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May 2012

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by Jim Kumorek

Image magnification or IMAG—where live, close-up images of what’s happening on stage are projected onto large screens in the auditorium—has become more and more prevalent in our churches. Some do it well, others … well, let’s just say they have a lot left to learn.

There can be many reasons for IMAG done poorly, and one of those reasons is the selection of video camera being used. Your IMAG images can’t possibly get any better than the source material coming from the cameras—like the old computer engineering saying, “Garbage in—garbage out.”

Church Production Magazine (CPM) asked some of the members of the Church Technical Director Roundtable Online Forum what one should look for in a camera intended for IMAG use. Joining us in this discussion are Chris Childs, video manager at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas; Jared Wells, technical director at Westside Family Church in Lenexa, Kan.; and Kirk Meyers, broadcast director for Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Ark.

CPM: What are the bare minimum features you look for in a camera to be used for IMAG? Is going with HD a necessity?

Meyers: High quality outputs are a must. We use triax cabling and SDI connections in our system. Avoid using the composite outputs on a camera. Manual white balance is a must and you need to be able to turn your auto functions off—no auto focus or auto iris. I also believe that SD video is underrated—when we moved to our new facilities we made dramatic improvements to our video equipment but still run SD. Although we’re looking at HD in the future, I’ve had members of the church come up and comment about how nice all the ‘new HD’ stuff looks.

Wells: You also want to be able to control the lens remotely from your tripod handles. Operating a camera directly from the lens is a nightmare for a volunteer and does not set them up to win.

Childs: If all you are going to do is IMAG, then SD will be fine. We are SD/SDI and I think it puts out a great image; in fact, I get asked all the time about our ‘HD’ cameras.

CPM: What other features are pluses to have?

Meyers: Focus assist is amazing and makes running a sharp looking IMAG much easier. Two of our cameras have focus assist built in, where the subject in focus shimmers around the edge so you know you’ve got it. A CCU (camera control unit) helps as well, enabling another volunteer to ride the iris and coloring the images if you have dynamic lighting.

CPM: What do you look for in a camera support system?

Childs: Having a good quality tripod/support system is important. God was watching out for us at CCBC because I was able to obtain B stock Vinten studio pedestals at half price. If you have a great camera but have a consumer tripod it limits what you can do because if you can’t pan left or right cleanly and your pastor walks around a lot, you are in trouble. Also you have to set your volunteers up for success and the best way is to get a good quality support system.

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Jim Kumorek is the owner of Spreading Flames Media, providing video/media production and writing services to the A/V/L, technology, architectural and hospitality industries. He has led audio, video and lighting teams in churches as both staff and a volunteer for over 10 years. He can be contacted at james@spreadingflamesmedia.com.