64:9 Ultra-Wide Camera Captures Entire Sporting Event At Once

64:9 Ultra-Wide Camera Captures Entire Sporting Event At Once

When the NHK in Japan first developed the spec for what would eventually be officially known as HDTV, they opted for a 16:9 aspect ratio, instead of the more traditional 4:3, which better filled a human’s vision. But Panasonic apparently feels that’s still not wide enough, at least when it comes to capturing the action on a sports field. So it’s developed a multi-camera system that can capture 720P at an astonishing 64:9.

Its 160-degree panoramic view of the action is captured by four 16:9 high-def cameras that all move in unison inside a computer-controlled 88-pound rig. The cameras are all aligned so the edges of what they’re shooting meet, with custom software used to seamlessly blend the transition between neighbouring shots.

64:9 Ultra-Wide Camera Captures Entire Sporting Event At Once

It can’t be carried on a videographer’s shoulder, but the four cameras can be panned and tilted in unison to focus on a particular event. But with such a wide vista, there shouldn’t be anything they miss on field. The system is being demoed at the Integrate 2013 electronics show going on in Sydney, Australia, right now, and could be used for future sporting events once we all get four side-by-side HDTVs in our living rooms. [Panasonic via Gizmag]

64:9 Ultra-Wide Camera Captures Entire Sporting Event At Once


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.