Streaming Pinball in Western Massachusetts
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Playfield Camera Comparisons
I’m always on the lookout for GREAT looking playfield cameras so I decided to put my thoughts out there for others to review. There are some specs that I am always looking for, such as at least 60fps so the ball moves smoothly over the playfield, then some nice to haves, such as a battery or low light abilities (since bars can be dark!)
I’ll keep updating this with my findings as I go along, so check back often
| Camera Details | Birddog Maki Ultra 12x | Logitech Mevo Core | GoPro Hero 13 w/ Media Mod |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8″ CMOS | 4/3 CMOS sensor | 1/1.9″ CMOS |
| Resolution | 4k | 4k (1080p) | 1080p |
| Frames Per second | 60fps | 30fps (60fps) | Only 30fps with Media mod |
| HDMI Out | Yes | Yes | Yes (w/media mod) |
| Battery | No, but PoE | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | No | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| NDI Out (Network Device Interface) | Yes, NDI|HX3 | Yes | No |
| RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monitor Out | Can add external monitor and have two outputs | Can add external monitor, and through app | On Camera and through app |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy On Amazon | Buy On Amazon |
There is a lot I like about the Birddog Maki Ultra 12x, the User Interface of the settings is just phenomenal. It lets me fine tune the bitrate used over the network for the most optimal frame rate over the network. The NDI just works, and that has been great!
So far this has been the most clear refresh for watching the ball traverse the playfield, and choosing Shutter Priority or their default ‘Bright’ mode has helped with darker rooms.
The large physical buttons has made it easy to navigate the menu, or the included IR remote was nice from across the room. If I was mounting a playfield camera over the playfield permanently this would be a great camera for it
Outputting from this device has been no problem at all, HDMI, SDI or UVC (USB-C) works without a hitch and can output multiple at the same time.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
For those who stream on a portable rig (/hi!) dealing with the power brick is always going to be an issue. The DC 12V power drains my portable battery in about 4 hours. Not terrible but not ideal either.
I also wished the USB-A port on the back allowed for you to add a wireless USB adapter to it so I wouldn’t have to go HDMI or SDI out to the YoloLiv Ultra or Accsoon CineView 2 SDI. I’ve thought about attaching a UniFi Dream router to the rig and powering it and the Birddog Maki via PoE but… that seems like a lot
When looking for a playfield camera that wouldn’t drain my portable battery, the Logitech Mevo Core was pretty high on my list. With a reported 6 hour battery life and that it could charge over USB-C or PoE (Power over Ethernet, with adapter), I would be able to run a whole days streaming on this camera.
Users tell me that the colors just pop on this camera, and the 4/3 CMOS sensor really help in dark settings, just make sure that your micro four-thirds lens supports a low aperture.
This is a really light weight camera, which is great for a playfield camera and mounting options on every side of the camera which you don’t find often!
You can output your feed in so many different ways, such as NDI, SRT, RTMP and USB-C if your device supports UVC, or can act like a webcam (which the YoloLiv Ultra can) The Wi-fi 6E standard is great for this with little to no interference.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Even though the majority of the settings are behind the Mevo app, the alternate Mevo Studio app lets you do some really neat stuff like laying out multiple NDI / wireless streams to send to a streaming platform. If I had a couple of Mevo Start cameras, I would really consider it. Just remember to check the app to set up the camera, then restart the camera to make sure the settings take.
What I’m looking forward to
GoPro Mission 1
I would be lying if I wasn’t excited for the next GoPro. A GoPro with a 1″ sensor and a media mod that can actually output 4K60 and not cap at the 1080p30fps of the previous mods will be great.
It took me awhile to learn that the older Media Mods limited the feed to 1080p30 but it is very noticeable compared to higher fps cameras
GoPro batteries and light weight nature makes it easy to move and adjust the playfield camera on a whim.