Controlling multiple cameras

As an engineer performing tests of conveying machines I would like to shoot high quality videos to use in promotion. It would be great to set up 3 or 4 cameras, each focused on a different part of the machine. We lack extra people to man each of those cameras. What equipment is available that would allow starting and stopping all cameras from one control?

Plugs, cable, switches?

Most cameras I encountered have a remote release socket; some rather common ones, others more proprietary ones. - Which ones will you get?

You can maybe also start some cameras via proprietary IR or radio or optical triggers you'll have to mount (or find built in?) and have all of them listen to the same remote (channel)

I have no clue if one smart device can control 4 cameras via WIFI simultaneously.

 

It would be helpful if you named the cameras you are planning to use, maybe somebody knows them.

Jochen,

 

 

Thank you for your input! I was hoping to get some good advice here, then selected camera brands and models accordingly. If you were in my situation, which equipment would you buy for this purpose?

Tim, you might try taking a look at the camranger site. They make a device that can control cameras (Nikon & Canon) using wifi via an app (ios & android).

You get a live view and can change camera settings and focus remotely. They also make a tripod head that can be controlled by the app.

 

www.camranger.com

You might consider a set of Sony RX0 cameras for this application. You can set one camera as the host, and use it to control up to four other RX0's via WiFi, using a single iOS (or Android) device and Sony PlayMemoriesMobile. There is also an external controller, connected to a laptop via Ethernet, which can control up to 100 cameras.

 

The RX0 is limited to a single focal length, 28 mm equivalent and f/4. However it can be focused remotely. The video quality is very high, cinematic 4,2,2 HD internally, and 4K/60p 4,2,2 externally. It can also shoot, internally, up to 960 fps at reduced resolution, 240 fps at full HD. It has a 1" sensor, and can record 20 MP stills. The camera is very small (GoPro size) with a solid aluminum body, waterproof to 10 meters. Unlike most action cameras, it has a rectilinear Zeiss lens with stunning 4K sharpness.

 

I use mine for concert recording (classical) closeups of the soloist or conductor. I plan to add to this collection in the future.