I need to record and stream live events from a fixed camera that can offer a wide angle. The camera will be mounted on a bracket on the ceiling.
I can do it with a webcam or a camcorder, but it is hard to find one that offers wide angle lenses and also has a good image quality. I know DSLRs have that, at a lower cost than a professional video camera, however, the events are potentially very long, so I need the camera to have a constant power supply.
Do any canon DSLRs have a DC-in connection for constant power?
Also does the video out connection on them allow for constant streaming of video to a PC?
Also watch out for (12 minute) recording limit (e.g., on 5D II). MagicLantern firmware might help, but then there's still the potential for overheating if put into continuous recording mode. One of the "benefits" of the 12 minute limit is that it "sort of" forces a "cool down" period. --KS
I think that rules out using a DSLR. Some sessions will last a potential 9 hours.
That leaves me with using a webcam, a comsumer camcorder or a professional video camera.
I am not sure about the quality of a webcam, because even though the main use is live streaming, the video will also be archived and given out on DVDs. Webcam quality seems a bit rubbish for that.
A consumer camcorder will have ok quality if the lighting is good, but will they be reliable for such long hours?
A pro video camera fits the technical requirements, but they cost a bomb, and they might be a bit complicated logistically, as in a bit of a large object to have hanging on a bracket off the ceiling.
I've also seen CCTV style cameras that look the part and are probably going to be the sturdiest and most reliable of the lot, plus they would look right fitted on the ceiling, but as far as I know those have slow frame rates and not great image quality.
