[tcbyrd]

Very cool! I've always wanted to see the inside of one. I'm speaking mostly from experience operating these cameras "in the field". My engineers never let me open one up.

I think I was just making sure it was clear (to others, since you probably are aware) that it's more than just lighting/apertures. Being good at a variety of lighting conditions, and being able to do that from 18mm-1700mm with a variable speed zoom without losing focus is where things get really big. There's a lot of features in the camera body to support this specific type of production beyond the lens, too. For live TV, an operator is making split-second decisions around composition (including adjusting for graphics on the screen), lighting, focus, and movement, while also monitoring on-air status and listening to both director and (sometimes) program audio. And then you have to add on the massive rigs that make sure everything's in perfect balance so you can whip the camera around quickly and have it stop on a dime. It's a whole system. A good high-end rig is like driving a Porsche. Sure the engine is a big part of the power and engineering, but if you don't also have a properly tuned suspension and grippy tires, you aren't going to have much fun driving it.