camera for remote van to see stage?

[valleysound]

I've looked around and wanted some advice. I would like to set up a portable video camera, in the venue, so I can see the stage as I record in a backroom or out in my van. I find that by seeing the musicians play, I can mix better, than by mixing in the blind. I know who's soloing or if someone is giving a nod onstage to pass the solo off, or any other visual cues that would make me focus on an upcoming change.
What are you guys using for this besides a feed from the video guys! I would like something that can be 200' away and maybe plug into my computer or have it's own monitor. I want to be able to record the video feed too. Give me some ideas as I look at the hundreds of "security cameras" that seem to fit the bill, at the right price.

[Remoteness]

Paul, there's a thread or two discussing this exact topic in this forum.

What kind of PTZ camera setup do you use?

Video camera cable to remote truck

You have many options available to you. The thread links above will set you in the right direction.

[bishopthomas]

Do an eBay search for Canon VCC1. That's what Aura-Sonic uses and they work out perfectly for this. Remote controlled, color, small, can be mountetd. If you find one on eBay snatch it up before Steve does; he is trying to get his count up into the triple digits.

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by bishopthomas

Do an eBay search for Canon VCC1. That's what Aura-Sonic uses and they work out perfectly for this. Remote controlled, color, small, can be mountetd. If you find one on eBay snatch it up before Steve does; he is trying to get his count up into the triple digits.

Dude, I'm bidding on one now....

Please don't bid on the one that I'm winning at the moment.
I promise to stop buying them once I get this one in my hands.
I'm serious about this.

[bishopthomas]

Oh man! I should have guessed. Steve, I think you have a problem. I'm saying this as your friend, only because I care about you. Oh well, I will hold you to your promise.

[Remoteness]

thumbsup

[John Willett]

I picked up a little s/h VKC-133/1 mini surveillance camera with zoom lens for £65 (used by a sound recordist for the same thing) and went down to Curries and bought the cheapest flat screen TV for under £100.

All I need now are some BNC leads - whole lot done for under £200.

The last job I did I borrowed a friend's system, but he had a heavy CRT in a flight case. I will get my lot in a smallish Peli.

I avoided webcams like the plague as these are designed for close wide-angle stuff and need to be further away - the zoom option gives me the flexibility of having it on stage or at the back of the hall - my camera is set and lock, so it can't move the settings.

[valleysound]

Thanks for steering me to.... Ebay, the Canon VCC1 is still going for $.99!!

[LX3]

Steve, how important do you find having remote control of pan-tilt-zoom? Do you spend much time zooming/panning during a gig? I'm usually too busy listening/mixing/checking stuff...

As John says, a fixed camera opens up some interesting and potentially cheaper options.

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by LX3

Steve, how important do you find having remote control of pan-tilt-zoom? Do you spend much time zooming/panning during a gig? I'm usually too busy listening/mixing/checking stuff...

As John says, a fixed camera opens up some interesting and potentially cheaper options.

I like to have a few different vantage points, so a PTZ system is perfect for me.
I have a Telemetrics controller that can control up to four cameras and store up to six camera positions per camera.
I (at this point in time) use only one camera. I would like to set-up two when applicable.
We almost completed building and wiring our PTZ-A/V/P looms to handle the extra cameras.
I still need to located the power connectors for the camera end. Everything else has been completed and tested.
I usually set a wide shot of the complete stage, then I also set a few close up shots so I can see the individuals or group of individuals performing.

If there's an extra preset or two available, I like to also program in an audience view and possibility a shot of the FOH and/or MON engineer. I just like to see who I'm talking to on the COMM when applicable.
The shot of the audience is also cool when you're bored of what's happening on the stage...

Well, sort of, but not really. I like to see how the place is filling up and such.
It's also cool during the performance. I like to connect with everything that involves the performance.

But this is how I like to do it.
How important it is should really depend on your needs and mindset.
Once the presets are programed it's a quick one (or two) button touch to view the various predetermined camera angles.

Of course (like John stated) a fixed camera is a lot more economical when you're not interested in the options I described above. Keep in mind that these cameras went for over $1000.00 USD when they were new, so IMO finding working units for less than a couple of balloons is a great deal.

Whatever it takes to make it work best for you as an individual is what's key!
Hey, if you folks don't go for it, there are a lot more PTZs for me to bid on eBay....

Damn, I promised I will stop buying them if I nab the one I'm currently bidding on now.

Shucks!

[Remoteness]

Well, I guess I have a serious addition to buying gadgets and such...

Especially when they're going for little money.
I just nabbed a few more Canon VC-C3 cameras.

A couple for about $100.00 or so USD each and another one for around $20.00.

Crazy stuff, but there is no support from Canon any longer.
They don't have VC-C3 parts or service manuals, so...
I have to buy up as many of these puppies as I can so I can do my own support...

At least this is what I'm telling myself as I continually grab them when they're going for bargain prices.