Most people think of the bottom line when it comes down to purchasing new equipment, and cost is certainly a consideration. However, if cost is your only connection, you are likely a bit short-sighted. Trinity's Media Department has been recommending the benefits of newer camera technology for years, noting greater creativity and enhanced connection of online & TV viewers to the captured shot. Obviously, this doesn't pay the bills...

In Trinity's case, the older cameras (Panasonic F250) required an astronomical amount of light to get a worthwhile picture. Now, as newer cameras are being brought in replace them, the platform lighting was cut by nearly half. This not only addresses several lighting problems that occurred within the room, but it also aids in reducing power consumption to power theatrical light fixtures and cuts down on air conditioning costs. Rough calculations in this scenario had 20 Source 4 light fixtures running at 750 Watts each, plus 6 2000 Watt fixtures over the choir, totaling 27,000 Watts. Now, that number is cut by half - 13,500 Watts. Using the auditorium for 12 hours per week (3 church services & other various activities) at the reduced light setting saves the ministry roughly $71 per month on raw electricity, but further reduces the need for air conditioning to compensate for the heat output of the light fixtures - guestimating another $100-$200 per month. If we go with a flat $200 in savings, Trinity will recuperate about $2,400 each year in energy expenditures. This is enough to likely replace good 2/3" chip studio camera after about 7.5 years.

There are other residual benefits that can't be measured. For instance, one would naturally assume that the greater connection of an individual to the message communicated should naturally, within time, draw one to participate further and even grow other followers; hence, the charitable or earned contributions should rise, also offsetting expenses.

Here's a video sample of what changed at Trinity when moving to their newer equipment. The visual differences are honestly astounding.

[vimeo vimeo.com/50830584]