What do I need besides the BallerCam?

Getting started with BallerCam is simple. In addition to your BallerCam device, you'll need a compatible iPhone and the BallerCam app.

A tripod is highly recommended for the best filming and AI-tracking experience, but you do not need to purchase a paid subscription to start filming. Every BallerCam includes the Base Plan.

📱 1. A Compatible iPhone

BallerCam uses your iPhone as the camera and processing device.

You'll need an iPhone 13 Pro or newer supported model.

Currently supported models include:

iPhone 17 Series

• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 Pro
• iPhone Air
• iPhone 17

iPhone 16 Series

• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16E

iPhone 15 Series

• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15

iPhone 14 Series

• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14

iPhone 13 Series

• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro

The regular iPhone 13 and earlier models are not supported for filming.

📲 2. The BallerCam App

You'll need the BallerCam app on the iPhone you'll use to film.

The app is used to:

• Create and manage your teams
• Film or livestream games
• Keep score
• Manage game information
• Upload recordings
• Watch replays
• Create and manage clips
• Access other BallerCam features

Download and install the app before your first game so you have time to sign in and complete your team setup.

👤 3. A BallerCam Account

You'll need a BallerCam account to set up your team and use the filming experience.

Once you're signed in, you can create or join a team and begin preparing for your first game.

If another person will help keep score, they can use their own BallerCam account on a secondary iOS device. Their account must be connected to the correct team and have Keep Score permission.

Older supported iPhones and iPads can be used for scoring. The iPhone 13 Pro or newer requirement applies to filming, not secondary-device scoring.

📐 4. A Tripod — Highly Recommended

A tripod is highly recommended for the best BallerCam filming experience.

A tripod helps provide:

• A stable camera position
• A better view of the full field, court, or rink
• Improved AI tracking
• Fewer obstructions from players and spectators
• More consistent video throughout the game

BallerCam works with most standard tripods that use a ¼"-20 screw mount.

You can use your own compatible tripod or choose one of the tripod options available from BallerCam.

📏 Why Tripod Height Matters

The recommended camera height depends on the sport and filming environment.

For example:

• Soccer: typically 10–15 feet
• Basketball: typically 5–10 feet
• Volleyball: height varies by sideline or baseline setup

• Ice Hockey: Typically 10–12 feet, aligned with the center red line. Position above the glass when possible, or choose a clear panel with minimal reflections and no supports blocking the view.

Higher and properly positioned setups can reduce player obstructions and improve AI tracking.

Although BallerCam can sometimes be placed on a stable surface such as bleachers, a wall, or a scorer's table, a tripod generally provides the best results.

🔌 5. Power for Longer Games

Your BallerCam hardware includes a portable battery pack.

The battery provides power for the cooling fan and can help support your filming setup during longer games.

Before filming:

• Make sure the battery is charged.
• Install it securely in BallerCam.
• Connect the cooling fan.
• Confirm the fan is running.

Keeping the cooling fan powered is important because your iPhone is more likely to overheat if the fan stops, especially in warmer conditions.

📶 6. Internet Access — Depending on What You Want to Do

You can use Record Only without an internet connection if you signed in to BallerCam beforehand. Internet access is required for:

• Livestreaming
• Uploading your HD recording
• Accessing cloud-based content and processing

If the venue does not have a reliable connection, choose Record Only, then tap Start Recording. Upload the game later when a reliable connection is available.

The original HD recording is saved locally on the filming iPhone, separately from the livestream. Internet quality does not affect that local recording.

💾 7. Enough iPhone Storage

Because BallerCam records the game locally on your iPhone, make sure you have enough available storage before filming.

Game recordings can be large, especially for longer events.

After the game, upload the HD recording to BallerCam Cloud and confirm that the uploaded replay is available before removing any local footage.

💳 Do I Need a Paid Subscription?

No.

A paid subscription is not required to:

• Film
• Livestream
• Keep score
• Upload games
• Create clips
• Use BallerCam's core features

Every BallerCam includes the Base Plan, which currently provides:

• Unlimited filming*
• 20 hours of cloud storage
• Access to BallerCam's core features

*Unlimited filming is subject to fair use and available storage.

🚀 Optional Paid Plans

You can upgrade if you need additional cloud storage or Premium features.

Current paid options include:

Starter Plan

• 100 hours of cloud storage
• Unlimited filming*

Pro Plan

• 250 hours of cloud storage
• Unlimited filming*
• RTMP
• Logo Overlay

Upgrading is optional—you don't need a paid plan just to start using your BallerCam.

🎒 What Comes With the BallerCam Hardware?

Your BallerCam setup includes the core components needed to use the filming unit, including:

• BallerCam filming unit
• Integrated wide-angle lens
• Integrated cooling fan
• Model-specific phone insert
• Portable battery pack 

Make sure you're using the correct phone insert for your iPhone model before filming.

💡 Before Your First Game

Before heading to the venue:

• Install the BallerCam app.
• Sign in to your BallerCam account.
• Make sure your iPhone is supported.
• Use the correct phone insert.
• Charge your iPhone and portable battery.
• Check that you have enough iPhone storage.
• Connect and test the cooling fan.
• Set up a stable tripod when possible.
• Test your internet connection if you plan to livestream.
• Remove the lens cover before filming.

✅ Key Reminders

• You'll need an iPhone 13 Pro or newer supported model to film with BallerCam.
• You'll need the BallerCam app and a BallerCam account.
• A tripod is highly recommended, and BallerCam works with most tripods using a standard ¼"-20 mount.
• Your BallerCam includes a phone insert and portable battery pack. 
• Make sure the cooling fan is connected and running during filming.

• Internet access is needed for livestreaming and uploading. Record Only can work offline if you signed in beforehand.

• Make sure your iPhone has enough free storage before filming.
• You do not need a paid subscription to film or use BallerCam's core features.
• Every BallerCam includes the Base Plan.