Video Cameras
Among AviX users there are generally two types of needs when it comes to video cameras. The first case is a user recording short cycles (max 40-60 min), and the other case is users recording long assembly’s/resetting’s of machinery (> 60 min).
Theoretically AviX can handle most common video files, however, practically there can be a difference between camera vendors, and some use their own file format. To record videos in an easy way, follow these recommendations:
- The file format should be .MP4 to achieve the best compression and playback in AviX. The most common fileformats (.MPEG, .AVI) works with AviX, however, vendor specific file formats or videos recorded in HD-resolution must be converted.
- The camera should have the option of setting the recording to 3-4 Mbit/s (bitrate)
- It should be possible to adjust (lower) the camera resolution to about 640×480, it is not recommended to use cameras only capable of recording in HD-resolution (or just below). These video files often requires too much computer power at playback (both for AviX and most office computers), HD-resolution also generates extremely large video files (seven minutes HDTV generates about 1 GB data).
- Battery capacity about 1 hour for normal use, recording long processes requires a camera with large battery and/or external power supply.
- Use your mobile phone camera (read more below)
During 2013 some import limitations to new cameras appeared. The context is not fully clarified and if this only applies to EU imported cameras or also to the US market.
This limitation consists of a time limit, splitting the recording in a new video file about every 20 minute. It is still possible to record continuously, but in long recordings a lot of separate files will be created.
To solve this issue, the easiest way is to use Any Video Converter to merge the video files. (read more below)
At this moment the general explanation has to do with taxes applied on video cameras, and to avoid this, manufactures classify the video cameras as cameras. To do so, there has to be a time limit for each clip recorded.
RECOMMENDED CAMERAS
LONG RECORDING TIME (> 60 MIN)
Recommended camera is Panasonic HC-V380 (or older versions HC-V130, V110, V180, V160, V260) or Canon Legria HF R806. Order it from any favorite e-store. These cameras can be complemented with extra large battery (order separately) or used with external power-supply.
RECORDING WITH ACTION CAMERA
To make the recording easier, or as a complement to show exactly what the operator sees, use a “action video camera”.
GoPro Hero3/4
Older versions of the GoPro Hero 3/4 also creates hidden .LRV files (Low Resolution Video). These files can be renamed to .MP4 and then used in AviX. The resolution and video size is well suited for AviX. Only cameras with wi-fi have this option.
GoPro Hero 7,8 & 9 Black
The latest recommended cameras from GoPro is Hero 7,8 or 9 Black. The difference is mainly advanced features and resolution. All versions is really easy to configure and control using the GoPro app for Smartphones, and can be used together with an external power supply (i.e. no need to rely only on the battery).
Recommended resolution GoPro
Can easily be adjusted using the GoPro app (Capture).
Use 720p, 25-30 fps – Using higher resolution will only result in unnecessarily large video files.
RECORDING USING A MOBILE PHONE
It is also possible using a mobile phone as camera – Often this leads to large high resolution video files, which is not desirable. However, there is a solution by using an App making it possible to record a lower resolution than the default settings of the phone.
Using a phone also often requires rotation of the video once it’s used in AviX, therefore we recommend using AviX 4.7.10 or later, where a build in feature is available making it possible to rotate the video.
We recommend the following Apps:
Small Size Video Converter, available on App store here
LightVid, available on App store here
Instead of buying a camera, a good investment could be a Gimbal for image stabilization.