This post answers questions on the camera pole, basic needs, costs and what I use to video record competitive soccer games.
Since most everyone has a camcorder - you will need to somehow get that camera into the air to capture the game. What I currently use is a camera pole that has manual controls. The manual controls are perfect for soccer and they allow me to adjust quickly. I recommend that the pole be at least 15 feet high - that gives you a good perspective on players' positions, etc... The pole should be able to be adjusted quickly from side to side (panning) and up and down (tilt).
The camera pole I use is made by SVT Advantage (www.svtadvantage.net). This pole will requires a little investment (~$600-1400 depending on the type of set-up). From a cost standpoint - investing in good film gear is a great investment. If a soccer team decided to have each player contribute $50-$60, the team could purchase a camera pole. Also, teams that have their teams recorded at a tournament, or even has someone else record their games, will quickly realize that they are already spending a lot of money. In many cases it will be more than buying the gear and having a parent record the game. (One team I met was spending over $2000 a year to have someone record their games. They could have bought 2 of these kits and had the gear for their club.) But from a video perspective - you need to have the camera above the field. Also you need to make sure that the camera pole is very steady. You do not want the pole to wobble too much - makes for terrible video. Having the pole somehow fastened to a stable base (tripod) will help the quality of the video.
Putting the camera on a tripod is another way I have seen some folks try and capture video - this at least keeps the camcorder still. But it really suffers on getting that "above the field" perspective that is better to watch and is much better for coaching.
One other item to seriously consider - how much room does the camera pole take up - and how portable is it. Although this is not a factor in the film quality - it is a factor on how many times you will use it and your desire to travel with it. I have been around some systems that require multiple cases and folding down all the car seats. Just make sure the camera system breaks down easily and is very portable.
Since most everyone has a camcorder - you will need to somehow get that camera into the air to capture the game. What I currently use is a camera pole that has manual controls. The manual controls are perfect for soccer and they allow me to adjust quickly. I recommend that the pole be at least 15 feet high - that gives you a good perspective on players' positions, etc... The pole should be able to be adjusted quickly from side to side (panning) and up and down (tilt).
The camera pole I use is made by SVT Advantage (www.svtadvantage.net). This pole will requires a little investment (~$600-1400 depending on the type of set-up). From a cost standpoint - investing in good film gear is a great investment. If a soccer team decided to have each player contribute $50-$60, the team could purchase a camera pole. Also, teams that have their teams recorded at a tournament, or even has someone else record their games, will quickly realize that they are already spending a lot of money. In many cases it will be more than buying the gear and having a parent record the game. (One team I met was spending over $2000 a year to have someone record their games. They could have bought 2 of these kits and had the gear for their club.) But from a video perspective - you need to have the camera above the field. Also you need to make sure that the camera pole is very steady. You do not want the pole to wobble too much - makes for terrible video. Having the pole somehow fastened to a stable base (tripod) will help the quality of the video.
Putting the camera on a tripod is another way I have seen some folks try and capture video - this at least keeps the camcorder still. But it really suffers on getting that "above the field" perspective that is better to watch and is much better for coaching.
One other item to seriously consider - how much room does the camera pole take up - and how portable is it. Although this is not a factor in the film quality - it is a factor on how many times you will use it and your desire to travel with it. I have been around some systems that require multiple cases and folding down all the car seats. Just make sure the camera system breaks down easily and is very portable.