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The Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. 57C holocam, also known as an automatic camera, was used by Imperial forces on the first Death Star for surveillance purposes.
Description
The 57C holocam was comprised of a bank of six visual scanners arranged in a three by two grid clustered around two audio pickups. The units were mounted on brackets descending from the ceiling, attached to a rotation joint at the rear of the camera. Motion sensors allowed the 57C to track the movement of individuals within range, and the data was relayed by a signal transmitter and data relays built into the unit.[1]
A military-grade unit,[1] the 57C captured holographic images in high detail, allowing images to be reviewed with greater clarity. Despite their widespread use in military bases, the 57C was not intended for use in a combat zone and were prone to exploding when shot by blaster fire.[2]
History
57C holocams were used extensively by the Galactic Empire, and were installed in all of their military bases. Detention Block AA-23 on the DS-1 Orbital Battle Station was monitored by 57C units, and after Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Chewbacca rescued Leia Organa, the footage from the cameras was used to identify them.[1]
Appearances
- Star Wars: Republic Commando
Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Citadel"- Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (First appearance)
- Star Wars (1977) 3 (recolorized in Star Wars: A Long Time Ago... Volume 1: Doomworld and Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope)
- Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
- Mission to Lianna (as "autocam" and "automatic camera")
Sources
- Star Wars Customizable Card Game — Premiere Limited Card: Observation Holocam (backup link)
- The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology
- Star Wars: Behind the Magic
- The Official Star Wars Fact File 137 HOL 9-12: Holographic Technology
- The New Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology
- Death Star Owner's Technical Manual
