Soccer Focus Capture

Camera Recommendations for Soccer Coaches

3 Min Read

If you’re looking for a smart camera with hands-free technology and complete Hudl integration, or a reliable hand held device to capture high quality video, we’ve got the definitive list for you.

Capturing quality soccer footage can be a pain—from getting a good angle of the field to dealing with a lack of outlets for charging, not all camera setups will work. And shaky, zoomed out video isn’t going to help you coach better or help your athletes get recruited.

The good news? We have the list of soccer camera options that make it easy to capture all the action. We narrowed it down to three setups, each ranging in functionality to help you find the best fit.

Record Soccer Games with Hudl Focus Flex

For a portable auto-tracking camera designed for soccer, look no further than Hudl Focus Flex. It has an easy setup—all Focus Flex needs to start recording is a tap in the Focus app on your phone. No cameraperson required. And with a three-hour internal battery, plus an included external battery, you don’t have to worry about re-charging.

Focus Flex Features

Consistent, high-quality video from the perfect angle: Focus Flex records HD video and uses AI technology to follow the players and the ball. You and your players will see every moment that matters.
Simple calibration and setup: The Focus app makes setup a breeze—all the instructions are right in the app and easy to follow. Plus, software updates are sent straight to your camera so you'll never miss a new feature.
The power of Hudl: When the game is over, your match will begin uploading to Hudl as soon as you connect to Wi-Fi. No long processing times here. And once it’s in your Hudl library, that video becomes more valuable than ever. Online coaching, analysis and recruiting tools will jumpstart your team’s development.
Livestream your way: You own your stream and it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Focus Flex gives your fans the best angle to watch the game—from anywhere. Check out our livestream FAQ to start broadcasting your games today.

Want more details? Your soccer camera is waiting.

Record with an iOS Device

Need a quick and portable solution to record your soccer games? Simply grab an iPhone, purchase an attachment and mount it to a tripod (to avoid shaky unwatchable video), and record with the Hudl app.

If you want to take it up a step, iPads are an even better recording option that won’t break the bank. When paired with a case and lens from iOgrapher, you’ll have a simple setup to record your games.

Before you get started, make sure your device is on our list of supported devices. Unsupported devices, or those with outdated software, are more likely to run into issues.

Record Soccer Games with a Camera

If you prefer to record manually and would like higher quality film than you'll get with an iOS device, check out the Sony HDRCX-440. It delivers quality film at a low cost.

Consider Adding a Few Accessories

Batteries

If you bring Focus Flex to your field, you won’t need to worry about batteries—they’re part of the package.

With other soccer camera setups, you’ll need to think about power. It can be the difference between recording a full match and missing the last few minutes. If you don’t have access to power, having something like the ChargeTech Portable Battery can be a lifesaver.

Tripods

A solid tripod can make or break the quality of your video. Focus Flex comes with a one-time purchase tripod that will ensure you capture the perfect angle of your pitch. It has a 20 feet (6 meters) maximum height, and comes with a carrying case and stabilization kit. And since Focus Flex has AI-powered technology to follow the action, you don’t need to worry about zooming in to catch action on the far side of the field.

If you’re recording with other cameras, try one of these options:

AmazonBasics 60 in. tripod: This one is inexpensive and reliable. It won’t get you the height you need from ground level, but can provide a steady recording from your grandstand.
Millennium Tripod Stand: Reaches a height of 10 feet and provides a solid base for intense weather or uneven ground at local pitches.

Whichever tripod you’re using, make sure it can move easily from side-to-side and won’t stick as you pan.

Regardless what camera you choose to capture your soccer games, you’ll be able to upload video directly to your Hudl account with these steps.

We hope this serves as a solid starting point in choosing the right setup for your team. If you want to learn more about our best camera for recording soccer, visit hudl.com/products/focus/flex.