Onboard camera
Encyclopedia
The term onboard camera usually refers to that of a camera placed upon an object, for instance a car or an aircraft.
In motor racing, onboard cameras are usually used to give a better perspective from the driver's point of view, whilst in films, these cameras are designed to increase the intensity and action of a specific scene. Onboard cameras were used widely in movies such as Le Mans
and The Fast and the Furious
series, to convey this message.
Much of the original development work which led to the onboard cameras used today was performed by Australia's Channel Seven network during the early 1980s. In 1983 Channel Seven were asked to provide onboard (or in-car to give it its U.S. moniker) cameras for the NASCAR
series.
The original, Channel Seven, development team of John Porter and Peter Larsson moved to the states and formed Broadcast Sports Technology Inc.. BST then proceeded to recruit other staff from Channel Seven, notably Michael Katzmann.
Throughout the years BST covered all the major US motor racing series, as well as branching into America's Cup and Olympic sailing onboards.
The first time a live onboard camera was used in a Formula One
race was at the 1985 German Grand Prix
, where one was attached to François Hesnault
's Renault
. Previously, cameras had only been mounted to F1 cars during testing, but since then, more and more cameras have been fitted. Since 1998, all Formula One cars have been fitted with at least three onboard cameras (usually more) and they form an integral part of the television coverage.
As with US onboard coverage, F1 utilised a helicopter as a local satellite to pick up the transmission from the cars and re-broadcast it to the truck / local production center. This was initially shifted to a ground based analog system, with variable results, and more recently to a ground based digital solution which is now the norm.
Onboard cameras are also now common place in other top motorsports including the World Rally Championship
and MotoGP.
In motor racing, onboard cameras are usually used to give a better perspective from the driver's point of view, whilst in films, these cameras are designed to increase the intensity and action of a specific scene. Onboard cameras were used widely in movies such as Le Mans
Le Mans (film)
Le Mans is a 1971 action film directed by Lee H. Katzin. Starring Steve McQueen, it features footage from the actual 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race....
and The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious (film series)
The Fast and the Furious is a series of action films that focuses on street racing and heists. Produced by Universal Studios, the series was established in 2001 with the eponymous first installment, which has since been followed by four sequels, and two short films that tie into the series...
series, to convey this message.
Much of the original development work which led to the onboard cameras used today was performed by Australia's Channel Seven network during the early 1980s. In 1983 Channel Seven were asked to provide onboard (or in-car to give it its U.S. moniker) cameras for the NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
series.
The original, Channel Seven, development team of John Porter and Peter Larsson moved to the states and formed Broadcast Sports Technology Inc.. BST then proceeded to recruit other staff from Channel Seven, notably Michael Katzmann.
Throughout the years BST covered all the major US motor racing series, as well as branching into America's Cup and Olympic sailing onboards.
The first time a live onboard camera was used in a Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
race was at the 1985 German Grand Prix
1985 German Grand Prix
The 1985 German Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Nürburgring on August 4, 1985. It was the ninth round of the 1985 Formula One season....
, where one was attached to François Hesnault
François Hesnault
François Hesnault is a former racing driver from France. He participated in 21 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on 25 March 1984...
's Renault
Renault F1
Lotus Renault GP, formerly the Renault F1 Team, is a British Formula One racing team. The Oxfordshire-based team can trace its roots back through the Benetton team of the late 1980s and 1990s to the Toleman team of the early 1980s. Renault had also competed in various forms since , before taking...
. Previously, cameras had only been mounted to F1 cars during testing, but since then, more and more cameras have been fitted. Since 1998, all Formula One cars have been fitted with at least three onboard cameras (usually more) and they form an integral part of the television coverage.
As with US onboard coverage, F1 utilised a helicopter as a local satellite to pick up the transmission from the cars and re-broadcast it to the truck / local production center. This was initially shifted to a ground based analog system, with variable results, and more recently to a ground based digital solution which is now the norm.
Onboard cameras are also now common place in other top motorsports including the World Rally Championship
World Rally Championship
The World Rally Championship is a rallying series organised by the FIA, culminating with a champion driver and manufacturer. The driver's world championship and manufacturer's world championship are separate championships, but based on the same point system. The series currently consists of 13...
and MotoGP.