Can the XDCAM HD (either one) be setup for a live event or studio situation where the control truck..or control room has control over certain camera functions like iris, gain, color, etc...so that all the cam operator has to worry about is zoom and focus...i know that with a company I freelance with they use multipin and triax cables with their beta cams...is there anything like that for the XDCAM HD?

Yes you can, but it's not Triax. There are two RCU's (8-pin) available for the XDCAM HD cameras. first the Sony RM-B150 and secondly his bigger brother the Sony RM-B750.

would those be best for things such as football games and concert events where there would be many cameras? ...or is it more for single cam control?

Can anyone verify if it is possible to have a return picture to the Cameras (330/350). In the SD XDCAM I can switch the genlock in to a return. In the online manual I couldn´t find anything in XDCAM HD (350)

thx
alex

The short answer is yes. We're planning a 12-camera shoot for DirecTV right now that's a rock concert. Our main concern was the fiber run lengths that are demanded but that was settled when Copperhead, the units we run off the backs of the 900s, created a sled for the 350. Camera functions are truck-run while the focus and zoom are left to the operator. We start setting up the actual units this coming Wednesday and I'd be happy to get you a list of the hard- and software with part numbers and diagram the setup. You can then modify it to meet your specific production needs.

Hey Jonathan, if it's at all convenient, could you ask a P.A. (or whoever) to take a few quick snapshots during either your setup or breakdown? I think a lot of our folks here would really like to see what goes into a twelve camera shoot. I'm sure you have more than enough to do already, but any pics you guys can get would be a real treat for people who haven't seen an operation like this. Thanks a bunch in advance if this is at all possible,

SWEEET!!! Can't wait to hear back from you! Thanks!!

Thanks Jonathan,

As someone who also does live work, I have been looking for a solution.

aloha,

Keith

I'm also booked for a live event at the end of March. Would appreciate any info on that configuration, Jonathan.

-gb-

Here's a link to the Telecast Fiber website.

http://www.telecast-fiber.com/products/camera/overview_copperhead.shtml

Looks like an awesome system. Perhaps very expensive?? More expensive than Triax? (of course Triax isn't available for XDCam anyway)

I'd be happy to, Chris. We're mapping the shoot right now so we'll post the schematics from time to time as the plannin goes and then the stills. In the meantime, we've got some good footage of other multi-cams the company's done that I'll drop on-line later today and tomorrow (since Suoper Bowl Sunday is a national holiday and even we don't shoot) including Paolo's most excellent Steadicam work. I know we're sponsored by Tiffen which owns Steadicam but I wouldn't say it if I didn't truly believe it. We live in a world where everyone virtually has accesss to great cameras and lenses so we're all looking for that edge to separate our work from others. One of the greatest opportunities I've ever had was to send Paolo to Peter Abrahm's Steadicam school...or actually I should say that Tiffen sent him to school. It was a comprehensive, 2-day event at Birnds and Sawyer that I think cost maybe $500 but it's the best $500 anyone would ever spend. On a multicam shoot, having 3 or 4 on the sled can add exponentially to a production. And even on a low budget "independent", it can make the difference between the award and the exit sign as they say. The 12-cam shot will have 5 XDCAMs on sleds, two on booms and one wireflown over the crowd. Let me get through today's shot list and I'll find and post some concert footage for the board's enjoyment of other 8 and 9 cam productions we've done.