In-flight video camera's

[DesertFox4]

Wondering about the latest video systems available to us for capturing our flights. Maybe something that does not produce the "boomerang effect" when shooting through the prop and would allow audio recording of the pilot/passenger communications and decent resolution. Hopefully under $1,000. Maybe way under.
What's working and what's not.
Also what editing software is best/easiest to use to produce sharable videos with sound or music.

[Dead Roman]

If i were you i would look into the sanyo xacti cameras. They are ultra compact digital high def and can be had for around 500 or less depending on model. Just run an audio output from your radio to the mic input on the camera and your narration/chatter is taken care of. There are tons of mounts that will mount directly to tubing which there is no shortage of in the kitfox. Also you ca. Get a mild fisheye lense for abt 20 bux on ebay that greatly improves field of vision. As far as software, windows movie maker is super easy to use and fairly intuitive.

[Av8r3400]

Mine gives the stupid "boomerang effect", see my YouTubes for what I mean.

I've talked to these folks and they say this one does not do that... Pretty reasonably priced, with a video screen and remote trigger switch, too!

It's on my short list for a good "Point of View" video camera.

I use MS Moviemaker to edit my videos, too. I'm getting better with it as I go...

[DesertFox4]

Thanks Av8r3400. I've seen the "boomerang effect". Maybe you can mount your current camera out on the strut facing in towards the pilot when you get the new one with the remote. Might work just fine if not shooting through the prop arc and gives you an interesting angle to mix with your forward facing camera.
The camera you are considering is interesting with the wrist remote control and quite wide angle lens compared to others. It looks easy to use. Not yet H.D. but not bad for the price. I think I have MS Movie Maker on my new computer. I'll have to study it a little since both you and Dead Roman have had good success with it. Good ideas and input guys. Thanks.

[HighWing]

Hi Steve,

There are a number of questions that come to mind as to your ultimate goals, but on the high end, the new Sony HD camcorder has a LanC jack that takes a corded remote that has most functions and it would allow for strut mounting. The remote connects with a 3.5mm stereo jack and can be extended with a stereo cord extension. I had a camera mounted on my first Model IV and plan on another one on my new project. It will be a long term project though, as I have some ideas for a complete redesign. Another idea for remote controlling, I have hardwired external switches to a cordless remote and used that to control the camera - with both fiberoptic cable and moving the output LED to the front of the camera. My new camera is Canon HD miniDV so the hardwired remote is in the plan.

The highest rated reasonably priced software is Adobe Premier Elements 8. That is what I plan on using as it also has DVD authoring capability with full menus like the commercially made DVDs. Costco currently has this software as well as Photoshop elements on sale on line for $119 with a $30 rebate if you can figure out how to apply for it.

I have a lot of exprience with my strut mounted camera, but don't want to bore the forum with all the frustrating issues that arose over the years I had my unit, i.e., bugs on the lens, but anyone that wants more info or a link to some sample videos can contact me direct.

Lowell

[wannafly]

whatever camera you decide to go with make sure it is mounted for the upcomeing fly in....I want to see what went on

[Av8r3400]

But what do you use for a camera and why?

[Les Evarts]

I've been considering a POV camera for some time. I'd suggest the AV-HD from Datatoys.com is one of the best for our purposes here because it is specifically designed for aircraft. Their FAQ section explains the differences between CMOS and CCD sensors. This is a CMOS based camera, but through both filtering and software they have dealt with the annoying "boomerang" effect of the prop.

There is a good description @ aircraftspruce:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...s/dataavhd.php

Here is a description and demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SOaZCE3v-M

The newest GoPro HERO2n is very good too, providing most of things I think I need (LCD screen for setup/viewing, remote operation), but you still have the boomerang effect. Plus I think I'd rather have the recorder and camera lens separated as with the Datatoys AV-HD. They also provide an optional audio aviation headset cable.

I'll be pulling the trigger on this soon and report back.

[Esser]

Does anybody know what set up these guys have? It's a tilt and panable camera set up on the left float of the beaver. If you watch the preview and look at 1:06 you can see the guy is kneeling beside their camera rig. It is very cool. If you go to 0:45 for example you can see the type of shots it takes.

http://greatarcticairadventure.com/

[kitfox2009]

Santa is coming up with the new Drift HD POV (as soon as Homeland Security, CAN & USPS, Customs, etc.) all have their part in delaying shipment. I plan on mounting it on an extension pole ahead of the jury struts.I expect there will be many modifications/experimentations over the next few months. I will try and report back after I figure out what is best.

Have a great New Year everyone and safe,fun Kitfoxing to all!!

Today was a super fly, TT on the Vixen just passed 300 hours!!

Cheers
Don