CABLE CAM SYSTEMS FAQ
What cameras and lenses can be used with cable cam systems by JoyMechanix?
JoyMechanix systems can run a wide range of cameras and lenses, from budget-friendly broadcast builds to high-end 4K sports setups. The smoothest live workflow usually comes from box-type broadcast cameras paired with motorized Canon or Fujinon B4 lenses, because lens control and zoom/focus data can stay inside one integrated signal-and-control pipeline - including AR-ready outputs when needed.
Article Scope
This article summarizes the camera bodies and lens families most commonly used on JoyMechanix cable cam and crane systems, what makes a “broadcast-friendly” build (SDI, genlock, remote lens control), and how to think about 4K lenses, AR data, and weight/payload considerations for stabilization performance. It is a compatibility guide - final integration depends on the exact camera model, lens mount, servo/drive requirements, control protocol, and the selected head/gimbal configuration.
What Type of Cameras Are Normally Used?*
We normally propose to use box-type cameras (cameras without a viewfinder, a shoulder mount or a rear battery pack.)
Here are the cameras widely used by our clients:
- Sony HDC-P50
- Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast G2
- Ikegami UHL-X40
- Grass Valley LDX C180
- ARRI Alexa Mini
- RED Komodo-X and other for Cinema production. May be used for Broadcast as well if combined with B4-to-RF lens mount adapters.
Which Lenses Are Recommended?*
For broadcast purposes we normally recommend B4 mount Canon or Fujinon motorized lenses. These lenses provide the most seamless integration with our systems, including full lens control and zoom and focus data output for AR applications. For cinema use there is no specific recommendations other than the weight limitations (under 8kg for camera and lenses for standard stabilization performance and under 6kg for advanced stabilization).
Lenses for 4K:
- Fujinon UA series (like UA 13x4.5BERD and other, preferably with wide angle for the better performance on 4-point systems)
- Fujinon LA16X8BRM-XB1A 2/3" for Blackmagic URSA Broadcast
- Canon CJ series (like CJ14ex4.3B; UHDxs CJ20eX5B and UHDgc CJ17ex6.2B)
Lenses for HD:
- Fujinon ZA series (like ZA12x4.5BERM / BERD and other, preferably with wide angle for the better performance on 4-point systems)
- Canon HJ series (like HJ14ex4.3B IRSE / IASE S)
* The lenses should be chosen specifically for the exact camera by the professionals only. Not all lenses listed will be compatible with the specified cameras, and not all combinations are already integrated with JoyMechanix equipment.