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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 309 event showcased not only world-class athleticism but also cutting-edge technological innovation in sports photography. At this event at Madison Square Garden in NY, the UFC Photo Team employed Advanced Image Robotics (AIR) systems flying Sony Alpha 1 cameras with Sony 70-200mm and 12-24mm lenses to capture stunning still photos during the live event. This seamless integration of hardware and software marked a significant evolution in remote photography, enabling real-time content production and delivery. 

The Setup: Precision in Placement 

Two AIR One robotic camera systems were mounted strategically on the lighting truss above the iconic Octagon. One system was placed at the center of the truss, offering a direct overhead view of the action, while the second was positioned in a corner, delivering dynamic angles that highlighted the intensity and energy of the fights. These placements allowed the photography team to capture both dramatic and candid moments with unparalleled precision. 

When asked about the decision to integrate Sony Alpha 1 cameras with the Advanced Image Robotics remote production systems Josh Hedges, UFC Photo Team said “It’s not often that photographers get to use something new that allows us to push our creativity. When I saw the AIR systems I was excited to be able to follow the action in the Octagon to get more creative.”  

Remote Operation and Workflow 

The AIR systems were operated remotely from a backstage production area using an intuitive iPad interface. This system offered full control over camera angles, zoom, focus, and exposure, allowing photographers to adapt to the fast-paced action of the fights in real time. 

Once the photos were captured, the team processed them instantly through an optimized workflow. The images were edited and uploaded directly to ufc.com moments after key events occurred, such as knockouts, submissions, and walkouts. This real-time capability enabled the UFC to engage fans across the globe with near-instant updates, driving online engagement and enhancing the overall viewing experience. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I was invited by AIR to view the event live and document the use of their production system. I had an opportunity to play with the AIR App backstage and acted as the photographer for one of the prelim bouts. I am happy to say that the system is so foolproof that one of MY photos was used online despite my lack of professional photography experience. 

Challenges and Successes 

Challenges 

1. Installation: Setting up these events is a highly coordinated effort which means every team must complete their work in the time allowed. The AIR systems had to be mounted, connected, tested and configured before the grid is lifted for the Octagon build which means these systems must be quick and easy to install. 

2. Fast Action: Capturing crisp, high-quality stills of rapid movements demanded precise camera control and robust autofocus capabilities.

Successes

1. Image Quality: The Sony A1’s high-resolution sensors delivered crystal-clear images that showcased the intensity of UFC 309. 

2. Efficiency: The AIR system’s remote operation and seamless workflow drastically reduced the time between capturing and publishing images. 

3. Fan Engagement: The immediacy of posting event highlights online enhanced fan interaction, solidifying UFC’s status as a leader in sports media innovation. 

Impact on Sports Photography 

The success of the AIR systems and Sony Alpha 1 cameras at UFC 309 highlights a shift in how professional sports photography can be conducted. By eliminating the need for photographers to be physically present in challenging or restrictive environments, this setup ensures safety, efficiency, and adaptability. 

For the UFC, this breakthrough represents not only a technical advancement but also a strategic edge in digital content delivery. The implementation of these systems opens the door for broader applications in other live events, from concerts to endurance events to large-scale sports tournaments. 

Conclusion 

The combination of Advanced Image Robotics remote production system and the Sony Alpha 1 cameras at UFC 309 exemplifies the transformative power of technology in live event coverage. By combining the precision of robotic systems with the artistic potential of high-quality cameras, the UFC has set a new standard for real-time content creation, delivering an experience that fans won’t forget. 

As innovations like these continue to shape the future of sports media, UFC’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology ensures it remains at the forefront of fan engagement and storytelling. 

Broadfield is your source for the Advanced Image Robotics Camera Kit and REMI Production Bundles. The complete VIDEO production with the Z Cam E2-M4 4K camera is in stock and available now and the phot bundle mentioned in this article is available for quotes and large opportunities… like the UFC. Call your Broadfield Sales Rep at 800-634-5178 to learn more.

AIR One® Robotic Camera Kit and REMI Production Bundle

Buy the AIR One Robotic Camera Kit & REMI Production Bundle between 11/20/24 and 12/31/24 and get TWICE the AIRCloud FREE! Bundle regularly includes 3 month AIR Cloud Subscription. Buy now and get 6 months included with your bundle!!!

SKU: AIR1A2023
IN STOCK!
$9,995.00 MSRP

AIR is the alternative to complicated and expensive remote production. Our IP-native platform simplifies your workflow, minimizes onsite personnel and gear, and radically reduces costs. You can integrate it into your existing system, or use it stand-alone with our cloud-based system. Whether shooting a single cam remote interview or a multicam livestream, AIR is everything you need in one integrated kit at one low price. 

Bundle Includes:

• AIR One gimbal-stabilized robotic head 
• Z Cam E2-M4 4K camera module
• Panasonic 14-140mm lens  
• Zoom motor and mount
• Apple iPad (10th gen) 64GB WiFi 
• AIR App
• Quick release plate
• Power supply
• PoE dongle for iPad  
• Custom-fit high-impact carry case
• AIRcloud 3-month subscription (6-months with Black Friday Special thru 12/31/24!)

AIR One – Capture in 4K
Ready to shoot out of the box, AIR One gives you incredibly accurate pan, tilt & zoom control of a large-sensor 4K digital cinema camera over IP. Turn it on and AIR One self-calibrates, auto-levels, and connects to your network in about a minute. It moves like a human, with smooth multi-speed easing. Gimbal-stabilized and under 10 lbs, you can mount it just about anywhere: on a tripod or light stand, underslung in the grid, down at ground level, or even on a robotic arm. 700 degrees of rotation means you can follow all the action, and output video directly from the robot in HDMI or ethernet via SRT. And, the entire AIR One kit fits into its own carry-on case. 

The Z Cam E2 M4 module that ships with the AIR One bundle gives you great bang for the buck. It provides the resolution and dynamic range you’d expect from a 4K MFT sensor, and works great with low light and high frame rate capabilities. Capture up to 4K ProResHQ internally, as well as H.265 and H.264, and up to 240fps HD. 

A Panasonic 14-140 lens ships with your kit, or you can install any MFT glass up to 300m. You can even swap the lens mount to use EF glass. No other robotic solution gives you so many lens options.

Also included is the AIR zoom motor and mount, giving you incredibly smooth action at any speed. And it’s so quiet that you’ll never worry about it impacting audio on set. 

The eInk display on the back of AIR One gives onsite techs all relevant information at a glance: device status, IP address, and device name. No more wasting time having to dig this information up. 

Many of our users run multiple AIR One robots on a shoot, and love that they easily connect to the permissioned IP network. Even if you’re augmenting your existing system, you’ll find networking AIR One to be the easiest part of setup. Connect video via ethernet or HDMI. Connect stereo XLR audio via 5 pin lemo. 

AIR App – Control From Anywhere
From on-prem or 1000s of miles away, AIR App gives you real time control over the camera with just a touch. The intuitive interface allows for precise movement by dragging your finger over the screen or double-tapping a recall button. 40 programmable presets and a double-tap autofocus feature makes recreating shots easy. Every camera control – from aperture, color shading, F-stop, etc – is fully accessible through the app interface, and a single operator can control up to 6 AIR One robots from one iPad.

AIRcloud – Simplify Your Workflow
You don’t need AIRcloud to use AIR One, but we think you’ll like it so much that we’re giving you three months free. AIRcloud is a production suite with tools to manage and automate your entire camera-to-CDN workflow from one web interface. Using a simple UI, you can:

• Remotely operate your AIR One robot(s) over IP from any distance. 
• Switch fully in the cloud with ultra low latency over standard broadband using OBS, vMix or any software defined switcher of your choosing.
• Diagnose metadata and real-time performance metrics at a glance for every AIR One on your network with our Master Status Dashboard.
• Access ultra low-latency comms – 8X faster than Discord – directly from your app. 
• Digitize shoot prep with our drag-and-drop planner to assign camera locations, cloud instances, gear management, crew permissions, cameras settings and more.  
• Stream out to any CDN.