3 camera shoot

Patryk_Rebisz

Patryk_Rebisz

Veteran
I'll be shooting a TV show with 3 cameras HVX500 or 900 or Varicam. And was wondering if some of you had similar experience. Since i'll be at the video village what's the best way to monitor the footage? Run long cables? Also what's the best way to comunicate with camera ops???

Any help would be apreciated.
 
what's the event/subject?
What sort of a location is it?

and do you need real-time "production" style coms?

- Mikko
 
It's a variety show (think Conan O'Brien without Conan). Shot on location (outside) but with significan lighting set-up.

Since i'll be at the monitors directing the cam ops i need some kind of reliable comunication with them.
 
I'd pull hard-wired SDI (or composite woudl work too) back to monitoring.
Then use a wired com system like clearcom to give you proper communication.

- Mikko
 
You can use wireless walkies with headphones just like you would on a feature set.

I agree that hd-sdi cable is the best way to go - they are relatively inexpensive and can go for long runs
 
at a minimum the 900 is a tape camera and the 500 is a P2 camera. I am not sure if the image sensors are the same or not. 500 can do all the tricks the HVX200 can do like offspeed frame rates and the wide range of formats - i dont think the 900 can
 
Walkie talkies arn't that great for multicamera stuff - you really want a duplex system where the line is simply open to full communication all the time.

- Mikko
 
I too am interested as I want to do a multi camera shoot to a live switcher.

So I see needing a duplex communication system, 3-4 cameras to a switcher that I would direct cuts to.

Then out to tape.

Does anyone have links to these types of comms and switcher setups?

Thanks,
Brian
 
Hi guys,

If you can afford $1000, you might consider the Edirol V-4 Switcher (four RCA input jacks or two S Video). The device allows you monitor all four input and has a great T Bar to transition among the inputs (but not the audio - you'll need a separate audio mixer if you need to do that).

As far as communications with the camera operators, consider something like the Motorola XV2600 VHF 2Watt 6 Channel Radio along with the Motorola 53866A Earbud with Push-To-Talk Button.

Good luck, Michael
 
The ediroll is a JV mixer, not great for multicam. How mcuh do you have, what cameras are you using, and what sort of quality do you need?


For coms, look into "Cue Com" it's a budget small Clearcom setup.

Also, there is loads of ClearCom and Telex/RTS gear on e-bay .. note that they use different standards and arn't compatible with each other.

- Mikko
 
Here's what I use for live switcher/HD recording:

http://www.newtek.com/vt/

Works really well and is reliable.

They also have this which is more of a all in one box solution:

http://www.newtek.com/tricaster/

But they do not have an HD solution yet. They announced a future HD Tricaster product but its not out yet.

For comm, I just rented a Clearcom setup whenever I needed it. They are too expensive to buy.
 
Guys i think u r digressing. It's not about life switching ... we are recording to tape and then edit it.

I think i'll get 3x HDX900 connected through hd-sdi cables to 3 monitors at the video village. Then i'll need some reliable way of talking to the camera ops. Are you saying a walki with a head piece will work?
 
I've done countless live camera shows - both IMAG (Image MAGnification, or live-to-screen, and live-to-tape). For most of the shows, we used Anchor Audio's Portacom system. It's full duplex, can handle ridiculous SPL levels (on-stage at a rock concert), and it's TOUGH.

Make sure you know what you're doing. Directing a live multi-cam shoot takes a lot of talent to do well. If you're not 100% confident, I'd recommend recording each camera so you can re-edit later if needed.

If you're doing IMAG, be aware of lag - many low-end switchers introduce lag in your image. The worst I've ever seen was the Sony Anycast. It introduced SEVEN FRAMES of lag. Most projectors add a frame or two of lag on top of that. Without even trying, you can hit a third of a second of delay, which makes IMAG look like crap. If you're recording to tape, or doing a live broadcast, then you can safely ignore my warnings about lag.

If you need some experienced help, send me a PM. My rates are reasonable :)
 
No 2-way radios are not reliable enough communication for directing a multi-camera shoot (even if it is Iso, like this one).

You will want either a wired system, or a high quality full duplex wireless system.

ClearCom and RTS/Telex are the "standard" ones. PortaCom is also very good - exceptionally good for the price. We have one in the studio I built at my college and it's very simple and rhobust .. and yes, loud too when you need it. Very good noise-cancelling earphones.


Don't skimp on the Com, your entire shoot depends on it.

- Mikko
 
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