Which is best for multi-cam live recording?
 

Is the A1 or G1 better for multi-cam live HD recording? I know the G1 has the jackpack but is this necessary to have for multi-cam recording? Could the A1 suffice and if so, what should I use to to mix and/or capture the footage? Thx

The G1 w/gen lock and time code going to a switcher with HD SDI....

Gen locking multiple cameras is the only way to go for a live mix. By Gen locking all cameras scan lines will be synchronized, and all cameras will have the identical white balance provided a waveform monitor/vector scope is used. That's what the "jack-pack" does.

I haven't had the need to use a video switcher in a long time, but I remember some digital switchers used an electronic delay to smooth out the difference in scan timing between cameras. Seemed to be acceptable for some S-VHS cameras. Pretty much useless for higher quality formats, as I remember.

Even though...
 

I need the genlock even though I am not recording to two separate tapes. I thought that I would need the gen-lock so that in post, I could match the tapes up with ease. With the multi-cam setup I was hoping to have, I would be recording to one master tape using the mixer to go between two cameras all on the spot with no post work. If this is possible with the A1's what tools would I need? Thx