Switcher for using multiple cameras

[ChrisC300]

We have been recording our worship services and publishing them online for several years now. I am looking at taking our setup to multiple cameras where we can switch shots during the service. We have a very limited budget. We already own two Canon GL2 cameras and I was looking for a solution where we could run it off a PC or Mac with some limited software/hardware purchases. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

[tdangelo]

Originally Posted by ChrisC300

We have been recording our worship services and publishing them online for several years now. I am looking at taking our setup to multiple cameras where we can switch shots during the service. We have a very limited budget. We already own two Canon GL2 cameras and I was looking for a solution where we could run it off a PC or Mac with some limited software/hardware purchases. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

Might your leadership also be looking to add I-mag (projected cameras) or will the switcher only be used for webcasting?

- Tom D'Angelo - New York City

[ChrisC300]

We record our services to DVD to distribute to our home bound and we offer a high quality video to download from our website. So we are looking for something that will retain the quality coming out of the GL2s. Just standard def.

[rcourtney]

Unfortunately GL2s don't have external sync, there are several low cost
switchers new and (ebuy) used.

So recording to tape on both cameras then post editing is your cheapest route.

You might find a used MXPro (see a review at: http://www.videomaker.com/article/7529/ ) that does not require sync and then a used capture card if your computer does not have a DV (firewire) connection.

You could also get a church member to donate a used computer to capture
one of the cameras. Then access this file via your network to post edit both.

[Borggren]

Try to take a look at http://www.vmix.com.au/

[streamkoinonia]

This one is definitely worth looking into : http://www.blackmagic-design.com/pro...evisionstudio/
You can get SDI to Composite adapters for the SDI input. Quite an extensive list of features and can do HD when you're ready!
I'm looking for feedback on this. Doesn't look like it ships or will be in production until September...

[ChrisC300]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am very interested in the vmix solution. Has anyone had any experience with it?

[tdangelo]

Originally Posted by ChrisC300

We record our services to DVD to distribute to our home bound and we offer a high quality video to download from our website. So we are looking for something that will retain the quality coming out of the GL2s. Just standard def.

Assuming no I-mag I would look at the NewTek Tricaster line of switchers as well.

[ChrisC300]

I would love to have a NewTek Tricaster. The money is not in the budget Anyone know how we can get one donated?

[Bartleigh]

I am trying to set up a low cost multiple camera shoot system with the capability to perform live internet streaming and recording to DVD for our prison ministry. We are a small Spanish/English church in Phoenix with very little funds after our recent move. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bartleigh]

In addition we currently have two computers an Imac for worship songs/ announcements and an e-mac for recording and burning of our audio CD distribution. We would like to make use of these computers if at all possible.

[stevelam]

We do a ton of work with systems like these. The two hottest sellers for this purpose are the Roland V4 and the Datavideo SE-500. Then we generally recommend a Grass Valley ADVC110 to get the video and audio into your computer. However the ADVC110 does require firewire on the computer. The Black Magic Video Recorder USB recorder will work for you as well but I think you have to use a Mac computer. The H.264 Pro Recorder would also work for PC and MAC on USB however you are paying quite a bit more for it because of the expanded options.