
“This is a large sensor camera that up until now was used for additional content, such as taking players onto the field or celebrating goals. What we’ve done has been integrate it into live broadcasting with a wireless link to achieve a cinematic effect and give a revolutionary image to this type of shot “, he explains Óscar Lago, responsible for conducting LaLiga at Mediapro, to OMICRONO.
Blur effect
The Sony A7S III is a camera that captures an image with very shallow depth of field thanks to its 35 mm sensor, and with this, a different result is obtained from the rest of the cameras of the broadcast of a match. A background blur effect is produced in video similar to portrait-type photographs taken by some mobiles.
An operator with the new LaLiga movie camera.
LaLiga
Omicrono
“The Sony A7S III It is a small professional camera, with a very low cost (4,200 euros), that does not overheat and with a very simple handling. By mounting a 35mm sensor, it offers a cinematic look, which is what impresses – with some background blurs and the subject in focus. In other words, importance is given to the details, to a part of the plane “, says Javier Garcés, head of Sony’s professional photography line, to OMICRONO.
“One of its virtues is that the image in the background is out of focus, for that reason it is used for certain situations, as a celebration, and not for the game itself, “says Óscar Lago. Another key to this chamber is that it offers good image quality in low light situations. In this sport, the vast majority of matches are played at night and depend on the lighting of the stadium.
“This camera has a contained resolution necessary to make video, so it does not need more megapixels and offers a better response at high sensitivities. There is no noise, so shots can be shot in low light, but with high-quality results and as if it were daytime“, explains Garcés. Another advance that the Sony A7S III mounts is that it uses artificial intelligence, being able to focus on the face and eye of a subject. That way, the videographer only has to frame, as the camera takes care of the rest.
Sony’s camera on the Mestalla lawn.
LaLiga
Omicrono
The Sony A7S III It is used with a wireless link and the camera is connected to the backpack worn by the operator, which is the one used to perform the streaming. With it the signal is sent to a receiver and in realization they puncture the plane. Specifically, this model “It is one of the Sony cameras with the best connectivity, since it offers several combinations to connect to the cloud or the network “, points out Javier Garcés.
Further, incorporates a stabilizing support similar to that of the steady-cam, which together provides a very cinematic visual sensation, also comparable with the image of a video game.
“We are working on the definitive support that we will use. We think that must be more stable, allowing the operator to take shots with more stability. We must also ensure that this camera complies with all standards, such as HDR or the color gamut, both in 4K and HD broadcasts “, says Óscar Lago.
Immersive experience
This camera debuted in the match between Valencia and Osasuna held at the Mestalla stadium on matchday 19 of the league; and later it was used during the match between Barcelona and Athletic on matchday 21 at the Camp Nou. LaLiga’s goal is for viewers to be able to enjoy this realistic image quality in the best matches of each matchday and feel like they are on the pitch.
“This camera can bring closeness to the viewer, make them feel more integrated into the field of play. In addition, it brings a cinematic quality with more realistic images. The idea is that it becomes a second fan cam but closer, and one of the objectives is to get the players to look for it and celebrate the goals where it is located -as can be seen in the video-, since it’s a way to celebrate with the fans at home“reports Lago.
This is the new LaLiga cinematographic camera
In this way, LaLiga continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and audiovisual technology, becoming the first major league in this sport to integrate a camera of these characteristics to your live broadcast with a wireless link. There are even already several international competitions that have been interested in its operation in order to implement it.
“Technology is really important for a good broadcast, in addition to the quality of the human team. We are always open to exploring and testing any type of technological advance”, concludes Óscar Lago. A camera that from now on will pass to be part of the official broadcasts of football matches from LaLiga offering shots with superior image quality and a more immersive feel.