Cameras for IMAG is becoming a technology that is becoming more and more common across the country at churches and their services. The technology is used from web-based streams to live projection within the worship space.
So what is IMAG, and why is it needed?
And why is used so commonly?
Just as audio PA systems amplify audible sound, IMAG is magnification of an image that you see live.
First we need to define IMAG, which is an acronym for image magnification. IMAG is simply a magnification of something that you are seeing live. Just as audio PA systems amplify audible sound, IMAG is magnification of an image that you see live. This is achieved via a camera capturing the live performance and then having it reproduced on some kind of large screen.
So let’s talk about the first part of this, which is using a camera to capture the live performance. There are two components to this: the camera and the lens.
The camera needs to be of broadcast quality, which usually allow for the use of interchangeable lenses. Usually, the camera position is located further toward the back of the space to keep it from blocking congregants' view from the stage. For this reason, consumer-grade cameras usually will not have the zoom capabilities needed to get a close up shot, if set up from a distance. This is one of the reasons why a broadcast quality camera is needed. The lens needs to be able to zoom in closely to the subject, create a magnified image, to be reproduced in a non-distorted fashion on a large screen.
The second part is reproducing the captured image on some kind of large screen. The whole idea behind this is to help everyone in the space feel as if they are closer to the speaker.
"If I can hear the speaker, then why can't I see him?" The first couple of rows might see the speaker just fine, but past that, it gets harder and harder for members of the congregation to see. There is something about not just being able to hear the speaker, but also being able to see them. A good speaker knows the power of being able to connect with their audience, and distance always fosters a negative impact to this connection.
This is why IMAG is such an effective tool.
Once the image is created, it needs to be magnified on some kind of screen. There are many different ways to achieve this, but let's talk about some good practices. One good idea that usually is compelling is to have a least two screens - one to the left or right of the stage, from where the presenter is speaking. Most churches have a fan-like seating layout, and a pair of screens will help keep the focal point in the direction of the preacher within a worship space. It is very important that the screens are not placed too high, or too far left or right.
The screen placement should always make the member of the congregation feel comfortable when looking at them. This helps keep the connection toward the speaker, and preventing a detached feeling created by distance.
Over the years, IMAG has changed, to where these days, it is common to see the same video shooting to a large screen as is being shot to the live stream, building video distribution, overflow rooms, etc. This is important, because originally IMAG tended to be a video shot of the speaker's head and the top of their shoulders, which then stayed live to the large screens continously. In many situations within churches this is still the practice, but it is becoming less common. It has become more budget conscious to just take this feed and distribute it to the other locations. The result has been one that has created the need to have different types of shots taken to this feed, helping to increase the feeling of connection for the congregants who are situated at the different viewing locations.
When looking at how IMAG can be used within church environments, it is a tool that can help increase the connection between the congregants and the preacher. If used correctly, this tool can be another means to help change a person’s life for eternity.
Let's use these tools to help grow the kingdom!!