RedKite

Hi All I use non- (Sony) - spec NP90 batteries in my HC3 and have noticed that when I have a swiap around, the camera will not switch on if I am using a battery I have not used for some time. I end up having to remove the battery and put it back in several times plus repeated attempts to switch on. Eventually and for no obvious reason the power suddenly kicks in and all is fine from then on. Anybody familiar with this? Regards RedKite

Come on people - if you want a vote like this to have credibility then you have to include Bella Emberg - she gets my vote! Regards RedKite www.didtheydie.com/morgue/bella_emberg.html

Hi JohnBoy It's hollow aluminium tubing shaped on a pipe-bender. Ends are secured with a self-tapping bolt from inside the helmet - once tightened the tubes are strong and rigid. All of the camers's gizmo's can be accessed - the tape can be loaded / unloaded without any problem. Battery change does require removal of the camera but as you know (if you have a top mounted HC3) there isn't much to be done about that! Regards RedKite

This.......... Best RedKite

A conversation with Scotty Carbone at the 2006 Thanksgiving Boogie at Z-Hills:- Me: "Hey Scotty, can my brother and I come on your next load?" Scotty: "Well the group is large for the experience so perhaps later guys". Me: "No problem...I'm sure we can sort one out" .....an hour later..... Scotty: "How did that last jump go?" Me: (delivery is Carbone-esque) "What do you want to know for?,,,you had your chance so fuck off!" Scotty: (pissing himself laughing) "That fucking good eh?....want to come on my next load?" Me: "Okay!" (It was funny at the time but perhaps you had to be there!!!) Regards RedKite

My Sony HDR HC3 is worth $200! If anybody out there has a HC3 they want rid of then forget Sony - if it works I'll give you $300 minimum for it as a spare (as long as it works!!!) Not expecting a deluge of contact! RedKite

You're right Leroy....and I will, I will - in fact I am!

I'm still relatively new to filming Tandems but I have learned that some speak with forked tongue!!! "I'll look right at you and give a 'ready, set, go!' " Then they look the other way and just go!!!!!!! Ever happen to you? RedKite

Hi Dawg Ferrets are neither rodents (rats) nor of the 'mongoose family' (whatever that is). Ferret is a domesticated polecat and is therefore a member of the weasel family latin 'Mustela'. I kept them as a kid for rabbiting - using purse nets - ferret goes in and rabbits come flying out of the other holes into purse nets. They are cute and very intelligent and definitely have personality - I don't think snakes are strong on personality (except the one that told that woman to eat an apple - he was a bit of a lad!) One thing though - piss 'em off and they can bite. Best RedKite

The Otter from that list.....think the Turbolet 410, Beaver and PAC750 might have pulled a few votes if they had been included although Skyvans ARE special as is a 182 from 3K on a cold frosty morning!!! Best RedKite

Anybody know how the attached effects are produced? It's very effective IMO. RedKite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix-WQcWWUNA

See.....I told you Johnny Gates would go to heaven!

I have the HC3 - I believe it reverts to autofocus if switched off for 12 + hours. I just reset the focus to manual at the start of the day. It's in the blurb. Regards redkite

My best value view is:- Flat Top Carbon Fibre Helmet Sony HDR HC3 Canon 350 Newton Ring Sight Anybody think of a better one???

Oh Dear! This has drawn a few barbs! My question was not intended to be interpreted as dramatically as some seem to have done? Since flying camera I have twice boarded an aircraft with no wrist altimeter (I had an audible as well but that's not the point) This is something that I had never ever done before. My reference was to the distractions that flying camera brings. I have a ritual where I make a conscious decision to check personal safety first (gear etc) and camera equipment second. Any lapses have always occurred on a short call 'we've got to go right now' situation. The essence of my point is that inherent and healthy 'fear', 'state of focus', adrenalin' 'preparation'(call it what you will) - the stuff that is part of enjoying skydiving can become diverted towards getting the video and camera settings right and that the focus on general safety can be obscured by this. I hope my rephrasing reduces your perception that the question is both 'dumb' and 'fucking'. You may take the view that the question is still 'dumb' - I am at a loss to see the relevance of the other term! Best RedKite

When you exit the aircraft does your safety (life) mean nothing compared with getting the shot right despite your best intentions???

I do - I know the risks but I enjoy it. It is similar to Skydiving in that respect - both are found enjoyable by some people in a way that others cannot understand. Both carry inherent risks that are totally avoidable yet some of us chose to continue nonetheless. It's exactly like Skydiving in fact its so like it that only smokers should be allowed to Skydive. Regards redkite PS I'm glad you don't jump at my DZ - you come across as a bit of a PITA. Do you lecture fatties as well about being overweight and thus shortening their lives?

Senor I see a HC3 on that helmet..........you are clearly a man of breeding with good taste....virtually English! I applaud you Sir. Regards Red Kite

I borrowed a side mounted helmet with a Sony PC from a mate before I decided what to buy. I was jumping a Sabre 1 (150). Every opening produced an 'Exorcist' like head rotation through riser slap - this was not funny. Also, under canopy I found that my head movements were restricted because the camera kept wedging up against the left riser. I bought a flat top as a rsult of this experience and I have a HC3 on top with a Canon 350 on the front. The helmet weight is about 8lbs in total. Even though the Sabre 150 always produces a brisk opening I have never had any pain or strains or any sort of injury. My advice would be take the 'top mounted' route. Regards Red Kite PS To protect the top mounted camera, I fitted a couple of hollow aluminium tube 'roll bars'. Simple and they do the trick while you get used to the headroom. I bashed the roll bars a couple of times early on but now I instinctively know how low to duck!!!

Just a thought and some may think a duff one but what about a 'Dropzoner of the Year' award? Personally, old DSE (Douggie Spotted Eagle) should, in my view, win it hands down for this particular forum. He has helped me out via various PM's and I have seen his sound advice dished out in open forum on numerous occasions. This guy knows his stuff and seems to have endless patience in passing on his expertise. Just a thought. Regards Red Kite PS I've never met the bloke (DSE) or spoken to him so this is a genuine unbiased suggestion. Doubtless there are other potential nominees if the idea took off.

I started jumping camera using my Sabre 1 (150). Ever since I bought this canopy it would really spank me once in a while - perhaps every 30 jumps or so for no apparent reason. I mean 'really spank' - my bother borrowed it and ended up with two broken fingers such was the severity of one opening!!! So I ordered a Pilot 150 having jumped my brother's a couple of times. Understandably for the first 30 or 40 camera jumps (using the Sabre 1) I was digging my elbows into my chest and holding onto the chinguard of my helmet with both hands as soon as I deployed the pilot chute. Lo and behold having ordered the Pilot 150, the Sabre 1 has been as good as gold ever since. The openings have been brisk (which I like) and clean. I love the Sabre 1 and I will use it over the Pilot as long as it continues to behave itself. That said I would not recommend a Sabre 1 as a camera jump canopy....oh no! Regards Red Kite

I'm lousy at putting things in simple form, aren't I? ==================================== Now don't put yourself down Doug........everybody loves Professor Frink as well....."with the CMOS and the JPEG and the hoy-aye"! On a serious note another feature which is a bit of a let down on the HC3 is the 'Fader' facility or lack of it! No fade over just black, white or a very long mosaic. Or have I missed it somewere? Wouldn't be the first time. Regards Red Kite PS Genuine thanks Doug for all the PM's you've answered for me over the last year or so. Top man.

simply put it BLOWS. as awesome as HC3 HD is during the day, even when it's overcast you can see that it's nowhere near the quality. Nighshotwise - it's quite poor compared to the TRV22 that i used to use. ==================================== Love my HC3 as I do, I have to agree that the stunning quality in good light is visibly absent in overcast conditions. This isn't to say that the quality is bad, it's just disproportionately lesser. In short, acceptable but no longer stunning. Regards Red Kite

I have had only good experience of 2K. Even for low earner (for them) jobs such as fitting a cameye or a quick release and even building a bracket to fit my HC3 (on the spot when i turned up on their doorstep) they have been brilliant. The law of supply and demand means that sometimes we have to wait. 2K is a small operation in terms of Staff but they produce a great product and have integrity. I rate them.

Here's my baby!!!