How to buy an endzone camera
Choosing the best end zone camera for your team may not be as straightforward as you might have thought. You can go directly to one of the more well-known brands, such as Hi-Pod or Endzone Video Systems, simply because you know that other teams use those models with systems like Hudl.
However, jumping straight in and buying an end zone camera based solely on the fact that you know the name will not guarantee that you will get the best video camera tower at the best price. So before you spend your gear money on an end zone camera tower to use with Hudl, check out these important features to consider before you buy.
Software options
Before moving on to how to buy an end zone camera, you may be asking yourself the question; What is Hudl? Hudl is one of the best-known video training software systems on the market, and the company offers software, such as Hudl Football and Hudl Soccer, that allow coaches to analyze and share video footage of games and practice sessions. However, Hudl is not the only company in this market, there is a company called Krossover, which supplies similar software, and there is also a fairly new entry in the market called VideoChamp Sports, which has received rave reviews.
The camera
The first thing to think about when buying a video camera tower is the camera itself. If you already have a good quality video camera, you will need to make sure that the camera is compatible with the end zone tower equipment. If you don’t have a camera, be sure to check the specifications of any sports video camera tower you look at, because not all manufacturers include a camera in their package.
Innovative design features
Some of the more established vendors have pretty much stuck with the same design for many years. Some of the innovative new designs are worth looking at, including the use of carbon fiber poles, which are lightweight and very strong, and rotating poles, which make it much easier to move the camera from one angle to another.
Check the weight
The weight of the different models of end zone camera systems can vary considerably, so check how much the entire unit weighs and how easily it can be stored and transported. As a guide; 50 pounds is probably the maximum weight you would like to go with.
Look at the battery charging options
Look at the battery life of both the display monitor and the cameras, and see what the battery charging options are. Some of the newer and more innovative end zone camera and remote control camera designs have solar battery packs included, which can be great to use for extended practice sessions when a power outlet is not accessible.
Look at the quality of the display monitor
The quality of the display monitor is also an important consideration when you are shopping for the best end zone camera. You will get the best viewing results with a high resolution LCD monitor that is at least 7 inches square.
Stability
For good image quality and for safety reasons, you must ensure that a video camera tower is stabilized and can be safely anchored to the ground. Look for systems that have independently adjustable legs so it can stand level on uneven ground, and you should also have a full range of anchoring equipment, including straight stakes, spiral stakes, anchor bags, and barbed pegs.
Check the accessories list
When you are comparing the different models of endzone video camera tower systems, make sure you are comparing like for like. Some vendors do not include the same number of accessories with their tower units as others. When you are looking at the price of video camera towers, make sure you know what is included in the package and what you will need to buy separately.