The quality of video recordings for your event, virtual or otherwise, should always be high, but sometimes it’s OK to save money on the type of cameras used. To determine that, here’s what needs to be considered:
How will the recordings be used after the event? If your video recordings will be largely used to produce advertising, or if they’ll be edited and released for purchase or otherwise expected to play on TVs and larger screens, then you’re advised to keep the highest quality professional cameras.
However, in many instances your recordings won’t primarily be used that way. Often the vast majority of the footage is for archival, on-demand online viewing, or uploads to video sharing sites and social media. In those cases, your production team can recommend cameras that are less expensive, more portable, and will still look great for casual online viewing, as well as for distributing to your guests for archival or reference.
One side technical note here is that we are not talking about resolution. That’s only one of many specifications determining the quality of video. And frankly, resolution is not an issue in any case these days. Our phones have amazing resolution, let alone professional cameras. The difference is largely on the chips that are found in each device. Those, combined with great lighting, will dictate whether your recordings are “broadcast quality”.
So if you’re not expecting that your recordings have to maintain maximum flexibility for rigorous professional editing and post-production, your program very well may be perfectly suited for today’s “prosumer” cameras, or even those used in your computers and portable devices.
