I was asked to manage the live video production branch of Eastern Washington University's 19th annual drag show this past week (February 9th & 10th). We made use of a Blackmagic ATEM switcher to manage and record 6 different input sources: 2 JVC video camcorders, 1 4K JVC recorder, a Nikon D750, Macbook Pro for the slides, and an iPod touch. Since the ATEM switcher has a max of 4 inputs, we acted as the phone-operators of old did by switching cable inputs while simultaneously switching camera feeds on the controlling iMac computer. For the most part, production set-up, operation, and tear down was as smooth as could be. The only issue came when a someone (most certainly not me) forgot to plug an HDMI in at the start of the video chain which caused the projectors to not receive a signal...okay, it was me.
One of the cameras we used was the Nikon D750. It was the backup camera for when our 4K ran out of juice. It was also used for still work.
One of the other event techs (the lighting designer actually) had the ingenious idea of using an iPod to act as the mobile camera by routing the phone display through an Apple TV device. This provided an interesting effect, giving those not close to the action a more organic interaction. Instead of a camera zoomed in, they got to see through a phone that was right there in the heart of the action Plus, it was awesome having someone with such a small device run around and capture great footage.
The iPod Touch as a mobile camera. Great idea, wish I could take credit.
The more mobile technology gets, the easier it'll become. Large productions will be replaced by small wireless devices.