Broadcasting the Super Bowl: Inside the 240+ Camera Setup

The Super Bowl isn’t just football; it’s one of the most technically ambitious live broadcasts in the world. Every year, networks push the boundaries of sports coverage, and Super Bowl LIX is no exception. This year, over 240 cameras are capturing every moment. On the field, along the sidelines, in the crowd, and even from above – you name it. But how do all these cameras work together to create the seamless, high-energy broadcast we see at home? Let’s take a look inside the massive operation behind football’s biggest night.

240+ cameras, each with a purpose

From instant replays to iconic still shots, every piece of visual media from the Super Bowl is captured with precision. FOX Sports, the official broadcaster, is using over 100 cameras to bring the game to life. The Associated Press (AP) and the NFL’s in-house photography team will be working with more than 70 cameras to document the event.

Some key placements include:

• SkyCam – The signature floating camera that glides over the field for a dynamic, video-game-like perspective.
• End zone and sideline cameras – Essential for catching touchdowns, controversial plays, and coach reactions.
• High-speed cameras – Used for slow-motion replays that dissect every inch of a play.
• 14 dedicated streaming cameras – Providing additional angles and coverage beyond the main broadcast.

FOX Sports and Sony have teamed up for the broadcast – and all of those cameras are Sony! According to Michael Davies, FOX Sports EVP Field Operations, “The Super Bowl is not just the biggest game of the year, it is also the biggest production.” He adds that the network’s job is “to tell the story of the game, capturing the energy within the stadium and keeping billions of viewers engaged.”

Broadcast and photography

While FOX Sports’ camera lineup is designed for fluid, dynamic coverage, photojournalists from the AP and NFL Focus (the league’s in-house photography team) will be stationed along the sidelines. As you can assume, they will also be armed with Sony mirrorless cameras and an arsenal of telephoto lenses. Their goal will be to capture those split-second moments that will become the definitive images of the game.

To speed up the workflow, photographers will use the Sony PDT-FP1 transmitter to send images directly from the camera to editors in real-time. This is how you see high-quality action shots on social media and news sites within minutes of a play happening.

Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics North America, says:

“We are proud to play a critical role in Super Bowl LIX, drawing on our decades-long record of imaging innovation and production expertise to ensure that every fan watching on-site or at home has the best seat in the house.”

Instant replay and officiating: the tech behind the calls

One of the biggest challenges of broadcasting the Super Bowl is making sure that the referees and the production team make the right calls. This is where HawkREPLAY and Hawk-Eye technology come in. These systems allow officials and producers to pull up multiple angles instantly. This way, we get fair calls and giving viewers at home crystal-clear replays.

Takeaways for photographers and videographers

Of course, if you’re a sports photographer, you don’t need 240 cameras to shoot a great live event. But it’s interesting that the principles behind the Super Bowl’s setup can apply to any sports or event photography:

• Know your angles – Positioning is everything (and this extends beyond sports photography). Consider where you need to be to capture the best moments. Of course, make sure to follow the official guidelines to keep yourself and others safe and not interfere with the game.
• Use real-time workflows – If you shoot events professionally, having a streamlined system to transfer, edit, and publish photos quickly can give you an edge.
• Mix wide shots with tight action – The best sports coverage isn’t just about close-ups; incorporating environmental shots on the one hand, or unexpected details on the other: all of this adds new layers to your storytelling.

The Super Bowl is a masterclass in live production. While we won’t be filming with this level of gear, there’s plenty to learn from the way the pros do it. And for you sports fans out there, I’m sure it will be an amazing experience to watch it with such insanely elaborate coverage!