Next, camera placement is an issue that a lot of churches struggle with. “Can we put cameras where they are not going to be a distraction to worship?” There are basically three options to address this dilemma, each with definite pros and cons:

Option 1: The choice that gives you the best performance for the lowest price is to place manned camera stations in the midst of the room. The downside is that the camera equipment and operators are going to be visible to the congregation. It’s often a major distraction at first, but we typically find that after a few weeks no one seems to notice anymore. Each church will have to decide for themselves if this is a good option.

Option 2: The second option is to place the cameras at the back of the room. How far away will the camera be from the scene it is trying to capture? Perhaps more appropriately, how close can the camera be to the scene? To place cameras 100’ away from the stage and capture a tight head and shoulders shot is not possible without spending a great deal of money. You’ll need a large lens capable of reaching that far, which requires a camera that can work with that lens. Not every church will have a budget for the kind of camera equipment necessary to pull this off. Option 3: Robotic cameras are the third option. These cameras don’t need a person standing next to it to control its movement. These cameras were originally used strictly for high-tech security, but recent advances in technology and function make them a viable option for some churches who need to get closer to the stage without a huge camera. To find out more about robotic options, check out this month’s VISUAL AIDS.