The Sports Shooter's "Bucket List"
Let me ask you a question. Do you have a must have or favorite piece of gear when you get out the door to a sports production? You and I already know that answer don’t we? It is a resounding YES of course. Production is hard enough, so when we can get that gear either as a purchase or rental we know and love (most of the time) it makes the day go easier. So whether you are one hand held or in a big truck here are some of my favorites that you might just see on my shoots and a lot of others.
For such a great set of monitors, I don't understand why more people don’t know about them. Clean, crisp, reliable, cost effective. Should I go on? Used by the big guns in a lot of multi million dollar production trucks. Check out these two beauties.
BVB17 17” 3G HD & SD SDI, HD HDMI/DVI (+HDCP)
- High & Standard Definition Video LCD Monitors 1080/720/576/480
- 3G includes 2x3G HD/SD SDI-Digital input/ HD HDMI/DVI (+HDCP)
- Dual Link Mode & 1080p 60 compatible
- HDMI/DVI inputs accepts up to 1080p HD
- Modes: EGA to UXGA, NTSC/PAL/SECAM/NTSC4.43/PAL-M
- Analog Inputs are Composite, Y/C, Component, RGB (SOG), DVI – I (Analog PC)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9, 4:3, 14:9, 13:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1:
- Dual Waveform & Vector Scope (SDI Only).
- Safe Area Adjustable Frame Marker Display
- Audio Level Meter (16ch, Level meter position, Level meter scale)
- Supports 10bits 3D LUT (Native, BT.709, SMPTE-C, EBU, NTSC, D-Cinema)
- 4:4:4 UMD/IMD Support.
- Closed caption. (CEA608 & 708, SDI Only)
- Color Temperature – User, VAR, 11000K, 9300K, 6500K, 5400K, 3200K
- Focus Assist
BVB07 7" DayBrite / 2-Way Cross Conversion Monitor
- Digital Level; Volt Meter; 8 pin Lemo Connector (power, signal, Tally)
- 1/4-20 Mount Holes on all four sides
- 1500 nts High Brightness LCD Panel (LED backlight) ; Anti-Reflective
- 2-Way Cross Conversion (SDI to HDMI / HDMI to SDI)
- High & Standard Definition Video LCD Monitors 1080/720/576/480
- 3G includes 2x3G/HD/SD SDI-Digital input/ HDMI x1 input
- Dual Link MODE & 1080p 60 Compatible •HDMI inputs accepts up to 1080p HD
- Modes: EGA to UXGA, NTSC/PAL/SECAM/NTSC4.43/PAL-M
- Analog Inputs are Composite
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9, 4:3, 14:9, 13:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1
- Waveform (Y Parade) & Vector Scope(SDI Only)
- Marker Display
- Peaking Filter/Zoom function/False Color
- Audio Level Meter.(16ch, Level meter position, Level meter scale)
- UMD/IMD Support
- Closed caption (CEA608 & 708, SDI Only)
- Color Temperature – User, VAR, 9300K, 6500K, 5400K, 3200K
- Focus Assist
Bexel, part of the NEP Global Network
When you hear the name Bexel, you know you are going to be working on a first class production. Big or small Bexel is on the job but just because they have been around for a while it doesn't mean that it is all in the bag. BEXEL/NEP has a portfolio of capabilities including custom flypack systems, RF audio and frequency coordination, 4K, robotic and specialty cameras, and graphics and virtual production.
LiveU's Solo SDI/HDMI Encoder Bundle
Hey, if you aren’t keeping up now is the time to do it! LiveU is leading the way in providing products to help high school, colleges, and the pros get the game home to the dedicated fans who want to watch the game, but just can’t be there. I know as a parent of a college athlete how much it means to see the game!
Consisting of the LiveU Solo and a full-year's subscription to LiveU's LRT Cloud Services, you can easily broadcast straight from an SDI/HDMI source to a large variety of content delivery networks like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Wowza, Ustream, and more using bonded connectivity over dual cellular networks (requires separately available modems), Wi-Fi, or Ethernet. This plug-and-play functionality, combined with the power of LiveU's Reliable Transport protocol (LRT), enables a simple setup for high-quality streaming video with versatile distribution options, as well as stable transmission even when operating in remote locations.
Right here, right now. This little dynamo and spark plug of a camera brings it on and more. I had this camera for most of a high school season.
Everyday we had it day in and day out. Bringing 4K quality graphics, streaming and more. Oh, and easy to teach others with limited experience to use. Here is an excerpt from my recent review:
At the beginning, I asked the question “Is the GY-200SP a wolf in sheep’s clothing?” That would be a solid yes. With its unassuming appearance, the camera might be mistaken for just another middle of the road “camcorder”. The 4K footage was solid, but I think the ability to record and stream in 4K along with the graphics capability put this camera squarely in the discussion for individuals and programs looking to upgrade (on a budget) their current production schemes across the board for sports and other events. If it fits your criteria you really should take a long look at this wolf. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I was.
Ok sometimes, you or your client just has to go that extra mile to get “that” shot but you don’t have that honkingly huge lens, sticks, or that special camera that will make the difference. Hey, it's just your reputation right? Here comes AbelCine to bail you out. With a ton of locations, and a shiny brand new facility in Brooklyn, Abelcine has just about everything a production pro could ask for. My own take? I like the fact that if you have something going on that you need technical assistance, Abelcine has your back. I can’t say I have felt that way with other houses I have worked with.
I know, you are saying an intercom system? No I call it lifeline system! Ever have your intercom bite it when the control room is 13 stories up in the press box? True story. I have. Not a fun moment when you are having to shoot the NFL not knowing what is going on. A great intercom system makes communications happen. From big to small productions , Clear-Com keeps everyone on the same page.
Some specs:
- 2.4GHz Digital Wireless
- Compact, portable, two-way communication
- Up to 4 full-duplex or 15 push-to-transmit shared users
- Single channel availability
- License-free operations.
The Sports Shooters Bucket List
Well, I would be lying if I didn't say I want to get these cameras out on a sports shoot of some kind. Hey, I am working on it!
- Panasonic EVA-1 (actually have this one right now, please stand by)
- Sony VENICE and of course the Sony FS7ll too!
- Arri Full Frame
- Phantom
- RED w/MONSTRO
This isn’t all of them by the way, just a starting point.
It’s A Wrap
Of course it goes without saying that there is just a tome more of sports gear that can make your day in the field go much better. Be on the look out next time when I will break down some of that “other” stuff that will make you sports or field production day rock!
