An ultra-high-sensitivity HDTV color camcorder has been developed by using third generation image intensifier (I.I.) tubes which have GaAsP photocathode. In order to build a video cassette recorder (VCR) within a camera, and realize lighter weight and higher performance, a newly small optical unit consists of enlarger lens and tapered fiber optics plate (FOP) has been developed. The camcorder obtains full level signal under the low light condition of 0.37 lx at F 1.8, and has high signal to noise ratio of 56dB. This sensitivity is 200 times higher than that of normal HDTV CCD camcorders. It is absolutely suitable for night locations and observations of heavenly bodies.
