Can you introduce yourself and give an overview of what Menlo Church was trying to achieve with the new multi-camera system build?
I'm the Broadcast Director for Menlo Church, and my primary responsibility is to oversee the successful execution of our broadcast production every Sunday.
We had two significant challenges we were trying to solve. First, we are a multi-site church with four campuses across the Bay Area and a committed online audience. We broadcast our lead pastor from the main campus to the satellite campuses, and we wanted to significantly elevate the viewing experience for everyone.
Secondly, we had some architectural hurdles to overcome. Our main church building is very narrow and deep, which made it difficult to capture everything on stage without cameras and operators being a distraction. We needed a low-profile solution to capture various instruments and speakers in different locations.
Were you hoping to address any specific technical challenges?
We were facing several technical challenges with our legacy system. A combination of Canon, Blackmagic, and Panasonic cameras was being used to broadcast our services. Although each of these produced a fairly good picture individually, they did not match in color. We were also pushing them beyond their intended use — the C70s in particular.
What made you end up choosing Sony BURANOs in combination with the FR7 PTZs?
The BURANO is the perfect hybrid broadcast/film camera. It gives us the quality, dynamic range, and flexibility we need for our Sunday services, as well as the run-and-gun capabilities required for our separate film productions. The FR7 is the superior PTZ choice because of its sensor size and interchangeable lens function. We can cut between the BURANO and the FR7 seamlessly with no noticeable difference in quality. With this combination, we can capture everything on stage from any angle.
Can you give a little more detail on how you use the BURANO in the studio vs handheld, and what features you've found most useful?
The transition between studio and film settings is frictionless. We just remove the transmitter from the back, plug in a CFexpress card, and it’s ready for field production. I can also connect an iPad or phone to the BURANO using Sony’s Monitor & Control app to wirelessly make exposure adjustments and monitor the cameras. The top handle and side grips are great for handheld use, and the VCT quick-release plate underneath means we can slide it onto a tripod in seconds.
We use the variable ND primarily on our handheld cameras. This allows us to open up the iris for a shallower depth of field, giving us that sharp, cinematic look during worship. The five-axis image stabilization on the BURANO is phenomenal. We’re able to keep that classic handheld look without the image being overly shaky. Other cameras often use digital stabilization, which can create a distracting warping effect. That’s not the case here; the BURANO's stabilization is very natural. The dual-native ISO gives us a significant boost in low-light performance while curbing the graininess that typically comes with a higher ISO. This is especially vital for us because our satellite campuses watch the message on large LED screens, where every imperfection is magnified. The reduction in grain produces a clearer, more pleasant image.
Has using the BURANO changed the way your team covers a service or event, aesthetically or technically?
Using the BURANO has changed everything about how we capture services. We went from using IMAG (Image Magnification) as a basic tool to project what was happening in the room to now using it as a canvas to enhance our worship experiences.
No more cutting between cameras with varying colors and quality. No more overly shaky footage from our handhelds. No more sudden video signal dropouts or technical failures mid-service.
All of this allows us to focus completely on the aesthetic side of production without worrying about the technical side failing. We’re pushing the boundaries of what Menlo has ever been capable of capturing.
Responses have been lightly edited for formatting and clarity. Photos courtesy of Menlo Church.
