Cheap End Zone Cameras: Wasted Money, Time and Opportunities

Every season, new sports teams discover the power of using an elevated, over-the-field video system. As a result, new end zone camera tripods are entering the market. While these new options can be beneficial to consumers looking for a new camera system, it also allows for companies to make promises they can’t keep, like high-quality products at prices well below the market average. 

Keep it Steady

Though there are several characteristics of a dependable, high-quality end zone camera system, one of the most key components is the camera tower or tripod. These towers quite literally support the rest of the system. In large part, the quality of these towers determines the price of the system. While hoisting a camera over 25 feet in the air seems like a simple task, teams who have made the mistake of purchasing inexpensive camera systems are well aware of the consequences involved.

Low-priced camera towers are far more prone to swaying and vibrating in the wind. The result is either uncaptured footage or impossible-to-review footage, completely defeating the purpose. In many cases, these towers bend and break, not only damaging the tower itself, but the electronics attached to the very top. While the $2000-$3000 price tag on a cheaper tower may seem like a budget-friendly option, having to replace it after it breaks doubles the cost and adds plenty of frustration. Alternatively, teams may purchase a $4500-$6000 camera system from a reputable manufacturer that can handle the harsh weather conditions, dependably capture game footage and last over ten years.

What’s in the “Box”?

Often times, the reason for a lower price tag on an end zone camera system is the result of a non-comprehensive system. In many cases, manufacturers do not include a travel case, video camera or other necessary electronics to keep the price of their towers low. As a result, customers have to spend more time, energy and money purchasing the remaining pieces of their end zone camera system. Coaches and team managers don’t have the time or desire to build their own end zone camera system. Instead, spending a bit more money up-front affords coaches peace of mind and a system that is guaranteed to be comprehensive, compatible, high-quality and reliable. 

Customer Service and Technical Support 

In many cases, companies who offer low-cost, low-quality end zone camera systems also offer low-quality customer service and technical support. With all the moving parts involved in owning and operating an end zone camera system, occasional issues aren’t all that uncommon, especially for cheap systems. The only thing worse than having an end zone camera that isn’t working for you is a company uninterested or unhelpful in finding a solution. Companies producing higher-priced end zone cameras know what their products are capable of and devote substantial resources and efforts towards ensuring customer satisfaction. When choosing an end zone camera system, be sure to choose a product from a manufacturer that will fully support their product and customers year-round.