CX-12

[Scooter1812 0]

I just bought a new Sony HDR-CX12 and I 'm a bit worried. I heard some horror stories about the stabilization screwing up the picture. Has anyone here used this camera with any luck?? My main purpose is tandem videos.


I realize that this question may have been asked before but I couldn't find it.


Thanks for the advice ...

[skydiveoc 0]

I have no issues using the cx 12 with hand cam. Neither have 3 other peers. Freefly might be different.

[Scooter1812 0]

Thanks, I was afraid I bought a lemon. Last dumb question if you don't mind. I got a Cookie black box to go with it, and was wondering what people do to secure the camera in the box. It has a tripod screw but that would be a pain taking on and off all the time. Any ideas?

Thanks for the help

Blue Skies

Scott

[skydiveoc 0]

Do you have to secure it in the box? I have maybe 1000 jumps placing a PC 330 in a box which was secured to the helmet with epoxy. I lined the box with some light foam to make the fit tight. Never had any shake.

j

[Scooter1812 0]

Thanks for the advice, I just get a bit nervous with an $900.00 camera held in a box by bungee cord. On the other thread you mentioned setting the camera to "beach". Why beach??

Thanks for the help!!

[velocityphoto 0]

I have not had any stabilization problems with mine.
I usually use auto shutter or beach and ski mode with manual focus ,set the wide angle lens setting too.
I have an assortment of lenses ,depending on what im doing. .3 raynox for tandem outside video, .3 baby death for handcam as long as my passenger is average size or smaller . Don't want to try fighting a big guy out the door of the cesna and bang my 300.00 lens up .
For those guys i use my royal .3 ,low profile but not as wide of angle as the baby death.

A friend will bail you out of jail , a REAL friend will be sitting next to you in the cell slapping your hand saying "DUDE THAT WAS AWSUM " ................

[PharmerPhil 0]

Quote

Why beach??

I'll jump in. "Beach and Ski" mode over exposes the overall image by a set amount. This can be handy when you have a person surrounded by a very bright source such as snow, sunlit sand and water, or a very bright sky. Without some sort of exposure compensation, the face would be too dark with normal exposure.

I used to use this mode on older Sony cams. However most newer cameras have auto exposure compensation (AE comp) which allows you to dial in the right amount of over-exposure for the conditions. It is rare that I shoot a tandem without using at least a little bit of AE comp. Certainly in the summer at high noon, or when shooting under an overcast sky. I usually shoot looking partially up at the tandem student. When they are surrounded by a bright sky, using AE comp allows their skin to be exposed properly (the sky might get blown out, but the student is the primary subject, and short of shooting with lights, this is the only way to get the limited dynamic range of video cameras under control).

Last Sunday I shot a darker skinned tandem student entirely underneath an overcast sky from exit to landing (and raining too). I had the AE cranked up to the max (four clicks) and wish I had another stop to go.

I don't own a CX-12, but I can't imagine it doesn't have this feature.

[Scooter1812 0]

Hey thanks so much for the excellent advice. The best way to learn is from the people with experience.

So thanks again guys, I mean it!

Scott

[skydiveoc 0]

Quote

Thanks for the advice, I just get a bit nervous with an $900.00 camera held in a box by bungee cord. On the other thread you mentioned setting the camera to "beach". Why beach??

Thanks for the help!!

I secured it with a two bungees. Also had an older shell securing the door with a hinge pin, similar to a aircraft door. Just manage any potential snag points here.