Camera recommendations

[AlanRussell 0]

Hopefully this won't start too much debate but I am thinking of getting a digital camera for video and am looking for info / recommendations on what to get.

I am not looking to shoot video professionally at the moment but want the images to be good quality, the camera to be robust and easy to use and I would also like to edit the video. I don't really want to spend extra money just for the latest toy.

If there are any other features that you think are really worth having, please let me know.

Sony seems to be the standard, so I have been mainly looking at those although I am unsure about which model would suit me best from 2nd hand pc5 and pc7s to the pc8, pc9, pc101, pc110, pc115, pc120, pc103, pc105, TRV19, TRV22, TRV33. I would probably be looking to mounting the camera in a 2k Composites FF2, with CamEye II.

[quade 4]

My suggestion would be to get either a new TRV19 or TRV22. Both are fairly inexpensive and are extremely good. My only concern is that I'm not entirely certain they'd fit in the helmet you're looking at -- 2k Composites FF2. Their web site suggests not.

Are you married to that helmet already?

I'd steer away from any used equipment unless you personally knew the individual selling. I'd run away from anything used on eBay. There -may- be a deal out there, but more likely than not it'll be a piece of junk and you'll be stuck with it.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[lazyfrog 0]

I have a PC8 and I like it. Over here in Switzerland it's not very common... The PC8 I think has a flash card which the pc8 doesn't.
maybe ask 2kcomp if the other cameras (PChundreds) fit their helmets, as the size is AFAIK slightly bigger

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Fumer tue, péter pue
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ourson #10, Mosquito Uno, CBT 579

[AlanRussell 0]

Thanks for the info.

I am not absolutely set on the helmet yet but as far as I can see, the FF2 is the best one for me in terms of camera and head protection, entanglement resistance, cutaway capability and price.

I can't seem to get on to the 2k Composites web site so I have not checked the compatibility issue.

[Supergeil 0]

I have a FF2 with a PC120 thats a relly nice camera, I don't think the TVR would fit in the FF2 it's not on the the list at 2K for that helmet.
Anyway go for a Sony the PC's are starting at a very
low cost.

Sure you look for the right site?
http://www.2kcomposites.com/home.html

Supergeil

[Canuck 0]

TRV 19 and 22 DO NOT fit in the FF2 helmet. I e-mailed them asking that exact question about a week ago, and they said no.

Canuck

[quade 4]

Bummer.

The current TRV series of cameras -are- a bit wide for side mounting.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Canuck 0]

Actaually, if you look at the dimensions on Sony's website, the TRV's are only 2cm (about 3/4 inch) wider. I would argue that on a nice low profile form fitted helmet like the FF2, Rawa, and Hawkeye, even with that extra 2cm it would stick out less than on the rather large and bulky Bat-rack or Optik + Bonehead d-box set-up.

I mentioned this to 2 K Composites explaining that the TRV's are about half the price of the PC's and that they might want to consider moulding a box to fit them, but I never heard back.

Doesn't really matter to me, I'm a top-mount guy anyway.

Canuck

[lister55 0]

We had a guy at my DZ get one and get a d-box for it from bonehead. I know that the actuall dimensions are not much bigger, but when you see it in the d-box in person..... Well, I wouldnt side mount it.

[AlanRussell 0]

I am fairly settled on the FF2 now and a PC camera.

I had seen a PC8 at a local electronics shop a few weeks back for £490 but it was gone yesterday.

I am planning to call round a few other local shops to see if they have any cheap PC cameras.

If not, through searching the internet, I have seen the PC103 for £500, the PC105 for £630, the PC120 for £750 and the PC110 for £860.

I am inclined to go for the cheapest I can get, either locally, or on the internet. Would this seem sensible for me or do you you think that I would be missing out.

Once again, any info gratefully received.

[Deuce 1]

Alan, if you go for the absolute cheapest on the internet you are bound to get screwed. (Bolluxed?)

Anyhow, go with a reputable dealer, or at the very least somebody on EBay UK who has nearly a thousand transactions and no negative feedback, and hasn't changed their identity.

I always pay a little bit more and go with B&H, or Calumet Photo. I have bought every piece of my pro photo kit from them. (Like the use of "kit"? I hang out with BigBen sometimes )

They had some PAL video stuff on B&H the last time I looked.

JP

[alain 0]

2K has a few FFX shell in stock, they come slightly cheaper than the FF2.
the 103 is not dv-in, which is a serious issue for what we're doing.
the 105 has some gadget and not very usefull features such as the memorystick slot.
the good news is that Sony is releasing the PC104 in europe, that's a Dv-in version of the PC103 or a memorystick-less version of the 105 (call it as you like, that's the same)
the price stands inbetween the 103 and 105.
a quick search on google will give you a lot of info about that one
Alain

[BETO74 0]

I saw a PC 105 in Brandsmark at $750, I think is pretty good

http://web.mac.com/ac057a/iWeb/AC057A/H0M3.html

[mr2mk1g 10]

I am basically doing exactly the same as you right now. I am saving a lot of money by buying a helmet from a new manufacturer in Germany. I spoke to him on the phone yesterday and he's sending me a demo helmet to take a look at. It's basically the same design as the FF2 but has a couple of nicer styling features. Its also got what I think is posably the best cutaway system on the entire market where the whole chin cup comes away rather than just one side. I'll have to see what the demo's like though so I'll keep you posted.

For a camera, think about PC101. Its basically a PC105 without a flash (when are you gonna need that right) but beacuse its no longer made its much cheeper.

I can find a dealership sold PC103 for £420 in the US although you have to factor in the pain of customs which may well add a ton onto the price so you may be just as well buying within Europe.

You can find good deals on Ebay, just be careful you dont get screwed. The best thing to do would be to ask the seller if you can pick the camera up and pay in cash. If they say no, don't bid. Then actually do that - so if they are selling you some crap you can walk away. Where ever you are in the country you can probably make it to them for only a little over what it would cost to post - and that extra buys you peace of mind.

[FrancoR 0]

sounds like the helmet i showed you on ebay. Is it?
If so please let us know how good it is.

Franco

If it does not cost anything you are the product.

[mr2mk1g 10]

It is yes, I've had some long e-mail conversations with him and he's sent me a load more photo's.

There are also a load of options on the helmet that he doesnt list on e-bay. Like I said, he's already posted a demo helmet for me to look at and I'll post my thoughts when I've seen it. If it is as good as it looks it will have quite an impact on the competition in this country given how much he's under cutting them. Thanks for the tip off by the way.