Action Cameras for Live Video Production

The action cameras I've had the best luck with in a live video production environment:

Sony HDR-AS20

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[rintunt]

Thanks for the info. Just what I needed. Hands-on experience is invaluable...

[danielrjones]

We have been using the Marshal CV502 cameras lately with pretty good results.

[jingjingzhao]

I'm using a Chinese made VIAU sdi camera and pretty happy with it. It just cost me about $150 and I believe it is a good deal. It has a 2.8mm-12mm zoom lens (not servo zoom) and can output 1080p/i sdi signal with many frame rate choices. It also did well in low light. The only con is the 12V 1A power, that means I can't use any normal power banks for phones to power it.

[lostproductionspdx]

I've been using the AS200V which is much like the AS20, the connections on the bottom and no mount when plugged in. It was cool to see the X3000 solves both of these problems(always a huge headache), thanks for the tip!

[Bccrg]

We have just bought our first used Sony Fdr X1000v as a 3rd camera option ( our main cameras are Sony Z7s). We run everything through Atomos SSD recorders (Ninja Blade or Samauri in 1080p) for recorded footage or OBS for live... currently we can only confirm the x1000 and x3000 have a clean output. Do you know which older cams also have that so important clean output as Sony do not list this information in the specs!... also I notice Ragecams do some interesting lens mods to remove the wide angle picture, have you tried any?

[EdgerRel]

I use my GoPros but wish they had more video format options (just as you said). I’ll have to check out the action cameras. The 1/4-20 is pretty cool.

[jroach]

Great video! Aside from the from HDMI being in a bad spot, was the AS20 useful? Would it work with the BlackMagic ATEM Mini? Thanks!

[cowley]

My production company/truck does events for ESPN and CBS Sports.

The Marshall CV series cameras are the only POV style cameras we're allowed to use. HD-SDI out, multiple lens options, can't go wrong.

Why mess with a HDMI/SDI converters, and USB power supplies when you can get HD-SDI straight out, with a 12V DC power supply. Unbelievably simple, easy.

[Dakhanavar]

I've got one question: i have the As50 model but it only has multi usb port. How can i make live stream with that camera? It has an option inside the menu where it says "live"

[dantexco]

Hello Doug, thank you for this video, I do have a question. I am a Dj and as everyone else I have/need to do a few live streams, the problem is that I have NO Idea what do I need to do this, I do have both cameras but (once again) I have NO idea what do I need (cables, adapters, converters, etc) I am NOT a High Tech guy AT ALL =)


Can you please help ? Thank you

[daverizz]

Hey Doug, curious, do you think the FDX-3000 can be used as a webcam for a PC? My tower doesn't have an HDMI input, so I'm curious if the USB port is only power, and no data? Any idea?

[bahnastronaut]

What about the Marshall Dome Cameras? They offer straight SDI out. They also turn on when you give power to them so in a fixed install you can not forget to turn it on

[Bencentennial]

So I have a Sony HDR-AS300 action cam and I would like to use it as a webcam because its all I have at the moment and all the webcams online are sold out. I'd be using it to record/stream a drumset for twitch. What connections would I need to make it work? Is it Micro HDMI to HDMI and i just plug it into my computer? Or do I need an HDMI to USB converter to do that?

[wallypantanetti]

Hello! Your video was very helpful, I want to start streaming and I have an fdr3000, can I use a micro usb cell phone charger to charge the camera? or do I need a portable charger?
sorry for the writing, I used google translate!

[jeffsheets]

Hi, what output connection, do you use, to hook it up as a webcam? Either the HDMI port, or the usb. I own the FDR X3000, but I also have the previous generation HDR AS 100V, and would like to use it as a webcam . Also, I noticed that on the right side of the X3000 cam, there appears to be slots, near the lens of the camera, that mine doesn't have. Is this a redesign, by Sony, or did you put those slots in the camera yourself? I know that they have had problems with overheating, when the resolution is set to 4k, although I mostly shoot in 1080p60. Thanks for any info that you can give me.

[LogicProphet]

wondering if I can get a big of help here. I got an Sony Action Cam HDR AS20 lying around and was wondering if I can set it up as a webcam for live streaming. I have OBS installed and the cables but I can't seem to find documentation online on how to set it up for live streaming. Is it even possible?

What about latency? I don't have much problems with connecting my gopro (it uses EDID to set output format, so if plugged in to ATEM via HDMI works ok, if using SDI converters I need to have an EDID emulator), but it's lagging 3-4 frames over my Sony and Panasonic camcorders, and it's very noticeable when using it for drums on concerts and the like.
Thanks for the video.

[sebastianchicco]

Hi great video! U have a question! How can i configurate the camera X3000 ??? I can´t setting in my computer with ezcap capure video

[chasingmewes]

So if I have a couple of these and a Black Magic ATEM mini will they work well with OBS?

[vghifhsddhif]

Do you know if either of the Sony units can output 720p50 on the live HDMI?