[ANSWERED] Multiple Webcams???

dbini

Hello everyone! What's the current score with using more than one webcam as Video sources in Isadora? I've got a Logitech Brio 500 plugged into my Intel MacBook (using a USBC-USBA adapter and a USBA extender into a USBC hub) and it works great. I tried adding a C920 on another channel and it was struggling to handle the movement on stage. I guess it's just too old to compare it to the new generation of camera tech.
So I would like to use another Brio 500 for the other angle needed, (90 degree view, clear picture, can use LogiTune software to set everything to manual) - can Isadora see both of them? will my Mac label them differently so Isadora doesn't get confused? I have plenty of USB ports available, so can connect each one via a different USB hub into different ports.

Woland

@dbini said:

ill my Mac label them differently so Isadora doesn't get confused? I have plenty of USB ports available, so can connect each one via a different USB hub into different ports.

Yes, you'll be fine as long as you use different ports/different hubs.

dbini

@woland
Thanks L, I might get another Brio500 then.

Unless someone has a better idea for a camera to use on stage. ???

Minimum 90degrees FOV is essential. USB or HDMI connection to Isadora (I have a couple of HDMI capture cards) and able to run off plug-in power all day. And around 100€-150€ would be ideal. I was thinking of an action camera, but it looks like they tend to run only off battery. I've been using a DSLR with Canon EOS Webcam Utility, but its not so stable with my newer laptop, and I tried a Sony Camcorder, but that was getting grumpy about using mains power whilst outputting the live view over HDMI. I have a USB industrial camera but it think the resolution might be too low compared with the Brio. I don't really want to use a phone over the stage, would prefer cable connection - rather than wifi, for obvious reasons.

mark_m

@dbini said:

Unless someone has a better idea for a camera to use on stage. ???

I am getting excited by these Makis by Bird Dog. They're more expensive than a webcam.... but

https://birddog.tv/makilive-ov...

Not tried one yet, but going to fundraise for a set of 3.
Don't know what they're like in low light.

With their POE adapter and a POE switch you can power them remotely... all day long. (Or plug in power to their USB port and use the Wifi connection)

You can control them remotely using an app.

But the best thing is they send NDI, which gets you around Isadora's 4 Live Camera input limit.

And Bird Dog's documentation and support is great.

dbini

@mark_m
lovely, but I should add that I need to be able to purchase something in Oulu before Sunday's rehearsal......

mark_m

@dbini

I'll pop down the shops for you and hop on a boat!

Gaspar

@dbini

Hi there, a possible alternative I'm still very happy with and which I already mentioned in the forum.
I use CCTV camera systems. There are lots of affordable options out there and they're very flexible.

Their DVRs allow to combine different cameras (also some with Zoom or even PTZ) and control/set them independently (over de VCR... unfortunately not directly from ISADORA , as well as viewing them either individually or in simultaneous configurations as 4, 6 or 8 at a time. This way you considerably reduce the load on your PC, since you only require one capture card for all cameras. Regarding resolution seeing 4 cameras at a time is at 1080, still gives you very usable 720 and many systems are now 4K, so you could get 4 x 1080 with just one capture card. And you can always use the single cam view to get the full resolution if needed.
Cameras can be wireless, TCP/IP (also POE) or analogue with a relatively cheap coax cable you can run over 50m or more without any issues.
CONS: The interface of the VCRs is usually not very clear nor comfy.

aikia

@gaspar

what cameras are you using specifically? I'd love to try your solution on stage...