Frequently Asked Questions
What differentiates your video camera tower from other sports video recording equipment?
Short Answer: Our camera towers 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 telescoping camera pole, with manual controls, at a very good price point. The entire 16-foot video camera tower collapses to approximately 48 inches. No folding down seats. Our 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. Our elevated camera poles can also be easily transported via airplane. Our video camera tower comes 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 equipment does not require a subscription to use. Once you purchase it - you can use the SVT camera tower and the footage as much as you like. Some camera tower 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 telescoping camera pole, with manual controls, at a very good price point. The entire 16-foot video camera tower collapses to approximately 48 inches. No folding down seats. Our 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. Our elevated camera poles can also be easily transported via airplane. Our video camera tower comes 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 equipment does not require a subscription to use. Once you purchase it - you can use the SVT camera tower and the footage as much as you like. Some camera tower 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? (HD versus 4K action camera)
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. 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 4K cameras record at a speed of 60i instead of 60p. 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.
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.
What tips are there for recording sports such as soccer, lacrosse, rugby and football?
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.
How does the SVT camera tower differ from just a pole with a camera mount?
Short answer: Our video camera towers have manual controls that don't cost a fortune. Manual controls currently work much better than wifi controls. Additionally, our sports video recording equipment is self-supported - even on uneven ground.
Longer Explanation: Our camera tower 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 record soccer players doing a throw-in directly beneath the camera - something that is extremely hard to do with just a pole. Additionally, our elevated camera tower 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 tower, 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 tower 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 record soccer players doing a throw-in directly beneath the camera - something that is extremely hard to do with just a pole. Additionally, our elevated camera tower 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 tower, 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 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. |
Can you separate the SVT 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 the SVT camera tower tripod legs adjustable?
Yes. All three legs of the camera tower tripod can be adjusted to adapt to uneven or sloping terrain.
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What warranty do we provide (US and Canada)?
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 does the power-pack 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
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Can the SVT camera tower 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. Sand bags are also provided, that wrap around the legs, to provide added stability if needed.
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How hard is the SVT tower camera 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:
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Can you transport the SVT camera 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.
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