Petrovich 0 #1 January 2, 2009 I'm new to the sport, with about 30 jumps. I have a ton to learn still. Had a question for those more experienced. When can I start jumping with a camcorder on my helmet? I realize that flying with a camera has some more concerns that have been debated.....such as whether or not an RSL should be enabled or disabled when flying with the camera. But how soon is too soon to start learning? One advantage to flying with the camera will be that I can review some of the things I do while in freefall or while under canopy.....which might help me make adjustments in the future. What do you think? I appreciate the advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 42 #2 January 2, 2009 As many on this site as members of USPA, here is what USPA says: http://www.uspa.org/SIM/Read/Section6/tabid/169/Default.aspx#983 Sec 6.8, E, 1, c. "A USPA C license is recommended.""Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Petrovich 0 #3 January 2, 2009 Thank you, I really appreciate it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #4 January 2, 2009 I'd go with USPA's recommendations at a minimum (200 jumps). Wearing a camera won't really help you learn. It would probably slow you down actually. Video is a great tool to improve your skills, but mostly when it's pointed at you. Ask someone to video you in freefall and also landing. It really does help. But from your own view, it's hard to see what you're doing wrong. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #5 January 2, 2009 Read the sticky in the Photog& Video forum. It will answer a lot of the whens and give whys. Its a lot more involved than it looks. There's lots of other good information in the forum too. Having a camera on you tells you very little about what you are doing. The best way to start IMO, is to find a camera flier at your DZ who is willing to mentor you. You can start to learn what kind of flying you will need to do to video properly (being able to get where you need to be and more important, get away when you have to). You can also learn what you are looking for (lighting angles, good/better/best shots, ect) and get some practice editing. There is a lot to learn before you strap the camera on."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #6 January 2, 2009 I had nearly 1000 jumps when I put a camera on my head. I thought, that won't be that big of a deal, I'm not flying camera for money, I'll just get the shots that I get and enjoy the video I shoot for myself. What I found out was that I was really focusing on the camera and trying to get good footage, even though I wasn't getting paid to shoot video. It caused a lot of distraction for me, even though I wasn't trying to think about how to fly my body or my canopy. If it was a major distraction to me at 1000 jumps. What is it going to be for you at 50 jumps or 100 jumps or 200 jumps?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Petrovich 0 #7 January 2, 2009 Great info folks. I really appreciate it. I'll take your advise and be patient. Sounds like I still have quite a bit to learn first. Thanks again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travelingmack 0 #8 January 3, 2009 Quote I'd go with USPA's recommendations at a minimum (200 jumps). Wearing a camera won't really help you learn. It would probably slow you down actually. Video is a great tool to improve your skills, but mostly when it's pointed at you. Ask someone to video you in freefall and also landing. It really does help. But from your own view, it's hard to see what you're doing wrong. Dave I agree that a camera isn`t really helping you if it`s not pointed at you, but i think there are less dangerous if you have a top-mounted camera than a side-mounted(riser slap)..i started using camera when i had 100+ b.a.s.e jumps, i have never skydive a camera because i haven`t find it interesting...but that`s me, im using top-mounted camera..a quit light camera and i barely notice i have it on my head.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #9 January 3, 2009 Reducing snag points is one way to make camera flying safer. But entanglements are not the only danger. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travelingmack 0 #10 January 3, 2009 QuoteReducing snag points is one way to make camera flying safer. But entanglements are not the only danger. Dave well, after a second though...the only other danger i can see is altitude check, busy with filming other jumpers and forgot to look at the altimeter...but you don`t have to use a camera to forgot about altitude.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #11 January 3, 2009 The SIM has a nice section on camera flying and the photgraphy forum has a FAQ. They explain a lot of the complications. But basically cameras cause distraction. They also tend to get people to fly "to get the shot." You get tired of crappy video quickly, so you try to hold steady and not look around and not get your hands (and altimeter) in the shot. I wouldn't want to be in the air with a newbie flying like that. You could stick a brick on your helmet and make it snag resistant. But that would be entirely different from jumping a camera, even if the camera had no snag points. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Petrovich 0 #12 January 3, 2009 I'm getting a lot more feedback than I thought I would. Once again, I thank you all. I've simply decided that I will wait, keep learning, get more experience, and I'll work with a camera in the future. I can be patient. I appreciate everyones info. CYA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyfast1966 0 #13 January 5, 2009 when you do start flying camera , turn it on and forget about , for several jumps !! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,063 #14 January 5, 2009 >when you do start flying camera , turn it on and forget about , for several jumps !! "Forgetting about it" is: 1) Dangerous. Cameras change equipment selection and (sometimes) emergency procedures. 2) Not possible. You can't really forget that you have a third eye that you have to aim. It will affect how you move your head, and in turn will affect your awareness. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyfast1966 0 #15 January 5, 2009 well sorry , I will forget about it , meaning not worry about aiming the camera, focus on flying safely from top to the landing. As always when I try something new , I talk to jumpers with experience. I know I won't totally forget about it, just keep the priorities in order . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #16 January 7, 2009 Please read the wingsuit thread in "incidents " skydive, learn the basics and ask again in two seasons....there is enough on here to search and read and keep busy for months....good lucksmile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pope 0 #17 December 30, 2011 QuoteI'm new to the sport, with about 30 jumps. I have a ton to learn still. Had a question for those more experienced. When can I start jumping with a camcorder on my helmet? I realize that flying with a camera has some more concerns that have been debated.....such as whether or not an RSL should be enabled or disabled when flying with the camera. But how soon is too soon to start learning? One advantage to flying with the camera will be that I can review some of the things I do while in freefall or while under canopy.....which might help me make adjustments in the future. What do you think? I appreciate the advice. You can start LEARNING to fly cameras right away! The first step is going to be understanding photography and videography WITHOUT a helmet ie: ON THE GROUND. Learn about the different settings on your cameras; learn how to compose shots; learn how to manipulate the pictures you take; take photography classes. WAIT on adding the skydiving part of it until you are truly ready. ...just a thought. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #18 December 30, 2011 If it was a major distraction to me at 1000 jumps. Quote That's comin' from a guy who competes in swooping & wears Kevlar to work! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #19 December 30, 2011 Quote If it was a major distraction to me at 1000 jumps. Quote That's comin' from a guy who competes in swooping & wears Kevlar to work! ...and rides, dare I say it...a motorcycle.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #20 December 30, 2011 Quote Quote If it was a major distraction to me at 1000 jumps. Quote That's comin' from a guy who competes in swooping & wears Kevlar to work! ...and rides, dare I say it...a motorcycle. Holly Crap thats like the trifecta of crazy man! That Dude is just plain nuts! Oh wait. MattAn Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyjumpenfool 2 #21 December 31, 2011 This is where I start all my photography students. Kodak.com has a great tips and tutoral section... http://exchange.kodak.com/lessons/2802-Composing_Your_Photos Be a good photographer first. It's easier to learn photography on the ground than it is at 200mph with those pesky lines and nylon wraping around everything... Birdshit & Fools Productions "Son, only two things fall from the sky." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrokenR1 0 #22 December 31, 2011 3 year old thread, I'm hoping OP has it figured out by now. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rap is to music what etch-a-sketch is to art. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rwieder 0 #23 December 31, 2011 QuoteThat's comin' from a guy who competes in swooping & wears Kevlar to work. And Has Balls Of Steel, (My observation) Yeah, for real. AD not only puts himself in harms way in his professional life, (Which I Applaud) but also in his passion as a TM1 has been in the sport as long as I have, only difference he has 3 times the experience I do. I've always looked to AD as a mentor, and he has held his own, graciously. I remember at one of the DZ's we were jumping, I told him I needed a reccurency dive, he excalaimed "Don't fukkin' die" there's your reccurency dive. That settled me down, but AD knew my experience, and number of jumps, and knew I could handle it. I saw him cut away from a tandem while he was PIC, hell, it took us 2 hours to find the canopy, etc...He did it to save his passenger, and himself as PIC. AD is my hero!! (I mean that) I started flying camera before AD considering Jump numbers. Not to influence the new SkyDiver to rucn out & buy equipment and start flying camera. My suggestion is you need at least 500 SkyDives and a mentor, before flying camera.-Richard- "You're Holding The Rope And I'm Taking The Fall" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
