The Marshall Electronics CV508 is a powerful full HD camera in a super-compact housing that is virtually identical to its predecessor, the CV506, with the exception of the improved sensor. With an edge length of just five centimetres, it can be installed inconspicuously almost anywhere. Its robust metal housing contains a state-of-the-art 2.5-megapixel sensor that delivers pin-sharp videos with a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and up to 60 frames per second. The signal is transmitted simultaneously via the HDMI output and the BNC socket (3G-SDI) on the back of the camera, and if the built-in 3.6mm lens is not quite right for a particular shoot, it can be swapped for another M12 lens in a few simple steps thanks to the M12 connection.
In addition to a 12-volt power supply, the scope of delivery includes a breakout cable that connects to the 12-pin socket located on the rear of the CV508 and locks securely in place. This adapter can be used to connect the power supply, a separate stereo audio source, and a remote control (RS-485 interface) to the mini camera. Alternatively, the whole range of settings can be made using the four-way joystick that is integrated into the adapter cable. In conjunction with the camera's on-screen menu, this allows the resolution, frame rate, and a variety of image parameters such as white balance, black level, colour saturation, sharpness, and exposure to be adjusted and set. The micro-USB port is used for firmware updates.
The Marshall Electronics CV508 is primarily suitable for use in professional settings, but thanks to its HDMI output, it can also be used with consumer streaming or recording equipment - e.g. in conjunction with an HDMI capture card on a home PC. However, its strengths will truly come to the fore in more elaborate productions such as the transmission of concerts, sporting events, church services, lectures, tuition sessions, news broadcasts, or reality shows. The mini camera is also recommended for commercial settings - for monitoring company buildings, official facilities and courtrooms, for instance.
Marshall Electronics, Inc. has been one of the world's leading suppliers of professional audio and video technologies for TV broadcasting, corporate AV, unified communications (UCC), studio audio production and industrial OEMs for over 30 years. Their product line-up includes optical systems such as cameras and lenses, as well as control monitors and displays, AV converters and adapters, SDI amplifiers and much more. The privately held US company has its headquarters in Torrance, California, and boasts manufacturing facilities in the US, China, Japan and Korea. The group includes Marshall Broadcast & AV, Marshall Optical Systems, MXL Microphones and Mogami Cable & Connectors divisions.
The mini cameras from Marshall Electronics are a popular choice among production teams and event organisers, and they can be used to achieve spectacular broadcast-quality images when placed in unusual positions - at the top of a volleyball pole or behind the transparent backboard of a basketball hoop, for example. Marshall Electronics additionally offers a range of accessories to expand the creative possibilities, including a multi-camera remote control with touch screen (CV-RCP-V2), a breakaway adapter cable (CV505/345-10FTCBLE) that is three metres longer, a USB adapter for using the camera control software on a PC, and a pan-tilt head (CV-PT-HEAD) that allows the CV508 to be panned and tilted remotely.