The TOSHIBA IK-1850 is a portable color video camera designed for ease of use and high-performance color video recording. It utilizes a newly developed Toshiba univicon as its single pickup tube, aiming for minimal color deviations and complex adjustments.
Function Description
The IK-1850 is a portable color video camera capable of recording video and audio. It features a built-in electronic viewfinder for monitoring the scene being shot and playback video from a connected VCR. The camera includes a built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone for audio capture, with an option to connect an external high-performance condenser microphone (VM-1610) if desired. It can be combined with a portable VCR (specifically the Toshiba V-5530 or other VCRs with a special camera terminal) to start and stop recording via a VCR remote control switch on the camera. The camera also offers color temperature adjustment and white balance indication for optimal color reproduction.
Important Technical Specifications
- Pickup Tube: Single tube frequency separation 2 carriers system E5331.
- Color System: NTSC compatible.
- Horizontal Resolution: More than 260 lines.
- Luminance: 10 foot-candles (F 1.4).
- Video S/N: 46dB (Luminance).
- Audio S/N: More than 55 dB.
- Power Consumption: 7W (DC12V) for the camera head, and 2.4W (DC12V) for the electronic viewfinder.
- Dimensions:
- Camera head: 3.5 x 7.8 x 8.5 inches (W/H/D).
- Electronic Viewfinder: 2.4 x 2.7 x 8.3 inches (W/H/D).
- Weight:
- Camera head: 3.6 lbs (w/o Lens and viewfinder).
- Electronic Viewfinder: 1.0 lbs.
- Video Output: VBS 1.0V (p-p), 75Ω.
- Audio Output: -20dBs, 10kΩ.
- Video Input (Playback): VBS 1.0V (p-p), 75Ω.
- Audio Input (Playback): -5dBs, 10kΩ.
- Color Temperature Control: Selectable (Indoor-Outdoor), Adjustable.
- Indicators on Viewfinder: Exposure indicator, VCR operating indicator, Battery voltage warning.
- Lens: 2/3" C-mount zoom lens F1.4, f11~70mm, Auto/manual-iris control.
- Optional Accessories: External Microphone (VM-1610), Extension Cable (EXC-1610) for extending camera-VCR distance up to 10 meters (33 ft), AC adaptor (AC-1610), Remote control cable (PR-10), ND Filter (ND8), various video and audio cables, and an adaptor cable (ADC-16).
Usage Features
The IK-1850 is designed for user-friendly operation with several key features:
- Portability: Its small size and light weight allow for hand-held operation, providing a high degree of maneuverability.
- C-Mount Lens: The camera uses a standard C-mount lens, making it compatible with various 2/3-inch pickup tube lenses commonly available for CCTV. The standard option includes a 6x zoom lens with macro capabilities, allowing close-up shots from as close as 50mm from the subject.
- Electronic Viewfinder (EVF-1850): The 1.5-inch electronic viewfinder allows direct monitoring of the scene and playback video from a VCR. It features a CAMERA/VCR switch to toggle between camera view and VCR playback, and a BRIGHTNESS control for adjusting viewfinder illumination. The viewfinder also includes an exposure indicator (pointer in blue zone for optimum exposure, red zone for over/under exposure), a battery voltage warning lamp, and a VCR operation indicator. The viewfinder can be mounted on either side of the camera for user convenience and has a tilting mechanism for preferred viewing positions.
- Color Temperature Control: A color temperature switch (with settings for incandescent light (3000°K) and solar light (6000°K)) and a control knob allow for easy and fine adjustment of color temperature, compensating for different lighting conditions. An amber filter (A-110) is included for outdoor use or high color temperature illumination (over 4500°K) to absorb blue rays and lower color temperature.
- White Balance Indicator System: This system allows users to monitor and finely adjust the camera's color output using a white balance indicator lamp and the COLOR ADJUST knob.
- Auto-Iris and Manual Aperture Control: The lens features an auto-lock button to switch between automatic and manual aperture control. "A" position provides automatic aperture adjustment for consistent exposure during zooming, while "AL" (Aperture Lock) locks the exposure set in "A" mode, useful for maintaining exposure on a subject despite background illumination changes. "C" (Close) position protects the vidicon tube when the camera is not in use.
- Macro Work: The zoom lens includes a macro mechanism, indicated by "M" on the zooming ring, enabling close-up pictures of small objects from a distance of up to 50mm without additional accessories.
- VCR Remote Control: A VCR remote control switch on the camera allows starting and stopping recording on compatible VCRs (e.g., Toshiba V-5530). The handgrip also integrates a VCR remote control switch for convenience.
- Connectivity: The camera connects to a VCR or AC adaptor via a camera cable. An extension cable (EXC-1610) can extend this distance. For VCRs other than the V-5530, an AC adaptor (AC-1610) is used, with video and audio connections made separately.
Maintenance Features
- Service Procedure: Should the unit require service, users are directed to refer to the "TOSHIBA SERVICE PROCEDURE" on page 15 of the manual. This includes contacting a TOSHIBA Authorized Service Station or shipping the product to a TOSHIBA Service Center.
- Reliability: The camera incorporates a newly developed LSI (Large Scale Integration) for improved reliability and stability.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A "BEFORE CALL FOR ASSISTANCE" section provides a checklist for common issues (no power, no picture, poor contrast, poor color) to help users diagnose and resolve problems before seeking professional service.
- Pickup Tube Protection:
- Avoid pointing the camera directly at the sun or intense flashes to prevent permanent damage to the pickup tube.
- Avoid long exposure to objects with extreme brightness differences.
- When changing the lens, exercise caution to prevent dust from entering and avoid touching or scratching the pickup tube.
- If unused for a long time, operate the camera at least once every six months to prevent pickup tube deterioration.
- Always put the lens cap on when not using the camera to protect the pickup tube.
- Environmental Precautions:
- Use the camera under correct ambient temperature conditions (between 32°F/0°C and 104°F/40°C).
- Avoid using in places with corrosive gases (e.g., sulfurous acid gas).
- Do not leave the camera in direct sunlight or in a car to prevent cabinet deformation or other troubles.
- General Handling: Handle the camera and its cable with care to prevent damage from rough handling.
- VCR Pause Mode Caution: Do not keep the VCR in pause mode for more than 5 minutes when using the remote control switch on the camera. For longer pauses, depress the STOP button on the VCR.
- Acoustic Feedback Prevention: If whistle-like sound occurs from the TV speaker, keep the camera or microphone away from the TV or reduce the TV volume.