large view Canon ZR960

 Digital Video Cameras
(Also covered in Training DVD Vol.1

Purpose:
Feeds live video (and sometimes microphone audio, depending on model) into your computer using a firewire connection.  Keep in mind you won't be recording any footage directly onto this camcorder, it only serves as a live feed into your computer. 

While most users only need one single video camera, Visual Communicator 3 does support up to three (3) live cameras, assuming each camera is connected via its own firewire card to function correctly.

What To Avoid:
Connecting any video cameras or webcams via USB is not recommended for Visual Communicator use.  USB is better suited for data transfer, not live video.  Firewire is the only preferred option for feeding live video and audio into your computer.  This can be accomplished in two different ways, as described below:

Camera Connection Options:
(Demonstrated in Training DVD Volume 1)

Option #1:  Use a MiniDV-format camera equipped with a mic input jack (ex. Canon ZR960).

• In this scenario, you would specifically use a MiniDV firewire camera (like the Canon ZR960) that has a mic input jack (mic input jacks are rare on many models).  You'd connect your audio mixer's main output (or a single mic) directly to this camera.  Then, connect the camera to the computer using a firewire cable. 
  In summary--mics to mixer, mixer to camera, camera to computer. 

Option #2:  Use any format camera (miniDVD, flash memory, etc) connected to a firewire converter box.

• In this scenario, you could use practically any camera, as long as it has a TV-output cable.  The TV-output cable would connect to the firewire converter, and the converter runs into the computer.  Your mic mixer would also connect to this converter box.
  In summary--mics to mixer, both camera and mixer to converter, converter to computer.  
  

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