A Biblical Canon
Most churches above 1000 people are looking to add IMAG to there service so that computer graphics, lyrics, and the pastor's facial expressions can be seen. The rub: a 4 camera capable video system with traditional triax cameras can run in excess of $300,000 at the low end, and over $1 million for HD. Cameras, triax systems, lenses (the silent killer), tripods, switcher, engineering... it all adds up very quickly. As for the title of this post, we recently demo-ed the Canon XLH1 camcorder. HD/SD SDI out with genlock makes this gem multi-camera ready. We ran it through it's paces and were absolutely shock at it's quality. For churches looking for an "Alternate Venue" HD static camera, and can't afford an Ikegami, this is it. 1080i works best for Alternate Venue cameras because most Alt. Ven. have congregates seated within 20 feet of the screen. You can't simply move people back 50ft. so that 720P looks good... to maximize seating you need to seat people closer. at 1080i, you get more resolution. 720P might have more temporal resolution with 60 frames a second, but we aren't doing slow-mo here folks. Anyway, a church can get 3 XLH1 cameras, tripods, a For.A HVS-500HS HD switcher, some other misc. gear and have a HDSDI production for about $70,000 (HDV master). The cameras come with a 20x lens that looks pretty good. Yeah there are some shortcomings like no CCUs. They have a software based control system that can shade the cameras and iris, but it works through firewire and you need a separate computer for each camera. The viewfinder stinks too, BUT to start out a video system or upgrade from using security cameras with robotics running through a Videonics or MX-30 switcher, this would blow you away. AND!!! you can use the camera as a camcorder for ENG or EFP film-style production. The XLH1 truly accels as a cinematic, film-like production camera. Well, check it out for yourself. You can request a demo DVD from Canon or your local Canon dealer.
As a side note, JVC just annouced a new HD camcorder that will have similar features, but adds a removable lens, and CCU capability. Keep an eye out for that one!
posted by Jason McKelvey @ 8:49 AM
4 Comments:
Good post, Jason. Another of the shortcomings, if you will, of these new HD-capable cameras is that they're very small and lightweight. Normally a great thing for convenience, this actually makes people assume that a lightweight tripod and head are appropriate when, in reality, such a configuration exacerbates the problems of creating smooth pans and tilts.
To that end, I've found that it's still necessary to spend $3K - $5K on a solid tripod/head/pan bar combination in order to achieve smooth results with such lightweight cameras. One of the biggest advantages larger cameras have is the heft that creates a greater center of gravity and allows the operator to leverage the weight of the camera to more smoothly pan and tilt.
Finally, the 1,000 seat number seems pretty accurate when one considers that this is a trend we're seeing. However, "just because you can't doesn't mean you should" is an axiom more of these churches should consider. In many rooms under 1,500, IMAG still isn't necessary. Dollar for dollar, a really great presentation system (non-IMAG) is a better way to spend the money, along with the additional production/post-production staff that can be afforded.
Just more food for thought...
- Anthony
I just had that conversation with a friend who is looking for a good tripod for his camcorder. I recommended the Oconnor 1030HD. The total for the entire tripod kit almost $7000. When we needed to get a new long lens (tight follow) for our IMAG/broadcast camera 4, I chose a canon HD 72x box lens instead of a sport lens. The HD sport lens would have saved us money, but I wanted the mass of the box lens to help keep things stable. In other words, dido on what you said.
About "IMAG"... I'm a little confused. I refer to IMAG as a projector and screen making any picture bigger for an audience to see. That would include Power Points, and worship lyrics. Even if there are no cameras, it's still maginifying an image... i.e. IMAG. Do you only refer to camera shots as IMAG? Thanks for your comments. We seem to always be on the same page. Nice. Jason
Jason,
Yeah, the accepted "definition" (ha!, it's not in the dictionary) of IMAG is live image magnification. The key there is the live portion, i.e. video of the speaker in a variety of shots but mostly comprised of medium (waist up) to tight shots.
Graphics, song lyrics, scripture, video roll-ins and the like are video support (and, if it's done right, enhancement).
I'm a firm believer that the screens are the electronic canvas. More often than not, there's something more compelling to put on the screens than a talking head! The only exception to this is the use of IMAG screens in venues where people truly need to see an enlarged image of the person talking or singing in order to better connect.
Even in churches large enough to warrant the need for IMAG, there's still plenty of application for support and enhancement graphics and videos to supplement the IMAG feed. Plus, for churches that have the time, manpower and equipment, additional screens can be "eye candy", set props or even contextual reminders of the message metaphor.
- Anthony
With our particular church, it's important to keep the speaker's face up there most of the time because there are up to 6 overflow rooms a resteraunt, and internet viewers watching the service (anywhere from 3000 to 4000 people). So if we leave a graphic up to long, they have no way of seeing the pastor.
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