Cameras are an integral part of the corporate and education technology experience in today’s world. While this is something most of us can agree on, the challenge becomes what type of camera and set up is best for each unique space’s technology needs? To make the most of camera views, microphone reach, and production capabilities, one of the smartest things a client can do to enhance the experience is work with a professional integrator.

What Types of Cameras Are Used Today for Audiovisual?

Decades ago, most people considered camera usage for audiovisual to be primarily camcorders, which eventually progressed to phones. Technically, these two types of cameras play into the broadcast news arena, but not so much in commercial AV.

In commercial AV, the following types of cameras are the most commonly used for audiovisual purposes:

* When it comes to audiovisual for education K-12, camcorders and phones tend not to be the primary go-to for technology. In this scenario, the main type of camera used is one that is installed and mounted on a wall, ceiling, or tripod as a fixed installation that does not move around.

* PTZ, or pan-tilt-zoom cameras, are sometimes used because of their ability to zoom in and back out, and also shift from left to right.

* All-in-one cameras have a sound bar camera and microphone. It can look similar to the sound bar that many of us have at home for our TVs.

* Document cameras are used to put a picture of a document onto a screen. These types of cameras are typically used in classrooms or courtrooms.

The bottom line is that a camera used in commercial AV today is one that offers multiple types of connectivity.

The Best Types of Cameras for Optimum Connectivity

When it comes to technology today, the two primary types of cameras used are:

* HDMI

* USB

HDMI cameras generally feature better methods of transporting data longer distances. Particularly if there is more than one camera in a given room or space, integrators prefer these cameras because it more easily transports data over long distances and it more seamlessly switches between multiple cameras.

USB cameras offer software driven features and flexibility that HDMI does not. If utilizing only a single camera or if a specific type of smart technology is needed for the space, integrators may recommend USB camera usage.

Because HDMI and USB cameras are used for different needs, it is not unusual for both technologies to be used. For example, if a space utilizes an HDMI camera, it may eventually be needed to convert to USB so that it can be used on a person’s laptop or be used on a video conferencing platform. So why use HDMI if you may have to convert it? The primary reason is versatility.

An integrator can break out HDMI into multiple signals. This allows one signal to be sent to USB devices for video conferencing and the overflow to be sent to the lobby or even another conference room. This capability only works for spaces that use multiple cameras.

The key to finding the best type of camera for optimum connectivity in your space is to work with a professional AV integrator to help you create the specific kind of experience you want, whether that be strictly for video conferencing or for a grander production scale.

Controlling a PTZ Camera to Offer Different Viewpoints Within a Space

PTZ cameras typically work off of a manufacturer remote to move it up, down, left, right, and preset or fixed positions. Sometimes it may be possible to do a wide angle shot of a room that captures the audience or participants and another camera that focuses on the presenter. If using an HDMI camera, these images can then be stitched together.

In addition to showing two different viewpoints at one time, HDMI cameras will allow an integrator to manipulate the sizes of the images to perhaps make the footage of the presenter la...