Tags: FoMaKo KN20 PTZ Camera, FoMaKo NDI Camera,
Hi and welcome! My name is Khan Sunny, and I’m with Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Maryland, Wisconsin. Today, I’d like to share with you our experience with a new camera we’ve recently acquired, the KN20, which allows us to live stream our church services. This camera complements the two FoMaKo PTZ cameras we already use, enabling us to share our services with those who can’t attend in person.
The KN20 is an impressive camera with several advanced features. It’s not the same brand as our existing PTZ cameras, but it’s a high-quality device that offers excellent functionality. The camera comes with tracking capabilities, which is a significant advantage for our setup. On the back of the camera, there are several ports that allow for various connections, including HDMI, SDI, USB-C, and network outputs. This versatility makes it easy to integrate the camera into our existing system.
The KN20 offers multiple ways to send video to different devices. We can send video via HDMI, SDI, USB-C, or through the network. This flexibility is crucial for our live streaming setup, as it allows us to adapt to different scenarios and equipment configurations.
To get started with the KN20, all you need is the camera, a remote, and a laptop. This simplicity is one of the camera’s strengths, especially for churches or organizations that are just beginning to explore live streaming. As your needs grow, you can expand your setup by adding more advanced controllers or integrating the camera into a larger network.
I started by connecting the camera to a laptop using a USB-C cable. This setup allows the camera to function as a webcam, which is perfect for live streaming to platforms like YouTube or Facebook. The camera’s remote control works well for directing the camera’s focus, and the infrared (IR) sensor on the front of the camera picks up the remote signals effectively.
Next, I connected the camera to our network using an Ethernet cable. This step is essential for integrating the camera into our existing PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) controller system. By accessing the camera’s menu, I was able to change its IP address to match our network configuration. This process is straightforward, and once the camera is on the network, it can be controlled remotely using our PTZ controller.
Our PTZ controller allows us to manage multiple cameras, including the KN20. By setting up presets, we can quickly switch between different camera angles during a service. The KN20’s smooth pan and tilt movements make it easy to capture the action without any jerky motions, which is a significant improvement over some other cameras we’ve used.
The PTZ controller also allows us to adjust the camera’s speed, autofocus, and other settings directly from the controller. This level of control is invaluable during live events, where quick adjustments are often necessary.
In addition to USB-C, the KN20 can be connected via HDMI. This connection is ideal for integrating the camera into a video switcher, which is what we use during our live streams. The HDMI output provides a high-quality 1080p video feed, which is then mixed with feeds from our other cameras.
One of the standout features of the KN20 is its support for NDI (Network Device Interface). NDI allows us to send video, audio, and control signals over a single Ethernet cable. This feature is particularly useful for our setup, as it minimizes the number of cables needed and simplifies the installation process. The KN20’s NDI capability is built-in, so there’s no need to purchase additional licenses, which is a significant cost-saving advantage.
One of the most exciting features of the KN20 is its auto-tracking capability. This feature allows the camera to automatically follow a subject as they move around the space. For our church, this means that the camera can track the pastor as they move around the altar, ensuring that they are always in frame. This is especially useful during services where the pastor moves frequently, as it reduces the need for manual camera adjustments.
The auto-tracking is smooth and responsive, and it can be set up to start tracking as soon as the subject enters the frame. Once the subject leaves the frame, the camera will wait for them to return before resuming tracking. This feature is a game-changer for our live streams, as it allows us to focus on other aspects of the production without worrying about losing the shot.
The KN20 also has an audio input, which allows us to connect an external microphone directly to the camera. This is useful for capturing audio from a specific source, such as a wireless microphone, and sending it through the HDMI output to our video switcher. This setup ensures that the audio is synchronized with the video, which is crucial for a professional-looking live stream.
Overall, the FoMaKo KN20 is an excellent addition to our church’s live streaming setup. Its versatility, ease of use, and advanced features like auto-tracking and NDI support make it a valuable tool for capturing and sharing our services with a wider audience. Whether you’re just starting with live streaming or looking to upgrade your existing setup, the KN20 is a camera worth considering.
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