Stage Event Videography

[Geoffrey Chandler]

Would it be completely crazy to attempt to do stage events with DSLR cams linked to a Blackmagic Switcher such as ATEM Television Studio recorded to a Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio?

What would be the ideal cameras to use?

[Dave Partington]

Originally Posted by Geoffrey Chandler

Would it be completely crazy to attempt to do stage events with DSLR cams linked to a Blackmagic Switcher such as ATEM Television Studio recorded to a Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio?

What would be the ideal cameras to use?

Firstly, you'll need a DSLR that has clean HDMI out. Do you have that?

Next, what kind of stage shows are we talking about? A static band? People (actors) moving about? Who is handling the audio?

Next, you'll need some HDMI to SDI converters (at the camera end) so that you can run long lengths of cable back to the switcher. HDMI on it's own doesn't go far enough. Alternatively you could use HDMI over IP (ethernet) and then convert at the switcher end.

Then you'll have to figure out the focusing and DOF issues. Do you really want/need that kind of shallow DOF or do you plan on stopping down? Following people on stage and keeping them in focus can be problematic if it's too shallow.

Smaller sensor cameras are usually better for this kind of thing simply because you get lots of DOF so that AF can do it's magic and you also don't have the recording time limits or the shorter battery life of the DSLR.

Cameras with SDI output are typically the better choice, but they are more expensive than non SDI cameras, e.g. the XA-25 (SID) is more expensive than the XA-20 (HDMI) version (not that I'm specifically recommending either one).

"Ideal cameras" - Hmmm... tens of thousands of dollars each.

"Practical Cameras" ? You could do it with most of the smaller sensor cameras around today depending on the available light, though for stage shows that's not normally a problem.

And this assumes you have the communication sorted between the switcher and camera operators for some direction so you don't get cameras moves while they are live etc.

[Don Bloom]

IMO not the ideal tool to use but lets face it, anything can be done...what level of quality, ease of operation and peace of mind do you want?

You can build a house with a screwdriver and a wrench but at some point you're going to wish you had a hammer. I prefer to use the right tool for the job.