timmcallister

I am building a recording studio with a few seperated rooms, and for a variety of reasons, putting in windows isn't an option. I have smaller rooms (12x12), (15x20) and (23x25). I don't need to watch the entire room(s), just a reasonable section of it. The rooms are "moderately" lit, with a few lamps in the corners and ceiling lights. Due to it being a "studio" people do like the lights subdued somewhat. I have some tvs to plug the cameras into (19" and 21"). I went down to our local variety store and found some slyvania color video cameras (SY1022). I also picked up the color cameras from Radio Shack to compare them both. Both were around $80. I found the Sylvanias to be pretty lousy looking. Grainy, grainy and a little more grain. To get anywhere near acceptable video, I have to carefully position the camera and the lights, and I got to keep all the lights on (and bring in a few extra lamps to really do it). Even with all this, the image isn't as good as the radio shack camera. The Rat Shack cameras did better in the "studio" light. Decent color, and they seemed more forgiving with the inconsistent lighting throughout the room. Maybe good enough for my needs. But I didn't like the funny fish eye lens that distorted peoples bodies (not acceptable for my purposes). This "fish eye lens" distortion was not a problem with the sylvanias. I sure would appreciate any recommendatios anyone of you folks might have. Remember my needs: moderate light, no fish eye lenses, cheap. THANKS

i was in the UK early August. I recall it being quite hot and no ice anywhere i do love your country though, Thanks guys! Lots of good ideas and I feel substantially more eductaed to options.

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. My only concern with wide angle lenses is body distortion. Can I get wide lenses that won't distort the image? Also - I have hung the "cheap" cameras I currently have at about 6 1/2 feet high, and have the top of the TV monitor at about 6 feet, just below the camera. This gives some sense of "looking at each other" when communicating. would this rule out the Dome cameras? I've only seen these mounted on ceilings, and that would not be the "correct mood". Thanks for the details and info!

Nope. nada. no. Start with 2 cameras. Cameras will be used for "visual communication" So essentially, I'll put a camera and a TV in each room. I'll mount the cameras directly above the TVs so people in the different rooms will "look at each other" when talking. I am in essence using the camera/tv combinations as a replacement to the window you would typically have between rooms. This is a recording studio. By the way, we have a high quality cue system for audio already set up, so the cameras don't need any audio capability. Well, like i said, I am happy with different attributes of these two different cameras i have now at $80/each. I hope I can get a camera that will marry the positive attributes of these two cheap ones, and provide extra value and quality, for under $150. Is that realistic? I hope I can stay with color, but i have read on this board that B/W will perform better in low light. THANKS!