scottswoops

Hey Bro, Here is my opinion, take it for what it's worth. I sounds like you have your mind set on the FF@, which is cool. However, you might want to consider the Rawa (Pronounced "HAVA")camera helmet. It's unusually comfortable but more importantly, has virtually zero snag points. The D-Box is molded to the helmet and doesn't allow enough space to squeeze a line in. The wratchet system on the chin chup is designed to tuck away the excess male feed. (By the way, that was the selling point for me.) The helmet has two audible pockets. Every person that I've known to own one, has raved about them. Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth. Now, the camera..... It also seems as though you had set your mind on the DCR-PC9. I would rethink that a little. You're looking for something low profile, high quality, skydiver friendly, family friendly, computer friendly and wont be outdated in a year. The DCR-PC1000 is a great choice! The 3 CMOS, helps provide brilliant color. I've compared the cameras side by side, frame by frame and I really think you will be much happier with the 1000! Good Luck! "Try not! Do, or do not.... there is no try." --Yoda

Hey Bro, I'v always had really good luck with B&H. They are very professional! As for the price, well...they are asking $800 new, so I would think if you can get it for $650 or $700, you're doing o.k.. As for the warranty, it sounds like Sonys standard warranty. I would say go for it! Good luck! "Try not! Do, or do not.... there is no try." --Yoda

O.k., I might be beating a dead horse here, but I think it needs to be said again. To start with, Glad you lived. You were lucky! What I'm about to say may seem a bit abrasive, but I'm hoping you don't take offense to it. It comes from many years and thousands of skydives flying in all diciplines of camera. I started filming early in my skydiving career and in retrospect, I was way too young! Granted, modern technology has decreased the size and profile of the cameras available today. Some might make an argument that this makes flying camera more safe and they would be right. However, it's the situations that a camera flyer finds him or herself in that are the real concern. As a camera flyer, you become a magnet for nasty situations. You need to have the ability anticipate the worst case scenario, expect that it will happen, and fly accordingly. Now, many people out there have cameras on their heads. People that are jumping low profile camera helmets and going out just to skydive. They get what they get. However; There is a dramatic change that takes place once you add a sight, or a status indicator, or a wingsuit (especially a large winged suit)! You are adding a series of checklists that didn't exist before. In turn, taking attention away from what you should be focusing on (i.e. becoming a proficient body pilot.) Anything can happen up there, and in my experience, it eventually does. You need to be able to #1.) Save yourself. #2.) Be able to say you're not putting others at unnecessary risk. In the several thousand skydives and twelve years I've spent in the sport, I have never known someone that had 200 skydives and was ready to put themselves in positions or situations that required a large winged jumpsuit (i.e. filming tandems, flying above or below formations, etc..) My advice to you is this; take the suit out of the equation for a while. Jump the camera and have fun on your skydives. Don't bother with the whole"getting the shot" thing, be more concerned about flying safely and developing your skills as a good all-around skydiver. Where a hook knife and hopefully a cutaway system on your helmet. Keep in mind that everybody is trying to kill you when you're flying camera, it's your job to prevent that and see it before it becomes a problem. If you take a little time, let yourself grow as a skydiver, you will grow into the wingsuit as well. Good luck! "Try not! Do, or do not.... there is no try." --Yoda

Hey Bro', I know everyone is leaning in the direction of the DCR-PC1000, and I would agree with that decision for the most part. If you decide to get one, be aware of a few things. 1.) The DV output on the camera is one of the "half moon" jacks. If you plan on fire wiring with your buddies, it's a pain in the ass having to use the docking station. Just a little FYI. 2.) Most aftermarket "upgrade" batteries aren't InfoLitium. Your camera will start freaking out and you just lost 70 bones. Make sure you are VERY specific and direct about the fact that you want a SONY InfoLitium Battery. Trust me on this one and read the fine print before opening the package!! "Will fit Sony DCR-PC1000" doesn't count! 3.) The previous comments about needing the night shot are dead on. You're either buying this camera to get brilliant color and resolution, or your spending the same amount on a lesser camera so you can film your buddy puking in the middle of the night. 4.) One thing you may want to take into consideration, is operating temperature. I don't have my manual with me at the moment, but I do believe the camera isn't designed to be operated a sub zero temps for any significant length of time. I could be wrong, but you might want to do some research before making your purchase. I don't know if any of this helps, but good luck. "Try not! Do, or do not.... there is no try." --Yoda