1. Smart phones are being promoted for video shops. I don't find they capture what is needed easily and many shops still require a covert, body mounted camera.
2. PV-500 is the standard. I haven't checked prices lately, but figure $300 or more.
3. Video started primarily with new homes, apartments and new cars. Those are still major in the industry. Over the last few years a real variety has been added, retail, fast food, fast casual and self-storage among them.
4. Pay varies. It is rare to see a video shop for under $50. Anything in the $35 to $40 range is usually going to be quick such as the FF.
5. You cannot count on the report being easier at all. Yes, some require nothing more than inputting a few standard details, date, time, associate's name, while others are every bit as long as a traditional written shop.
6. Of course shops will not be accepted if the target is out of frame or the equipment fails. You will find most video shoppers have had equipment failures and shops rejected because of framing issues.
Over seven years or so, I have lost several shops to batteries dying and camera wires shorting out and one to a mistake in the scenario. On the other hand, I've been lucky with other shops. One was an apartment where I discovered the battery died within the first five minutes. I was able to replace it and complete the shop. The MSC accepted it with a detailed narrative of the target's greeting, etc. Another retail shop was the victim of a camera shorting out causing gaps with a black screen and no sound. The video gods were watching over me because both required interactions were captured and the client decided to accept it anyway. I am also lucky because only one out of thousands has ever been rejected because of camera angles.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.