Proton announces production facility expansion ahead of IBC 2025

Broadcast Pro

2 days ago

The finalised Proton Zoom and HFR models will make their European debut at IBC in Amsterdam.
Proton Camera Innovations is set to make a major announcement at IBC 2025, revealing plans to open a new dedicated production facility in response to a sharp rise in global demand for its miniaturised, high-performance, broadcast-grade cameras.
The upcoming facility will operate alongside Proton's existing manufacturing site, which will continue to focus on research and development, allowing for more flexible and rapid prototyping. The new site, equipped with state-of-the-art high-speed precision machinery, will not only significantly boost production capacity but also support tailored modifications to meet the specific needs of customers seeking compact and versatile imaging solutions.
IBC 2025 also marks the European debut of two of Proton's models: the Proton Zoom and Proton HFR. First previewed in prototype form at NAB 2025, both models will be shown in their final, production-ready versions. The Proton Zoom introduces optical zoom capabilities to the company's lineup for the first time, featuring a 2.2x zoom range with adjustable viewing angles between 50° and 115°, and a wide F1.4 aperture for low-light performance. Despite housing motorised optics, the camera maintains a compact footprint of just 50mm x 50mm x 68mm, making it one of the smallest zoom-enabled broadcast cameras on the market.
The Proton HFR, meanwhile, brings ultra-slow motion capabilities to Proton's offering. Featuring a 2/3' global shutter sensor and the ability to capture 240 frames per second, it supports seamless integration into live production environments thanks to its multi-phase SDI output system. This innovation allows slow-motion footage to be assembled by servers without disrupting ongoing capture, a significant advancement for sports and high-action broadcasts.
These new models reflect Proton's commitment to combining innovation with miniaturisation and will be available for live demonstrations at the booth. They will be showcased alongside the company's core camera lineup, each designed to solve production challenges while preserving a minimal physical footprint.
Among the standout offerings is the Proton Cam, which holds the distinction of being the smallest broadcast-quality camera available, packing Full HD resolution, 12-bit processing, and low-light capability into a body just 28mm wide. The Proton Flex extends the same imaging power into a flexible format with a detachable lens system for challenging installations, while the Proton Rain is engineered for extreme environments with shock resistance and full weatherproofing. Across the board, all models share key attributes including 12-bit image depth, interchangeable lenses, and a design philosophy rooted in cinematic versatility and broadcast-grade resilience.
The company's expansion and product evolution come in response to a growing industry demand for cameras that can be adapted to a range of creative and technical workflows. With the new production facility, Proton will not only be able to fulfill higher order volumes but also meet individual modification requests with precision and speed, all while maintaining its high standards for build quality and system integration.
CEO Marko Höpken said: 'As demand for our cameras has surged, we're seeing a shift in the market – not just towards smaller, higher-performance cameras, but towards systems that fit specific use cases. Our new facility allows us to meet the rapidly increasing demand for our core range, as well as offering small-scale tailored modifications for individual users, supporting our clients with rapid, precision customisation at scale.'
He continued: 'This is the next stage in Proton's growth – both in terms of turnover and product evolution: providing not only the smallest and most capable broadcast cameras on the market, but also the flexibility to adapt them to every production scenario.'
Stand 11.A04