tripod mount's place - where and why?

[Kuper 0]

i have a bonehead pimp daddy 04 and i want to put a stills camera on it's top one day. i read the discussion in which you all posted your camera setups - guys it's a great one

well, i'll try to separate my tripod mount questions here:
there are tripod mounts that aren't in the camera center, or under the lens center.
even if i buy some good camera (D20 for example) it's mount is under the lens center, but that place isn't the camera exact center - so it can pull all that structure (and my head!) to the side, be more dangerous with the canopy lines, etc. etc.

1. does the tripod mount place on the base of the camra has to be a parameter when i search what to buy?

2. let's say i won't have a too wide angel lens for my beginning (probably just the 18mm of the kit). i guess that if the lens center line won't be in the center of my helmet top - it'll affect my pics. will it?

3. seem to me that anyway the top center is the best place for the tripod mount. will i need or want to mount it aside because one of the reasons above???

4. do u suggest build a wide base all over the helmet's width and put a tripod mount 'somewhere' on it, or a centered mount on the top is enough?

(!@#$! there are so many options for those things!!!!!!)

i'd like to hear any thoughts and suggestions in that issue.

thanx and blue sky everyone!
Ori.

http://www.orikuper.printroom.com

[ltdiver 3]

Why put such a nice camera on a freefly helmet? Why not get a camera helmet where this will not be an issue. Then you won't screw up your nice pimp daddy helmet either.
Cameras (such as the 20D you mention) like to be on a flat surface.

ltdiver

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

[Kuper 0]

thanks for the answer Itdiver.
i'm afraid i can't buy now another helmet... not till i'll see my photography skills in the air anyway :(

but what i now think of is to really make a large and stable base for the camera, like you suggested here...

Ori.

http://www.orikuper.printroom.com

[IvanPeters 0]

From a photography point of view, the position of the attachment point is not going to make much difference unless you are doing close up stuff. In which case, the fact that the lens is 4 inches above your eyeline will be more of an issue than it being half an inch to the side.

With practice you will learn to look slightly off centre to compensate when things get close (or get a wider angle lens).

From a balance point of view, keeping the weight centered is good. But not critical. People put whole video cameras on one side of their head. Wherever you put the camera, there will be all sorts of extra forces on your head and neck on opening. You will get used to it with practice. Just don't try and do too much at once.

If you are going to try to modify an existing helmet, plan carefully and make sure some experienced camera flyers look it over before you try to jump it.

Ivan

[davelepka 4]

Here's a thought. Slow down a notch, put in another 200 jumps, and invest in a small video camera (Sony PC). Jump that camera, and develop some skills (100 jumps). Then, look into upgrading your camera helemt (BH Flat Top) or buying a lighweight still camera (Cannon Rebel) that you can mount on your Pimp Daddy.

After you do all that, worry about mounting a 20D.

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Quote

Here's a thought. Slow down a notch, put in another 200 jumps, and invest in a small video camera (Sony PC). Jump that camera, and develop some skills (100 jumps). Then, look into upgrading your camera helemt (BH Flat Top) or buying a lighweight still camera (Cannon Rebel) that you can mount on your Pimp Daddy.

After you do all that, worry about mounting a 20D.

that is a much, much smarter way to go about it assuming his profile is up to date.

[Kuper 0]

well, my profile is up to date, and i do want to get into it smart and safe (maybe i'm lucky that money is still a barrier).
i just sometimes find the stills photos of skydiving much more impressive then the videos. that's why i'm rushing to jump both - a video and a stills camera, though i want to do it the best and safe way i can...
i take into my considerations the things you write here...

http://www.orikuper.printroom.com

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

though i want to do it the best and safe way i can...
i take into my considerations the things you write here...

Good for you!
By the time you do that, you'll be closer toward the experience level to put it on your head and fly.

In the mean time, search the many millions of threads here on the subject and stay wise. Get yourself a cameraflying mentor and learn.

Here's a thread to start you on your way.

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1108540;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

Stay Safe and Blue Skies!
ltdiver

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

[lewmonst 0]

Quote

that's why i'm rushing to jump both - a video and a stills camera

ok. As it's already been said, slow down. That being said, when you are ready to start with a camera, only start with one, for a good while, at least 100 jumps. And if you are all that much more interested in stills, why not leave off the video and just start with stills. One camera is less distracting than two, and if you are in that much of a rush to get to stills, i don't see any reason to start with video and still feel rushed to add stills.

Again, I'd suggest not doing any camera until you get a couple hundred more jumps. By then, the digital rebel will be dirt cheap anyway.

peace
lew

http://www.exitshot.com