Important Camera Specs
4k VS Full HD
So, what are we talking about? The 4k, also called Ultra High Definition (UHD), refers to its almost 4,000 horizontal pixels, whereas Full HD (or 1080p) refers to the 1080 vertical pixels it contains.
On a screen, 4k video contains more than 8 million pixels, compared to just 2 million pixels for 1080p.
So, camcorders in 4k will allow you to obtain videos of remarkably high resolution with a fixed and stable visual of the entire playing field.
In the future, the 4k will probably become the mainstream preference in terms of camcorder resolution. However, if you don’t plan to buy a new camcorder or you have a tight budget, a standard HD camera will also do the job and you’ll still get the quality footage you’ll need for video analysis.
Some important points need to be considered if you acquire a 4k camera:
- The storage space. The amount of storage required for 4K shooting is massive and needs storage options. If you capture video in 4k, you will need some external hard drives and SD Cards to store your video files.
- You’ll also need fast computer processing and deep memory to handle the large file sizes; otherwise you’ll experience a lot of lag when trying to edit and long wait times when exporting footage.
Frame Rate
Frame rate refers to the number of images (frames) per second that a camera can capture, generally expressed in frames per second or fps.
Most off the shelf cameras have a standard frame speed of 30 frames per second or fps (NTSC) in North America and 25 fps (PAL) in most of the rest of the world. What this means is that the camera records 30 pictures every second, one picture every 0.03333 seconds.
In most situations, 30 fps are sufficient to drive game analysis, when you don’t need to analyze precise movements.
However, if you need to accurately analyze a quick motion such as projectile motions (throwing, tennis serve, golf swing) and hits (balls, shuttlecocks, ice hockey pucks) then you’ll need to record the motion at a higher frame rate, 60 fps up to 500 fps depending on the motion.
In general, the more frames captured per second, the better the analysis will be. But for most sports motion analysis, 250 fps is sufficient.
Advanced smartphones with slow-motion capabilities can capture up to 120 fps with high definition formats. Sport action cameras used in extreme sports for capturing wide-angle video action, can typically capture up to 240 fps.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed determines exposure time, or how long the cameras sensor is open to receive light and therefore record the frame. In sports analysis, the higher the shutter speed the less blurred your image will be.
When it comes to filming any sport, a fast shutter speed is best, as slow ones will make your video look too blurry with a lot of action missed. Aim for a shutter speed of 1/120th.
However there is a trade off – a faster shutter speed will allow less light into the camera’s sensor, so if using a high shutter speed, be sure to have sufficient lighting
Stabilization
Image stabilization is critical for sports video. Because you’ll be zooming in on the action multiple times, camera movement will be even more apparent.
Today’s camcorders have built-in optical image stabilization, which helps compensate for minor shakes. You can also use a tripod or monopod to keep the camcorder steady.
Additional Accessories Needed
Spare Batteries
You have 3 options to manage your power source:
- Extended batteries. They are unique for use with a specific camera.
- Access to a power source allows you to charge the camera while filming
- A portable battery such as a power bank
A Solid Tripod – stands/mounts or mast
Tripods provide a camera stand and stability during filming. You can also use a telescopic mast to obtain complete overhead coverage of the game.
Extra Memory Cards
New cameras usually come with a memory card installed, but sometimes it has very limited capacity. So, it’s most likely you’ll need an additional memory card.
When choosing a memory card, you’ll want to consider a few factors:
- The Card Format: the most common is an SD (Secure Digital) card, but you’ll also see CFast and XQD cards and in some older cameras, CF or Compact Flash cards.
- The Card Speed: using a memory card that’s too slow can result in the camera’s buffer filling up too quickly. The camera has to stop and wait for the buffer to begin emptying before it can continue capturing photos or video. Therefore it’s essential you have a memory card capable of the speeds your camera requires.
- The Card Capacity: it’s better to spread the risk of possibly losing photos, by using multiple cards. So instead of buying one 64GB card, buy two 32GB cards. It’ll cost you more, but the additional peace of mind is worth the extra cost if you lost or damaged that card, losing all your photos.
Consider a good camera/camcorder case, screen protector and rain cover, if you’re working outside.
