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an Operator Controlled Camera System
1 Camera locations
Select the locations where cameras will be
placed to get adequate room coverage and
proper viewing angles. Determine how many
PTZ Cameras are needed. Main items to
consider include:
Measure the distance from the cameras to the
main subject or presenter. This is helpful in
determining what kind of optical zoom lens is
needed for each camera position.
The viewing angle calculations can be obtained by
downloading the PTZ Image Size Calculator from
vaddio.com, under the Tech Center tab.
Decide if more than one camera is needed to
cover the main subject, and determine how and
when you need to switch between the shots of the
main subject or presenter.
If side cameras are needed in your design, these
should be positioned between 30-45 degrees
from the center of the room and allow the camera
operator to take shots of the presenter walking
towards or away from the camera. A single
camera can only show one side profile of the
presenter.
Determine if there are locations, other than the
front of the room, that need to be covered by the
primary cameras — such as choir loft, audience,
remote rooms, etc. Another camera, or cameras
may be required to cover these locations.
2 Camera types
Select the type of cameras based on the
environment they will be used in. Main items to
consider include:
If the cameras will be used in an IMAG (Image
Magnification) projector application, then high
definition (HD) cameras are better suited in order
to achieve a detailed image on a large screen.
What is the best quality that the viewer is going
to want or need? For example, if streaming video
is the best quality, then standard definition video
will probably suffice. However, if there will also be
a need for a high resolution archive copy of the
same streamed content, then HD cameras will be
a better choice.
Do you need a single imager or a three-chip
camera? With a single imager (CCD or CMOS)
some detail is limited. In a three-chip camera
colors are brilliant, lifelike and accurate. The
difference in quality is more noticeable in lower
light situations.
How much light is available in the room? If the
room is dark and shadowy, a camera with a
minimum illumination specification of 4 lux or less
may be required. Avoid fluorescent lighting with
cameras using shutter iris. Nevertheless, testing
and measuring under the proposed lighting is
the best way to decide what camera is the ideal
choice.
Will you be following the presenter with a joystick
or using camera presets? If you are planning
on doing a lot of tight follow shots you need
to make sure that the PTZ camera uses servo
or micro-stepper motors. If you plan on using
presets, PTZ cameras direct drive motors will be
more than sufficient.
Does the situation require a separate camera
operator using a camera mounted on a tripod
to be able to follow the presenter? If so, place
robotic cameras at other positions than the
location(s) where a camera operator is needed.
3 Additional sources
Decide what additional sources will be switched
through the camera control system. Main items
to consider include:
°
Computer sources
°
Video playback, such as a DVD, VCR, etc.
°
Stationary cameras, such as a POV or
document camera
°
Other video feeds
4 Operator considerations
Camera Pan, Tilt, and Zoom Control. Main items to
consider include:
Will you be using a multi-person control room?
One person to operate the switcher and another
person operating the PTZ camera controller?
If one person will be operating the equipment,
then a camera controller with an integrated video
switcher such as the ProductionVIEW HD is a good
option.
If there are multiple people in the control room,
a stand-alone camera controller such as Vaddio’s
Precision Camera Controller is a good choice.
Operator Controlled System Example
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