Two Wheels Motor Racing invested in Ikegami broadcast camera systems, aiming to sharpen its performance at the race track with HDR imaging and custom HFR workflows.
Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd is an established name in Asia's motorsports scene. Its subsidiary company TWTV Production carries out production services for high-speed racing events. As well as regional championship circuit races, endurance challenges and compact street circuit races, the company also plays a key role in hosting and supporting internationally recognized competitions. These include events such as the Super GT and the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, and demonstrate its ability to meet global broadcast standards.
Recently, TWMR invested in Ikegami broadcast camera systems with a deplyoment comprising Ikegami UHK-X600 cameras the crew can use for 4× high frame rate (HFR) slow-motion capture, and HDK-X500 models chosen for stable live production for up to 16 race track viewpoints. Together these cameras support HDR imaging and custom HFR workflows, delivering the sharp contrast, rich colours and smooth replay sequences expected for modern motorsports broadcasting.
A key factor in this decision was Ikegami's strong local support presence, critical in the fast-paced, demanding environment of motorsports. Race production calls for robust, reliable camera systems, responsive technical assistance and smooth, precise integration.
HDR imaging and Global Shutter
The HDK-X500 units are built with a 3-CMOS sensor with global shutter architecture that captures natural-looking images under challenging race conditions, free from geometric distortion or flash bands when shooting under strobe lights or flashes from still cameras.
Its three-chip optical design, with or without the Low-Pass Filter option, reduces the colour aliasing that generally occurs with single-chip cameras.
If the camera head has been located in an awkward position, the Remote Backfocus Adjustment helps set accurate back focus – the distance between the lens rear element and the sensor. The Focus Assist function is a new tool to help camera operators make fine focus adjustments. The size of the area, area colour, edge colour and display time on the viewfinder can all be adjusted in the camera menu.
The gamma setting is also selectable and can be customized to create a specific tone. HLG is preinstalled and enables a neutral image quality with high contrast for a wider dynamic range, allowing more image information to be retained for colour grading.
Slow Motion Drama
The UHK-X600 is similar to the HDK-X500 with three 2/3in CMOS sensors and global shutter, but is also field upgradeable with optional software keys that add, for instance, HFR capture including 4K video at 60 fps, and 4K/HD SDR simulcasting. The included IP extension unit converts baseband signals to and from IP streams.
Because the UHK-X600 can capture every fraction of a second in slow motion, it supports motorsport-specific detail – from tire deformation during rapid braking to extremely close overtakes.
Reliability and Precision
"Motorsports production demands absolute reliability and precision, especially in high-speed environments where there are no second takes," commented Ron Hogg, Promotion Director, Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd. "Ikegami's cameras deliver excellent image quality, particularly in HDR and high frame rate replay, and their strong local support gives us confidence in our deployments. This investment allows us to raise the bar for live race coverage and deliver a more immersive experience to our audience."
Ikegami cameras are engineered for intense live sports environments, including motorsports where conditions are unpredictable and fast-moving. With this investment, Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd is ready to produce visual storytelling where speed and clarity converge to communicate the thrill of racing. sg.ikegami.co.jp
