At NAB, BirdDog announced the X120, the world’s first Wi-Fi enabled production PTZ camera with NDI HX3.
BirdDog said the X120 creates a new paradigm in production freedom, with over five ways to connect the camera. The connection options include wireless NDI HX3 over Wi-Fi; NDI HX3 over Ethernet; SDI and HDMI for traditional baseband video workflows; and UVC via USB-C for direct connection to Zoom, Teams and other USB UVC-compatible devices or applications.
BirdDog said the X120 offers excellent lowlight performance due to the Sony Exmor R back-illuminated sensor, a superior image module and BirdDog’s advanced NDI technology.
The X120 can be tuned several ways, including the color matrix tools to give individual control over Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. In addition, Kelvin controls can be used to match the camera’s white balance to the color temperature of lighting.
These camera tuning tools can be accessed a variety of ways including the BirdUI, BirdDog Cam Control software or the new NDI PTZ Control app for iPad and iPhone.
The X120 also features auto-tracking via the free Cam Control software. It includes a 20x optical zoom; OLED screen display of the camera IP address; 360-degree viewable mohawk Tally; 49mm lens thread for attaching filters; and BirdDog’s PTZ illuminated numbering system. Power options include DC, PoE+ or use of the optional PTZ Battery Mount.
“To be able to offer this amazing camera packed with unique and ground-breaking features is a testament to our engineering team. I can’t wait to see how our customers put the X120 to use in the field,” said Dan Miall, BirdDog’s CEO.
The X120 is shipping in Q2, 2023 and will be available globally through BirdDog’s network of systems integrators and resellers. Introductory price is $995 and BirdDog is accepting orders immediately.
Beacham has served as a staff reporter and editor for United Press International, the Miami Herald, Gannett Newspapers and Post-Newsweek. His articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, the Village Voice and The Oxford American.
Beacham’s books, Whitewash: A Southern Journey through Music, Mayhem & Murder and The Whole World Was Watching; My Life Under the Media
Microscope are currently in publication. Two of his stories are currently being developed for television.
In 1985, Beacham teamed with Orson Welles over a six month period to develop a one-man television special. Orson Welles Solo was canceled after Mr. Welles died on the day principal photography was to begin.
In 1999, Frank Beacham was executive producer of Tim Robbins’ Touchstone feature film, Cradle Will Rock. His play, Maverick, about video with Orson Welles, was staged off-Broadway in New York City in 2019.
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