[Erik Elvgren]

Hello,
It probably depends on the footage. If the camera is facing out and you are wanting to just get camera data then I would think a 3D tracker app would be more useful (I use Syntheyes, but PFmatch or PF Track or Boujou or others could probably handle it). 2D trackers like mocha generally don’t pull as accurate Camera data you might need from footage….but they do a great job of tracking and placing things into the scene. Syntheyes now has a planar tracker in it similar to Mocha (both a 2d and 3D one) that gives you the ability to handle some more shots. Give it a look.
If your footage is staring back into the car and you are trying to get a decent 3D track you may have some trouble….lack of parallax can keep a 3D tracker from getting a good solve. It all depends on the shot.
I hope that helps.
Erik

[Erik Elvgren]

I have been researching this and have to go with the Xpression Studio. There is really no comparison if you are also getting a Ross switcher because of the great integration between CG and Switcher. So here are the 2 main reasons: 1) endless layering, 2) tight integration. Want the TD to be able to fly in graphics on and off the screen using macros? Xpression. Want the TD to change the score on the scorebug instead of a CG op? Xpression. Want to fly in a bug, then an animated lower third, populate it with data, then fly in a graphic, then transition all that off and fly in a different page with 2 other graphics on it all on a single channel of CG? Xpression and Ross switcher – either the Carbonite or Vision line can handle it. So on a single channel of CG you can fly in and out numerous (at least 99 I think) layers…all independently controlled. So you can bring them in and out in any order. That is serious power.
The only downside to that is there are not a whole lot of trained freelancers out there yet…but I think that will be changing really soon. I have 2 dekos and TD on trucks with Duets. I would choose the Xpression without a second thought. The Vizrt is another option but it is high dollar and steep learning curve…and still not as good as the Xpression. I am hoping we can buy 2 really soon. Lastly, make sure you get the Xpression Studio rather than the Expression “Live”. The “Live” just pushes 2 channels (key and fill) to the switcher frame buffers on a carbonite. So you lose a lot of what makes the Xpression great.
I hope that helps.
Erik

[Erik Elvgren]

You are correct, but not one that will also carry comm/power/tally/return video except on specific models of Sony and Ikegami cameras….

Erik

[Erik Elvgren]

Actually,
Telecast makes a fiber-triax adapter for Sony and Ikegami cameras only….NOT Hitachi. We bought the cameras when they told our systems integrator that they thought they would come out with it, and now say it isn’t going to happen. So we got hosed by telecast. They make a product called “copperhead” that can do the change so long as I spend 20K per camera refitting them with fiber backs…and then I pay for the copperhead units too. I wish now I had the Sony cameras instead. That is why I am looking for alternatives…..
Erik

[Erik Elvgren]

Yeah I still need it. I’d like to find a way to make the bird seed pile up too…I tried a bounce reflector but particles didn’t “pile up”.
Thanks.
Erik