Tell me if this camera would work

[cvfd1399 0]

It is a Sharp mini DV model no VL-NZ50 I got a great deal on it. It runs new 480 and i got it fror 150 new. It was a family deal as a marrage gift.

[AndyMan 7]

I would be very surprised if this camera lasted more then two monthes of jumping.

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[cvfd1399 0]

What would it die from?

[AndyMan 7]

I have no idea. The last time I made the mistake of jumping with a cheap camera, the lens fell off on opening, on the first jump.

Generally, experience has shown that in the consumer-grade market, pretty much only Sony camcorders survive any reasonable time in this sport.

Twice this summer, somebody showed me a camera they wanted to jump, at which point I told them they'd be buying a Sony before the end of the year. In one case, he bought a Sony when his Sharp camera self-destructed, the other chose to give up shooting video when his Panasonic fell apart.

Specifically, I can guarantee these issues: 1: you'll have touble buying a helmet mount, nobody makes them. You'll have to figure out how to mount it on your own. 2: You can't use a cam-eye, because it doesn't have a lanc port.

I just noticed that on your profile, you mention that you have just one jump. I would strongly encourage you to work on basic freefall skills for a good long time before you even consider complicating your skydives by bolting a camera to your head.

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[cvfd1399 0]

IT WAS JUST A THOUGHT.

[mr2mk1g 10]

Chill dude, he's just trying to look out for you. I hope you do the same for a low time jumper some day.

Camera flying is not as simple as it may appear - its the difference between a fun jump and a jump that kills you in some cases... there's a reason why many countries wont let you jump a camera till you've done 200 jumps minimum.

[nacmacfeegle 0]

"IT WAS JUST A THOUGHT"

Quality and longevity issues aside, this is a viewcam type camera. It will be difficult to mount on a proprietary helmet system due to its shape, control locations etc.
If it takes a firewire stream, or composite video signal into it, it could still serve as a spare deck to gather all the footage from your friends etc,
There is nothing wrong with this cam for ground shots, playing in the plane, being artistic, and general DZ nig-noggery.

I'd say that the price you paid for it is very reasonable. I don't think I've ever seen a brand new dv camera this cheap before.
If it takes a video stream into it I might be tempted to buy it as a target deck, or try to use it in conjunction with a 'lipstick cam', even though some mods might be required.

I already have a target deck which could be (and has been sucessfully) used like this, but it cost me about 1200 bucks!

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

--------------------

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson

[goose491 0]

What about Cannon digital camcorders? Anyone have any advice on these?

My Karma ran over my Dogma!!!

[davelepka 4]

You are in a great spot. When you are ready to shoot video, and you buy a Sony camera to jump with, you'll never have to dismantle your camera helmet everytime a family member does something your wife wants on video. Congrats!


Shooting video is quite a ways off for you, so don't even worry about camera or helmet models now. By the time you have the jump numbers to be safe, there will be a whole new generation of equipment to chose from.

[cvfd1399 0]

I'm sorry if everyone thought I was mad at him. I thought I bought an investment for the future, but found out it was a p.o.s to jump with. Thanks for the info.