taking pictures/video

[stevem]

one of the best thing about TRF are the pictures you all post.
Taking launch pictures presents a problem for me - the fact that I have to watch the launch through a viewfinder.

I have been thinking about buying a video camera and tripod and setting the thing up to record the launch so I can enjoy the launch without a camera in my face.

A few things I want to be able to do

1. Set the camera up on a tipod and let it record
2. Take still shots out of the recording for printing and posting
3. Replay launches in slow motion

I had a VHS video camera many years ago when things were much more straightforward but now as I start to look at what's available it makes me dizzy - Hi8, Lo8, V8, DVD, BVD, etc etc.

The DVD recorders appear to be quite expensive. Is it possible to take some good quality video with some of the $300-$400 cameras?

I am hoping some of you who have done this would offer your thoughts and opinions on what gear you use? brand? what you like about it, don't like about it, do you shoot rocket launches with it, etc?

$400 could buy a lot of rocket parts so I want to make sure I get something I'll like.

Thanks!
Steve

 

[vjp]

Steve-

I use a Sony mini-DV camcorder with a 1394 (firewire) link, and I love it. I just download the video into my PC using Windows Movie Maker II, edit and create WMV's. There are a few examples on my website, you're welcome to have a look.

I also just bought a NEC dual-layer DVD burner, WITH Roxio DVD creation software, for $80! I've created a bunch of DVD's from my captured videos, and the quality is fantastic.

The great thing about this setup I have now, is I can transfer all my old VHS stuff to digital tape (my camcorder has video-in - not all do) and then store on my PC or burn to DVD's. So my bulky collection of VHS tapes will eventually go bye-bye.

 

[vjp]

Steve-

I use a Sony mini-DV camcorder with a 1394 (firewire) link, and I love it. I just download the video into my PC using Windows Movie Maker II, edit and create WMV's. There are a few examples on my website, you're welcome to have a look.

I also just bought a NEC dual-layer DVD burner, WITH Roxio DVD creation software, for $80! I've created a bunch of DVD's from my captured videos, and the quality is fantastic.

The great thing about this setup I have now, is I can transfer all my old VHS stuff to digital tape (my camcorder has video-in - not all do) and then store on my PC or burn to DVD's. So my bulky collection of VHS tapes will eventually go bye-bye.

 

[vjp]

I forgot to mention, my camcorder is the Sony TRV-22. Really compact, light, and comes with a long-lasting lithium battery. You'll want to buy an extra, though.

 

[rabidsheeep]

i have some sort of panasonic, the camera is ok, but the greatest thing is the frame by frame that you can pull out

 

[Chuck Rudy]

Originally posted by stevem
one of the best thing about TRF are the pictures you all post.
Taking launch pictures presents a problem for me - the fact that I have to watch the launch through a viewfinder.




Thanks!
Steve

I recently watched a couple rockets without the viewfinder........it is much different.

Chuck