Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates your camera pole set-up from others?
Short Answer: Our poles are very portable, have manual controls, are economical, don't require a monthly fee to use, and they can be used with many different sports.
Long Answer: We provide a very portable camera pole, with manual controls, at a very good price point. The entire 16-foot pole collapses to approximately 48 inches. No folding down seats. Our new TT4 pole 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. It can also be easily transported via airplane. Our poles come with easy to use manual controls, not robotic controls that can be difficult to use especially on fast back and forth plays, or when zoomed in. Our poles do not require a subscription to use. Once you purchase them - you can use them and the footage as much as you like. Some systems require a subscription which makes your system useless once you stop paying. This system can also be used to film different sports. This may sound like an odd item - but there are camera systems that can only be used to film a single sport.
Long Answer: We provide a very portable camera pole, with manual controls, at a very good price point. The entire 16-foot pole collapses to approximately 48 inches. No folding down seats. Our new TT4 pole 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. It can also be easily transported via airplane. Our poles come with easy to use manual controls, not robotic controls that can be difficult to use especially on fast back and forth plays, or when zoomed in. Our poles do not require a subscription to use. Once you purchase them - you can use them and the footage as much as you like. Some systems require a subscription which makes your system useless once you stop paying. This system can also be used to film different sports. This may sound like an odd item - but there are camera systems that can only be used to film a single sport.
What records better footage – an “sports action camera” style 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 cameras are 4K at a speed of 60i. 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. Here's a good YouTube link that helps show the difference between a good quality 4K action camera a just a standard HD camcorder (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3sdSEN_iRg&t=3s). So, what does all this mean? In a nutshell, bending light changes 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. Last of all, if a camera uses a digital zoom – that is a marketing gimmick. A digital zoom basically means that the image the camera sensor is seeing is being cropped resulting in lower quality pictures. Optical zoom means that the camcorder is using the lenses in the camcorder – providing you much better-quality pictures and footage.
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 cameras are 4K at a speed of 60i. 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. Here's a good YouTube link that helps show the difference between a good quality 4K action camera a just a standard HD camcorder (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3sdSEN_iRg&t=3s). So, what does all this mean? In a nutshell, bending light changes 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. Last of all, if a camera uses a digital zoom – that is a marketing gimmick. A digital zoom basically means that the image the camera sensor is seeing is being cropped resulting in lower quality pictures. Optical zoom means that the camcorder is using the lenses in the camcorder – providing you much better-quality pictures and footage.
What tips are there for recording sports?
There are several tips that can help you capture good quality footage. This link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9q5jUlnkXw&feature=emb_logo - provides some good suggestions that apply to recording soccer. But the suggestions also translate to several other sports.
How does this pole differ from just a pole with a camera mount?
Short answer: It has manual controls that don't cost a fortune (best way to record). It is self supported - even on uneven ground.
Longer Explanation: Our camera pole is much more than just a pole with a camera mount at the top. It has controls that allow you to quickly pan horizontally and tilt vertically without tilting and /or jarring the pole. You can film soccer players doing a throw-in directly beneath the camera - something that is extremely hard to do with just a pole. Additionally our elevated pole is supported by a dual supported tripod that has been designed to support the pole at different levels - reducing movement and slippage even on uneven ground. The high quality monitor allows you to watch what you are recording to make sure you are not missing the action. This is especially important if you are zooming in to get close-up footage for highlight videos or recruitment coverage from across the field. By using our camera kit, or the appropriate LANC connector with your camera, you can power on and off, as well as zoom in and out. The total end result is great video that is easy to use for coaching and more enjoyable for players, parents and grandparents to view later. Not wobbly, jarring, tilting or missing plays because you couldn't see what was being recorded.
Longer Explanation: Our camera pole is much more than just a pole with a camera mount at the top. It has controls that allow you to quickly pan horizontally and tilt vertically without tilting and /or jarring the pole. You can film soccer players doing a throw-in directly beneath the camera - something that is extremely hard to do with just a pole. Additionally our elevated pole is supported by a dual supported tripod that has been designed to support the pole at different levels - reducing movement and slippage even on uneven ground. The high quality monitor allows you to watch what you are recording to make sure you are not missing the action. This is especially important if you are zooming in to get close-up footage for highlight videos or recruitment coverage from across the field. By using our camera kit, or the appropriate LANC connector with your camera, you can power on and off, as well as zoom in and out. The total end result is great video that is easy to use for coaching and more enjoyable for players, parents and grandparents to view later. Not wobbly, jarring, tilting or missing plays because you couldn't see what was being recorded.
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Do you 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 poles 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 film sports like soccer, lacrosse, basketball and rugby, you will need to be able to adjust quickly and easily. Our poles 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. |
Can you separate the tripod and camera pole and just use the pole?
Yes. The camera pole and the tripod are separate. You can just carry around the pole if you like. But from a viewing standpoint, any small wobbling at the bottom of the pole creates significant wobble at the top of the pole. We recommend using the dual supported tripod since watching film that has a lot of swaying and movement is difficult and distracts from the game.
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Are your tripod legs adjustable?
Yes. Our tripod legs can be adjusted to adapt to uneven or sloping terrain.
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What warranty do we 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. |
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How long do the batteries last?
Our poles are designed to be able to film for 3-4 hours. 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.
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Can this camera pole be used on uneven ground without having the pole tilt?
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. Stakes are also provided, that wrap around the legs, to provide added stability if needed.
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How hard is the pole 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Ujr1xecyggk&feature=emb_logo
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Can you transport your camera pole 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.
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