Camera Operation¶
This page is about choosing and switching camera shots during the service — the everyday camera job. For moving a camera by hand with the joystick, see PTZ Controller.
The two cameras¶
| Camera 1 | Camera 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | RoboShot HDMI 12 | AVKANS 20X PTZ Camera Pro |
| Usual shot | Wide — the whole front | Close-up — speaker / lectern |
| Zoom | Standard | 20× (strong) |
Camera 1 = wide, Camera 2 = close
When you are not sure which to use, choose Camera 1 (wide). A steady wide shot always looks acceptable on the livestream.
What switching does¶
"Switching" means choosing which camera the livestream shows. It does not move the cameras — it just picks which one is on screen. The cameras stay where they are pointed.
How to switch which camera is shown¶
The easiest way is the StreamDeck:
- Press the Camera 1 button to show the wide shot.
- Press the Camera 2 button to show the close-up.
The picture changes smoothly. You can also switch on the RodeCaster Video itself.
➡️ Buttons explained: StreamDeck Buttons. ➡️ The switcher: RodeCaster Video.
Camera presets (saved positions)¶
A preset is a camera position (pan, tilt and zoom) that has been saved in advance — for example "lectern close-up" or "wide front". Pressing a preset button sends the camera smoothly to that saved spot, so you do not have to aim it by hand.
To use a preset:
- Press the preset button on the StreamDeck (e.g. Cam 2 → Lectern).
- The camera moves itself to the saved position.
Presets are the easy way to get good shots
Most of a normal service can be run just by pressing camera switch and preset buttons on the StreamDeck. You only need the joystick for unusual shots.
A simple shot plan for a normal service¶
| During… | Show | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Singing / whole congregation | Camera 1 (wide) | Captures the whole front and atmosphere |
| Someone speaking at lectern | Camera 2 close-up of lectern | Viewers see the speaker clearly |
| Preaching from the pulpit | Camera 2 close-up of pulpit | Focus on the preacher |
| Music with choir/organ | Camera 1 (wide) or a choir preset | Shows the musicians |
| Transitions / unsure | Camera 1 (wide) | Safe, always looks fine |
Hold each shot for a few seconds
Avoid switching cameras too often. Let a shot settle for several seconds. Frequent switching is distracting for online viewers.
Don't switch while moving¶
Switch to a still camera, not a moving one
Do not put a camera on the livestream while it is still moving to a new position — viewers will see it pan and zoom. Move Camera 2 while Camera 1 is being shown, then switch to Camera 2 once it has arrived.
Example: 1. Camera 1 (wide) is on the livestream. 2. Send Camera 2 to the "pulpit close-up" preset (it moves behind the scenes). 3. Once Camera 2 has arrived, switch the livestream to Camera 2.
Troubleshooting¶
| Problem | Page |
|---|---|
| A camera shows no picture | No Camera Video |
| A camera won't move / won't respond | Camera Not Moving |