Know How... 69

How to choose the perfect podcasting camera for you, and build your own Raspberry Pi MAME inside a NES case.

Choosing your Podcasting camera

Know your podcast format and camera price range!

Can you spend $1000? $2000? $3000? More? – Knowing your price range at the start will help you to figure out what kind of shooting you'll be able to do and the capabilities you can afford. More expensive cameras will add features, better sensors, advanced IO and "instant access" to controls.

• Sub $100 -- USB Cameras (Mostly for live streaming.)
• Sub $400 -- GoPro Cameras (High-Risk shots… should NOT be used as a primary)
• Sub $1000 – CMOS-sensor handhelds
• Sub $2000 – Multiple sensor, mid-range handhelds
• Sub $3000 – Multiple sensor, mid-range Prosumer
• $4000 and above – multiple sensor, high-end Prosumer and above

Know your sensors!

• Many cameras us CMOS sensors. They're MUCH better than they were in the old days, but they're still not as sensitive to light as CCDs.
• Multiple Sensor cameras use multiple sensors to pick up red/blue/green
• 3CCD is still the gold standard

Know your Audio!

• You want a camera has dedicated STANDARD audio inputs.
• XLR preferred - 3.5mm acceptable.
• Avoid proprietary solutions.

Know your Media Format!

AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) with SDHC storage

• Data Rates from 10 to 25Mbps
• Can record on SD Class 10 cards – minimum of 10Mbps write speed (a 32GB Class 10 will cost ~$20)
• 32GB of storage can capture 4 hours at 1080p 60fps
• Not ideal for Mac users

DVCPro with P2 (Professional Plug-In)

• Maximum Data Rate of 1.2GB (a 32GB P2 card will cost ~$300)
• Will EAT through the memory: 32 min at 1080i 60fps

Equipment shows on set

• Logitech Pro 9000
  • Price: ~$65
• Logitech Pro 920
  • Price: ~$70
  • (Includes H.264 Hardware Encoding)
• Panasonic AG-HMC 40
  • Price: ~$1300-1600
  • 3MOS Sensor (3 CMOS Sensors, one each for red/blue/green)
• Panasonic AG-HMC150
  • Price: ~$2500-2800
  • 3CCD Sensor

Part 2 Building a Raspberry Pi Mame Inside a NES Case

Build your own fully function NES MAME Machine using a Raspberry Pi

Parts List

• A BROKEN NES, don't destroy a piece of history! Check eBay.
• Model A (256MB)
• Model B (512MB)
• Super Nintendo USB Controller
• 8GB Class 10 SD Card
• MausBerry Shutdown Circuit
• Ada Fruit Board Edge Mounting Kit
• Belkin Ultra-Slim Series 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub
• Plugable USB 2.0 2 Hub x2
• (Optional) Edimax EW-7811Un 150 Mbps Wireless 11n Nano Size USB Adapter

Cables and Bits

• Ultra Slim HDMI
• AC Adaptor Extension Cable
• Wall Plate with Ethernet and HDMI Keystones
• 2.2k Ohms Resistor (for the LED)
• Two USB Male to Micro cables
• One USB Mini cable

Music Credit

• Artist: Eric Skiff
• Song: Were the Resistorrs

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