Sony a7s live feed setup

aikia

I’m adding some live camera feed scenes to a show, and decided to use a Sony A7s for it - since I already own one.

Got a Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G and it seems to work very well.
Also, purchased a dummy battery not to rely on these tiny batteries that end up empty in ZERO time.

In the context of a show, though, where I’d setup and check all connections, and then be back to it after a longer break (during which I have no access to my setup), right for show start, is there anything I should be aware of? Like : things that could go wrong?

Camera settings that make it shut down after some time? Standby? Overheating???

What’s your experience?

Thanks!!

bonemap

@aikia

Hi,

Have used a setup similar to yours - with a Sony 7RII and BM mini recorder. However, it was a few years ago now. The limitations I remember are having only short cable lengths and using a very specific setting in BM desktop video. I didn’t have a dummy battery and charged the camera through its usb port which worked to extend battery time a bit longer. The dummy battery is a good option. I don’t recall being able to stop the camera going into standby mode. It was also a camera model limited to 29 minutes of continuous recording.

Best wishes

Russell

aikia

@bonemap

Thanks!

True about cable length. also I don’t trust too much the HDMI mini camera plug (I have somewhere the removable part that kind of secures all cables getting into camera, could be wise to use it). I guess I’ll keep it close to my setup as much as possible.

What lens were you using/how did you place it, if I may ask…?

I’m sure nowadays there is better options for on-stage live feed camera, and easier to operate. And to tour with!

But I already own the sony and I’m trying to avoid buying new gear each time :/

bonemap

@aikia

The cable lock is worth using if you can get the cables to fit. I use power zoom lenses with my Sony A7 for video work. You can also use APS-C lenses when shooting video with Sony full frame A7 cameras - there are some great value wide angle lenses. Otherwise the the full frame G Master lenses can be very expensive.

I used my Sony with a DJI Ronin gimbal - this allowed a whole range of camera motion options when hand held or with the gimbal mounted on a tripod.

Best wishes

Russell

aikia

@bonemap

thanks

mark_m

@aikia

I am not familiar with the Sony, but I use the Canon equivalent as a live camera in my work.

The little HDMI connections are a pain! I have a cheap Smallrig Cage on my camera. Attached to the cage are a cable clamp and a Smallrig converter which converts the microHDMI on my Canon into full size HDMI. The cable clamp makes sure the microHDMI cable doesn't get pulled out, and also protects the fragile socket. So I don't need to worry about the cable loosening or getting inadvertently pulled out, and I can attach a full size HDMI cable to the camera.

Like @bonemap I use a DJI Ronin Gimbal which allows me to fine tune the position of the camera remotely using the phone app. There has been lots of work done on other ways of remotely controlling the gimbal, using wired Ethernet connections or a Gamepad. I often mount my cameras above the stage, so it's great to be able to have this control and to be able to finesse camera positions from down on the ground, not up a ladder :-)