Camera help Sony DCR-HC20

[ockers 0]

I'm approaching my C licence and thinking of buying the DCR-HC20 and a wide angle lens. I have done a search and found some older discussions from when this model first came out but none from a tried and proven point of view. Can anyone give an opinion???

[riggerrob 643]

I bought an HC-40 (same case as HC-20, but better reslution) last week and am learning how to use it.
... did three tandems with it before my stepper ring arrived from generation freefly.
Since I am using my HC-40 in a padded hand mount, I have accidentally bumped the EASY switch a couple of times and it does not seem tomake much difference in picture quality. This just means that the camera knows more than me.
Hee!
Hee!

[freekflyguy 0]

I have a HC30E, if you can stretch the extra dosh go for the 30 or 40 rather than the 20.

The 30/40 have DV in/out, AV in/out. The 40 has a better resolution over the 30, but the output from my 30E is great.

You may find you have a problem finding a 25 - 37mm step ring. I waited 2 weeks for mine to arrive, but now my Kenko .42 fits nice (not much wider than the 30) and has no major probs with vignetting.

I have two set ups, a FTP for tandem/4way and a side mount on a Protec for FF and students.

The new HC series is ideal for mounting in both modes, it is narrower and lower than a PC style cam.

Cam eye also works fine with the HC series.

Buzz

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

[EdC 0]

How did you mount that to a protec? I recently bought a HC40 but I don't have any plans on jumping it anytime soon. I know i need more experience before strapping a camera to my head. Do you have pictures of the pro-tec setup?

Big Ed

[freekflyguy 0]

I have a Carbon Fibre L Bracket on the left side of the helmet.

I will take some pics tomorrow and post them.

Buzz

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

[freekflyguy 0]

Here are some pics of my Protec set up.

Buzz

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.

[riggerrob 643]

Just received a 37mm to 25mm stepper ring from Max Cohn (www.generationfreefly.com) . It took United States Postal Service 10 days to move it from New Jersey to Vancouver, Canada.
It is quite the masterpiece of the machinists' art form!
The stepper ring is a great fit between my new SONY HC40 and a Diamond 0.3 wide angle lens.
The only disadvantage with this combination is an inability to focus at any but the widest zoom settings. Oh, well! That is why I bought a wide angle lens to begin with.
I have already jumped my HC 40 a few times in a hand mount originally built for a SONY TRV 19, and yesterday started sewing a hand mount specifically sized for HC40.

Another satisfied generationfreefly customer,
riggerrob

[EdC 0]

Thanks, that gives me a good idea of how to mount mine when the time comes.

Big Ed

[ockers 0]

Bought the 20 last week and have been using it for non skydiving activities. No aspirations of being a professional camera pilot right now so not bothered about mega quality. Just want to film the missus in flight for our own use. Looking out for a helmet now

Thanks

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

I'm approaching my C licence

Does the APF have the same jump numbers for a C license as the USPA? 200?

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[ockers 0]

Just 100 for a C, plus the accuracy. Our DZ also needs a starcrest too

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

Just 100 for a C, plus the accuracy. Our DZ also needs a starcrest too

In that case, may I suggest that you wait until you have at least 200 jumps before hooking a camera to your head?

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[ockers 0]

Yes, point taken and rest assured I'm not going to stick it on my head any time soon, I don't even have a suitable helmet. I wanted a camera anyway and needed some input for future use, I didn't want to be buying another one in 6 months or so.