In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of endzone camera manufacturers offering hi-tech wireless endzone camera systems. Some of these systems, like the sport scope endzone camera, use an iPad to control a motorized camera head. But, while wireless endzone camera systems do have their advantages, are they really a viable alternative to manually operated video camera tower? If you have been considering buying a wireless endzone camera, here are some of the issues that you need to be aware of.
Cost
The first issue with high-tech wireless football endzone cameras for many teams is going to be the cost. Wireless endzone cameras, like the sport scope endzone camera, are in the region of $1,000 more expensive than traditional endzone camera systems like Hi Rise Camera. That’s a significant extra investment for many teams.
Reliability
With traditional video camera towers, there is very little to go wrong. The Hi Rise Camera system, for example, uses simple tilt control handles and cables with an easy-spin base to control the camera. That makes operating the camera very easy. It also means that there are very few components to go wrong. You can virtually guarantee that a manually operated endzone camera system is going to work every single time you set it up.
Robustness
Football endzone cameras need to be moved from one venue to the next. That means a lot of setting up and dismantling. It usually means a lot of rough treatment as well. As we all know, it’s not at all unusual for equipment to be thrown into the back of a truck at the end of a game. A well-made manually operated video camera tower will withstand rough treatment of this type. Especially if it is made of tough materials like carbon fiber. The delicate electronic equipment of a wireless endzone camera, though, might not.
Cost of Replacement Parts
The best endzone camera will last you for many years. During that time, though, some parts may need to be replaced. The Hi Rise Camera system uses standard parts that can be easily sourced. Replacement parts are relatively cheap. If any of the electronic parts in a wireless endzone camera fail, though, they will be a lot more expensive to replace.
Filming in Bad Weather
Using an iPad to control and endzone camera does have its advantages. However, it might become difficult to use in bad weather. Using a touch screen when it is raining or very cold is going to be very difficult. In these circumstances, manual controls will be much easier to use.
Camera Control
Electronic camera control may not be as precise as manual camera control. You may get a time lag between pressing a command on the screen and the camera head motors kicking in and moving the camera. Touch screens are not always as precise as they could be either. Especially if your fingers are damp. Manual controls, on the other hand, give you full control over an endzone camera.
Wireless endzone camera systems are a good idea, but there are issues with them that you need to be aware of before you buy one. They are more expensive to buy and to maintain. They may also not stand up to the rough treatment that football endzone cameras often get. Wireless endzone cameras might, then, be too much technology in what should be a very simple piece of equipment.