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I need a small camera that I can lock down and mount to a balcony rail. I want to use it for a wide shot of the stage for shows. We can then shoot the main cameras (usually panasonic 130s). This would be mostly a cutaway shot used only sporadically, but will allow us the ability to take whatever positions are open (based on seating) to shoot the other cameras and yet, still have a safe wide shot. I have even been thinking about the GoPro for this. Does anybody have a recommendation?

Let me explain further. This is a a small theater where we shoot 15 to 20 events a year. Naturally, we like shooting from the front row of the balcony because we can get the best view of the stage. However, if the balcony is full, we are blocking a lot of people who have bought tickets to see the show. So I am looking for a way to mount a small camera to the railing that will get us that good full view of the stage. We can then shoot the cameras we are manning from the far corners, if need be. Every show is different as to where the best camera placements are, but you always need the front center one. Will a GoPro work here? Does the image look good enough? Do the batteries last long enough for a sometimes 3 hour show?

Hi,
I have the GoPro Hero 1 and the Actionpro X7.
The Actionpro has almost the same hardware as the GoPro Hero 3+ but it is much cheaper.
The battery of the GoPro 1 lasts for approx. 3-4 hours. The batteries of the new cameras do not last so long (maybe 2 hours) - depending on various settings.
I like the Actionpro x7 a lot and I think it will do a good job for your purpose.
http://www.actionpro.de/en/newx7/

By the way, the footage can be loaded into Bogart via the standard record window.

Volker

Hi Bob,

I would take a look at the small Sony camcorders like the CX-160. I don't know what the model numbers are up to now. You won't be zooming so a larger battery will probably work - but you'll have to check on that. I have a friend that cuts footage from it with footage from his professional cameras. I think you will need a camera with fast auto iris and good low-light capability. The Go Pro is a good camera for action, but I think the lens distortion might not give you what you're looking for. Let us know what you decide!

AG-AC 90 by Panasonic matches perfectly.