Converging and diverging verticals

[Rupert67]

Having become very familiar with the perspective correction facilities in my post processing software, I'm acutely aware of verticals in broadcasts on the TV, to the point that if they're slightly 'off' they totally distract me.

Depending on the angle at which I take a photograph and my distance from the subject, I often like to 'straighten' the verticals later to produce a less distracting more natural look .. within reason of course - the Shard or No.1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, might be exceptions!

I've noticed on outside broadcasts and other TV based situations that the verticals are usually perfectly straight, irrespective of whether the camera is shooting from below waist height or slightly looking down on the subject, as might be the case with a shoulder mounted camera. Do OB cameras have special lenses that incorporate a kind of tilt and shift facility that automatically adjusts for convergence or divergence, or might it be the case that those perfectly straight images are produced by a camera firmly mounted on a tripod?

 

[Alastair]

Television cameras are generally held close to horizontal. A shoulder-held camera gives an eye-level perspective of the subject.

 

[Kodiak Qc]

or might it be the case that those perfectly straight images are produced by a camera firmly mounted on a tripod?

When ever possible, I shoot architecture with
a PC lens on tripod. I will, most often, stitch a
number of takes of the subject.

 

[Ozei]

Do OB cameras have special lenses that incorporate a kind of tilt and shift facility......?

No, they don't.

Most shooting outfits prefer Canon lenses (others Fujinon). Normal single camera broadcasts (non-drama) would use ENG/EFP lenses like these. Multi-camera shoots with an OB truck can use either ENG/EFP lenses or studio/field lenses like these. To my knowledge (I used to own TV cameras), none of these current lenses have perspective correction built in.

Drama is a different kettle of fish because prime lenses are the preferred choice.

...... might it be the case that those perfectly straight images are produced by a camera firmly mounted on a tripod?

The tripod has nothing to do with it. It all depends on how far off horizontal the camera is (plus of course, distance to subject & focal length, etc.).

 

[ianp5a]

I just managed to straighten the Shard. But boy it wasn't easy! And made all the other buildings wonky.

 

[gramps]

I've noticed on outside broadcasts and other TV based situations that the verticals are usually perfectly straight,

Funny isn't it, in watching some of the broadcasts after the election, e.g. outside of the Houses of Parliament, I thought just the opposite as I watched the buildings slope backward toward the sky