PROTON Camera Innovations – a German manufacturer of miniaturized gear – will launch what they claim to be the world’s smallest broadcast quality camera at NAB 2024. The tiny PROTON CAM will weigh 24g and measure 28x28mm. The camera will support 12-bit output, but no resolution, frame rates, or sensor size specifications have been made. The camera seems to target industrial applications as well as relatively niche broadcast applications such as drone cam, crash cam, wearable cam, etc.
Quality, operability, and compactness contradict one another. The smaller the camera is, the harder it is to achieve high image quality, move massive amounts of data around without overheating, or fit a long-lasting battery inside. Various manufacturers have approached this challenge over the years, offering a wide range of solutions. Action cameras come to mind with the likes of the Insta360 GO, DJI Action II, GoPro HERO10 Black Bones, or the late GoPro Session.
We even saw some interesting attempts to include larger sensors inside such tiny cameras. Sony made the RX0 series with a 1″ sensor. Insta360 is currently making two 1″ modules, one for wide-angle shooting and one for 360. One may even stretch this segment as far as the SIGMA fp or the more dedicated Sony S3CA with what may just be the best sensor-size-to-body-size ratio on the market.
PROTON CAM – camera on another level?
All the cameras mentioned above (besides the miniature Insta360 GO II) are compact when compared to other cameras. The PROTON CAM is compact when compared to a matchbox. In the same way that the aforementioned cameras can fit in one’s hand, this tiny camera can fit on one’s thumb. The PROTON CAM is small enough to be worn, can be inserted into various objects and setups, and can form small 3D / VR rigs.
While details are scarce, the first product images imply a ribbed body for thermal management, two cords, probably for power and data transfer, and two indication lights on the front and back. The lens should provide around 120° field of view.
What we don’t know yet
At this point, several details are either undisclosed or yet to be determined. We don’t have any information regarding resolution, fps, bitrate, ports, battery, recording media, etc. While these are all rather critical, such a unique offering does, in my opinion, justify including it. We hope to get more details and witness the PROTON CAM firsthand at NAB 2024 and will follow up with updates.
Price and availability
No price or availability has been disclosed so far. The PROTON CAM will make its debut at NAB 2024.
Can you see yourself implementing this unique product in your workflow? What specs must be on board for you to consider it? Let us know in the comments.
