Pylon mount video camera suggestions?

[shepherd]

In the endless quest for slalom skiing perfection, I want to start getting some videos of me skiing so I can try to see what I'm doing wrong.

Can anybody suggest a good video camera/pylon mount combination? Name? Brand? Model? Price? Price is a consideration, but I want to get something off the shelf and ready to go. Pylon mount is required because we mostly only do 2-man skiing (no observer).

Thanks.

[BuoyChaser]

In the endless quest for slalom skiing perfection, I want to start getting some videos of me skiing so I can try to see what I'm doing wrong.

Can anybody suggest a good video camera/pylon mount combination? Name? Brand? Model? Price? Price is a consideration, but I want to get something off the shelf and ready to go. Pylon mount is required because we mostly only do 2-man skiing (no observer).

Thanks.
SHEP - you just missed out, i just sold mine - but you can get them from http://www.wakevideo.com

[MIMC]

Shep - We've been looking for a camera mount too! Every where I've looked they are on back order. Trakker's estimated ship date is today, which means Overton's may have stock soon as well? Let me know if you find some, and I'll do the same - thx!

[east tx skier]

A mini-dv with image stabilization can be had pretty cheap. Our next camera will record to a hard drive, which will make for a faster transfer to the computer for editing. Canon Z-85 has worked well for us for a number of years.

[BuoyChaser]

A mini-dv with image stabilization can be had pretty cheap. Or next camera will record to a hard drive, which will make for a faster transfer to the computer for editing. Canon Z-85 has worked well for us for a number of years.
if you're using the Pylon Trakkers, take note of this notice:
http://wakevideo.com/

NOTICE - Avoid video cameras that use a hard drive (HD), or those that burn directly to a Mini-DVD for storage. Some users have had problems with the cameras shutting off unexpectedly in the middle of filming. For more info on choosing a video camera to use with the Trakker videocamera mounts.

attached is the PDF of the recommended cameras:

[BuoyChaser]

Videocameras for use with Trakker Camera Mounts
STAY AWAY FROM VIDEOCAMERAS THAT USE A HARD DRIVE (HD), OR THOSE
THAT BURN DIRECTLY TO MINI-DVD
The good news is, you don’t need an expensive camera the less expensive models work just fine with
the Trakker. Since you’re probably going to be filming in good light conditions, using manual focus, not much
zoom, there are a lot of things an expensive camera has that you just don’t need. Today, a $350 camera is often
as good as a $600 one for this application.
If you do want to get a more expensive camera, for a little more than $1000 you can now get a HD (High
Definition) videocamera. 1080 lines of resolution does make a lot nicer image if you have a Hi Res TV to view
it on. The Sony HDRHC3 works great. Panasonic also makes one for about the same price, but I haven’t used it
yet. For about the same price, you can get a 3 ccd camera such as the Panasonic PV-GS-500. Steven Crew used
this one for the videos he shot that are posted on our site. It has a widescreen option that is good for filiming
wakeboarding, and good optical image stabilization.
There is one feature that you really have to have for use with the Trakker, and that’s a fold out LCD
screen. It makes it so much easier to aim. Fortunately, most camera have them now.The larger the LCD, the
better.
The second most important feature is the mounting location and center of gravity. You want the center
of gravity of the camera to be as far back on the mount (towards the front of the boat) as possible, to balance the
weight of the tracking arm. This makes the system more stable. All consumer videocamera have a ¼ insert in
the bottom that is used to mount the camera on a tripod. That is what we use to mount it on the Trakker. Also,
is best if the camera is “tail heavy”, that is more weight towards the back. A heavy battery pack at the back is
good. In general, a heavy camera is better than a light one. 3 pounds is a good size
Widescreen option is a nice feature that takes a wider field of view, which is good for this application.
The Panasonic PV-GS300 and GS500 have this.
Image stabilization? Digital image stabilization helps sometimes, but Optical Image stabilization is
much better.
Another feature which may or may not matter to you is the slow motion replay capability. Some less
expensive camera are jumpy on slo mo.and may not have as many options.
Another consideration is the storage medium the camera uses. Tape, DVD, hard drive, Flash Memory?
I had previously recommended cameras that burn directly to a mini-DVD, but have to reverse myself now and
say STAY AWAY FROM VIDEOCAMERAS THAT USE A HARD DRIVE (HD), OR THOSE THAT
BURN DIRECTLY TO MINI-DVD. Some users have reported problems with error messages and failure to
record. Newer models that store on a hard drive or Flash memory stick are coming down in price and the
storage capacity is getting sufficient that they will be a bigger player soon. Flash is nice since there are no
moving parts so the battery life is much better, and it is also easy to play on the computer or give the flash card
to a friend to take home and view.
In general, I would say I like Panasonic cameras on the low end, and Canon camera for midrange, and
Sony/Canon for expensive cameras. Below I have listed some videocamera that I or my friends have used and
like, and some that don’t work quite so well for the Trakker or they didn’t like for some reason.
My favorites for use with Trakker
Panasonic PVGS300 $600 OIS, 3ccd for great color and detail, good size
Widescreen option, Optical Image Stabilization
PVGS500 $1000 Same as GS300 with better chip, bigger LCD
Others we like for use with the Trakker
JVC GRD395US $400 Good slow motion replay.
GRD250US $200 A decent, really inexpensive option
Panasonic PVG539 $350 Nice Display
Cameras that we don’t like or didn’t work so well for the Trakker
Samsung SCD363
Sony DCRHC26,DCRHC36,DCRHC46
Canon Elura100
Sony DCRHC36
__________________________________________________ ________________________________
Wake Video Accessories http://www.wakevideo.com Customer Support: (800) 754-7761

[Jesus_Freak]

I just googled pylon camera mount and this thread came up. Cool.

Anyone have one for sale or more advice? It seems the mounts at wakevideo start at $250. Seems high.

[Ryan]

I just googled pylon camera mount and this thread came up. Cool.

Anyone have one for sale or more advice? It seems the mounts at wakevideo start at $250. Seems high.

You can setup an auto search on Ebay for Trakker. They come up once every week or two. Mostly the cable-coil original model, but I lucky out and got the gen 3 model for under $50.

Target carries the camera mount seen at the beginning of this thread for a total cost of about $20. http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=4146&highlight=hillbilly+trakker

I actually got better performance out of the cheap one. There is a little more vibration and delayed tracking with my real Trakker. I can fix the delay with a big rubber grommet, but I haven't found one at Lowe's.

[east tx skier]

I got the same one Ryan has on ebay for $50 by the same method Ryan suggested.

[mpm32]

Take a look at this thread;

http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=17271

[Jesus_Freak]

Thanks peeps. Wow, Ryan, that is a real creation. I definitely like it! MPM, PM on its way.

[JohnE]

Shep,

Thanks for starting the thread. I plan on buying a setup this spring. And thanks buoychaser and everyone for the replies. I think I'll be looking for a Trakker.

[shepherd]

I never did buy one of those things. We've had a few video sessions when we had a 3rd on our boat to hold the camera. But I just get pissed off when I see how crappy I was skiing! :rolleyes:

[H20skeefreek]

JF, I got those cad files from MPM. I just don't have the resources (contacts) to get the thing built. If you do, I might be willing to share the costs if they are right.

[mpm32]

I just used a jigsaw, grinder, a vise and a hammer. Oh and to bend the following arm I used a propane torch to make the bends nicer.

[Jesus_Freak]

JF, I got those cad files from MPM. I just don't have the resources (contacts) to get the thing built. If you do, I might be willing to share the costs if they are right.

Thanks for the offer, but a good friend is loaning me one for the approaching spring/summer. I am out of the need for at least a year. Sorry...