TEric 0 #1 October 16, 2004 I am starting to look for a camera/helmet combo, probably used, and am wondering what kind of lifetime, in years and jump numbers that I could expect out of a Sony camera (pc/trv). Also, I really like the look of the FF2 from 2k composites, are there other helmets out there where the camera is inside the helmet like that? How sensitive are cameras to moisture/humidity (think hot humid summer, camera inside helmet right next to sweaty head. I like how snag free it looks to be though. And... how do you align the camera? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djmarvin 2 #2 October 16, 2004 TRV 17 I put well over 1,000 hours on it and still haven't done anything to it, outside the occasional head cleaning. I still use it as my back up and plan on sending it in to Sony this winter for cleaning. In my experience the camera last longer than I allow them to. (drop, break, crack, spill, etc) DJ Marvin AFF I/E, Coach/E, USPA/UPT Tandem I/E http://www.theratingscenter.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EDYDO 0 #3 October 16, 2004 The newer 2K Composites camera helmets have the camera mounted from the outside. The older ones were mounted inside. Ed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #4 October 16, 2004 It really depends on the mounting. An unprotected side mount will get riser-striked regularly. Usually this means a few dents over a few hundred jumps, but occaisionally it means a missing lens or a destroyed preview screen. Top mounted, or properly protected in a dbox, a new Sony PC or TRV should last well into a thousand jumps. Last year I saw a Panasonic survive one jump. I've also seen JVC's go after 300. I do think a dbox is key, not only does it protect from impacts, but I've noticed a big change in the performance of mine due to cold and humity. I don't get nearly as many humidity error codes as I did when it was unprotected. _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linestretch 0 #5 October 17, 2004 replace my PC1 that had well over 1500 jumps on it. It finally started doing odd things. But it wasn't jumped in humid and dirty environments either. The helmet (aviator) is still kicking. Helmet is a side mount also, without a dbox.my pics & stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
docjohn 0 #6 October 19, 2004 I put close to 1000 jumps on my Sony PC-1 in an enclosed Sidewinder helmet. Despite heat, cold, and humidity, it never complained until I dropped it hard last summer. I replaced it with a PC-105 this year. I'm still using the same Sidewinder helmet. My 0.02 Doc http://www.manifestmaster.com/video Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garywainwright 0 #7 October 20, 2004 My PC10 (yes they still exist) has over 1200 jumps and i don't have it in any sort of box or cover. Also i jump in England mainly where we get lots of bad weather. Its top mounted though so doesn't get riser strikes. Its shut down about 5 times always after the jump - never missed anything with it. If it does shut down just take the battery off for 10 minutes and the camera seems to forget theres a problem (it also forgets any settings you may have!) Why spend $200 on a protective box thats probably camera specific when you can get a 3 yr warranty for about the same price that covers accidental damage? Have fun!http://www.garywainwright.co.uk Instagram gary_wainwright_uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cacophony 0 #8 October 20, 2004 QuoteWhy spend $200 on a protective box thats probably camera specific when you can get a 3 yr warranty for about the same price that covers accidental damage? Because usually physical damage isn't covered. Plus, who wants the down time? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sdsouthsask 0 #9 October 20, 2004 Quote My PC10 (yes they still exist) has over 1200 jumps and i don't have it in any sort of box or cover. Also i jump in England mainly where we get lots of bad weather. Its top mounted though so doesn't get riser strikes. I as well have a PC10 and it is still working fine after about 1000+ jumps. I had it open on an L bracket for most of the jumps but purchased a camera condom about 2 years ago for it. Never had it shut down. Took the eye piece off once on a jump when I just starting jumping it, but other than that it works great. Still looks good too. Mark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garywainwright 0 #10 October 22, 2004 "Because usually physical damage isn't covered. Plus, who wants the down time?" My warranty covers accidental damage including skydiving and cost £120 - Most people have 2 cameras if they are doing it with any seriousness so downtime isn't an issuehttp://www.garywainwright.co.uk Instagram gary_wainwright_uk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
