Buffdiver 0 #1 November 7, 2007 Hey everyone. Ive been flying camera for about a year now. I had a friend give me a Panasonic camera for free which I top-mounted to my Optik. It has worked great for me (especially for the price) but the camera is starting to crap out and i figured it was time to update my setup. My knowledge of the camera market is not so great and I am not sure on what would be a good investment. Here are my concerns/questions: *I really like the top mount. Its clean and symmetrical but i realize that if i want to continue to use this helmet and eventually get a still camera, side mount would be a good way to go. *My current camera does not have any input for a cameye, which I have been fine with but are there any new cameras with this option. Not totally necessary but definitely convenient *I have a friend that wants to sell me his Rebel for a great price when I am ready. Around $350 and its barely used. What are the cameras video guys are jumping these days? Thanks for all your input and expertise on the situation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #2 November 7, 2007 A good option available on E-bay for under $200 (more like $150) would be the HC30/32/40/42 Sony models. I have seen both Used and "fresh" factory refurbs in that range. Ritz has been on there with a factory reconditioned unit for something like $229 Buy it now bu it is higher then some of the others. I have been using a HC40 for top mount (in bonehead box) and for Hand Cam. the camera has lasted with no problems for well over 2.5 years and gives a good output. It is small and has a LANC port. Are there more expensive cameras out there, sure but the quality I get out of my HC40 is never in question and at the price you can get one these days it is hard to say you can go wrong. just my $0.02 Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buffdiver 0 #3 November 7, 2007 Thanks Scott. I did read another post you made on this camera. It seems like this would be a good fit for what I am looking for. Thanks for your great input all the time. Do you think this camera would work for a side mount on my helmet if I decide to get the Rebel for stills? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdctlc 0 #4 November 7, 2007 QuoteThanks Scott. I did read another post you made on this camera. It seems like this would be a good fit for what I am looking for. Thanks for your great input all the time. Do you think this camera would work for a side mount on my helmet if I decide to get the Rebel for stills? I prefer Top mount and use a Full BatRack helmet for my set up. It is a XT and the HC40. I know people that run them as side mounts and don't have any issues. I seem to remember that someone noted that the ports on the HC series camera was opposite of some previous cameras. To have the LANC port to the outside it would need to go on the right side of the helmet. It does not bother me with a top mount. I have not looked at E-bay in the last few days but I just checked and there are a number of camera in the upper 100's to low 200's. Price seems to be slightly higher this week but still in the range I mentioned mostly. I am guessing if it holds true to form with Ebay, if you don't see something that you like wait a few days and some new options will come up. Scott C."He who Hesitates Shall Inherit the Earth!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #5 November 7, 2007 I jump an HC40 as well. I got it to sidemount because it is about as narrow and lightweight as you can find. Less wear and tear on the neck. It has LANC and requires no docking station. I picked up a second as a backup just in case. Pretty easy to find for $175-$225 depending on what's included.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar 5 #6 November 7, 2007 Why not buy the FTN thats for sale and top mount both? Or a FTP and top mount both? Just because you add a still cam don't mean you have to go side mount.you can't pay for kids schoolin' with love of skydiving! ~ Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AUSkyguy 0 #7 November 8, 2007 a FTP or FTN is a lot of helmet so before you get one you should try on someone else's and make sure it's what you want, this goes for all helmets. if you want to use your helmet and side mount a cam i would go on Ebay and look for a PC model sony (PC 105, 109, 1000 or something like that) They are not HD but the 1000 is 3 ccd and has great quality. The 105 is tried and true and the 109 is small and also has good quality (although not as good as the 1000)All of these cameras have lanc ports for your cameye I have an Nvertigo X with a sony pc-109 on the side and a rebel xt with a sigma 10mm lens on top and i am very happy with it.-Chris Martin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinjin 0 #8 November 8, 2007 i have the hc-42 and rebel xt on an optic illusion.. video is sidemounted in a bonehead box and the set up works great.. the cameeye requires some extra drilling but otherwise fine. if you need help mounting or other questions just ask.. i think the hc40 is a little better as it does not need a cradle. pdont let life pass you by Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
