NDP 2026: How a Spidercam will bring the action closer to those at home
The Spidercam brings "a whole new angle to the show that I think you don't get in other editions of NDP", says camera director Roger Ng.
The National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 will utilize a Spidercam to provide viewers at home with a front-row seat to the celebration. This innovative camera, previously used during the 2016 NDP and the 2026 World Cup, captures aerial and close-up views of performers and spectators. Unlike traditional cameras, the Spidercam can traverse the stadium's X and Y axes, allowing for cinematic angles that traditional cameras cannot achieve.
The camera director, Roger Ng, highlights the Spidercam's ability to follow the Kallang Wave and create a shot that transitions from a close-up of parade commander ME6 Caleb Chia to a wide shot of the entire parade. This year's system features upgraded cameras and technology that enable smoother movements and sharper images. While the Spidercam can move freely during the World Cup, its use at the National Stadium will be restricted to avoid interfering with the aerial cuboid suspended from the stadium roof.
The camera team has been planning for months, conceptualizing the show for four months before that. The Spidercam's positioning on the north side of the stadium will help viewers orientate themselves to the entire show. Despite its advanced technology, the Spidercam is primarily operated manually, allowing for flexibility to adapt to changes on the ground during the live event.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
