Observations and comments from the experience gained from our (as of this post) 3 classes taught using the streaming cart gear. Photos for the setup used on 12/20/2020 at the end of the post.
Cameras
Positives - Inexpensive, decent video quality
Negatives - Very wide lens (fish-eye effect can be noticeable), no focus adjustment, no zoom, no standard screw mount in camera base.
Suggestions/Follow Up - While the Wyze camera work as a baseline, getting some better cameras that have adjustable focus and zoom abilities would be good. We currently have 2 cameras, and Astrud and I are using 3-4 cameras when we record our videos. (We use our own Logitech c920 and an Android cellphone in addition to the cart’s cameras.)
Microphone
Positives - Good signal, good mobility and ease of placement, simple to use
Negatives - Limit range due to being attached to cart
Suggestions/Follow Up - Recommend the purchase of a wireless USB lavaliere/headset microphone transmitter (available on Amazon for around $40, currently out of stock). Astrud has been using our personal lavaliere microphone for our streamed classes and prefers the flexibility and mobility it offers.
USB lav/headset microphone
Lights
Positives - Lightweight, easy to use
Negatives - Power cord length on shorter side, restricts placement options
Suggestions/Follow Up - Batteries & charger would open up more flexible options for locations of lights (keeping batteries charged for immediate use possible issue).
Super Clamps
Positives - Work as advertised, offers extra flexibility in camera and light placements
Negatives - Need more, only have 2
Suggestions/Follow Up - Purchase 4 additional clamps
Super Clamp 2 pack
Magic Arms
Positives - Works as advertised
Negatives - None
Suggestions/Follow Up - Possibly buy 1-2 more
Magic arm w/SuperClamp
Tripods
Positives - Works as advertised
Negatives - None
Suggestions/Follow Up - None.
Computer
Positives - Works well, no issues noted as yet
Negatives - No WiFi, must be hard wired with Ethernet cable
Suggestions/Follow Up - Add WiFi with decent bandwidth (no cheap USB dongles please)
Software
Positives - Working well
Negatives - None noted as yet that aren’t operator error.
Suggestions/Follow Up - Droidcam is proving to be very useful to easily add an additional
static or handheld camera over WiFi or USB using cellphones.
Backdrop Frame
Positives - Works well as overhead camera stand, will work in a pinch for green-screen background stand
Negatives - Too lightweight short to use easily for green-screen drape. It will work, but some MacGuyvering is usually required.
Suggestions/Follow Up - If chromakey backgrounds are needed regularly, suggest upgrading/adding a heavier duty/taller stand.
Upgraded backdrop stand
Cart
Positives* - Lots of storage space, good working height and monitor adjustability
Negatives - The wheels suck. My bad.
Suggestions/Follow Up - Highly suggest upgrading the wheels to harder rubber/plastic, the current skate style wheels had flat spots almost instantly.
