Explore the BirdDog X-Series NDI PTZ Cameras & MAKI Ultra: 4K Livestreaming, Broadcasting, and IP Video Solutions

By James Tremayne | Senior Technical Product Specialist, Holdan

BirdDog has launched their latest X Series cameras, and they’re pretty awesome. Whether you’re a pro or just getting started, these cameras have something for everyone. BirdDog are well known for their full bandwidth NDI cameras, but it’s important to highlight that these new models represent BirdDog 2.0. These are not mere upgrades; they are brand new, fully redesigned cameras.

All models in the X Series come with NDI|HX3 as standard, and USB-C (UVC) to function as a plug-and-play webcam for video conferencing applications. They also feature the innovative HALO tally system for when deployed within studio environments.

So, grab a cup of tea or your favourite jitter juice and I’ll go over what makes the MAKI, X1, X4, and X5 so special.

BirdDog X1 & X1 Ultra: Small but Mighty

The BirdDog X1 and X1 Ultra are BirdDog’s entry-level PTZ cameras, offering extensive I/O connectivity in a compact design. Equipped with a Sony 1/2.8” CMOS sensor, they capture Full HD video at 1080p. The 20x optical zoom is ideal for close-up shots from a distance. These cameras come with all the necessary connections, including HDMI, USB-C, and network interfaces, ensuring seamless integration into any setup. Additionally, they feature an NDI|HX Decoder, allowing you to send a return feed or a teleprompter feed, which can be output via the onboard HDMI.

BirdDog Maki Ultra: The 4K Box Camera

The Maki Ultra is an incredibly versatile box camera available with either a 12x or 20x optical zoom lens. Featuring a Sony 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, it delivers top-notch broadcast-quality images and offers improved low-light performance compared to the X1 range. The Maki Ultra excels in various settings, from live events to studio shoots, where a traditional PTZ camera’s movable head isn’t necessary. This makes it ideal for locked-off shots, tripod use, or even large eSports deployments.

The camera includes physical buttons on the side for quick image adjustments and boasts extensive connectivity options, including 3G SDI, HDMI, and UVC output. Additionally, it comes with the standard NDI|HX3 found on all new BirdDog cameras.

BirdDog X5 Ultra: Top of the Line

BirdDog has once again set a new standard with their current flagship, the X5. This camera brings advanced features and connectivity options that cater to a wide range of professional workflows, all for under £2500.

One of the standout features of the BirdDog X5 is its 12G-SDI connectivity. This high-bandwidth connection supports video resolutions up to 4K at 60 frames per second through a 1/2.8” image sensor, ensuring users can capture and transmit stunningly detailed and smooth video. The inclusion of 12G-SDI at this price point makes the X5 an incredibly cost-effective solution for professionals who demand high-quality video output. In addition to the 12G-SDI, the X5 also supports NDI|HX3 and USB-C (UVC) outputs, just like the rest of the range.

What truly sets the BirdDog X5 apart is its status as BirdDog’s first fully mechanical drive camera. This design choice enables the X5 to offer very precise motion control, crucial for applications requiring smooth and accurate camera movements. The camera’s ability to remember specific positions and return to them with precision is a valuable feature for repetitive tasks in both studio and boardroom settings.

Overall, the BirdDog X5 is a versatile and powerful camera that meets the needs of a wide range of professional workflows. Whether you’re in a high-end video production environment or setting up for a corporate video conference, the X5 offers the flexibility and performance to get the job done.

BirdDog X4 Ultra: Compact PTZ with a trick up its sleeve.

The BirdDog X4 Ultra is the perfect mix of performance and affordability. It has a Sony 1/1.8” CMOS sensor and shoots Ultra HD 4K video. With a 20x optical zoom and a bunch of connectivity options like 3G-SDI and HDMI, the X4 Ultra is super versatile. Its AI auto-tracking and framing features make sure you always get the perfect shot, but what sets it apart from the other cameras I’ve spoken about is a built-in battery and Wifi6 antennas.

As NDI|HX can be quite lightweight on the network regarding bandwidth requirements - it for video transmission over Wi-Fi. This is where the X4 Ultra excels, as with the built-in battery and optional Wi-Fi access point – you can quickly deploy a simple multicam system without the usual cabling.

So that means no power, and no CATx cables, just simple, auto configured wireless PTZ cameras. I’ve yet to see anyone else with a solution like this, and to fit within the rest of the flock, it still features the same HALO tally system and e-ink displays alongside the 3G-SDI and HDMI outputs.

X-Series Wrap-Up

The BirdDog X Series cameras are designed to meet a wide range of needs, from the compact and versatile X1 and Maki to the high-performance X5 and X4. Each camera is packed with robust connectivity options, making them a great addition to any production setup. Whether you’re shooting live events, studio productions, or anything in between, the BirdDog X Series has got you covered.

A bit of context

I think it’s worth mentioning a little about NDI|HX3, as at every show this year it has come up, and I think some people are a little confused with all the acronyms. I have also spoken to a lot of people who are thinking that BirdDog is dropping full bandwidth NDI – I’m very happy to confirm that this is not the case!

NDI|HX3 is an advanced video transmission technology designed to offer a balance between high-quality video streaming with low latency and efficient bandwidth usage. I try and summarise what makes NDI|HX3 useful, and where it fits within modern video ecosystems.

First lets just start with the evolution of the NDI platform:

• Full NDI®: Introduced in 2015, it features a proprietary codec called SpeedHQ that’s based on MPEG-2, ideal for high-end production with low latency and high image quality.
• NDI®|HX: Launched to address bandwidth limitations, using H.264 compression for broader device compatibility.
• NDI®|HX2: reared its head in 2019 and is optimized for challenging network conditions, balancing efficiency with some compromises in image quality.
• NDI®|HX3: Combines high image quality and processing speed with network efficiency, supporting both H.264 and most importantly H.265. HX3 offers much higher image quality and faster processing times making it the right option for many applications.

What is H265 and why should you care? H.265, also known as HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), is highly regarded for several reasons:

• Improved Compression Efficiency: H.265 can compress video files to about half the size of H.264 while maintaining the same level of quality. This means you can store more videos in the same amount of space or stream higher quality videos with less bandwidth.
• Better Quality at Lower Bitrates: It provides better video quality at lower bitrates, which is particularly beneficial for streaming services and online video platforms.
• Support for Higher Resolutions: H.265 supports higher resolutions, including 4K and 8K, making it ideal for modern high-definition video content.
• Enhanced Motion Compensation: It has improved motion compensation and prediction, which helps in reducing artifacts and improving the overall visual quality of the video.
• Adaptive Bitrate Streaming: H.265 is well-suited for adaptive bitrate streaming, which adjusts the video quality in real-time based on the viewer’s internet connection speed, ensuring a smoother viewing experience.

These features make H.265 a powerful and efficient codec for a wide range of video applications that are being adopted across AV, but as with all technology there are many other codecs out there and NDI is but one of many ever-evolving standards.

What are the key features of NDI HX3?

• High-Quality Video: NDI HX3 supports high-quality video transmission, ensuring that the visual standards are maintained even over IP networks. This is crucial for professional video production where image quality cannot be compromised.
• Low Latency: One of the standout features of NDI HX3 is its low latency. This means that there is minimal delay between the video capture and its display, which is essential for live broadcasts and real-time video applications.
• Efficient Bandwidth Usage: NDI HX3 uses advanced compression techniques, such as H.264 and H.265, to reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted. This makes it more efficient than full-bandwidth NDI, allowing for high-quality video over networks with limited bandwidth.
• Certification Program: unlike the previous iterations, that, let’s be honest were plagued with interoperability issues - NDI HX3 includes a certification program to ensure that devices meet specific performance standards. This guarantees interoperability and reliable performance across different NDI HX3-enabled devices.

How NDI HX3 Compares to Other NDI Versions

• Full NDI: Full NDI offers the highest image quality with minimal compression but requires significant bandwidth. It’s ideal for environments where network capacity is not a concern.
• NDI HX2: NDI HX2 uses more compression than Full NDI, making it suitable for networks with limited bandwidth but at the cost of some image quality and increased latency.
• NDI HX3: NDI HX3 strikes a balance between the two, offering better image quality and lower latency than NDI HX2 while being more bandwidth-efficient than Full NDI.

Overall, NDI HX3 offers a robust solution for high-quality, low-latency video transmission over IP networks, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of professional video production scenarios. As BirdDog continues to introduce its next generation camera line up, the company seems committed to offering a blend of both NDI|HX3 and Full NDI options, each tailored to specific production environments.

Lastly please check out our new project registration page if you have a BirdDog project you would like to discuss: LINK TO NEW PROJECT PAGE