What is the best camcorder and why?

[bat150 0]

I understand that the Sony PC series is the best but between those what is the best and why? The PC101,PC105, PC109 or what? I want to get a ful set up. I was also wondering about the still camera and the helmet.

Thanks,
Zac

[indyz 1]

> I understand that the Sony PC series is the best
Why do you think that? Plenty of people use TRVs and HCs, or even "prosumer" stuff like VXs, without any problems.

Anyway, what kind of video do you want to do? Freefly, RW, tandems?

[bat150 0]

I am looking to fly tandems.

[vdschoor 0]

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I am looking to fly tandems.

There's this whole discussion about what camera is best for what discipline..

There is no rule for that, at least I don't think there should be.

Buy what will work best with the helmet you are looking into buying.
I knew even before I started flying camera that I wanted a top mounted camera, logically I went for TRV style cameras, cause they are lower profile when mounted on top. You can still mount PC style cameras on top though, they will just stick up higher from the helmet than a TRV style camera.

If your helmet is side mount, go for the PC style cameras, no question about that.

Regarding what is best overall.. I think pretty much any camera in the Sony product line will be a good camera for skydiving, just stay away from the absolute bottom line models..

Check on eBay, I've gotten killer deals on cameras there..

Iwan

[bat150 0]

What about a stills camers and a helmet? I was think about a side mount or the camcorder and top mount stills.

[vdschoor 0]

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What about a stills camers and a helmet? I was think about a side mount or the camcorder and top mount stills.

a helmet for that could be lots, check out the Optik Illusion from Bonehead, or the Hawkeye LT (dunno the name of the company that builds those)

Regarding still cameras, I am a Canon guy, so I'd recommend looking for a Rebel 2000 or at least a camera in the Rebel line at the least. I upgraded to an Elan 7 cause it's quite a bit faster and it's overal a better camera.

It's all what you're in for... The basic package in your case would probably be:

Canon Rebel 2000
PC101 / PC105 / PC109 / PC330 / PC350 video camera

for digital, I use the Digital Rebel.. if you have the cash go for the 20D, again.. it's all about what YOU want out of the setup.. The Digital Rebel is an awesome camera for the money and will do just fine for tandem videos and overall photography work.. if you want slightly more, go for the 20D.

Iwan

[damion75 0]

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[ or the Hawkeye LT (dunno the name of the company that builds those)

I am pretty sure it is Arrow dynamics...

***************

Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus.

[bat150 0]

Thanks for all of your advice.

I think that I am looking at the PC-101, Canon Rebel, and the helmet I want to try a few on. Make sure they fit right.

Cheers,
Zac

[vdschoor 0]

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Thanks for all of your advice.

I think that I am looking at the PC-101, Canon Rebel, and the helmet I want to try a few on. Make sure they fit right.

Cheers,
Zac

The cool thing about the Bonehead helmets is that you can bake the liners, so they will always fit perfectly! Just a hint... I haven't ran across a helmet that was more comfortable than my Bonehead helmets.

[Luza 0]

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The cool thing about the Bonehead helmets is that you can bake the liners, so they will always fit perfectly! Just a hint... I haven't ran across a helmet that was more comfortable than my Bonehead helmets.

Oh yeah - bonehead has some nice helmets....and theyr coustomer service are just....yeah...it rocks.

My girlfriend and I was over at Perris/Elsinore in jan/feb, and she wanted a optik. Her head is a bit small.....and didn't really fit in any helmet.
She went over to bonehead (5 min away from perris) and they baked it and put some padding in a small optik and helped her make it fit perfect....and they took no extra charge....
I also talked to them about some other stuff, and they where really helpful.

So besides making some of the best helmets, they have a really good coustomer service.

....just had to say it:)