REPORTS: The Unique ‘Megalodon’ Camera Used in NFL to Make NASCAR Debut at Daytona 500

In February, reports suggest that FOX Sports is planning something special for the Daytona 500. As it turns out, the broadcaster is experimenting with a new hand-held camera, a Sony a7R IV with a Canon lens. This was primarily used for NFL matches, but will soon make its NASCAR debut.

Apparently, the ‘Megalodon’ camera grants viewers a ‘video game-like’ experience. It first made its debut at a Seattle Seahawks game. Now, this newfangled camera will be put to good use during the 2021 Daytona 500 in February. Admittedly, this may sound good in theory, but its practical use might be a different story altogether.

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“It always looks pretty good, but today I think we had it really dialled in,” Fox senior vice president Mike Davies said about its use in the NFL. “What was different about today was being able to use it seamlessly in a live game.”

How will this work in the Daytona 500?

Truthfully speaking, witnessing a video game-like experience could be fun for the viewers. This is especially true for elements like post-race donuts, interviews, fan interaction, driver interaction with fans.

During the races, it would be interesting to use this camera to film pit stops from behind the wall or show crews working in the garage.

However, there is a matter of knowing when to use it and when it isn’t needed. If the camera crew deploys them on pit road during pit stop sequences, they could get in the way and jeopardize safety.

On the other end of the spectrum, this could provide the FOX Sports viewers with a brand new experience. Of course, the 2021 Daytona 500 is still some time away.

However, this gives the media giants enough time to tweak the camera to give everyone a cinematic experience by February. Only time will tell if this ambitious experiment reaps rewards like it did in the NFL.