Are there any recommendations for higher-end video cameras than the POV types? I really like what Zane, Joey recently, Amacbean, and others do with the in-cockpit video and I would like to do the same. Zane took great video from inside the cockpit when we went flying using a DSLR with a wide angle lens (maybe even fish eye?) but I'd prefer a dedicated video camera with high image quality.

Coyote Ugly told me that to eliminate the "jello" effect, I should use a camera with a CCD sensor instead of CMOS and that makes sense to me. This link gives a summary of the differences for those who may be interested in learning more about that: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/newsLetter/Comparing-Image-Sensors.jsp .

There are so many cameras out there it makes it very hard to find the right balance between value and quality. I'm not looking for a super high-end camera, just one that has better than average video quality, and especially one that doesn't "jello".

I realize that will likely put me in a higher price bracket, but since there are very few free rides in life, that is to be expected. Maybe there are some good deals out there on older models or reconditioned cameras??? Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Mike

Look at this thread Mike: http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=11632

The new drift Joey got looks nice - a lot good features for the price. The GoPro is probably the best vid quality, but not by much.

You can get rid of the prop effect using a neutral density filter. ND 6 or higher works, but I usually turn up the exposure slightly to compensate for reduced light.

Here is my Contour 1080HD using an ND8 filter, with +1 exposure. Any shot from behind me looking forward in the cockpit is with the filter and you can see that the prop effect is gone. Go to 00:51 for the first: http://stuntcams.com/shop/gopro-hero-neutral-density-polarized-lens-filter-p-576.html

You can find lots of options to add this on about any camera. Heres an example - no experience with it though.

A couple of years ago our team was involved in a full on Hollywood style film shoot out at Chuckwalla Raceway. We were surprised when the film crew opened up a huge case of GoPro cameras with about every type of mount imaginable.

Appearently, the GoPros are good enough for the professionals too.

I recently received a Contour as a gift, but I hadn't had a chance to use it yet.

Blackrock,

I believe Z, Avid, and Alan are all using the smaller POV cameras for their cockpit footage. They are far less bulky when moving around in tight areas. Also, the perspective that these little cameras can offer is amazing.

The CMOS sensor will show the propeller artifacts. Lighting conditions will alter just how bad the artifacts appear given on what the sensor does. A trick that works pretty well (not 100%) is to add ND filters to "blur" the prop so it appears less. I have had good results with this technique in the past.

The jello effect you speak of has more to do with the mount and vibration than anything else. If you have a solid mount, your jello problems should be nill. I enjoy the Ram mount products, but the sky is the limit on this.

Good luck finding a good, lightweight CCD camera for this application. They are either old and non-HD. Or they are very bulky and expensive. If you do find something that works, please let us know.

As mentioned, the Drift HD and GoPro Hero 3 are the top cameras out there. The Hero 3 is awesome, but they all have their pros and cons. I really enjoy the screen and rotating lens on the Drift. And for $150, the Drift HD is a pretty great deal (you can get 2 for the price of 1 Hero 3).

Also, editing software can really improve the video. It's easy to take GoPro and Drift footage and turn it into something professional looking.

What video editing software do you recommend for Gopro other than the Cineform?

So I got a GOPRO email a couple days ago touting there new aviation ball mount and prop disappearing filter, Can not find any mention other than the email??
Emailed them back, got a ticket # but no reply??
Anyone?
GT

I think you are thinking of nflightcam? Here you go...


http://store.nflightcam.com/

.


There is a lot more flexibility, a lot more return on investment, using a gopro/contour.


Here is my GoPro2 setup using the gopro suction mount:








Here it is using a RAM suction mount from the overhead: (I have since greatly preferred the ease of use of the ball mount, just as secure as the GP link mount)









Here it is using the gopro headstrap:

danpass wrote:.


There is a lot more flexibility, a lot more return on investment, using a gopro/contour.


Here is my GoPro2 setup using the gopro suction mount:

Here it is using a RAM suction mount from the overhead: (I have since greatly preferred the ease of use of the ball mount, just as secure as the GP link mount)

Here it is using the gopro headstrap:

Hope you dont mind me fixing it for you danpass.

David

Haha, thanks. I just used the 'youtube' button above the reply window. Done on iPad so I thought maybe there was some flash issue. I see now how it should code.