Skydiving & HD

[Terry Esslinger]

Most that I have seen (and that we have used on helmets inmotorcycle racing and firefighting) hvae been ‘lipstick’ type cameras that mount on the helmet and record to the camera mounted someplace else on the body (or bike).

You might try to converse with Douglas Spotted Eagle (Spot) on one of these forums as he is deeply into the sky diving video aspect.

[Douglas Spotted eagle]

Several answers here….

1-The Canon camera *CANNOT* be used for skydiving. The image stabilizer is not capable of complete lock. The Sony HC 3/5/7 are very popular, as is the Sony CX7 (no LANC). Sony pretty well rules the skydiving world. The A1 was used for capturing the World Cup last year, and we’ll be using A1’s again for the World Cup this year.
Here is an article I wrote about skydiving with the A1U camcorders. There is footage in that article.

2. The weight of the camera for the skydiver varies by the skydiver’s ability. I can jump with a RED or Z1. I assure you, your son cannot. A hard opening can (and many times has) break a skydivers neck. Jumping with a camera is more than just the helmet. Any idiot can buy a helmet and fly with it. To do so safely requires knowledge of canopies, how they open, the right clothing/jumpsuit, ringsights owning audibles, etc. Skydiving camera flyers are amongst the highest risk camera ops in the world. There is much more involved than simply strapping on a camera and helmet…many of the deaths in the sport are related to camera ops. Training is paramount.

3. If you’re his father, look out for his safety. At 150 jumps, he has no business putting a camera on his head. USPA recommends a *minimum* of 200 jumps, and some DZ’s don’t allow it til 300. Tandem manufacturers ratings specify that no one may be in the air with a tandem and camera until a minimum of 500 jumps.
After saying that…if he’s ready to toss on a camera for solo jumps in another 75 jumps or so…I’m very happy to help.

I’d highly recommend your son view the DVD “Aerial Camera: What You NEED to Know” featuring Norman Kent, one of the greatest aerial cinematographers in the world. **Disclaimer, I shot/produced this four-hour plus DVD and do personally benefit from the purchase of the DVD.**

Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASST
Aerial Camera/Instructor
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer

[Frank Burch]

Thanks for your response Spot, that is the kind of NO-BS answer I was looking for. I shared you thoughts with Frank and told him I think he needs to get some more experience before getting involved with video. To my delight he simply said, “I’m cool with that”, and then went on to ask if I would bring the Nikon to Eloy on Monday and shoot his jumps. Sometimes he surprises me with his willingness to show good judgement. I took a look at the clips from “Aerial Camera: What You NEED to Know” and liked what I saw. I’m going to get it for him as a gift. Thanks again, and drop us a line if you ever come visit Skydive Arizon. Frank drives down from Phoenix nearly every week.

haze

[Douglas Spotted eagle]

I get down to Eloy once it gets cool. There is a place I like to stay just off the DZ, Tumbleweed Road.
If your son is at Eloy, he can learn from Michael McGowan, one of the top camera operators in the sport. Mike has shot more camera training stuff in the air than I have on the ground. He’s seriously gifted, and is a willing teacher, although a bit gruff.
Also have your son look up Mark Kirschenbaum, also known as “Trunk.” He manufactures aerial tools in addition to being a great camera operator/flyer.
Larry Hill, owner of SDA, is a great man, good friend.