Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates your video camera tower from other sports video recording equiptment?
Short Answer: Our camera towers do not require a subscription or lease. Once you own it - use it wherever for as much as you like. Our camera towers use high quality camcorders, are very portable, and have manual controls so you can focus and zoom in on what you want in great detail.
Long Answer: Our cameras do not require a subscription to use - you can use it all you want whenever you want. You can watch the game footage immediately after the game. Our cameras utilize optical zoom (not digital) which allow you to zoom across the field and maintain great quality. The entire 16-foot video camera tower collapses to approximately 48 inches making it easy to carry around. The manual controls allow you to focus in on any part of the game you would like in great detail. The camera tower is composed of light-weight carbon-fiber composite - so the total package weighs around 20 pounds. Carrying it from game to game is not a problem.
Long Answer: Our cameras do not require a subscription to use - you can use it all you want whenever you want. You can watch the game footage immediately after the game. Our cameras utilize optical zoom (not digital) which allow you to zoom across the field and maintain great quality. The entire 16-foot video camera tower collapses to approximately 48 inches making it easy to carry around. The manual controls allow you to focus in on any part of the game you would like in great detail. The camera tower is composed of light-weight carbon-fiber composite - so the total package weighs around 20 pounds. Carrying it from game to game is not a problem.
What records better sports footage, an action camera or a camcorder?
Short Answer: Camcorders provide better quality and versatility for recording most sports.
Long Answer: Sports action style cameras capture a broad area. Their lenses are typically a fish-eye style lens that allow them to bend light so you can see a wider area. Many of the 4K cameras record at a speed of 60i instead of 60p - which is better for fast paced sports. Many of these cameras have a fixed ISO setting. Additionally, action cameras may allow for zoom, but many have a digital zoom and not an optical zoom which significantly decreases the quality of the picture. This can be shown quickly in side-by-side comparisons of a standard HD camcorder versus a 4K action style camera (see video below). The frame rate also matters. Most action style cameras record at 30p (similar to 60i) instead of 60p. This does not allow for smooth recording of high-speed sports, where balls are being kicked or thrown and players are running (see videos below). So, what does all this mean? In a nutshell, fish-eye lenses bend light and chang the field of view. It distorts the images and spacing. 4K resolution is great, but more is needed to really capture good quality film. Most fast paced sports (i.e. soccer, lacrosse, rugby and many others) should be captured at a minimum of 60p – basically double the number of frames per second as 60i. Also, most camcorders allow for a better range of ISO settings – allowing you to film much better in bright and low light conditions.
Long Answer: Sports action style cameras capture a broad area. Their lenses are typically a fish-eye style lens that allow them to bend light so you can see a wider area. Many of the 4K cameras record at a speed of 60i instead of 60p - which is better for fast paced sports. Many of these cameras have a fixed ISO setting. Additionally, action cameras may allow for zoom, but many have a digital zoom and not an optical zoom which significantly decreases the quality of the picture. This can be shown quickly in side-by-side comparisons of a standard HD camcorder versus a 4K action style camera (see video below). The frame rate also matters. Most action style cameras record at 30p (similar to 60i) instead of 60p. This does not allow for smooth recording of high-speed sports, where balls are being kicked or thrown and players are running (see videos below). So, what does all this mean? In a nutshell, fish-eye lenses bend light and chang the field of view. It distorts the images and spacing. 4K resolution is great, but more is needed to really capture good quality film. Most fast paced sports (i.e. soccer, lacrosse, rugby and many others) should be captured at a minimum of 60p – basically double the number of frames per second as 60i. Also, most camcorders allow for a better range of ISO settings – allowing you to film much better in bright and low light conditions.
Can i use a 4k camera with the svt tower
Short Answer: Yes
Long Answer: Every camera is slightly different, so you want to make sure your camera is compatible. Our standard cabling will work with the Sony FDR AX33 and AX53 camcorders. Both of these are 4K. If you are looking to go with one of these cameras, you will want to order our Package 2, the simple set-up wiring, and our remote. Then just order the AX33 or AX53 from Best-Buy or Amazon. It is important to be aware that the file sizes with these 4K cameras are very large and can take time uploading the footage. Also, most 4K cameras do not record at 60p, so there may be some slight blur due to the speed of play for sports like soccer and lacrosse.
Long Answer: Every camera is slightly different, so you want to make sure your camera is compatible. Our standard cabling will work with the Sony FDR AX33 and AX53 camcorders. Both of these are 4K. If you are looking to go with one of these cameras, you will want to order our Package 2, the simple set-up wiring, and our remote. Then just order the AX33 or AX53 from Best-Buy or Amazon. It is important to be aware that the file sizes with these 4K cameras are very large and can take time uploading the footage. Also, most 4K cameras do not record at 60p, so there may be some slight blur due to the speed of play for sports like soccer and lacrosse.
tips for recording sports such as soccer, rugby and lacrosse.
There are several tips that can help you capture good quality footage. This video blow provides some good suggestions that apply to recording soccer games. But the suggestions on sports video recording equipment also translate to several other sports.
do svt towers use manual or robotic controls?
Short answer: We use easy to use manual controls. You'll find that following the play of high speed sports is easier with manual that robotic.
Longer Explanation: Our camera towers use manual controls. Robotic controls are OK to use for sports that do not require a lot of quick adjustments. But if you are trying to record soccer, lacrosse, basketball or rugby, you will need to be able to adjust quickly and easily. Our camera towers have been designed with this in mind. They are easy to use - and if you lose the ball during a quick soccer throw-in or near side-line run - recovery is fast. With a robotic head, we likely could have cut out some cost and a lot of time on the manufacturing, but these poles would not be as effective for the quick moving sports of soccer and lacrosse.
Longer Explanation: Our camera towers use manual controls. Robotic controls are OK to use for sports that do not require a lot of quick adjustments. But if you are trying to record soccer, lacrosse, basketball or rugby, you will need to be able to adjust quickly and easily. Our camera towers have been designed with this in mind. They are easy to use - and if you lose the ball during a quick soccer throw-in or near side-line run - recovery is fast. With a robotic head, we likely could have cut out some cost and a lot of time on the manufacturing, but these poles would not be as effective for the quick moving sports of soccer and lacrosse.
are the tripod legs on the svt camera tower adjustable?
Yes. All three legs of the camera tower tripod can be adjusted to adapt to uneven or sloping terrain.
What warranty do you provide?
Camera Pole: The structure of the Tournament Traveler is covered for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty includes structural problems, in material or workmanship, which makes a unit non-functional. Scratches, marks, or other cosmetic damage to a unit, or damage due to misuse, alteration, normal wear, or accident are not covered under this warranty.
Electronics: For those kits purchased with electronic components, the following are covered for defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase (LCD, Lanc controller, and the camera). The camera is covered with a limited warranty by Sony. Powerpacks, batteries and cords come with a 90 day warranty. Scratches, marks, or other cosmetic damage to a unit, or damage due to misuse, alteration, normal wear, moisture damage, or accident are not covered under this warranty.
Electronics: For those kits purchased with electronic components, the following are covered for defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase (LCD, Lanc controller, and the camera). The camera is covered with a limited warranty by Sony. Powerpacks, batteries and cords come with a 90 day warranty. Scratches, marks, or other cosmetic damage to a unit, or damage due to misuse, alteration, normal wear, moisture damage, or accident are not covered under this warranty.
can the svt tower be used on uneven ground?
Yes. As mentioned above - the tripod is easily adjustable allowing the camera pole to be positioned on uneven ground. The tripod is heavy duty and all the legs can easily be adjusted and locked into place. Sand bags are also provided, that wrap around the legs, to provide added stability if needed.
How long does the powerpack last?
Our power-packs are designed to be able to film for 3-4 hours (depending on temperature). We use long-life power-packs to power our monitors and cameras. The power-packs allows you to record for longer periods of time - so you do not have to break down your pole during a typical game to change out batteries. If you need to record more than 3-4 hours of footage in a day, you can purchase additional power-packs from our website. https://www.svtadvantage.net/store/p19/SVT_TT4_Powerpack.html
Can you transport the svt tower on an airplane?
Yes. Easiest way is to pack it in a hard golf case. A golf bag like the Samsonite Style 6850 - hard case golf bag works great. Just counts as an extra bag for check-in.
How hard is the svt tower to set up?
The camera pole comes with an online set-up video and guide. After going through the set-up a couple of times, it will take around 5 minutes to set up. The set-up essentially consists of positioning the tripod and pole. Attaching the camera, monitor and wires. Then extending the pole. For a short video on the setup here is a short video: