I don't know the particulars, so I may be off base here. If this is an IMAG gig where they want multiple cameras running live with the image on a screen or TV showing what is going on live on the stage etc. then I would pass on it until you are in a better position. Those cameras are not really going to do well for that.

A normal set up for IMAG (Image magnification) for an event would have a few field cams on sticks with operators. Those cameras are fed to a central switcher with monitors etc. where a person chooses what will be shown on the screen and switches the event appropriately. The output of the switcher is split three ways, one for the operator to see, one to go to tape with an audio feed from the mix board, and one feed going to a distribution amp to feed all of the TV's or the main screen.

Most A/V companies have a truck in a box set up configured to do just that. You can rent it with operators or without.

From your description, I am not sure what you are trying to do, so a little more info may help.

If you are just going to shoot the event and then do a fast edit down to playback at the event then you will still need a distribution amp from your player, and cable to get to everything. If it does not have to be synced but is just eye candy in many locations, then I stick a DVD player under each TV and burn several DVD's. That way I do not have to gaff down a ton of cable.

I doubt all that helped.

Test, practice, even the trivial. Preferably a day or two before (time to fix/learn/get stuff). Bring gaffa & connectors, get phone numbers...

Thanks everyone. There will be a guy there supplying and setting up the tvs who has a distribution amp and switcher. I'm not sure if he will be doing the live switching himself or not. There will be another guy there doing the DJ/music duties. Sounds like my next step is to get in touch with them to see where my duties end and their's begin.

I have been extremely up front with the guys putting on the show about my trepidation doing a live event like this and the limitations I have as semi-pro with consumer gear. Video is a hobby I've been doing for 10 years but is not a significant source of income. I'm taking the job on short notice. But I want to do the best job I can without investing in gear I may never use again.

You need to find out exactly which vision switcher they will be using.
Based on that you then need to determine if your cameras can supply the signal they need. Not everything that comes out of consummer cameras is suitable, moreso when feeding long cable runs between the camera and the vision switcher.

We have rented out a bunch of HVR-HD1000s for such events, they're barely adequate though. Their primary advantage is they have both component and composite on RCA connectors. Composite video is not a good thing to run any considerable distance. Composite video has issues as well unless you have proc amps to compensate for cable losses.

Bob.

Thanks Bob. I guess I just need to call the other guys to see what the exact details are.

Are they hiring you just as a camera operator or are you to supply gear?

Large venues often supply their own gear and cameras but need man power.
The few I have been part of had cameras connected to master control with
CCU's and either large cables or fiber. The fiber is really fantastic as cable
is much easier to wrangle.

You are there for rehearsal and to get your pass. All shots are called out in
your headset. Nice thing is they control your camera except focus and framing.
Stand ups for air are usually done by their traveling staff. (darn!)

Small venues usually had all staff so consider yourself lucky! Never seen anything
with prosumer gear.

As mentioned above, I would highly recommend doing a full test run. The concern I have in your initial post is that you stated that the event runs from early evening into the night. If I were you, I would do a trial during those exact hours. The reason I mention that is that unless you have strong lighting, the HV30's may not stand up to recording well in evening lighting. I haven't used the HV30's; I have an HV20, so this may be way off base, but when I've recorded concerts, unless I've rented strong lights, the HV20 wilts while the 3 chip cameras running alongside do well. On the other hand, when used with strong lights, they can do okay. You just don't want to be sitting there with everything going on and you're capturing footage that looks dull with massive amounts of noise/grain.

Thanks again. I'm pretty sure they will have strong lights pointing into the cage, so I'm worried less about the lighting and time of day than I am if it rains:) They have a giant tent but I'm hoping for clear skies. I've done other events similar to this one and the video quality has generally exceeded the expectations of the people putting on the show. Because the inside of the cage is usually really well lighted, the HV30 footage actually looks pretty good.

This show is different because the output of my cameras will be seen live on multiple displays. It sounds like I need to talk to some of the other tech guys that will be bringing their equipment.

I live in Charlotte, if you need info on rental houses ,equipment and such , email me, I'll be glad to point you to reliable sources

This may not apply but.....
You might want to have on hand is adapters from your camera to
BNC.

Hello everyone,
not sure if this is appropriate here ...

Wireless

it's a short testimonial I made for an inexpensive VHF Audio-Technica wireless system I purchased a couple of years ago ... the granddaughter is 28 months old, so, the video is at least that old ... and the system still works.

I'm not sure if they make them anymore...

Until that time ... Earl J.

What model is this Earl ?
Seems to do a good job... I'm hearing a lot of noise on the audio track.. not sure if its because of the range between the transmitter and receiver.

Hey Earl. I live in Asheville, NC and have that exact same unit (minus the handheld mic). It does work pretty good. I haven't used it a whole lot. As long as there is direct line of sight its good. If the person wearing the mic walks behind a tree or a pole it may drop out or if another person walks in front of the wearer it may drop out as well. At 100 ft you were pushing the max range, which is why we were hearing the hissing. Thanks for the video!

Greg thanks for answering that ...but whats the model # ?