“What’s the best camera?”
This is a challenging question, as there are many options out there for your Roland switcher. When researching solutions, YouTube is a great resource, as content creators keep up with camera trends and provide reviews. Try this search for some recommendations:
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https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=best+camera+for+multicam
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“Best Camera for Streaming” and "Best Camera for Switching" are not as useful for research, they often include results that aren't related to video switchers.
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In general, it helps to have all the cameras be the same model. If you need to mix and match cameras, it's recommended to spend time adjusting each camera's color settings to get them to match as closely as possible.
If you are using the camera's audio as well as part of your switcher's audio mix, you may need to adjust the delay setting for each embedded audio input to get your headphone mix in sync. Just search our knowledgebase for your switcher's model and add the term "delay" to get a guide on how to adjust that.
REQUIREMENTS
You want cameras that can output:
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1080p Resolution
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The "p" is for progressive scan, "i" is for interlaced
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The full dimensions of the output video are 1920 by 1080 pixels
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59.94 Frames Per Second
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Some cameras round up to 60 in the menu, but actually output 59.94
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USB Webcams will not work, Roland switchers typically support cameras with HDMI or SDI outputs.
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You want cameras capable of "clean" output, meaning they will not output video with an overlay of menu settings or status indicators.
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Note that HDMI connectors come in 3 sizes: Standard, Mini, and Micro. All Roland switchers with HDMI inputs and outputs use the Standard size.
- If using Mini or Micro, get a cable that has a Standard connector on the other end.
- If using Mini or Micro, get a cable that has a Standard connector on the other end.
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Mini and Micro cables usually run short, but you can use an HDMI coupler to combine that cable with a standard one, but note that HDMI signals typically drop out after 30 feet without special cables or converter boxes.
If you need to place cameras farther away, either:
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Convert to SDI and back to HDMI using 2 converter boxes
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Extend the signal over a network cable using an HDBaseT extender
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Note: HDMI CAT extenders are different technology than HDBaseT. Many of these extenders add HDCP to the signal, even if the source is a camera. Please check with the extender's manufacturer regarding compatibility with video switchers.
- You can enable HDCP passthrough on Roland switchers, but you will not be able to record or stream your switcher's output.
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SDI converters or HDBaseT extenders are recommended as they do not add or require HDCP.
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For additional support with setting up a supported resolution and clean output, please see this guide: Roland Switchers: How to Setup Clean HDMI Output on your Camera
CAMERA TYPES
CAMCORDERS
Pros:
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Easy to Setup
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Great compatibility
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Some models support SDI
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Easy to power and run continuously
Cons:
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Many choices available
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Infrequent firmware updates
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Quality can vary
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Lack of remote control options
Tips:
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Camcorders are often easiest to setup for live video. They have a power supply in the box, and some have a full-size HDMI output port, which simplifies the cable connection.
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Search YouTube and "list articles" for recommendations.
Examples: Canon HF Series, Canon XF Series
PTZ CAMERAS
Pros:
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Designed for live output
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Control movement remotely, including preset positions
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Adjust menu settings remotely
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Some models support SDI
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Can mount upside-down from ceiling
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Designed to power and run continuously
Cons:
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Price is higher than camcorders with similar image quality
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Video quality varies
Tips:
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PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) cameras are an excellent alternative to camcorders because you can remotely control them and recall preset positions but will cost more than cameras with similar image quality because of the motors inside them
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You will also need a PTZ controller, a joystick device to position the cameras and recall preset positions
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Roland's V-60HD, V-600UHD, and VR-50HD MK II have built-in PTZ control support
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Examples: JVC KY-PZ100, Panasonic PTZ Cameras, PTZ Optics
ACTION CAMERAS
Pros:
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Great video quality for the price
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Small size convenient for placement
Cons:
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Hard to configure settings
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No SDI options
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Many models hard to power continuously
Tips:
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Most GoPro models between Hero 3 and Hero 7 have a built-in micro HDMI output.
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Hero 8 and later offer an accessory called "Media Mod" that adds an HDMI port to the camera.
- Each generation of GoPro that needs a Media Mod has its own version.
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The USB-C port on these cameras will not output video to an HDMI input using an adapter cable.
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If you need to zoom with the lens to adjust your shot, a PTZ, camcorder, or DSLR is a better option.
Examples: GoPro Hero 4, Hero 5, Hero 6, and Hero 7
DSLR CAMERAS
Pros:
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Great Image Quality
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Can also be used for videography and filmmaking
Cons:
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Lenses sold separately
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Older models have HDMI output limitations
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Hard to access zoom and focus controls
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No SDI options
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Older models hard to run continuously
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Many models hard to power continuously
Tips:
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DSLR’s have a great image, but powering them can be complicated, as most are designed to run on batteries.
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There are "dummy batteries" that connect to a power source to get around this.
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Also consider a way to secure the HDMI cable without putting too much stress on the camera's port, if it bends too much, it will no longer function and require repair.
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There are some 3rd party accessories for some models that can help reinforce the HDMI connection.
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Older DSLR cameras are not recommended, unless it outputs "Clean HDMI" video (no menus/overlays on screen).
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If you try an older DSLR, check that it has "unlimited recording".
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Models that were released 10 years ago like the Canon 60D shut off after 10 minutes and won’t output Full HD over HDMI, making them unusable for live video.
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Examples: Canon EOS Series, Panasonic Lumix GH Series, Sony A7 Series
PHONE/TABLET CAMERAS
Roland now has two solutions that make it easier to use multiple phones for live video:
AeroCaster |
AeroCaster Switcher |
| Phone Camera Streaming Switcher app and Controller |
Phone Camera Switcher app with HDMI output |
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*UVC-01, UVC-02, V-02HD MK II, V-160HD, VC-100UHD, VR-1HD, VR-4HD, VR-50HD MK II |
If you just want to connect a phone to a switcher with an HDMI adapter cable:
Pros:
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Nice way to add another shot
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Small size convenient for placement
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Many mounting options
Cons:
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Not all HDMI adapter cables are compatible
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Zoom will likely be digital
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Requires complex setup with 3rd party apps for clean output
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Many models hard to power continuously
Tips:
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This is a great way to bring another camera into your switcher, but there can be issues with converting the USB or Lightning output to HDMI, as well as keeping the device awake.
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Also, your device's camera app likely does not have a clean output, meaning you will see all the controls on the HDMI output. Some apps allow you to create a clean output.
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If you decide to go this route, contact Roland product support for a recommendation.
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Examples: iOS and Android devices
CINEMA CAMERAS
Pros:
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Great Image Quality
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Can be used for videography and filmmaking
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Some SDI options
Cons:
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Lenses sold separately
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More expensive than DSLR's
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Hard to access zoom and focus controls
Tips:
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In general, do not use a Cinema camera, unless you know it can output "Clean HDMI" video (no menus/overlays on screen), and doesn't overheat or shutdown after running for a while.
Examples: Canon Cinema EOS Series
SECURITY CAMERAS
Pros:
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Cost effective
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Small size convenient for placement
Cons:
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Image quality varies
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Compatibility issues and unsupported formats
Tips:
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Security cameras are not recommended, unless they output a compatible video standard over HDMI or SDI.
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Some security cameras use signal types like HD-CVI, which looks like SDI with the same BNC connector, but is not compatible with most video products.
Examples: None