Newbie question

[NicoNYC 0]

I'm taking the monkey claw cameraflyer camp course two sat. from now. I really don't have the budget to buy a SONY camcorder, which is what the lady in the gear store told me most cameramen use.

I currently have a Sony TVR318 (Hi8) : Dimensions (WDH) 3.5", 7.8", 4". I can also try to use my brother's Cannon Optura 20 (Mini DV): Dimensions (WDH) 3", 7.3", 3.6".

I know it's a tank compared to the SONY PC100 series. I also couldn't find a mounting bracket or a mounting case in para-gear or pierltd to go with my bonehead mindwarp helmet.

Am I just wasting my time here? Should I be realistic and just save up and buy the smaller vertical platform camcorders, like the SONY PC100 series? I just want to be practical. Please help.

How many hits of adrenaline can you take?

[DaGimp 0]

i would be very surprised if you find a D-Box to side mount a camera of that size. Now Top mounting is a possible option with those.....but not with that helmet.

Me, I top mount a TRV-22..no D-Box..on a FTN.

you dont even really need the vertical platform camera....you can get others. But the vertical cameras will be better for side mounting, lower profile and less chance for snag.

"Professor of Pimpology"~~~Bolas

[flypunk 0]

with those two your best bet is to top mount them. The HI8 is a tank but sony performs better under moisture conditions than all others as far as I know.

You can mount those in your helmet with this...

http://www.pierltd.com/new/main/propage.cfm?part=359

too lazy to make it clicky.

...

[sdctlc 0]

Quote

http://www.pierltd.com/new/main/propage.cfm?part=359

too lazy to make it clicky.

clicky

"He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!"

[NicoNYC 0]

Quote

But the vertical cameras will be better for side mounting, lower profile and less chance for snag.

I'm all about safety dude. Now that you mentioned it I think I'm better off spending a few hundred bucks on a vertical cam than spending a few thousand for my tombstone. What do you think about the TRV25?

How many hits of adrenaline can you take?

[diablopilot 2]

This:http://www.profeel.com/dcrhc20.htm#descr

and

this: http://boneheadcomposites.com/optik.htm

are some pretty affordable options, and give you a lot of different ways to set yourself up. Cameraflying is not something that should be aproched ina "cheap" fassion.

PM me if you have more questions or would like some help....

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[flypunk 0]

If you want a lower profile go for the TRV's they are more expensive than the HC's but they sit closer to the helmet and usually come with a 30 or a 37mm lens.

If you want a sidemount I would say something along the line of a pc-105 which are slimmer and better suited for sidemounting or the pc-109, the only drawback of that one is the 25mm lens.

...

[bigway 4]

damn that thigs huge...i got a cheap pc1 for 250usd if you want it.

.Karnage Krew Gear Store
.

[DaGimp 0]

Quote

What do you think about the TRV25?

not real sure about the 25....like i said i use the 22...but im sure theres not much of a diffrence.


Im not a big fan of the optics myself....or really chin cups all around.....i have a buddy whos new optic wont even hold....the chin cup keeps releasing in FF. I looked at it, he shaped it right and there is no damage. But thats not the only reason i dont like em.


Now you can get that top mount mod from BH, but i agree with alot of what was said here.

Sony tends to perform better in FF then most other Camcorders.

Camera flying is not something to go about cheaply....my helmet setup is around $3k

IF you get the PC series, you can either get an L bracket...cheaper, less protection. or a D-Box for it.

Blue Skies.

"Professor of Pimpology"~~~Bolas

[riggerrob 643]

Yes,
Those big, old Hi 8 cameras will work fine for top-mounting.
A D-box or camera condom will double the life of any camera, protecting it against door frames, riser strikes, etc.

Vertical format cameras may be pretty for side-mounting, but I think they are over-rated. For example, last month I struggled to decide between buying a (vertical format) SONY PC-109 or a (horizontal format) HC-40. I just could not come up with the extra CAN$200 to buy the PC-109.
In the end, I am very happy with my HC-40. I am too lazy to read all of the manual, I just learned that when you push the "EASY" button, contrast and colour become far more realistic.
Yesterday I did four tandem jumps with my HC-40 strapped to my left hand and sold all four videos!
That earlier poster's advice about buying a SONY HC 20 is sound advice. THe HC-20 has the same external dimensions as the HC-30 and 40, but costs less.
If you buy any of this year's new models from SONY, buy a 25mm adapter ring from www.generationfreefly.com.

SONY's TRV 19, 22 and 33 are last year's replacements for this year's HC series. You should be able to buy a TRV for close-out prices.

Oh, and I have two Bonehead helmets: an original full-box and a HAVOK. Bonehead helmets may not be cheap, but they are the best on the market, especially for my huge jaw! Hee! Hee!

[ltdiver 3]

A Sony Hi8 was my first skydiving camera. Works ok for a starter camera (but lacks the exact quality that a pure digital camera has).

Just make sure you tape the HECK out of all the openings. Around the tape's door, etc. Helps control the tape flutter as least a little bit.

ltdiver

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