Cameras

[Skippy27]

If this is not the correct place please direct me accordingly.

My research appears to show that it is quite difficult to get a stream from above a table within the standard light height that would give you full table view with maybe a little space around the table.

I am not able to find a camera that can do this on it's own without greatly distorting the picture in a fishbowl fashion so I wanted to see if there anyone out there that has been able to find one.

If not, are you able to do it by combining 2 camera views with software/hardware that will combine the 2 streams together seamlessly into one?

Or have all of you pretty much just settled with a higher angle view of the table that is sometimes obscured by the shooter?

 

[mortuarymike-nv]

Camera

If this is not the correct place please direct me accordingly.

My research appears to show that it is quite difficult to get a stream from above a table within the standard light height that would give you full table view with maybe a little space around the table.

I am not able to find a camera that can do this on it's own without greatly distorting the picture in a fishbowl fashion so I wanted to see if there anyone out there that has been able to find one.

If not, are you able to do it by combining 2 camera views with software/hardware that will combine the 2 streams together seamlessly into one?

Or have all of you pretty much just settled with a higher angle view of the table that is sometimes obscured by the shooter?

Which camera are you using?

 

[Skippy27]

None yet. I am looking at buying some for the 8 tables and have been researching it.

Nothing I have found yet would allow for me to get a full table in view with it mounted straight above the table with the standard table light of 32-34" so I have reached out the the "experts" here that have walked the path before me.

 

[mortuarymike-nv]

I have one lens that might be wide enough without making it look like it was done with a fish eye lens.

I would have to test my camera and lens out to see if it will work.
Only problem is the lens alone costs 2500.00 bucks
and you would still need to buy a full frame camera body.
A 5D mk 3 runs about 2500.00 dollars too and that doesn't include memory cards
or a polarizing filter either....

If you want me test out my camera and lens out on a pool table i will do that, but there is no reason for me to that if you don't plan on spending that kind of money....

 

[Skippy27]

Yeah dont waste your time as I would not be investing $40k for this. Thanks though.

I think I will fiddle around with trying to get 2 standard streams done side by side to run as one.

 

[mortuarymike-nv]

Yeah dont waste your time as I would not be investing $40k for this. Thanks though.

I think I will fiddle around with trying to get 2 standard streams done side by side to run as one.

Having the camera 34 inches away from the table and expecting to get all the table in the video or frame without distorting the edges of the frame IMO will take allot of lens........................................

I don't do videos, been to busy just trying to take half way decent pictures.
One other problem will be reflection or glare .........................

My best advise would be to join a photography forum like photography on the net and ask them in there video section..........
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

What ever they advise you to buy look at the spec sheet and look up FOD specs on the lens.
FOD > Field of view and minimum focus point.



I wouldn't want to hang 6k in camera gear above each table and turn your back for a split second because someone will steal your gear.

And sorry I missed the fact you are going to have live view on 8 tables..........

Most if not all wide angle lenses and ultra wide angle lenses distort the image near the edge of the frame...


Only the TSE lenses do not have that effect on the frame,.

You also could call up B&H photo in NYC and ask them what they would recommend.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/