Cam

[Rami]

Hi,
I am searchin for a good cam that i can use. well i dont want a webcam cause u know the window is small and i will not see clear if am sittin on the couch and like more than 4 meters far from the TV.
the price should be ok and not that expensive.

Thanks for the help and excuse my english
Rami

[Entropy3XD]

Rami,

The general rule is, if you want good video, then you need a high end camera. Unfortunately, a good camera means a lot of good money. Something like a SONY EVI-D30 camera would be great. These cameras are used on many professional VTC systems. Sony also makes models which are a little smaller. Now these cameras can be around $1000 (US) brand new, but I have been tracking some on Ebay for as little as $100 (US). Hope this helps.

[Bond]

I agree with Entropy3XT´s general rule
Originally posted by Entropy3XD+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Entropy3XD)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>if you want good video, then you need a high end camera[/b] <span style='font-size:11pt;line-height:100%'>
but not with
<!--QuoteBegin-Entropy3XD
Unfortunately, a good camera means a lot of good money.&nbsp; Something like a SONY EVI-D30 camera would be great.&nbsp; [/quote]
A consumer webcam is sad because of
optics
:wacko: fixed focus
:wacko: no zoom
:wacko: few synthoplast lenses
interface restrictions
:wacko: USB1x resolution thumbnaily
:wacko: firewire (no VC drivers usually)
:wacko: no analogue outlet (Y/C is standard at the codecs) </span>
but the least you miss in couching is a
Pan/Tilt function, isn´t it ?

For gaining the features above,
one does not have to buy an EVI

B) Pick up a consumer camcorder with Y/C outlet
(HI-8,S-VHS) and defective record section <span style='font-size:10pt;line-height:100%'>
Those bring good glass optics including zoom
and deliver a preview signal at the outlet </span>
There is only one issue to be solved:
Most of do switch off the preview after some minutes,
if there is no record going on.
B) Open the recorder and find the
tape-present and the tape-rupted sensors ...
This can be far cheaper than any Ebayed EVI
(I picked mine from the video repair service´s garbage ton)

Hope that helped
Dr. Bond

:wub: For couching, the cam should come with working remote :wub:

[Entropy3XD]

Bond,

Although a camcorder would work for home use (provided you can rig it so it doesn't auto shut off), it is a bit limited in comparison to a Sony EVI-D30 (or comparible product). It is not a consumer web cam. You have S-Vid and composite output, as well as PTZ and zoom functions. You also have a choice of lenses with this particular camera. The main issue with using a camcorder is camera control.

Now if you are running against a standard web cam, a camcorder would give you better video, however, for most VTC applications a controllable camera is desired.

Price is also a factor. If I am looking for a used VTC camera, I would probably find a PTZ camera for a lower price than a nice camcorder (at least that is what I have found in my searches). All things being equal on the price, I would go for PTZ control.

[Bond]

Hi
Entropy3XD&nbsp; wrote:&nbsp; ... a camcorder ...&nbsp; is a bit limited in comparison to a Sony EVI-D30 (or comparible product).&nbsp;
I agree. Comparable products to Sony EVIs (D31,D100) are the Canon VCC (model 1 to 4).
... You have S-Vid and composite output, as well as PTZ and zoom functions I´m talking about camcorders with S-Vid output (composite do they all have).
Regarding PTZ (PanTiltZoom): My feeling is, Pan and Tilt are not that important for the home couch scenario we discuss here. Zoom is available with most camcorders although - I agree with you - cam remote control is important here.
...provided you can rig it so it doesn't auto shut off ... or simply put in a tape and record sessions B)
... for most VTC applications a controllable camera is desired ...Really ? Which application do you have in mind, one can perform on a home couch,
where P or T is important and zooming from the man in the middle to the whole couch and back not enough ?
Or do you speak about the VTC software (Rami did not told us about)?
... I would probably find a PTZ camera for a lower price than a nice camcorder Interesting,
Where do you live ? Here around there are much more used S-VID camcorders offered than VTC cams.
On Ebay one pays some 100 $ for a D30, isn´t it?
...All things being equal on the price, I would go for PTZ control. Me too for shure. :)

My proposal was focused to fill the price gap between consumer gimmicks and professional VTC equipment. For a low entry into personal VTC one has to suggest very moderate priced components.

We talked here just about the cam component. Not the ony investment to make. Therfore:

Rami: To which software do you want to connect the cam ?
Entropy3XD: How much minimum investment do you plan for a home couch VTC scenario ? How much is your suggestion, if the customer plans to buy a camcorder or digital photocam anyway in the near future ?
GeorgeSorry for becoming off-topic at the end.
George, this is my tribute to the discussion aboutFocusing vs HolyViewed (http://www.vtctalk.com/index.php?showtopic=21) :lol:

Hope that helped further
Dr.Bond

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by Bond@May 6 2004, 12:16 PM

Entropy3XD: How much minimum investment do you plan for a home couch VTC scenario ? How much is your suggestion, if the customer plans to buy a camcorder or digital photocam anyway in the near future ?
[/quote]
If you are looking only at minimum investment, and you are already planning on buying a camcorder for other uses, then it would work just fine for VTC. I would probably not recommend it to a customer. My main issue with using a camcorder basically comes down to the auto shut off. I use my system at home to test from time to time when I am on the road or in the office. For my uses I require a camera that will not shut off. For most people fiddling around at home, a camcorder would be fine for VTC.

[mazzarak]

A couple of our customers have come to us with D-Link VC kit. Is it me, or are they, lets say, at the budget end of the market? Problems dialling to them, problems getting the image in focus, problems getting decent sound - who are they marketing this towards?

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by mazzarak@May 13 2004, 09:49 AM
A couple of our customers have come to us with D-Link VC kit. Is it me, or are they, lets say, at the budget end of the market? Problems dialling to them, problems getting the image in focus, problems getting decent sound - who are they marketing this towards?
They are definitely low budget. I checked one out about 8 months ago, but it didn't even have gatekeeper support so it does no good in my environments. The market for this is basically for the home user.

[mazzarak]

One of the guys that bought it was here in the UK, they'd obviously been doing their research and found that IP was the way to go. Sadly they clearly had financial constraints, hence the DLink. Also their research didn't stretch to discovering that the other 240 sites in their directory were all ISDN only.

So a good investment all round then... <_<

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by mazzarak@May 17 2004, 04:45 AM
One of the guys that bought it was here in the UK, they'd obviously been doing their research and found that IP was the way to go. Sadly they clearly had financial constraints, hence the DLink. Also their research didn't stretch to discovering that the other 240 sites in their directory were all ISDN only.

So a good investment all round then... <_<
LOL!!! :lol: