Here's the ultimate guide to the top-ranked cameras for youth baseball and softball and in-depth explanations of different baseball cameras.
What are the best cameras for recording baseball? There are lots of options out there for capturing moments on the diamond, but new baseball camera technology is now available specifically designed for the sport.
Trace (#1 Pick)
Previously only available to the soccer market, Trace is now fully capable to capture, edit, and personalize game footage for baseball and softball.Baseball and softball teams use Trace to get highlights delivered quickly and easily. The biggest benefits of using Trace is the AI technology, which automatically cuts and sorts all the footage into playlists after each game.
How does it work?
Trace provides each team their own camera, tripod or fence clip, and sensor technology. The camera is backed by powerful AI that’s able to automatically record and track each play, as well as each individual on the team. Once the game is recorded, each parent, player, and coach will receive a personalized playlist of their player’s moments. They’ve stated that they receive an average of 768 views each game, so those that use Trace are certainly making the most of their footage.
Features:
Complete editing breakdown for every player in 12-16 hours postgame
1080p video quality
Recruiting tool, Trace iD all-included.
Automatic view switching
Broadcast style viewing
Pricing
Trace has entered the market at a premium subscription rate of $3,800. Their annual subscription covers all equipment (standard subscription, camera, GPS Tracers, Trace iDs for all team members, and tripod). The advantage to Trace’s subscription model is that as new camera models are available or as you need replacement equipment, they will send it to you. Trace subscriptions include hardware replacements and upgrades, so teams are always guaranteed to have the most up-to-date equipment at all times.
GameChanger
Gamechanger, owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods, is a multi-sport app that is used to manage scorekeeping and recently launched live streaming options (from your iPhone). While it can be used for many sports, we’re here to specifically focus on the video component of their baseball/softball product.
How does it work?
Gamechanger is commonly used in the baseball and softball market as a stat keeping and scorekeeping app, but the product also offers live streaming. The app is available to all iOS and Android users for free, and allows users to record through their smartphones, the Mevo Start, or GoPro. While they are focused on live streaming at the moment, they also have the ability to provide automatic hit clips for when you’re in the batter’s box.
Features:
GameStream scoreboard integration
One fixed angle at all times
Video quality depends on both recording camera and cellular connection*
Additional hardware sold separately (fence clips, tripods, other mounting kits)
Pricing
GameChanger costs about $59.99/year for the full features, like saving videos, stats, spray charts, etc. You’re able to live stream the game for free, but must purchase a separate recording device if you aren’t wanting to use your smartphone’s battery or storage. You’re also not getting the same features as you would with a traditional video solution.
GoPro
Quite possibly the most popular action sports camera, GoPro is constantly coming out with new editions and capabilities. However, it is designed to record all activities, not specifically designed for baseball and softball. The GoPro is a very versatile camera option.
How does it work?
GoPro’s most up to date camera is the Hero10 Black edition, which functions similarly to many other recording solutions. This most recent camera is most known for its video quality, and you have the ability to pay for a subscription which allows you unlimited cloud storage and auto uploading for your video files.
Features:
Video quality: 5.3K60, 4K120
One fixed angle
GoPro Subscription includes unlimited cloud storage, auto uploading, access to Quik App (editing tools)
Spare Battery / SD Card recommended (packages sold separately)
Pricing
GoPro cameras have different price points depending on the model you’re looking for. There is a one time fee, as you will be owning their cameras, and can upgrade to their yearly subscription for additional features (included above). For the Hero10 Black edition, you’ll be looking at a base of roughly $350, and a subscription rate of $49.99 per year.
Pixellot
Having multiple other solutions in the market, Pixellot has now released the Pixellot Doubleplay: an automated solution with two fixed ethernet-connected cameras. By installing one camera in the outfield and one behind home plate, the coverage will switch views automatically to follow the ball.
How does it work?
Pixellot’s new system has two AI powered cameras that once be installed are intended to create a TV-like broadcast. While this system is geared more towards college, semi-pro, and professional levels, it sure does have its perks. Check out everything they’ve released so far on their newest system.
Features:
AI powered camera system, follows action throughout the game
Fixed install or mobile
Powered over Ethernet
Broadcast style viewing
Pricing
Pixellot DoublePlay pricing is currently not public.
Playsight
Playsight is a platform that works in conjunction with their high performance installed or mobile cameras. Acknowledging that they are platform-focused, they also provide equipment that allows for automated video production, instant replay, multi-angle technology, and pro-level analysis.
How does it work?
Powered by AI, Playsight has multiple offerings, all focused around live streaming. Their system is lightweight and fully portable; a true broadcasting and analysis solution intended to easily connect with athletes, coaches, and fans.
Features:
Live stream, record and store all video content on the PlaySight platform
Pro-level coaching tools on your tablet and smartphone
Give your athletes their own media channel
LiveU manages and optimizes available bandwidth/video quality
Pricing
Playsight pricing varies depending on a number of factors.
Sideline HD
Sideline HD is a platform for live streaming, keeping your scoreboard, and automatic highlight capabilities. Sideline HD is not a camera. The company works alongside other camera companies to record the footage and then takes care of what’s done with the footage.
How does it work?
Sideline HD is a direct competitor to Gamechanger. The system allows baseball and softball teams the ability to live stream with a smartphone, Mevo, or GoPro and post it on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. Similarly to Gamechanger, you can do all of this for free, but must provide a camera of your choice. Sideline allows users to post live score updates via text, as well as automatic highlights of every batted ball.
Smartphone, Mevo, GoPro compatible
Livestream to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter
In-game highlights via text message
Pricing
Sideline HD currently has two different plans: Team Standard and Team Pro. Both are currently free to use the platform, however, you do need a camera and equipment to record the footage. The Team Standard package is always free, which includes free live streaming, scoreboards, and access to video breakdown. The Team Pro subscription is currently in beta testing, and is free at the moment. However, we would expect the subscription to be a monthly/yearly payment once the subscription is out of beta.
Best Baseball Camera System: Trace
With many decisions going into play for the decider, Trace is the most complete video solution for baseball and softball.
While live streaming is popular with baseball teams, it's still unreliable and not very useful for teams or players.
Trace records games automatically and then edits and personalizes the footage for each individual after the game. The automatic recording and advanced, AI-driven highlights make it the only true all in one solution and saves the most time in the long-run.
With most other solutions on the market, you will need to mix-and-match technology solutions (platform and hardware). Trace is more expensive than solutions like GoPro, but if you're looking for an easy filming solution and to get video that baseball or softball players will actually use to improve, this is the best option.