saltyd said:
For higher quality... are there regular camera options that could send the video data across cat6? Not webcams, though.
Yes, with a common feature being NDI on upper-end networked cameras (though NDI itself not really required, but has interesting Pro's & Con's unto itself.)
Personally, I use NDI PoE PTZ cameras, though SDI or even HDMI (with extra adapters) can run over 200ft cable runs. depends on some other specific details as to why to choose one technology over another. But in a green-field type setup, with broadcast quality GenLock or similar required (where one might consider SDI), I'd go with the more future-oriented NDI type cameras.
You could use RTSP or other network video streaming protocols, but be sure to thoroughly research the implications of each protocol, as well as things like consistent Jitter and Latency across cameras. You tend to get what you pay for, and NDI licenses to camera mfgs isn't free, so the cameras tend to cost more... and the cameras have higher requirements to meet for license compliance... up to you whether budget/priorities align
saltyd said:
The issues I have to overcome first are:
1) No internet service available to use at location
2) Long-distances between cameras (longest Cat6 cable in my setup is 200 ft)
3) I'm trying to record everything through OBS in real time... vs. spending countless hours editing videos in post.
Decent networked cameras are not 'cloud' based (dependent), so not having Internet is a non-issue
Standard Ethernet cable length limits is 100meters (300+ft) with standard actually defined (a while ago, I haven't checked latest, but I'm guessing not changed) that as a 90m limit, with 5m patch cord on either end... (for a certified install)
200ft CAT6 cable runs are no issue for 1GbE, though, depending on environment, and adherence to cabling standards (ex avoiding close proximity parallel runs along power cabling) you may want/need Shielded cables
Your use case makes sense. One thing to consider, is that by default (natively) you can't record each video stream independently. There is a plugin for this (with corresponding hardware resource impact... lots of extra Disk I/O). In your use case (sporting event), you may want/need a full quality original video, in which case either
- getting camera that can locally record (which my cameras can do) .. as a just-in-case backup source
or
- setting up something (depends on technology/protocols being utilized), to record the individual video streams in a central location. For network cameras there multiple potential approaches
For reference, your typical camera selection process would look something like this
- do you have (or willing to get) sufficient Ethernet networking expertise to setup and operate/monitor video network environment? there are unique considerations to avoid 'hidden' complications [ not all that bad, but do NOT assume a typical home LAN/flat network will work fine (it might.. .depending.. but also might not.. depending]
- what focal length and light sensitivity is required for the cameras? ie what will distance from camera to subject be, and what field of view is desired... [ie, wide-angle, telephoto, ??] online calculators will let you put in your environment to get focal length estimate. You can use a DSLR or similar camera to get an estimate for both focal length and F-stop, though you'll have to convert for sensor size of network camera (a 50mm lens for full frame vs APS-C vs 1/2.8" sensor are all different things)
- Statically placed cameras, or manually adjust during event or remote control (Pan/Tilt/Zoom). IF PTZ, how clean of does the motion need to be (smoother movement costs more)
- lighting available (LED lightning or ?), and then cameras ability to white balance and avoid flickering for that light source
- desired resolution (1080p, 4K) and frame rate? sporting events often benefit from having 60fps available, but each increase in capability while maintaining image quality costs more
- local in-camera record option?
For reference, a standard 'authorized' retail Tier 1 mfg NDI PoE PTZ camera is around US$2K for 1080P, and US$4K+ for 4K (2160p) resolution, though discounts/sales/non-traditional retailers, and knock-off vendors are all available. If 1080p30(60) cameras are sufficient, and new isn't required, plenty of places are upgrading from 1080p to 4K cameras, so good condition used (or new-old-stock, or Open Box) NDI PTZ cameras are available (with the risk of buying 'used') at steep discounts... cheapest static NDI camera tends to run around US$500.. lots of options/price points, depending on needs/requirements
