BBC Springwatch wildlife cameras

Photo copyright - © BBC

 Springwatch rules
As a camera company, we are huge fans of Springwatch and Autumnwatch, brought to you by the hard working team at the BBC Natural History unit. Over the years, we have had contact with a number of BBC cameramen who have given us some very good tips on filming wildlife closeup and what technology is needed.

The team
Within the outside broadcast team, they have over 90
experts and technicians at hand. Each playing an important role in
getting valuable shots to our screens. The small cameras are brought to
you by the 'minicam team' who work tirelessly building highly bespoke
solutions to get tailored shots perfect for the big screen. Before
any filming is done, there is a lot of research and planning. By
knowing what, where and how to film can help save valuable time and
effort.


The technology
The main technology they use are high quality
mini cameras that are broadcast quality in HD format. The cameras are
often linked up to huge bank of video splitters and monitors via miles
of coaxial cables. Everything is individually powered by huge site
generators. Normally white light is used in order to get the high
quality colour and clarity. They do not normally go for infra-red as
they mainly monitor and film during active parts of the day.

The filming challenge
Filming in remote locations can prove to be very difficult. Often problems like remoteness, inaccessibility, humidity and moisture requires specific technological solutions. Not to mention that small creatures do like to chew cables too. However, problems are often conquered by the use of new technology, resulting in ground breaking filming techniques and footage.  So if you see the cameras on Springwatch, you must know that they are high end broadcast quality with bespoke technologies, techniques and huge budgets behind them.

Future of filming
Filming wildlife can always prove a challenge. As technology improves, price drops we will see new exiting footage. We must thank the pioneering team at the BEEB, who have helped push the envelope of filming and raise the awareness of the natural world around us. Programmes like Springwatch and Autumnwatch have helped promote accessibility of wildlife around us. Who knows, with a little bit of kit you can have your very own Springwatch too.

More reading
BBC springwatch website
BBC natural history unit

Keywords to help search
springwatch, bbc springwatch, springwatch cameras, wildlife cameras, HD wildlife cameras, BBC Natural history unit,