Editor’s Choice
- Full HD Progressive scan sensor
- With an advanced digital image processor
- Effective noise reduction for motion video without blur
Budget-Friendly
- The camera is slim, compact, and lightweight
- 1080p HD resolution with crisp and detailed imaging
- Stream anywhere using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or even your smartphone’s LTE network
If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best remote-controlled video camera for churches is, then I’d recommend PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 PTZ IP Streaming Camera as the best one.
Over the years, the church has grown exponentially in size and number.
More and more people have come to know and hear the gospel worldwide, thanks to many faithful missionaries who have answered God’s call.
But because of COVID-19’s unprecedented outbreak, we all found ourselves doing everything from home—including attending church.
This pandemic has not stopped God’s people from worshiping as one, even if it’s just virtually.
Due to this shift, there is now a heightened need to use the best equipment available, including remote-controlled video cameras for churches.
Here are the best Remote Controlled Video Cameras for Churches we will be reviewing:
What is a Remote Controlled Video Camera for Churches?
God deserves our best.
We want an environment where we can worship God and give Him the praise and glory only He deserves.
Having a high-quality remote-control video camera for the church is necessary to ensure that people hear God’s Word clearly during the sermon.
A remote-controlled video camera for churches is a device for recording and broadcasting church services remotely.
A computer or joystick controller usually operates it.
Benefits of Using a Remote Video Camera for Churches
Having a remote-controlled video camera for churches has its benefits.
The mandate for social distancing has led to fewer volunteers or operators in church during services.
One operator could manage multiple cameras simultaneously, in addition to dealing with the lights and audio.
Operating everything remotely from one place is a huge help in making work more smoothly at church.
A remote-controlled video camera for churches makes a difference in two major aspects:
Live Streaming and Live Feedback.
Live Streaming and Video Recording
For those who cannot attend church, live streaming of services and video recordings of sermons are very important.
The availability of well-thought technology still provides an opportunity to set apart the Sabbath Day for the Lord.
People get to hear the Word and become refreshed and renewed even virtually.
In many cases, we need to review previous sermons, whether to remind ourselves of truths crucial to our situation or to help someone we know will benefit from the Word.
As we discuss the Sabbath, it is important to note that the rest we seek is God himself.
He is the one who refreshes us and renews our strength for another week of living out his mission for us – to give Him Glory and enjoy His presence forever!
Live Feedback
Whether we like it or not, how things look on stage matters to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Using a video camera with a remote control in church, specifically on stage, helps preachers, musicians, and other pulpit people remember proper blocking and address any visual issues in real time.
Most churches also have TV screens or monitors placed on stage for song lyrics, announcements, and urgent messages.
Huge churches can also benefit from remote-controlled video cameras for churches that project screens.
This ensures that people at the back still get a good view of the preacher and listen well to the Word.
Types Of Video Cameras That Can Be Used in Churches
There are different types of remote-controlled video cameras available in the market.
Perhaps the most basic is phone cameras.
Most cell phones have excellent built-in cameras.
It’s readily available and very easy to set up.
But to provide an even more excellent output, the following are better options:
Video camera or camcorder
Unlike cell phones, camcorders are built specifically for video recordings.
They have no other function, so one can rely on their sole purpose to work well enough.
Of course, some brands are better than others. It is helpful to use video cameras with an HDMI output to connect to screens or projectors.
Some video cameras even have either 1080p or 4K video features.
Although the 4K option has higher quality than 1080p, people with slow internet connections may struggle with streaming continuity.
DSLR or mirrorless camera
A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) or a mirrorless camera is a good choice for better video and camera resolutions.
These cameras are good for recording video and taking photos during church services and events.
PTZ IP Streaming Camera
PTZ or Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras are a great addition to any church.
Their features make setup and usage very easy and efficient.
Program presets can be created on the camera according to the church’s needs, and these can be controlled from just one location.
This is beneficial when a few people/volunteers are allowed in the church sanctuary.
Pan Tilt Zoom refers to the movements that the camera can make—panning from left to right, tilting up and down, and a zoom in and out feature.
This gives better coverage and more options.
Because they are remote-controlled, movement is also more steady.
What To Consider In Selecting Remote-Controlled Video Cameras for Churches?
When selecting a remote-controlled video camera, consider quality, capability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness.
Quality
The quality of the remote-controlled video cameras should also be excellent to serve the church well.
The most basic level of resolution quality is SD or standard definition.
As technology has improved over the years, HD or high-definition (1920 pixels across) and 4K (4,000 pixels across) have been developed.
HD is the perfect quality for streaming.
Although 4K is of higher quality, it is harder to stream, especially on social media platforms.
SD has become a thing of the past, as people are now used to clearer images and, consequently, a better viewing experience.
Connections
Connections are also important to consider.
Even if you have an HD or 4K video camera, it won’t serve its purpose if you can’t connect it to streaming devices.
The four types of connections or signals are the following:
- USB (Universal Serial Bus): A USB port connects your camera to the computer. It is not advisable for remote-controlled video cameras, as they require proximity to the computer.
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most commonly used signal for transferring audio and video through a cable. However, HDMIs are limited, and most require a maximum proximity of 30 feet. Any further would require the use of an HDMI signal booster.
- SDI (Serial Digital Interface)—Similar to HDMI, SDI requires a long, specific cable to connect to and control your camera.
- NDI (Network Device Interface) is the latest and most ideal signal technology for streaming purposes. It enables high-definition communication over a network instead of cables.
Capability
Camera capability refers to the angle or width the camera lens can capture in one shot.
Proximity to the subject is the main factor on which this is dependent.
Here are the suggested zoom capabilities:
- 40 feet distance – 12x capability
- 65 feet distance – 20x capability
- 100 feet distance – 30x capability
Ease of Use
Using the video camera and the remote control should be simple and easy to learn—it should not be rocket science.
This way, anyone can manage or control the devices, and a special technician is not needed.
It would also be helpful if photos and video instructions were available from the manufacturer or other users.
Cost-Effective
It is wise to look not just at the price but also the features of the video camera.
Sometimes, our default is to choose the cheapest one available without considering the trade-off.
Choose one that is within your budget and yet has all the best features.
Here are the best remote-controlled video cameras for churches that we recommend.
PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 PTZ IP Streaming Camera
The PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 PTZ IP Streaming Camera is a great choice for streaming services, as it offers flexibility in connection options—HDMI, 3G-SDI, and IP.
It also has the VISCA RS-232 cable control, which makes it suitable for bigger churches and large spaces.
Its 20x zoom capability can be mounted as far as 65 feet from the subject.
The camera’s coverage is 60.7 degrees wide, and the lens resolution is 1920×1080, which is the perfect video resolution for streaming.
The video camera has a general tripod or mount, a remote control, and an app or software for control.
Pros:
- 20X Optical Zoom
- IP Streaming with RJ45 input
- Dual streaming with H.264, H.265 & MJPEG
- Simultaneous 3G-SDI, IP, and HDMI Video Outputs
- With noise cancellation via the latest 2D and 3D noise reduction
Cons:
- Setting up may require assistance from an experienced technician
- There is no audio recording feature
- An external recorder is needed and can be purchased separately.
Mevo Start All-in-One 1080P Live Streaming Camera
The Mevo Start is a useful camera that can perform multiple tasks.
It can stream and record simultaneously, and with a video resolution output of 1080 pixels, it is an awesome choice for online church services.
What’s great about this camera is its well-developed app, the Mevo App, which allows you to do everything.
From live editing (zoom and pan, crop and cut shots) to adjusting video settings (brightness, exposure, contrast, image flip, etc.) to streaming on different social media platforms.
All of these can be efficiently done using the Mevo app on a mobile phone!
Pros:
- The camera is slim, compact, and lightweight
- 1080p HD resolution with crisp and detailed imaging
- Stream anywhere using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or even your smartphone’s LTE network
- Wireless control with features like Auto-Director
- It can connect up the three Mevo Start cameras
- Simultaneously stream to your favorite platforms
Cons:
- The camera stand has to be purchased separately
- A monthly fee is required to be able to stream on two or more platforms
Logitech C922x Full 1080p HD Pro Stream Webcam
The Logitech C922x is a professional streaming camera.
It is mostly used by people to stream on gaming sites, but it can be an asset to any church!
It features a full HD glass lens that produces vibrant, high-definition 1080p images.
The camera’s auto-light correction feature keeps video quality good in low-light settings.
Two built-in omnidirectional, noise-canceling mics and a 5-foot cable are included in the set.
The purchase of this camera also comes with a free 6-month license of Xsplit, a streaming app where you can edit and adjust the settings of your stream.
Interestingly, Logitech C922x utilizes its technology to replace the background without needing a green screen.
Pros:
- Designed and optimized for professional-quality video streaming
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Chrome OS, Android v5.0
- Full HD glass lens and premium autofocus
- With automatic light correction in dim or poorly backlit settings
- With 1 – year limited warranty
Cons:
- A third-party software needs to be installed
- The camera settings do not save
AIDA PTZ-X12-IP 3G-SDI/HDMI Full HD PTZ Camera
The PTZ-X12-IP is a full HD camera with streaming technology using High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC).
It comes with a remote controller and mounting bracket.
The full HD camera consists of a sensor that allows the capture of high-definition images even in low-light settings.
It also has 3 outputs—USB, SDI, and HDMI.
It can stream through IP using a VISCA cable.
The sensor scanner and processor improve the camera’s HD image and video capture.
Pros:
- Full HD Progressive scan sensor
- With an advanced digital image processor
- Effective noise reduction for motion video without blur
- 3G/HD-SDI, HDMI, RJ-45, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 for versatility and seamless video performance
- With up to 12X power optical zoom capability
Cons:
- It is not wireless
AViPAS AV-1081G 10x HDMI PTZ Camera with IP Live Streaming
Light, compact, and elegant, the AViPAS camera is a pan-tilt-zoom device that produces high-definition imagery and output.
It has a good angle coverage of 60.9 degrees and a frame rate of up to 60fps.
An excellent noise reduction feature and a great zoom capability make it an awesome choice for churches!
Pros:
- Elegant and compact design
- It has a super quiet and smooth pan/tilt mechanism
- 1920 x 1080 high-resolution output
- High SNR of CMOS sensor combined with 2D and 3D noise reduction algorithm
- RS-232 VISCA over IP and IR remote control
Cons:
- The camera may not be easily accessible through the Zoom app
- The functions of the remote control are limited
Conclusion
Remote-controlled video cameras are typically used for broadcasting and video productions.
But now, they are becoming famous in houses of worship as well.
Having a remote-controlled video camera in your church is a powerful tool for making high-quality videos and sending out powerful live streams.
I’d recommend the PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 PTZ IP Streaming Camera because of its ease of use.
This video camera produces a great video output even in low-light areas.
It can simultaneously stream through all 3 signals—HDMI, 3G-SDI, and IP.
The video camera is compatible with iOS and Windows 10.
The camera is pretty easy to use once set up and connected to a network.
