The vast majority of churches in America are using slide projectors and overhead transparencies and haven't made the jump to video projection. But that is changing...and rapidly.
And in the ranks of those churches that have taken the "digital dive", there are growing congregations who have started using video cameras in what's called IMAG – or Image MAGnification or even "Big Picture".
No matter what you call it, the ability to take a larger-than-life image and project it for all to see has many real benefits or pitfalls, depending upon how it's used. And so, with the honorable intention of righting the wrongs of bad camera angles, bad lighting or just plain bad video, we tackle this subject.
First off, let's take away the notion that you must have $50,000 cameras and network- quality lighting and video gear to use cameras for IMAG. Now that's not to say that three 50-watt light bulbs and a $399 camcorder are going to work well, either. A balance of quality lighting, a decent quality camera ($2,000 - $5,000 for starters) and a good tripod (not your 35mm camera tripod, either) will go a long way towards making good video.
I'll not tell you which camera to buy, or what brand of lighting to use. You'll need a qualified consultant or design/build firm to help you with your equipment choices based on your rooms' design and size. You'll also need that consultant or firm to train your volunteers on the proper
usage of the equipment once it's installed.
Today's topic is focused on production techniques that are now industry-standard in the TV world and apply well to our application. All of these techniques are based on a minimum set of equipment, however, so I will list the basics that are required before continuing:
At least 2 cameras (1 camera will be monotonous and not allow for any real flexibility)
A video switcher (can be ‘cuts only', but one with dissolve is preferred)
Switcher to camera communication (Director to Camera operator) via headset
A preview and program monitor for the switcher
Tripods for the cameras (handheld cameras are rarely used, and are never used for main shots) – with "studio kits" if possible.
In a multi-camera shoot, the Director is in complete control of the screen content for any live action. This person is responsible for giving short, succinct orders that instruct the camera operator to frame the next shot in a timely fashion. The director will need to be someone who is a good communicator, has an excellent eye for the action, thinks quickly and can keep a controlled, even tone when things get ‘busy' ("hairy" we call it in TV).
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Experiencing Worship, The Study