dragon2 2 #1 May 8, 2003 What I want to do: Film CREW, and later on film freefly and freestyle. As soon as I get my B license, I´m allowed to jump a camera, but not in freefall yet (ie I can film CREW, but I need a C license and 200 freefall formation jumps for freefall camerawork, which will take me a while yet, and that´s okay). What I have so far: - modified Pro-tec with room for a top-mounted camera and a front-mounted photo camera (bracket can be removed), it has a chincup and release system. - Sony TRV25 camera. - Canon D30 digital photo camera. - Canon EOS 50E photo camera. - Voigtländer 19-35 mm lens. - Canon 28-80 mm lens (the cheap plastic - lightweight and biggish - one). Okay.... so... I really really like to take photo´s. Digital is ideal, but it´s a heavy camera, therefore I can´t jump both video and photo. The 50E is fairly heavy as well so I´d prefer the D30. But the digital has that magnification thing.... What I can do: - shoot vid only for a while (better for learning??) - shoot digital only (I´d love that...) - buy a new or 2nd hand lightweight Canon EOS (the money´d eat into jump money) Other things: - I need a cam-eye for vid. - I need either a bite/tongue/blow switch for photo (I don´t think they make blow-switches anymore, also I´d need a different plug for the D30), but I´m not sure which one is best and why. - I probably need a decent lens, like a fixed 24 mm, but the D30 has 1.6x magnification so would 24 mm be enough...... Decisions decisions decisions..... Some suggestions/help´d be appreciated ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cajones 0 #2 May 8, 2003 If you're going to mount the D30, I'd say get a more solid helmet. The ProTecs are okay with just a video camera. When you add the still camera they tend to move around a lot. I also don't feel they're as secure as a full-face or something with a chincup. As far as the D30 magnification - it can be a plus for shooting CReW. Match your D30 framing and focal length to your TRV without a wide angle lens. At 30-45 feet behind, you can get good framing of a 4-stack. With a little practice you can learn how far away you need to stay. It keeps the CrewDogs happy when you stay a comfortable distance away, too. As far as a shutter release, I prefer the tongue switch. It's a bit more hygenic than a blow switch, and I get fewer unwanted shots. I put an extra layer of shrink wrap around the switch where my teeth rest. The extra thickness may be uncomfortable for you, though. Most important advice you'll find here... Take your time getting into video, talk to the local videots you trust (preferably find a good mentor), develop/practice your emergency procedures thoroughly and often, and if the footage might be incriminating - keep an extra copy somewhere safe for blackmail purposes (good camera gear isn't cheap). The laws of physics are strictly enforced. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #3 May 8, 2003 Quoteif the footage might be incriminating - keep an extra copy somewhere safe for blackmail purposes (good camera gear isn't cheap). Bwah! Yes, I too think you should get a better helmet as a sturdier mount. The helmet is the base on which everything else is built. Cajones, that's brilliant advice about CRW filming. I use the crosshair-type ringsight so I know about what fills the frame, but that bit about matching the focal length to the video without the WA adaptor is nice. I'm looking forward to trying that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #4 May 8, 2003 My advice, speak to Henny at your DZ, he is world class, and very helpful!-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #5 May 8, 2003 Quote My advice, speak to Henny at your DZ, he is world class, and very helpful! Guess who the first person was I ran to He just started jumping his Nikon D100, with awesome results. Me jealous....... ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #6 May 8, 2003 Quote and if the footage might be incriminating - keep an extra copy somewhere safe for blackmail purposes (good camera gear isn't cheap). Well the only incriminating footage I have so far is... of me.... !! Lucky it was shot with my cam, on my own tape so it's MINE!!!!! (And I've hidden that tape verry well!) Also I have a nice bit of footage (and pics) of Henny Wiggers, after he was thrown in a ditch (no water, just mud!) on account of his 10.000th jump, heh heh . Unfortunately he wouldn't allow me in the showers after, with my camera. Guess he doesn't trust me!!?? ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 2 #7 May 8, 2003 QuoteAs far as the D30 magnification - it can be a plus for shooting CReW. Match your D30 framing and focal length to your TRV without a wide angle lens. At 30-45 feet behind, you can get good framing of a 4-stack. With a little practice you can learn how far away you need to stay. It keeps the CrewDogs happy when you stay a comfortable distance away, too. I've never seen any CREW cameraman that far away, Henny suggested I get a .45 for the TRV. But I like the idea of staying further away: not having to fly in the burble would allow me to jump my own safire (or spectre but that one's bigger), instead of a much-more-stable lightning or tri. My safire opens much nicer! But I flew it into the burble last week, yikes!!! But I had about the same glide angle and forward speed as Team Teuge (with a ~1.8 WL on comp tri's). Henny told me to dock but I'd gotten a bit scared of the turbulence so I never did..... Also I was blown backwards too much by the wind so that was my excuse (me, scared? Nooo...!) ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cajones 0 #8 May 8, 2003 I think the distance thing is a matter of personal preference. I like to sit right at about 30 feet for most small stuff, and a little further for rotation. I've seen CReW shot from closer, simply because the camera flyer was using the same setup as they use for freefall. I prefer to stay further away, and be non-distractive and clear of any burble. I also prefer to fly a non-CRW canopy. The landings suck. The laws of physics are strictly enforced. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #9 May 8, 2003 Yeah, I've done 4 stacks and been right in that burble for what seems like forever. As to my Spectre the landings only suck when I crash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #10 May 8, 2003 I've been scared on a few stacks by about flying into an over anxious videographer flying in for the shot. Distance earns points in my book.Not to mention that Lightning landings are more of a semi controlled crash then a landing.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
