Build a Complete Live Production System with BirdDog

Whether you're creating a livestream for a church, producing sports broadcasts, teaching online classes, hosting corporate events, or building a professional video studio, BirdDog offers a complete ecosystem that grows with your production needs.

Instead of replacing your equipment as your workflow expands, BirdDog lets you start with a simple multi-camera setup and gradually build a powerful NDI-based production system. From compact cameras and PTZ cameras to NDI converters, video decoders, and production software, every product works together on the same network.

In this guide, we'll show you how to build a complete live production workflow using BirdDog.

Every Production Starts with a Camera

The easiest way to begin is with a few cameras and a production hub. BirdDog's MAKI lineup was designed specifically for creators who want professional-quality production without unnecessary complexity.

Meet MAKI Live and MAKI Studio

MAKI Live is a compact 4K camera designed for modern live production. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive performance with:

• 4K image quality
• 3x optical zoom
• Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
• Battery-powered operation
• NDI support
• SRT streaming
• HDMI output
• USB connectivity

Pair MAKI Live with MAKI Studio to create an affordable multi-camera production system powered by an iPad (sold separately).

MAKI Studio provides:

• Live switching
• Smooth transitions
• Picture-in-picture
• Graphics overlays
• Physical control surface support

This combination creates an easy-to-use production environment that can grow into a much larger BirdDog ecosystem.

Choose the MAKI Bundle That Fits Your Workflow

BirdDog offers several ways to get started.

MAKI Live Single Pack

Perfect for creators needing one camera for:

• Streaming
• Recording
• Webcam use
• Mobile production

MAKI Live Bundle

Includes:

• Three MAKI Live cameras
• Protective EPP carrying case

Ideal for adding multiple camera angles immediately.

MAKI Studio Control Surface

Add tactile production controls with:

• Physical switching controls
• MAKI Studio software
• Professional workflow improvements

iPad sold separately.

Production Combo

The complete starter package includes:

• Three MAKI Live cameras
• MAKI Studio
• Control Surface

This is an excellent foundation for schools, churches, businesses, content creators, and event production teams.

Ready for PTZ Cameras?

As your productions become more advanced, MAKI Studio integrates seamlessly with BirdDog's family of NDI PTZ cameras.

PTZ cameras provide several advantages:

• Longer optical zoom
• Robotic camera movement
• Permanent installation
• Better coverage of large venues
• Higher-end image quality

Whether you're producing worship services, sporting events, corporate meetings, or educational content, BirdDog has a PTZ camera designed for your workflow.

Choosing the Right BirdDog PTZ Camera

Before selecting a camera, consider:

• Room size
• Distance from the subject
• Wired or wireless installation
• Streaming or broadcast requirements
• Available budget

Let's explore the lineup.

BirdDog X1

The BirdDog X1 is an excellent entry-level Full HD PTZ camera.

Key features include:

• Sony 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor
• 20x optical zoom
• 1080p60 video
• HDMI, USB-C, and IP outputs
• NDI HX2/HX3
• SRT
• RTSP
• RTMP
• Built-in NDI decoder
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Perfect for classrooms, churches, podcasts, and meeting rooms.

BirdDog X1 30X

Need more reach?

The X1 30X offers:

• Sony 1/2.8-inch sensor
• 30x optical zoom
• Full HD video
• Built-in NDI decoder
• Long-distance coverage

Ideal for auditoriums, sports venues, and houses of worship.

BirdDog X1 Ultra

The X1 Ultra adds 4K production capabilities.

Features include:

• Sony 1/2.8-inch sensor
• 12x optical zoom
• 4K30 video
• Wide field of view
• NDI HX2/HX3 support

Perfect for studios and conference rooms.

BirdDog X4E Ultra

Designed for wired installations, the X4E Ultra delivers:

• Sony 1/1.8-inch sensor
• 20x optical zoom
• 4K60
• 3G-SDI
• HDMI
• USB-C
• IP video
• Professional fixed-install workflow

BirdDog X4 Ultra

The X4 Ultra adds mobility with:

• Built-in battery
• Wi-Fi 6
• 4K60
• Professional image quality

Excellent for portable productions and temporary event setups.

BirdDog X5 Ultra

For higher-end productions, the X5 Ultra includes:

• Sony 1/2.8-inch sensor
• 20x optical zoom
• 4K60
• 12G-SDI
• Dual HDMI outputs
• Smooth robotic movement

Ideal for broadcast environments.

BirdDog XL Ultra

The flagship BirdDog PTZ camera offers exceptional image quality.

Highlights include:

• Large 4/3-inch sensor
• Dual-lens camera system
• 20x optical zoom
• 40x HD zoom
• 4K60
• Full NDI
• Genlock
• Timecode
• FreeD tracking

Perfect for broadcast studios and virtual production.

BirdDog O4 Outdoor PTZ

Need an outdoor solution?

The O4 is built for demanding environments with:

• IP66 weather resistance
• Extreme temperature operation
• 30x 4K zoom
• 60x HD zoom
• 500-meter IR illumination

Ideal for sports fields, campuses, and outdoor events.

Deliver Video Anywhere with BirdDog PLAY

Once your video is on the network, BirdDog PLAY devices make it easy to display NDI video anywhere.

BirdDog PLAY

A compact HDMI decoder that's perfect for:

• Confidence monitors
• Lobby displays
• Return feeds
• Digital signage

BirdDog PLAY PRO

For larger deployments, PLAY PRO adds:

• PoE power
• Rugged metal housing
• 4K60 HDMI output
• Permanent installation support

Bring Existing Cameras Into Your NDI Workflow

You don't need to replace your current cameras.

BirdDog 4K converters allow HDMI and SDI devices to become part of your NDI production network.

BirdDog 4K HDMI

Ideal for:

• DSLR cameras
• Camcorders
• Laptops
• Presentation systems
• Media players

Supports:

• HDMI 2.0
• Up to 4K60
• NDI encoding and decoding

BirdDog 4K SDI

Perfect for professional production equipment.

Features:

• 12G-SDI
• Up to 4K60
• NDI conversion
• Baseband-to-IP workflows

BirdDog 4K Quad

Built for larger facilities with:

• Four configurable SDI channels
• Multi-channel conversion
• Integrated multiview support

Excellent for broadcast facilities and production trucks.

Manage Everything with BirdDog Software

BirdDog also provides software that simplifies production management.

BirdDog Cam Control

Manage your cameras from one interface by:

• Adjusting image settings
• Recalling presets
• Controlling multiple PTZ cameras

BirdDog Fleet Manager

Monitor your entire BirdDog deployment with:

• Device discovery
• Network monitoring
• Status reporting
• Simplified administration

BirdDog Connect

Extend your productions beyond a single location.

BirdDog Connect allows you to:

• Link remote studios
• Connect distributed production teams
• Bring remote video sources into your NDI workflow

One Complete BirdDog Production Ecosystem

BirdDog makes it easy to build a live production system that grows with your needs. Start with MAKI Live and MAKI Studio for an affordable multi-camera setup. As your productions become more advanced, add BirdDog PTZ cameras, integrate existing HDMI and SDI equipment with NDI converters, distribute video using PLAY decoders, and manage everything through BirdDog software.

Whether you're producing live streams, broadcasts, worship services, educational content, corporate events, sports, or hybrid meetings, BirdDog delivers a flexible IP video ecosystem designed to scale from your first camera to your final display.

If you're ready to build or expand your BirdDog live production workflow, the experts at Videoguys can help you choose the right cameras, converters, software, and accessories for your application.