Revisiting this thread to see if anyone else has experience or recommendations. We are looking for something simple (IE- any parent could figure out how to set it up and record with a few minutes of instruction), good video quality and filmed from a high angle.
I think I'm the parent that was referred to about the svtadvantage unit. I'm not affiliated with them (I think the guy makes them out of his garage) but can give some of my observations. Bear with me, slow day and I can type forever.
I used a GoPro on a fixed mount at the beginning but was unimpressed with the results.
I got mine about 3 years ago for ~$1,200. Its a lot less than the other "systems" I've come across. The system is fairly simplistic but works for me. There is a decent step by step booklet in the kit
The connector on the camera (Sony) wore out in about 2 seasons. I replaced it with a much better (opinion) Canon HF G40 but its about 3x the size/weight of the Sony so I've had to get a bit creative to keep the camera from leaning to the side.
Others I have found:
http://www.endzonecamera.com/prices/
http://www.endzonevideo.com/products/telescoping-video-tower-systems
http://hipod.com/ If I felt like dropping the money, this is the one I would get. I've seen more of these at high school games (football/soccer).
https://blog.vidswap.com/2013/08/20...football-soccer-lacrosse-and-any-other-sport/ DIY. I almost went this route but was in a hurry and typically when I "try" something, it ends up in a pile in the garage and I have to shell out a second time for the ready made version.
There are more but it seems like most start at around $2500 and go up from there.
I have seen some DIY versions that use motorized heads:
https://www.amazon.com/Bescor-MP101-Video-Motorized-Head/dp/B008T17W9O The people I've talked to seemed happy enough with the setup.
Things popping in my head as I write:
The svtadvantage is pretty easy to set up and take down. I can usually do it in about 5 or so minutes, 10-15 if I'm taking my time.
I've loaned it out a couple of times. I show them how to set it up once or twice and give them the instructions. I never heard that they had a problem so I assume it worked out.
Pan/Tilt is manual. Near action can move fast enough that I feel I would struggle with a motorized head.
Start/Stop/Zoom/Wide is wired.
https://www.amazon.com/Bescor-MP101-Video-Motorized-Head/dp/B008T17W9O
Height of the mast: I would have liked 20-25 feet. I believe the height of mine (svtadvantage) is 16 feet. I feel that higher would have given a better angle but when filming the near side of the field, it gets a bit hard to follow (see camera distance below).
Extra batteries: both the camera and the monitor. Pretty cheap on Amazon. I can get at least 2 games out of a set of batteries. I might get 3 but its pretty rare that we have that many in a day. I pull it down when we change fields and swap batteries then.
Camera distance from the field: Action on the near side of the field can get tough to follow so I try to set up around 15-20 feet back. On some fields I'm within 2-3 feet and I struggle to follow the near side action and you can only zoom out so far:
Near side action with camera close to the field:
Sometimes setting up at halfway mark can be tough.
https://imgur.com/a/EaD1B
I don't set up on tracks so I was pretty far off the field
Same location as the image above
Wind: Fiberglass/Plastic will have a lot of sway in wind (Silverlakes anyone?). Oddly enough I've found that if I keep the camera moving up/down/left/right, it sways less.
Sandbags: You can pick them up on amazon but you have to have them. If the mast falls, the camera will hurt someone. I used sand inside ziplocks inside the saddle bags. They tear eventually and get sand everywhere. When I replace them, I will fill them with rocks instead.
https://www.amazon.com/StudioFX-SANDBAG-SADDLEBAG-DESIGN-Photography/dp/B00O4H6AI6/
I have a Hudl account but it just takes too long for the coach to edit the film. Easier just to upload to youtube and let people watch when they have time.
I've had people ask what I charge; I don't. I do it for fun and it keeps me quiet on the sideline but it doesn't keep others from doing so. I imagine someone could do 3-4 games a day and make some decent side money.
I would like to go with a wireless system but I always hear about lag for video and controls. I may give it a shot eventually.
Something else to look at is the soloshot:
https://soloshot.com/ I had one on order but cancelled after they had delivery issues (year long). Supposedly you can control it from a remote ipad instead of using the included tag.
Not trying to shill here but I put this together earlier this week for our team:
It has clips from various angles and distances.
Some of them you can see the camera tilting to the left. The camera has a tendency to move on the mount when I'm putting it up. I have a fix in mind but always forget to take care of it until I'm actually at the sideline when its too late.
