live Switcher

[Mark Petereit]

Used Panasonic AV-HS300G’s can be had for around $3,000.

[Walter Soyka]

[matthew bradshaw] “Is there a reason why you can’t just record each camera, capture and then do your “live” vision mix in multicam?”

I think multicam shoots of live events almost always should be done live. As the other posters have mentioned, having one director in constant communication with the camera operators — literally calling the shots — guarantees you will always have an appropriate shot on tape.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Matthew Bradshaw]

Yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to record the output of a switcher. Unless time is pressing, and as money is tight, record each camera, have the director direct the cameras and multicam it afterwards. Best of both worlds. I’ve never not had to use the iso recording at some point during an as live show yet.
Matt.

[Walter Soyka]

[matthew bradshaw] “Yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to record the output of a switcher. Unless time is pressing, and as money is tight, record each camera, have the director direct the cameras and multicam it afterwards. Best of both worlds. I’ve never not had to use the iso recording at some point during an as live show yet. “

I guess it’s a question of economics. I’d think that with all the engineering necessary for a proper three-camera shoot, a switcher rental would be reasonable.

I agree that many live switches end up being finessed in post, anyway, but I’d rather hand my editor a nearly-perfect line cut and ask them to fix a handful of questionable switches than hand them the isos and ask them to read the director’s mind all the way through.

If editorial time is cheaper than a switcher rental and an extra record deck, then by all means, skip the switch. But I wouldn’t skip the director or communication with the camera ops during the session.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Matthew Bradshaw]

Agreed. Director and comms essential.
Matt.

[Walter Soyka]

I’ve never tried this before, but it might be useful to record comm onto one of the camera iso audio tracks so the editor can hear what the director is calling.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events