HD camera for recording outdoor games

beggars_bush

Can anyone recommend a camera for recording outdoor field games for the purpose of doing video analysis?

Someone suggested mounting two cameras on the same tripod and have one camcorder zoomed in eg go pro to record close up action and the other zoomed out to record wider field

Files would be transferred to laptop for viewing and editing

I'd be interested in any suggestions or if anyone has done any of this before? Budget up €1000
Cheers

CelticRambler

beggars_bush wrote: »

Someone suggested mounting two cameras on the same tripod and have one camcorder zoomed in eg go pro to record close up action and the other zoomed out to record wider field

Is there a dedicated cameraman involved, or are you hoping to set the cameras up and leave them to do their thing for the duration of the match?

If the purpose of this video is for game analysis, the biggest drawback of the 2-on-1-tripod system is that you'll only ever have one point of view. A 4k recording of the "wide" view will give you as much "close up" detail as an older SD camera, so unless you really need to see the stitching on a sliotar, you're not gaining anything at all with the second camera. If you're going to the expense of running a second camera, the very least you should be looking for is a different perspective on what's happening on the field.

When it comes to the close-ups, you'll also need to consider how responsive the camera (and/or operator) is in handling focal distances. Even if you have the camera positioned on the half-way line, and assuming you're talking about a standard GAA/soccer/rugby pitch, there'll be a big difference in the focal length needed for a close-up right in front of the camera versus action taking place in the furthest corner. The longer the focal distance, the shallower the depth of field, so the more precise the focus needs to be.

It'd be a bit of a gamble to rely on the camera's autofocus to keep things together, as it'll jump about all over the place as players run across the field-of-view. I'd guess that the time you most need to have a clear picture of what's going on is when there's the most "chaotic" activity around the ball and you won't see anything on video as the camera desperately searches for a point to focus on.

This problem will be reduced if you're in the stands, looking down on the pitch (as long as there isn't someone in front in front of you waving a flag at every dramatic moment), but you'll still have to choose between a shorter lens to keep more of the image in focus, which'll mean losing the close-up shot, or continually tracking, zooming and focusing to get the picture you want.

Fighting Tao

It might be worth talking to your local League of Ireland club to see if you can get advice from their camera people. They livestream their home matches on WatchLOI.ie. Different clubs have different setups. Some would have it outsourced, others do it in-house. Dundalk FC have had a good setup for a number of years for their own analysis, and it seems to have translated to the WatchLOI platform very well resolution wise.

beggars_bush

CelticRambler wrote: »

Is there a dedicated cameraman involved, or are you hoping to set the cameras up and leave them to do their thing for the duration of the match?

If the purpose of this video is for game analysis, the biggest drawback of the 2-on-1-tripod system is that you'll only ever have one point of view. A 4k recording of the "wide" view will give you as much "close up" detail as an older SD camera, so unless you really need to see the stitching on a sliotar, you're not gaining anything at all with the second camera. If you're going to the expense of running a second camera, the very least you should be looking for is a different perspective on what's happening on the field.

When it comes to the close-ups, you'll also need to consider how responsive the camera (and/or operator) is in handling focal distances. Even if you have the camera positioned on the half-way line, and assuming you're talking about a standard GAA/soccer/rugby pitch, there'll be a big difference in the focal length needed for a close-up right in front of the camera versus action taking place in the furthest corner. The longer the focal distance, the shallower the depth of field, so the more precise the focus needs to be.

It'd be a bit of a gamble to rely on the camera's autofocus to keep things together, as it'll jump about all over the place as players run across the field-of-view. I'd guess that the time you most need to have a clear picture of what's going on is when there's the most "chaotic" activity around the ball and you won't see anything on video as the camera desperately searches for a point to focus on.

This problem will be reduced if you're in the stands, looking down on the pitch (as long as there isn't someone in front in front of you waving a flag at every dramatic moment), but you'll still have to choose between a shorter lens to keep more of the image in focus, which'll mean losing the close-up shot, or continually tracking, zooming and focusing to get the picture you want.

There'll be someone moving the camera to follow the action
The idea behind two simultaneous cameras is to capture what is happening in the wider play area.
We're also toying with the idea of a fixed camera at one end of the pitch for duration of game

beggars_bush

Fighting Tao wrote: »

It might be worth talking to your local League of Ireland club to see if you can get advice from their camera people. They livestream their home matches on WatchLOI.ie. Different clubs have different setups. Some would have it outsourced, others do it in-house. Dundalk FC have had a good setup for a number of years for their own analysis, and it seems to have translated to the WatchLOI platform very well resolution wise.

Thanks
But we will need to be able to bring cameras to different pitches

Fighting Tao

beggars_bush wrote: »

Thanks
But we will need to be able to bring cameras to different pitches

It’s the same as the setup in LOI clubs. Dundalk FC take their videographer everywhere. Also, it wouldn’t be safe for them to leave their gear in the stadium. It’s easy to hop a wall.

beggars_bush

Fighting Tao wrote: »

It’s the same as the setup in LOI clubs. Dundalk FC take their videographer everywhere. Also, it wouldn’t be safe for them to leave their gear in the stadium. It’s easy to hop a wall.

Faor enough.
We don't have a LOI club near us

beggars_bush

I bit the bullet and bought a HD camera. Hopefully it will do the job

Any recommendations for a decent tripod? Thanks

citytillidie

This was my 1st attempt at recording a hockey game, season is over for any more attempts

I just used my phone (Xiaomi M11) and the hohem 3-Axis Gimbal (iSteady Mobile Plus)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD2_corkIUg

masterboy123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117718060#Comment_117718060

I am looking for gimbal. Would you recommend Hohem isteady plus?

citytillidie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119018048#Comment_119018048

Sorry you should have dropped an IM, I would yes they also have a pocket sized one that is easier to carry with you

greenspurs

Veo system is probably the best

https://www.veo.co/

Great quality and you can snip/write/isolate phase of play /corners/frees/goals etc....

Small camera on a tripod.....