Flat top setup suggestions for maximum protection

[j3zz 0]

Hi all

I have just got a sparkly new EOS 350D, I will be getting a flattop style helmet(similair to the bonehead FTP), I am yet undecided as to weather I should mount it on the front or on the top. Also not sure what lens I will end up using. mounting it with the canon 18-55 seams like it would be way to long to put on the front hence maybe on the top with some support under the lens to reduce strain in the lens mounting.

I will also have a PC107 on it to start with

Also I was wondering what do people do to protect thier stills cameras against the elements, being as I jump in the UK and it is often a bit wet up there.

I have got a camera condom for my video and was thinking of making one for my stills(as I cannot seam to find anyone who makes them)? Basically I have had a look at lots of peoples setups and was just looking for some input as to the best setups people are using and how their cameras are holding up.

For the time being I am only doing camera for personal use so there is not a great need to be able to get thinks on and off with maximum speed although I have bought 2 stroboframes to mount the stills and video.

Also should I use some sort of shark fin to protect against bumping the cameras on the inside of the plane? Or just be careful?

Any suggestions appreciated

Jezz

"Now I know why the birds fly"
Hinton Skydivers

[vdschoor 0]

J3zz

I understand your concern, the first time I jumped my Digital Rebel I was going through the same thought process.. No shit there I am, with 1400 dollars of crap mounted on my head.. what if I damage it?

I have mine front mounted, it made the most sense at the time, and it saved me a lot of room up top to put other stuff on (I have a FTP).
Regarding protecting your cameras, my video camera is in a d-box, on top, and my stills are in front.. You are more likely to hit the top of the door with the top mounted video camera than with your stills camera (when it's mounted in the front) is what I found, and that only happens when you first start out (or jump a new plane that you haven't jumped before and find that the door is lower than you expected)

The drag on the lens when the camera is in fron, I wouldn't worry about that.. I don't think that's that big of an issue, since I've seen many pretty serious lenses mounted in the front before and it never appeared to be a problem.

For your info.. I have attached a picture of my setup.

TRV17 and 550EX flash on top, and the Digital Rebel with the Sigma 15mm Fisheye on the front.

Iwan