Participated in my first NASA GA research project (long)

When I want to take video I set the camera on the top of the panel on an
unused sponge. I have a couple of elastic straps that hold it securely
to the sponge. No image stabilization needed. I set the camera to the
landscape setting so it won't focus on the windshield, it focuses on
infinity. It is much easier with a camera with the swing out window. I
adjust the camera up and down in such a way that the engine cowl is just
barely showing on the bottom of the screen, camera fully zoomed out. I
also have an audio cable that goes from one of the headset jacks to the
cameras mic in jack. Works like a charm except for there being no
engine noise on the film. Works really cool when you put it on a DVD
with music in the background.



John T wrote:
"Jay Beckman" wrote in message
news:2WAdd.7321$SW3.1273@fed1read01

How do you mount your video camera? Or do you have someone in the
backseat with a really steady hand?


Thanks!

Here's the link describing how I typically set up the camera:
http://www.tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer/CockpitVideo.htm

There are flights I've taken where passenger considerations - or just plain
forgetting the tripod - have dictated putting the camera on the dash (thank
goodness for image stabilization), but usually the camera is mounted on a
tripod with two legs on the floor and the camera raised to the ceiling for
stability.

"Newps" wrote in message
...
When I want to take video I set the camera on the top of the panel on an
unused sponge. I have a couple of elastic straps that hold it securely to
the sponge. No image stabilization needed. I set the camera to the
landscape setting so it won't focus on the windshield, it focuses on
infinity. It is much easier with a camera with the swing out window. I
adjust the camera up and down in such a way that the engine cowl is just
barely showing on the bottom of the screen, camera fully zoomed out. I
also have an audio cable that goes from one of the headset jacks to the
cameras mic in jack. Works like a charm except for there being no engine
noise on the film. Works really cool when you put it on a DVD with music
in the background.


Newps,

Forgive me for asking a "noob" kind of question but,

Is it legal to create home-made camera mounts? Does it make a difference if
you do it like you or John do it (where it's inside the cabin...) and don't
try to duct tape it to the strut? (Yes, I'm exagerating here...)

I know that STC'd pods and mounts are really expensive, combersome, etc.
But as much as I'd love to (eventually) shoot some of my flying experiences,
I'd be more scared of getting busted for "jerry-rigging" something if Mr.
FAA were to stop by for a chat.

What's the "official" word on this?

Thanks,

Jay Beckman
Chandler, AZ
PP-ASEL
Still nowhere to go but up!

Jay Beckman wrote:




Newps,

Forgive me for asking a "noob" kind of question but,

Is it legal to create home-made camera mounts?

First off I don't care what the Feds might think, it's a portable deal.
Second look at Lowry's setup. The Feds would have a conniption fit
with that setup before they worry about mine. Get in any kind of
accident and you have flying camera parts. Not good.


Does it make a difference if
you do it like you or John do it (where it's inside the cabin...) and don't
try to duct tape it to the strut? (Yes, I'm exagerating here...)

His is dangerous, mine ain't. Also and more importantly I only want the
video to be of outside the plane. To get a good look at the panel and
also of whatever is outside is extremely difficult for the camera.
That's a shot with lots of backlighting.


I know that STC'd pods and mounts are really expensive, combersome, etc.
But as much as I'd love to (eventually) shoot some of my flying experiences,
I'd be more scared of getting busted for "jerry-rigging" something if Mr.
FAA were to stop by for a chat.

I wouldn't worry about it.

"Newps" wrote in message


His is dangerous, mine ain't.

Lowry's? Or duct tape?

Also and more importantly I only want
the video to be of outside the plane. To get a good look at the
panel and also of whatever is outside is extremely difficult for the
camera. That's a shot with lots of backlighting.

Yeah, contrast is a problem, but the times I've wanted panel-only shots I've
engaged the "backlight" feature of my camera. "Whites out" everything in
the background (in daylight, of course), but the panel comes in nicely.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
____________________

John T wrote:
"Newps" wrote in message


His is dangerous, mine ain't.


Lowry's? Or duct tape?

Lowry's. You don't want any missiles behind you in a wreck.


Also and more importantly I only want
the video to be of outside the plane. To get a good look at the
panel and also of whatever is outside is extremely difficult for the
camera. That's a shot with lots of backlighting.


Yeah, contrast is a problem, but the times I've wanted panel-only shots I've
engaged the "backlight" feature of my camera. "Whites out" everything in
the background (in daylight, of course), but the panel comes in nicely.

What would be the purpose of a panel shot? Instrument training? I
would like to get a very small camera and remote mount it. A camera on
the top of the tail would be ideal, just like on the Discovery Wings
channel program where that woman learns to fly. Or a camera mounted on
the belly a few feet behind the main wheels would be really cool. You
could mount it to an inspection cover for quick removal. If anybody
knows of a small, light camera post a link.

"Newps" wrote in message


What would be the purpose of a panel shot? Instrument training?

Pretty much. I was interested in reviewing my performance on a few
approaches.

I
would like to get a very small camera and remote mount it. A camera
on the top of the tail would be ideal, just like on the Discovery
Wings channel program where that woman learns to fly. Or a camera
mounted on the belly a few feet behind the main wheels would be
really cool. You could mount it to an inspection cover for quick
removal. If anybody knows of a small, light camera post a link.

I've looked into the same type of thing. Google for "bullet camera" and
"helmet camera" for an idea of styles/prices. The only downside is the need
for another recorder (pretty much another camera) that drives the total cost
of the project up significantly.

On the up side, several of the cameras you can find have the capability of
being mounted on your headphones or clipped on your hat. Others, like a
couple models at www.helmetcamera.com look like they'd be easily mounted on
an access panel. That would make for some interesting picture-in-picture
collections.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
____________________

To get a good look at the
panel and also of whatever is outside is extremely difficult for the
camera. That's a shot with lots of backlighting.

Just put an ND filter over the top part of the lens, and it will dim the view out the window without altering the view of the instruments.

Jose

"Jose" wrote in message
m

Just put an ND filter over the top part of the lens, and it will dim
the view out the window without altering the view of the instruments.

I've thought of that, but the contrast is *really* high and I'm not sure the
ND filter would do the trick. On top of that, my camera takes an unusual
size filter (not impossible to find, but just harder) and finding a half
filter in my size has proven difficult.

Frankly, it just hasn't been that important to me.

--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
____________________

Google for graduated neutral density filter

"Jose" wrote in message
m...
To get a good look at the
panel and also of whatever is outside is extremely difficult for the
camera. That's a shot with lots of backlighting.

Just put an ND filter over the top part of the lens, and it will dim the
view out the window without altering the view of the instruments.

Jose

Newps wrote:

When I want to take video I set the camera on the top of the panel on
an unused sponge. I have a couple of elastic straps that hold it
securely to the sponge. No image stabilization needed. I set the
camera to the landscape setting so it won't focus on the windshield,
it focuses on infinity. It is much easier with a camera with the
swing out window. I adjust the camera up and down in such a way that
the engine cowl is just barely showing on the bottom of the screen,
camera fully zoomed out. I also have an audio cable that goes from
one of the headset jacks to the cameras mic in jack. Works like a
charm except for there being no engine noise on the film. Works
really cool when you put it on a DVD with music in the background.

Yeah, definitely set the focus to manual/infinity. My camera has image
stabilization built-in (I don't even know if you can turn it off), but the
padded dash on our C182 absorbs much of the engine vibration. Even so, I'm
not sure how good the video would be without the IS. I use a portable
intercom that has an audio out jack for cockpit audio. I've heard of folks
having no problems going directly from the intercom system into the camera,
but since I already had the portable, I've not bothered trying the direct
link, yet.

Your idea of music in the background is cool, too. Check this out:
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer/flights.asp#040509

"040509 Highlights"



--
John T
http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer
http://www.pocketgear.com/products_s...veloperid=4415
____________________