New networking and control options are opening up new opportunities for churches to use PTZ cameras for live video production and recording. Photo courtesy of PTZOptics.
Many churches looking into PTZ cameras because they would like the ability to record and broadcast services for members who are unable to attend. The reason many churches choose a PTZ camera is simple: PTZ cameras are small, unobtrusive, and remotely controllable. So, when it comes to choosing a PTZ camera for your church, here are a few things you should consider...
PTZ camera control integrations
There is nothing better than a camera you can control with the video production software you are already using or the smartphone you have in your pocket. Modern live streaming software can now control robotic PTZ cameras with the click of a button. Simple controls like this allow your church volunteers to quickly operate cameras by selecting small pictures of where to position the camera. Other, more advanced PTZ camera integrations control can be integrated directly into your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Ableton Live, Apple Logic, or Pro Tools with MIDI notes.
New networking technologies like NDI are making life easier by allowing churches to stream video over their IP network.
PTZOptics has designed a custom application for churches to bring camera presets controls directly into your music program by translating MIDI notes in PTZ camera commands. Using the PTZOptics MIDI software, churches can drop MIDI notes directly into their favorite DAW timeline to call camera presets that zoom into specific areas of your band’s performance. (This is a great way to automate PTZOptics cameras to zoom into specific singers or performers during a solo performance.) The Keys Vineyard Church in Florida has a case study on the PTZOptics website here, which demonstrates how Ableton Live can be used to organize their musical performances, control the lights, presentation (ProPresenter), and even PTZOptics cameras.
Here is a list of some of the software integrations for PTZOptics cameras:
PTZOptics cameras and accessories are available in white, and it’s now possible to select white mounting hardware and white cabling to match.
Aesthetics
Once you’re certain that the PTZ camera you are selecting will fit into your video production workflow, it’s time to think about aesthetics; for example, most churches have white walls. PTZOptics cameras and accessories are available in white, and it’s now possible to select white mounting hardware and white cabling to match the church’s decor. Most pastors prefer not to see the technology that the media team is using, yet they always seem to notice when the live stream isn’t focused on their message.
Camera mounting locations
PTZ cameras are ideal for mounting in those hard to reach locations, where you can capture an unobstructed view of the choir, the pastor, and the congregation for your production. While it’s easy to wall-mount a camera, many churches have vaulted ceilings and challenging architecture for technology integration. When it comes to PTZ camera mounts, you have three options: You can wall-mount the camera, ceiling mount the camera, or use a pole mount.
Here is a list of mounting locations you can place PTZ cameras:
- Wall Shelf Mount
- Wall Inverted Shelf Mount
- Wall Articulating Mount
- Wall Inverted Articulating Mount
- Ceiling/Under Balcony Inverted Surface Mount
- Ceiling /Under Balcony Pole Shelf Mount
- Ceiling /Under Balcony Pole Inverted Shelf Mount
- Lighting Truss (Clamp) Mount
- Moving Gantry Mount
- Temporary/Mobile Tripod Mount
Conclusion:
Finally, the latest technologies regarding power over ethernet and IP video streaming have made life easier for many church production teams. Does anyone remember hiring an electrician to install a PTZ camera in a remote location? Today you only need to run a single ethernet cable to deliver power using a PoE network switch. New technologies like NDI are also making life easier by allowing churches to stream video over their network and sending PowerPoint slides from the pastor's laptop directly to the streaming PC. There is so much to learn, you may want to consider joining the new Facebook Group “Churches That Live Stream” or pick up a free copy of “Helping Your Church Live Stream” at https://ptzoptics.com/book.
