DexterBase 1 #1 July 6, 2005 I did a lengthy search but I couldn't come up with a cut and dry answer. If you're using a bullet cam, you have to record onto a memory stick or a separate recording device right? You cannot record onto MiniDv tapes correct? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrEaK_aCcIdEnT 0 #2 July 6, 2005 i dont have much experience using bullet cams, but using the a/v in on my pc105 would allow the recording to go to the miniDV tape. I think im correct in my though process, someone will let me know if im wrong im sure. ExPeCt ThE uNeXpEcTeD! DoNt MiNd ThE tYpOs, Im LaZy On CoRrEcTiOnS! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #3 July 6, 2005 I'm currently watching e-bay for a bargain old battered Sony DV camera (think one missing something crucial - like the lens) so I can plug a bullet cam into the S-video port. Seems to me to be the best and indeed cheapest way to do things. So long as the tape drive works and I can still control it who cares what else is missing. Who the hell's gonna want a beat up camera, even if it does only cost $50? ME! The other bonus is all my shit will be interchangeable with my main camera on my head too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #4 July 6, 2005 The most common configuration is to output an analog signal from the bullet cam to a camcorder that can record ANALOG IN. Most newer camcorders can record analog in via an RCA or SVIDEO port. This is the same setup used to transfer some older VHS stuff to miniDV. I started using bullet cams for BASE in 1999. I've got about 9 bullet cams lying around my house with two of them mounted ON my house for home surveillance. My freefall system includes the following: 1) Bullet cams from www.supercircuits.com or www.polarisusa.com. 450 lines resolution minimum. I also prefer at least a 3.6mm lense (2.8mm is best for freefall). I've messed with variable focus and CS lenses, but they are a pain. I prefer the fixed lenses that screw into place. 2) Bullet cam is powered by a small 12 VDC battery that is about the size of two packs of cigarettes. Alternately, you can use 8xAA batteries, but that'll cost you in the long run. I simply recharge my 12 VDC battery every now and then. Battery is stored next to the camcorder and is connected to the remote bullet cam using the same wire assembly. 3) Bullet cams typically come with either RCA or BNC cable connections for the video signal. Since I use Sony camcorders, I use their standard 1/8" stereo to 3xRCA cable to connect the bullet cam, although I had to buy a 10' version of this cable for some of my special setups (I have a source for longer cables if anyone needs it). Anyway, connect the bullet cam to the Sony cable and plug it into your camcorder. You will more than likely prefer to bundle the video/power cables into one assembly so that it's clean. 4) Power up the bullet cam and turn your camcorder on the VTR mode. Push the two REC buttons to begin recording your footage. POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: ------------------------- 1) I built a special mount that would protect my ON/OFF switch on my Sony TRV-900, because during canopy opening I found that my camcorder shut off occasionally. Make sure the switch is protected. 2) If you're shooting with a bullet cam on your head and camcorder in a fanny pack, you cannot cut your helmet away unless you have quick release connectors or a rugged hook knife. 3) Most bullet cams don't come with audio. You'll have to mount and wire up a mic if you want audio. Feel free to email me if you have other questions.(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vid666 0 #5 July 6, 2005 to echo what 428 said. I use the rfconcepts pack4 setup - 420 TV Lines, and the quality is excellent. I use a 2.9mm lens which gives me 130deg FOV. I use my TRV22 to record, and yes, it does record to tape - the cam has a regular RCA video and MONO output ( analog ) - so the only catch is making sure you are not using one of the scaled down camcorders which has the phyiscal RCA out, but can only be used to OUTPUT analog, but doesn't let you RECORD From analog source. As far as cabling, pretty much same setup as 428, except for I mated both bulletcam feed line and microphone ( different wires ) together, and when I put the bulletcam on the helmet, I have the mic so it just hangs ( ~~ 2 inches ) from the front of my shirt. IF I go lefthandmount, I have the mic in my left sleeve - works great. I will post a vid when i get a chance. and yet another echo to Jasons post - I have bumped my on/off ( or rather VCR/off/CAM/MEM ) switch on the TRV22 a few times climbing over things, so now I just use a piece of vynil tape to secure the switch. I use cam-eye sport to control record function ( via LANC obviously ) ditto on the choice of batteries, the 8xAA (non-rechargables) is for people who like to masturbate way too often, single 12V element is alot more productive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #6 July 6, 2005 Double echo on vid666's comment regarding the Cameye. Just attach the Cameye to your fanny pack or leave the switch/LED hanging out to fully control your cam. It also doesn't hurt to have easy access to the camcorder flip-out screen to make sure all is well before you leap. Cya.(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quasifoto 0 #7 July 6, 2005 First off, Hello all. I just joined this site. Been reading thru it and already got a bunch of great info -- Thanks! Now maybe I can contribute something. I've been using a bullet cam for motorcycling and skydiving with great results. I'm using the Viosport Adventure Cam 3 with 520 lines resolution (viosport.com). It's a little more $$$, but gives a great picture. They also offer a lower res cam for the budget minded. I use their goggle mount to attach my cam to my goggles strap. I usually get some camera shake on openeing, but otherwise rock solid. I use either the 2.9mm/88 degree or the 2.5mm/92.5 degree lens. Lenses run about $25-$30. The camera comes with a 3.6mm/72.5 degree lens. I find I don't need a second camcorder because I only use the bullet when shooting inside and the camcorder is easily moved from my fanny pack to my helmet. Hope this helps. Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That's why we jump out of perfectly good airplanes, Bubba... - with apologies to Hunter S. Thompson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DexterBase 1 #8 July 6, 2005 I also use a TRV22. Can you explain in a little more detail how to record to tape? I can only figure out how to record to the memory stick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vid666 0 #9 July 6, 2005 QuoteI also use a TRV22. Can you explain in a little more detail how to record to tape? I can only figure out how to record to the memory stick. simple : USE LANC REC switch while camera is in VCR mode not-so-simple : put the camera in VCR mode, g one of the menu pages has "REC CONTROL" - go there - hit the red REC button. Basically same as when hotwiring both cameras. ( sorry, don't have the cam in front of me, but it's fairly simple ). just to make sure, DCR-TRV22, not the old HI8 brick, right ? I can post a few pics if anybody wants. Overall I am looking for a a few things to improve in the setup, and if anybody got hot tips or suggestions I would love to hear them. my first one is splicing and dicing so the whole mess of cables is one neat slightly lower AWG cable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DexterBase 1 #10 July 6, 2005 It's a Sony DCRTRV-22. MiniDv. I'll try that stuff. Thanx! Edit: It worked! Sick. I owe you a pint, where do you jump? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vid666 0 #11 July 7, 2005 video as promised I took it easy and didn't rip at full DV - it would of been 150 megs. Most of crap/fuzz is due to low size of capture... now that landing on the other hand ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrEaK_aCcIdEnT 0 #12 July 7, 2005 yea that did look like it hurt. i was waiting for the broken bones examination. nice to hear u were "fine". hope that wasnt code for come help me stand up ExPeCt ThE uNeXpEcTeD! DoNt MiNd ThE tYpOs, Im LaZy On CoRrEcTiOnS! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DexterBase 1 #13 July 7, 2005 Dude... what the hell did you do? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vid666 0 #14 July 7, 2005 in short I landed in the rocks and had a few small scratches on my right forearm. in long - right toggle hung up, so by the time i figured it out, i didn't have much altitude left ( turning the canopy with left toggle, while right one is in DBS ) - and once i released it, the canopy dove leaving me with even less options. - I really was ok, just hurt my ego... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DexterBase 1 #15 July 7, 2005 That's what it looked like. Immediately after opening, you have to take your toggles and pull them down to a point that corresponds with the deep brake setting. After that, if there's a toggle hang-up the canopy will not surge when you clear it. From the video it looks like you had time to do a flat braked left turn but that puts you on a perfect line with the ditch. Good job not making a panic turn... just glad I've never had to land there. On a brighter side, you did start the hike out early, having landed halfway up the talus...hehe... I'm sure you already know all this, I'm just giving you shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
