Affordable Wireless Pan/Tilt/LANC/IR system

Would anyone have any interest in an affordable, wireless, Pan/Tilt/Zoom system with LANC camera control as well as IR menu control (change any camera settings remotely) that integrates with the ATEM Television Studio for switching? Control is accomplished through a USB game controller from a Mac computer, and based on a Bescor Pan/Tilt unit. With more and more affordable wireless HDMI transmitters hitting the market, such a system creates some very interesting opportunities for micro-budget, single operator multicamera shoots, especially when running cables is too time-consuming or not practical. It is Mac-based (only), and has a very simple interface to the ATEM Control Software, so it's quite future-proof. Currently, the system is designed for the Canon HFS20 and HFG30 lines of cameras, as I feel they offer an incredible bang for the buck in terms of image quality and usability for this type of work, but I may expand that depending on demand. PM me if you're interested. Thanks.

It's alive and available if anyone's interested. Feel free to hit me with questions. I also now have a Panasonic version (DVX200 4K anyone ?)


http://www.multicamzilla.com

MultiCamZilla is a wireless camera control system that allows a single operator to control up to 8 cameras, and also perform a live switch (currently compatible with BlackMagic Design ATEM switchers) all from a single PS3-style controller.  Pan, tilt, zoom, focus and IR menu control (for select Canon cameras) are all right at your fingertips.  You can use MultiCamZilla as a one-man-band style production system, or use it to augment manually operated cameras to provide additional coverage without the additional cost.  Combine MultiCamZilla with a wireless HDMI transmitter (not included), and you have a completely wireless camera control and image transmission system, allowing you to put cameras where cables won't allow, and drastically reduce your setup time.  Ideal for mobile setups or fixed installations, MultiCamZilla is perfect for production companies, music venues, houses of worship, schools, anywhere you need affordable multicamera video production.  



How does it work?

The MultiCamZilla transmitter and controller connect to your Macintosh computer via USB.  After installing the supplied software and setup file, the transmitter then sends signals to the pan/tilt heads, giving you complete control of your camera.  You can control up to 8 cameras using the camera select buttons on a single controller.  When you select a camera, it will also send a command to the "ATEM Software Control" application to select that camera on the "preview" buss.  The camera you are controlling will then always be on the preview buss.  Once you have your shot framed, you can press the "take" or "dissolve" buttons on the MultiCamZilla controller, and the switcher will perform the transition.  This integrated control allows a single user to both operate the cameras and perform a live switch, without ever needing to take their eyes off the screen.  

Camera control functions (using LANC for camera control and IR for menus):

Pan/tilt (variable speed, low noise level)
Zoom in/out
Focus in/out
Autofocus (toggle or momentary)
Record start/stop
On-screen display output on/off
Latching slow zoom in/out (you can start a slow zoom and switch to controlling another camera and the zoom on the previous camera will continue uninterrupted)
Front Tally LED for Preview and Standby (only when selected through the Camzilla controller)
FULL MENU FUNCTIONS (adjust all camera settings via IR commands, using the Logitech controller as the remote)*

*For IR Menu Control:
Canon HFS-200, HFS-20, HFS-21, HFS-30, HF-G20, HF-G30, HF-G40, XA-20, XA25, XA30, XA35, more cameras being added...


System Requirements:

Macintosh® Computer running OS 10.9 or later
BlackMagic Design ATEM Video Switcher and "ATEM Software Control" software
LANC compatible Video Camera** 
2 available USB ports


**(some features may not be supported on all cameras)

FAQ:

Q: "What kind of range can I expect"
A: "As with all wireless systems, the environment plays a huge factor in your range.  Keeping your transmitter elevated by putting it on a stand, and, ideally, maintaining line-of-site with the receivers will give you the most range.  This system can transmit over a mile in ideal outdoor conditions, but realistically 300-400ft indoors line-of-site can be expected."  

Q: "Why use a game controller instead of a PTZ joystick or something else?"
A: "When running multiple cameras and switching live at the same time, the most important thing is to get as many controls directly under your fingers as possible, so you never have to take yours eyes off the screen, and can work purely by feel.  A PS-3 style game controller, like the Logitech Rumblepad 2, provides exactly the right amount of control, and embodies over 30 years of controller evolution, with comfort and long-term usability as key design factors.  For a system like this, there is nothing that can put as much power at your fingertips than this type of controller, which is why we are using it."

Q: "Can the camera positions be re-called?"
A: "No, this is a real-time only system.  As great as recall would be, it would drive the cost up significantly."

Q: "Do you have a version that will work on PC?"
A: "No, this is a Macintosh-based system.  You can pick up a used MacBook for under $300 and use it as a dedicated control computer if you don't have a Mac."

Q: "Can the controller functions be changed?"
A: "The user interface to the controller is designed in the Controllermate object-oriented environment, so you are free to edit the functions if you desire.  You will want to familiarize yourself with Controllermate programming before attempting any changes.  Since everyone likes to work a bit differently, one of the big advantages of this system is that you are free to change or expand the controls to suit your needs."

Q: "How long will the battery (if ordered from the website) last?  
A: "The MultiCamZilla units draw very little current when idle, so depending on how much panning/tilting you are doing, a conservative estimate is greater than 8 hours.  If you use the USB port to power a wireless HDMI transmitter in addition to your MultiCamZilla unit, the runtime is around 5-6 hours (assuming ~500ma draw from the HDMI transmitter).  You should always do test runs to determine real-world battery life."  

Q: "Can I use any 12v Li-Ion battery?"
A: "You can purchase higher capacity batteries on-line.  Any 12v Li-ion battery pack should work fine with MultiCamZilla units, just be sure to observe proper polarity.  The batteries we sell are a good physical size for the system, and also have a charge level indicator, which is very useful."

Q: "Why did you decide to design and sell this system?"
A: "This system is the result of a life-long obsession with multicamera video production, and a desire to push the limits of what can be done with a small budget and limited (or sometimes zero) crew.  I have shot hundreds of concerts and other events using various incarnations of this system during its development, and now I want to empower other people to add multicamera capability to their systems as well."  


Disclaimer:

By using this system you acknowledge that the seller will not be responsible for any loss of time or revenue due to equipment failure.  With any live production, there is always risk.  Always have backup equipment, and a backup plan should your switcher, computer, camera or MultiCamZilla unit fail.  We offer a (1) year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.