Top 10 cameras used in cricket broadcasting and their costs

Top 10 cameras used in cricket broadcasting and their costs (Image: Quidich)

Cricket broadcasting is undergoing a technological revival, but the divide in quality between nations remains a stark difference. On one hand, broadcasters from Australia are leading with innovations that are changing viewing into a cinematic experience. On the other front, Indian cricket broadcasting is often seen stuck in earlier times, with confusing camera angles, delayed replays, and shaky visuals.

In Australia, a popular broadcaster has acquired cutting-edge technologies like HyperLayer and The Emperor to enhance the experience. HyperLayer uses six cameras tracking at 250 frames per second (fps) to capture every phase of the ball. Producing 810,000 frames of data daily provides analytical depth. Meanwhile, The Emperor, a next-generation ultra-motion camera capable of 600 frames per second, giving clarity in ball and player tracking. Meanwhile, 4D replays, provide real-time, 360-degree views of crucial times.

On the other hand, Indian broadcasts, have started to use the new technology. However, the use of the Smart Replay System in IPL shows the change. By using Hawk-Eye’s high-speed cameras directly with the TV umpire, the system removes delays and enhances decision-making. Split-screen visuals are now set to improve clarity for tricky moments.

Let’s see 10 cameras used in cricket broadcasting and their costs:

10. Helmet Cameras (INR 1–3 lakhs)

Helmet Camera. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Helmet cameras have become a game-changer in sports broadcasting, giving viewers an experience like never before. Priced between INR 1–INR 3 lakhs per unit, these lightweight cameras, weighing less than 100 grams, are attached to helmets. Initially introduced in cricket for umpires, they are now used by players too, with the cameras fixed on the helmet’s peak to capture action from a batter’s perspective.

Brands like GoPro manufacture this kind of camera. These action cameras are stable and provide high-quality footage despite constant movement. Widely adopted in leagues like the IPL, BBL, and CPL, they enhance the viewing experience, making audiences feel part of the action. 

9. Stump Cameras (INR 2–5 lakhs):

Cricket Stump Cameras (Source: Twitter)

Stump cameras, which are approximately priced between INR 2–5 lakhs per unit, have revolutionized cricket technology since their introduction between 1990 and 2000. Installed in the middle stump, these cameras provide unique angles, such as stumpings and close calls at the batting crease. Alongside the stump mic, which captures in-play audio, stump cams enhance the viewer’s experience.

For the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, a sponsor beverage brand, in collaboration with Ogilvy, launched a ‘stump cam’ initiative. Fans could access exclusive stump cam footage after each match by scanning a QR code on their retail SKUs. This helped give the spectators a new and exclusive viewing experience.

8. Helicam / Drone Cameras (INR 5–20 lakh)

Helicam (Drone Cameras) (Image: Twitter)

Cricket has enhanced the viewer experience by using Helicam (drone cameras) which are priced between INR 5–20 lakhs based on features. These cameras provide stunning overhead views of the pitch, helping in getting slow-motion footage and tracking ball angles. This view not only gives a brilliant experience for fans and commentators but also offers coaches critical data to improve team performance.

The Decision Review System (DRS) provides detailed visuals to review umpire decisions, and these cams play a huge role in assisting that technology. The Indian aerospace sector saw a breakthrough when MS Dhoni introduced ‘Droni,’ a made-in-India drone by an indigenous drone company. Equipped with twin cameras, obstacle avoidance, and live-streaming capabilities, it has different applications in filming key sporting moments from an enhanced perspective.

7. Referee and Third Umpire Cameras (INR 10–25 lakh):

Umpire Camera. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Referee and third umpire cameras are important tools in modern cricket, priced between INR 10–25 lakhs per unit. These systems use advanced technologies to ensure accurate decision-making. For instance, Hawk-Eye cameras, capturing 300 frames per second, track the ball’s path and predict its trajectory. Meanwhile, stump cams and high-speed cameras provide detailed views of on-field actions, such as the batter’s movements or ball releases.

The Smart Replay System enhances the third umpire’s ability to analyze plays by providing split-screen views and zoomed angles. The Decision Review System (DRS) allows players and on-field umpires to refer contentious calls to the third umpire. The third umpire technology was first introduced by a Sri Lankan. This was introduced by Mahinda Wijesinghe and was first used in a Test match in the year 1992.

6. Pitchside Cameras: INR 10–30 lakh per unit

Pitchside Cameras (Source: ECB)

Pitchside cameras are devices designed to catch every angle of the playing field during live matches. Price ranging between INR 10–30 lakhs per unit, these advanced systems bring unique perspectives, such as the “mole’s eye view,” which is achieved using a remote-controlled camera kept on a motorized platform.

This setup, often referred to as the Agito from Motion Impossible or the Buggy Cam, has gotten attention from commentators and viewers alike.

5. Standard Broadcast Cameras (INR 50-80 lakh):

Standard Broadcast Cameras (Source: Twitter)

Standard Broadcast Cameras, such as the Sony HDC Series and Grass Valley LDX Series, are integral to live event production, offering brilliant image quality and innovative features.

The Sony HDC Series, priced between INR 40–70 lakhs per unit, is renowned for its advanced technology. The HDC-3500 features a 2/3-inch 4K CMOS sensor with global shutter technology, while the HDC-4300 offers ultra-precision chip alignment for wide colour space and dynamic range.

Grass Valley’s LDX Series (INR 50–INR 80 lakhs) rivals Sony with its 4K/UHD cameras, widely used in sports and live events like cricket and golf. These cameras handle complex 4K production challenges.

4. Ultra High Definition (UHD) Cameras (Approx. INR 1 crore):

Ultra High Definition (UHD) Cameras

Ultra High Definition (UHD) cameras, including 4K models, have changed sports broadcasting. These cameras, priced at approximately INR 1 crore per unit, give picture clarity and color reproduction, replicating the live-action feel. With their ultra-zoom capabilities, UHD cameras ensure accurate frame magnification.

The cameras recently made their debut during the Australia-India Test series, with UHD broadcasting innovations bringing cutting-edge technology, such as a Hindi feed, to cricket fans globally. Canon’s DIGISUPER 90 lenses and I-MOVIX X10 UHD cameras have been used in tournaments like GT20 Canada and the World Cup. The BCCI has also adopted 4K technology and plans to utilize over 50 advanced cameras, including drones and spider cams, for live cricket match coverage.

3. Boundary Cameras (Approx. INR 2 crore)

Boundary Buggy Cameras (Image: Quidich)

Boundary cameras, priced at approximately INR 2 crore per unit, are advanced video recording systems designed for catching detailed footage near the field’s edges. Typically, eight cameras are positioned at the corners of the boundary lines to ensure complete coverage. Each camera’s viewport overlaps slightly with its neighbours, ensuring no action goes unnoticed.

These cameras play a crucial role in getting fielding actions, catches, and run-outs near the boundary ropes. These cameras help in getting close-up views, which provide a comprehensive perspective of players’ movements and activities on the field. This footage helps the umpires to make decisions in tight situations, such as determining whether a fielder stepped outside the boundary while taking a catch.

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2. High-Speed Cameras (INR 1–2 crore)

High-Speed Cameras (Super Motion Cameras) (Source: Phantomhighspeed)

High-speed cameras can pick high frame rates, enabling detailed slow-motion replays. These cameras are very much used in sports, as they allow viewers to analyze the small details like ball trajectory, spin, and points of impact with clarity. Among these, Phantom high-speed cameras stand out for their technology and applications in sports science and broadcasting. These cameras come at a premium, with Phantom cameras priced between INR 1-2 crore per unit.

1. Spidercam (INR 5–10 crore):

Spidercam (Image: Twitter)

The Spidercam, costing INR 5–10 crore for setup and operation, has revolutionized sports broadcasting in live matches. Introduced to cricket at the start of the decade after its success in football, this German-manufactured technology uses four cables to navigate both vertically and horizontally across the field. It gives bird’s-eye views as well as close-ups from near ground level.

The Spidercam allows fans to see action from unique angles. These include player-tracking capabilities and compatibility with other technologies, such as drone cameras, for better coverage. Players like Steven Smith have expressed concerns, citing distractions caused by the camera during crucial moments, such as catching attempts.