What type of Camera to you Recommend for Mogulus

[xpeditions]

[QUOTE]
So, I'm seeing some responses, but want to ask something with a little clarification. I have a Sony HD camcorder that we use for creating a video to load on the net (we are in the process to switch from Vimeo to Mogulus), but it cannot be used for live streaming.

[REPLY]
We currently use a Sony - we have several, from consumer to a pro version - and each will stream as expected. I can help you with this if you like. There is no reason it shouldn't stream. We use ours to stream often. It's all in the settings in the camera.


[QUOTE]
What is the best quality (HD?) cam that can be used for live streaming? We currently use a Logitech webcam that outputs 960x720, which isn't bad but I'd like to do better.

[REPLY]
We now use a Sony A1U or V1U to stream. Each camera offers 1080i HD. To send the video to Mogulus the camera has to be set to SD output via the iLink (firewire). If it isn't set properly there is no output to Mogulus.

We also like a program called CamCamX. It allows for a 2 camera shoot, providing one of the cameras is a USB connected camera. The second camera is of course our firewire connected camera. You cannot attach 2 firewire cameras, so far as I know, without a switcher (outboard device) which is our next purchase.

You can take a look at the video we have on Mogulus. Look for Channel-U. Then look at any of the "on Demand" clips. There you will find a few items placed while on an expedition in the Amazon. One clip called "Interview with Javier" was recorded on Mogulus as it happened. The video was wirelessly sent to our satellite dish and from there to the internet. The video was captured into our laptop (Macbook Pro) live from our A1U and immediately transmitted.

As mentioned, I am willing to help if you need it. I hope this helps.

Jerry Wills
executive producer
Xpeditions TV
http://www.XpeditionsTV.com
MOGULUS: Channel-U

[mick101]

Jerry,
I have the same dilemma as the previous poster. I am looking at a Sony HDRCX100. It only has USB, no Firewire, so can this camera be used to stream live with mogulus? I have read that usb can work but firewire is better, unfortunately firewire is becoming harder and harder to find on a camera these days. So how would this work?

Thanks,

Ps. I am on a MAC

[xpeditions]

[QUOTE]
Jerry,
I have the same dilemma as the previous poster. I am looking at a Sony HDRCX100. It only has USB, no Firewire, so can this camera be used to stream live with mogulus? I have read that usb can work but firewire is better, unfortunately firewire is becoming harder and harder to find on a camera these days. So how would this work?

Thanks,

Ps. I am on a MAC

[REPLY]
Yes, we only use Mac here as well. As for the USB option: It is supposed to be quite good from what I hear. However, I haven't any experience using USB.

I just looked up the camera to se what it offered. It looks pretty nice form what I see. I think USB 2 is closer to firewire 400, which is what most cameras have. You shouldn't have a problem with this if your computer has a USB 2 port.

Keep in mind, your signal output to the computer thru any of these cameras - mine included - are standard definition. The advantage of using an HD camera is that you have more to start with, meaning more data scanned by the camera (higher resolution) and then converted to SD. Higher in, even when converted to SD, means a sharper picture at the delivery stage, no matter what the deliver will be. This is why we have pretty sharp videos at Xpeditions TV (http://www.XpeditionsTV.com). Every time I broadcast live (at http://www.Channel-U.com) the signal is first converted to SD at the camera before it ever gets to the computer. This still results in a very clear image because the HD is twice the resolution when converted.

If I were to have to make this choice I would likely go ahead with the Sony you mentioned. It's a good product (ours are bullet proof so far). Just remember, when you send the info from your camera you will need to choose (from the camera menu) to convert to SD. I think you'll have acceptable results you'll be proud of.

let me know if you have any questions. And if you get his let me know your results through this forum. Your experience will be helpful to everyone who reads this post.

Best Wishes
Jerry Wills
executive producer
Xpeditions TV