I have a client that is bringing a video crew that will bring several cameras. I am used to video cameras not DSLR for a live event. I will be switching it live, using a switcher that has SDI inputs.

The cameras they are bringing are:

1. Panasonic GH4
2. Blackmagic pocket camera
3. Sony NX70U

each of these camera has HDMI out.

My questions are:

1. Have you successfully taken HDMI and converter to SDI and used it in a switcher for a live production?

2. Will these camera stay on or do they have an auto shutdown?

3. Can you get continuous power for the Panasonic and Blackmagic of these cameras (the Sony NX70 has an ac adapter) ?

Thanks for your insights and experience, James

You're a braver man than I!

I won't take on switching gigs unless I can control all the sources. If anything goes wrong, somehow it will be your fault.

Depending on what switcher you have, the X70 could be the big issue even with SDI out - Blackmagic Design isn't handling SDI universally right now, with no support for 3G Level A.

We have switched events before with DSLR and haven't had a problem yet.

We use the Atomos HDMI to SDI adapter, and it works great with our ATEM system.

thanks Ryan and Shaun. I am bidding it with using my cameras (that have SDI outputs) with the understanding that the DSLR may or may not work. I just wanted to check to see if anyone is using them this way.

Thanks again! James

James,

What switcher are you using? I am familiar with quite a few of them. Here is a new one that came out last year that is made for a situation like yours. I have never used a Roland switcher. It is my understanding that they are not considered broadcast quality. I sold my Sony Anycast I used for over ten years. I don't like the new Anycast. If this Roland is reliable enough for high end, must work shows it is quite a product. If you could find one to rent it might be worth a look?

Edirol / Roland VR-50HD Multi-Format AV Mixer VR-50HD B&H Photo

Like Shaun said, I would be screaming loudly about those cameras. None of them are designed for live show multicam work.

Keep in mind none of the BMD ATEM line has built in scalers.

Steve

the switcher I use is TV-One 7260. It has 8 SDI inputs plus 3 DVI or VGA inputs. It has worked well for me for the past 6 years. The unknown for me is adding cameras that only have HDMI outputs.

All the best, James