As Super Bowl LIX approaches, Sony is set to play a major role in capturing the spectacle with an extensive array of cameras and technology.
As an official technology partner of the NFL, Sony will have over 240 cameras in and around the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, ensuring that fans worldwide get an unparalleled viewing experience.
From game action to sideline interviews, celebrations, and the Halftime Show, Sony’s equipment will be at the heart of the production. FOX Sports, the official broadcaster, will utilize over 100 Sony cameras, while The Associated Press (AP) and NFL Focus photographers will rely on Sony’s Alpha™ interchangeable-lens cameras and E-mount lenses to capture defining moments of the game.
Sony’s Role in the Super Bowl Broadcast
Sony’s professional broadcast cameras have been a staple of Super Bowl coverage for over a decade, and this year, FOX Sports and production partner Game Creek Video will deploy them across pre-game, in-game, and post-game coverage. Key broadcast elements include:
- Cameras positioned in each end zone, along both sidelines, and throughout the stadium, including SkyCam.
- 14 Sony cameras dedicated to streaming content.
- Sony BVM reference monitors for precise color grading.
- HawkREPLAY systems for remote production and instant replay.
- Hawk-Eye technology supporting in-game officiating and production.
Michael Davies, EVP of Field Operations at FOX Sports, emphasized the importance of Sony’s role:
The Super Bowl is not just the biggest game of the year, it is also the biggest production. Our job is to tell the story of the game, capturing the energy within the stadium and keeping billions of viewers engaged, and Sony is a key tool in reaching that goal.
Photography: Capturing Every Defining Moment
Sony is also the exclusive imaging products and support provider for The Associated Press, which will have 14 photographers and 9 editors on-site using Sony equipment. The NFL’s in-house photography team, NFL Focus, will also rely on Sony Alpha™ cameras and lenses.
To ensure the fastest possible distribution of images, both AP and NFL Focus will utilize Sony’s PDT-FP1 transmitter to send photos and videos directly from the camera to editors in real time. Sony’s Pro Support team will also be on-site, providing professional photographers with equipment loans and technical assistance.
Halftime Show: A Cinematic Production
For the fifth consecutive year, the Funicular Goats will handle the technical production of the Super Bowl Halftime Show—and for the fourth straight year, they’ve chosen the Sony VENICE 2 as their primary camera system. With just five minutes to set up before delivering a cinematic concert experience to millions, Sony’s full-frame sensors and broadcast compatibility are key to making it happen.
James Coker, Head of Engineering at Funicular Goats, highlighted the challenge:
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a challenge unlike any other… and the Sony Cinema Line cameras provide the perfect combination of full-frame sensor with broadcast compatibility to work seamlessly within the show’s structure.
Comprehensive List of Sony Equipment Used at Super Bowl LIX
FOX Sports
Associated Press
- 55+ Sony cameras and a variety of lenses
NFL Focus Photography Team
- 8 Sony cameras and a variety of lenses
Funicular Goats – Super Bowl Halftime Show
- 13 Sony VENICE 2 Digital Cinema Cameras
- 1 Sony VENICE Extension System
- 1 Sony BURANO Digital Cinema Camera (for ASL camera)
Sony Pro Support
- 65 Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras
- 140 professional lenses, including:
Sony’s Impact on Super Bowl LIX
Sony’s technology will play a pivotal role in making Super Bowl LIX an unforgettable experience for fans, coaches, and players. Gary Brantley, Chief Information Officer of the NFL, acknowledged Sony’s contribution:
The Super Bowl is the most-watched event of the year, and delivering an authentic and immersive experience requires a wide array of advanced technologies. Sony has been instrumental in enhancing the game-day experience, and we are proud to have them play a key role in Super Bowl LIX.
From state-of-the-art broadcast equipment to cutting-edge photography solutions, Sony continues to redefine how fans experience the biggest sporting event of the year—both in the stadium and around the world.
