Three-chip cameras have been a staple in broadcast television for decades. Unlike the single-chip cameras most people use, three-chip cameras capture color more accurately and produce flawless skin tones without additional processing. This is crucial for live broadcasts like the news or major sporting events, where there's no time for post-production corrections.
Coming to you from Markus Rothkranz of Marcuspix, this interesting video breaks down why the broadcast industry still relies on three-chip cameras. These cameras split incoming light into three separate sensors—one each for red, green, and blue—ensuring precise color separation. This level of accuracy is vital for live news and sports, where natural skin tones and clean chroma keying for green screens are non-negotiable. Unlike cinema-focused single-chip cameras, which prioritize dynamic range and shallow depth of field, three-chip cameras are built for real-time workflows where footage must look perfect straight out of the camera.
The video also highlights why three-chip cameras are not widely available to everyday users. Cost is a major factor—these cameras are expensive, with models often reaching past $50,000. Another reason is that modern cinematography leans toward a different aesthetic. Many filmmakers and content creators prefer the "cinematic look," which often involves softer colors, log profiles, and post-production grading. Single-chip cameras are better suited for this approach because they offer more flexibility in low light and a higher dynamic range.
The video further explains why most broadcast cameras still shoot in 1080i instead of 4K or even 1080p. Despite advancements in technology, much of cable television in 2025 is still transmitted in 1080i or even 720p. While some high-end productions and streaming services use 4K, traditional broadcasters prioritize reliability and efficiency over resolution. The demand for real-time production speed outweighs the push for higher resolution, especially when most viewers can’t tell the difference in everyday broadcasts. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Rothkranz.
