Update (October 27, 2015): Thanks to Reader Tim we have found out that SOLOSHOT 3 will soon be released and will include the capability to use the product indoors. And, of course, there is also Pixio to consider. That’s it for now. – PS
Is your pastor a pulpit pounder who doesn’t move from directly behind the podium until its time to walk out the door?
My pastor isn’t.
He’s a wanderer.
He’ll walk all over the front of the church, making it impossible to film him for a video stream or a shut-in’s DVD ministry — until now!
SOLOSHOT
SOLOSHOT is…you know what?
Just watch this sweet promo video:
[tentblogger-youtube tc7AZWaHm4o]
Awesome, right?
How much easier would it be to record your pastor if you had SOLOSHOT serving as your camera man? Granted, $479 is a bit pricey, but this looks to be a truly quality product that could really solve some problems for your church, if you’re church is addicted to video but light on camera men. Personally, I really want this added to my church’s tech arsenal.
I think this is a great example of a product designed for one thing (filming athletes) that could be amazing at something slightly different (filming a pastor). This is what I love the Internets, people: connecting problems to solutions and people to awesome ideas!
Will you be seriously considering the SOLOSHOT?
Learn more on the SOLOSHOT website.
[via Cult of Mac and SOLOSHOT]
Eric J says
Wow soo cool! I love that it has a huge range, although having your pastor wear an ugly orange arm band wouldn’t work to well i assume. I also wonder if it can handle our 6lb camera?
Phil Schneider says
I’m sure the armband will evolve with each generation. I want one, but I’ll wait till V2.0, whenever that is. The tripod looks really sturdy and professional. I’m sure it would hold 6lbs. Thanks for the comment!
Yogi says
Great product, but I have to agree with the big bulky orange arm band. It will be very hard to hide them from the congregations.
Anthhony Parrott says
I honestly would consider one of those if it weren’t for that armband. There must be a way to hack or hide it to make it not quite so garish.
Phil Schneider says
That is the major drawback for me as well.
John Hughes says
If the armband is based off of a radio receiver I doubt putting it in your pocket or under a shirt would interfere and prevent tracking. I’m already thinking about trying to build this into next years budget for our church. We’ve toyed with the idea of a video ministry but this might just be the ticket to allow us to stretch our capability without needing a significant amount more volunteers.
Phil Schneider says
I totally agree, John. With such an incredible range, how could it not work?
Eric says
Very neat idea!
According to the instructions though, the ugly armband cannot be covered.
Check out page 32: http://soloshot.com/index.php?module=instruction&action=instruction
Phil Schneider says
Hmmm. That would seriously limit functionality, but maybe it could be warn like a lapel mic transmitter on the pastors’ belt? I’m V2, whenever it comes out, will address this.
Scott says
The armband will still work if you put it in your pocket. We just don’t want people putting it under their wetsuits. However putting it under dry clothing is fine.
Phil Schneider says
Awesome! Thanks for the clarity!
Paul Clifford says
$479 is cheap. That’s less than paying a camera op for one week to do the job. 30 x $15 is $450 (if you can get a cam op for that). I think I’ll get one for when I speak or teach. I wish I had one for this weekend since I’m teaching at an author’s conference and I’d love to have it recorded.
Paul
Phil Schneider says
I think this is going to be one of the next major purchases we make for our sanctuary tech team. (At least, it will if I have a say in the matter.)
Bill A says
Did you ever try this? The Soloshot page says you can’t use it indoors.
Phil Schneider says
Don’t know how I missed this comment. Sorry. No, we weren’t able to make the jump. Like most churches, the tyranny of the urgent reigns supreme.
Anthhony Parrott says
You actually can get it for $300-350 if you get it from their Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1590403900/soloshot-go-film-yourself-automatically
Eric J says
Pro tip!
Eric Dye says
LOL! I was making comments in the WordPress admin, and now I see you made the same comment — LOL!
It must be an Eric thing. 😉
Phil Schneider says
Great point, Anthhony! I forgot to mention that.
Eric Dye says
#protip
Orlando BEMBRY says
I an legally blind and I I need to be able to make setting up to preach as effortless as possible. Have any changes taken place in last year to help me make this purchase without any reservations or regrets I like the concept I needs the question is should I by it
Phil Schneider says
Hard to say if you should or shouldn’t. Some are unsure of it would work indoors. I guess the fear there is interference from other radio signals (microphones and whatever). My church never got a chance to buy it because a million things came up, as they do. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
kevin says
all the info i have read states that it is for OUTDOOR use only. No reason why but they make it pretty clear it only works outdoors. I am planning on calling them and find out why it is so limited. I think it would make a great option for churches.
Phil Schneider says
Kevin, I think we’ve heard that the issue might be signal interference? Not sure, but I also thought I’d heard that someone had tested it successfully indoors. Still, probably worth calling.
Colin Adland says
Hello Kevin
I too have looked at this product to save me from wandering Pastor syndrome.
From my research I believe the product can only be used outside is because it relies on gps data for range and positioning of the tag in order to drive the tripod mounted head unit..
Regards
Colin
Phil Schneider says
Thanks for the info, Colin!
Michael Starrit says
I too have been watching the soloshot and awaiting an update for use indoors. After a quick search of the web I founf this unit. The tracking device can be in the Pastors pocket. Have a look.
http://www.movensee.com/store/pixio-robot-cameraman.html
Colin Adland says
Thanks Michael
That’s exactly what I need. A bit pricier than the Soloshot but well worth saving up for.
Regards
Colin
Phil Schneider says
Michael! Thanks for sharing, man!!!
Tim says
Soloshot 3 which is coming out shortly has a smaller transmitter and you can purchase a little add on that allows it to work inside. Much more useful in this iteration for the sort of thing you were originally envisaging.
Phil Schneider says
Awesome! Thanks for the update, Tim!